MS-LS1-2 | Cell Structure and Function · NYS standard · Grade 8 test questions
Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.
Clarification statement: Emphasis is on the cell functioning as a whole system and the primary role of identified parts of the cell, specifically the nucleus, chloroplasts, mitochondria, cell membrane, and cell wall.
Assessment boundary: Assessment of organelle structure/function relationships is limited to the cell wall and cell membrane. Assessment of the function of the other organelles is limited to their relationship to the whole cell. Assessment does not include the biochemical details related to the functions of cells or cell parts.
Grade 8 Science Test Questions
Released New York State Grade 8 science test questions that assess MS-LS1-2 are listed here by test and question cluster. Each link opens the question with its answer key.
| Exam | Cluster | Question |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2025 Grade 8 Test | Organ Systems and Responses | Question 21 |
| Spring 2024 Grade 8 Test | Respiration | Question 41 |
Vocabulary
Terms from the Middle School Science Glossary that come from this standard or from the released Grade 8 Science Test questions that assess it.
- biochemical detail
- cell
- cell function
- cell membrane
- cell part
- cell wall
- chloroplast
- mitochondrion
- model
- nucleus
- organelle
- system
- air sac – Spring 2025
- blood – Spring 2025
- blood vessel – Spring 2025
- body cell – Spring 2025, Spring 2024
- carbon-based gas – Spring 2025
- cellular respiration – Spring 2024
- chemical bond – Spring 2025
- chemical bond energy – Spring 2025
- complex molecule – Spring 2025
- energy – Spring 2025, Spring 2024
- food – Spring 2024
- gas – Spring 2025
- heart – Spring 2025
- light energy – Spring 2025
- lung – Spring 2025
- muscle cell – Spring 2025
- red blood cell – Spring 2025
- waste – Spring 2024
Performance Level Descriptions
Every Grade 8 Science Test question on MS-LS1-2 is written to match one of the performance level descriptions (PLDs) below.
Resources
Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-LS1-2.
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NGSS Dimensions
Performance expectation MS-LS1-2 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:
- Developing and Using Models
- Develop a model to describe phenomena.
- LS1.A: Structure and Function
- Within cells, special structures are responsible for particular functions, and the cell membrane forms the boundary that controls what enters and leaves the cell.
- Structure and Function
- Complex and microscopic structures and systems can be visualized, modeled, and used to describe how their function depends on the relationships among its parts.