Middle Level Science (Grades 5–8) Subtest 1

Subarea II. Earth and Space Systems

0004

Understand the components and evolution of the Earth system.

describing the formation and physical properties of Earth materials
recognizing the physical, environmental, biological, structural, and tectonic processes that influence the formation of a given rock (e.g., sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic)
recognizing the physical, environmental, biological, structural, and tectonic processes that influence the formation of a given rock sequence
demonstrating knowledge of the formation and development of a given Earth structure (e.g., volcanic structures, rift valleys, ocean spreading center, fault-block mountains)
demonstrating knowledge of how a given geologic or biologic event is recorded in a rock sequence
demonstrating knowledge of how fossils and radioactive isotopes are used to determine the age of rocks and to interpret the geologic past

0005

Understand matter and energy in Earth systems.

analyzing the transfer and transformation of energy as it flows between Earth systems (i.e., the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere), including the processes of convection, conduction, and radiation
analyzing processes of the lithosphere (e.g., weathering, erosion, movement of tectonic plates, volcanism, earthquakes)
analyzing processes that occur in freshwater and ocean systems
analyzing processes that occur in the atmosphere and sources of energy that drive those processes, including the changes that occur during the water cycle
describing how global patterns of atmospheric movement influence weather
demonstrating knowledge of the movement of chemical elements and compounds between different reservoirs on Earth
analyzing physical models that represent the behavior of a given Earth system

0006

Understand Earth in the solar system and universe.

demonstrating knowledge of the properties and organization of different types of stars and galaxies
recognizing evidence used to support the scientific understanding of the universe
describing objects in the solar system (e.g., planets, comets, moons, the sun) in terms of physical, chemical, and geological processes
demonstrating knowledge of the motion of objects in the solar system
analyzing the orbit, rotation, and axial tilt of Earth to explain seasons, day length, and long-term changes in climate

0007

Understand human interactions with Earth systems.

analyzing the scientific evidence used to predict the occurrence of an environmental hazard on a human time frame
describing observed changes in a given Earth system (e.g., lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere) that are due to human activity
recognizing the causes and consequences of water pollution and the movement of water pollutants through Earth systems
recognizing the causes and consequences of air pollution and the movements of air pollutants through Earth systems