Professional Commentary
Students are asked to how new types of rock can form after a volcano erupts. This constructed response question is a sample test item used in past National Assessments of Educational Progress (see
About NAEP). The URL link above takes the user to the NAEP test item, with access to performance data by various subgroups, a scoring guide and student responses, and the content on which the item is based. The NAEP web site allows users to build their own printable database of test items by clicking on
Add Question in the upper right hand corner of the screen. NAEP Reference Number: 2005-4S12 No.: 10.
This item appeared on the 2005 administration of the 4th grade test. It aligns well to Ohio's science standards in the 6-8 grade band is appropriate for use with students at this level. (ts)
Ohio Science Academic Content Standards (2002)
Earth and Space Sciences
Benchmarks (6–8)
D.
Identify that the lithosphere contains rocks and minerals and that minerals make up rocks. Describe how rocks and minerals are formed and/or classified.
Grade Level Indicators (Grade 6)
1.
Describe the rock cycle and explain that there are sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks that have distinct properties (e.g., color, texture) and are formed in different ways.
National Science Education Standards
Earth and Space Science
Structure of the earth system (Grades 5 - 8)