The Pennsylvania System Of School Assessment Science Item .
The Pennsylvania Systemof School AssessmentScienceItem and Scoring Sampler2019–2020Grade 4Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction—September 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTSINFORMATION ABOUT SCIENCEIntroduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1What Is Included. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Purposes and Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Item Format and Scoring Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Testing Time and Mode of Testing Delivery for the PSSA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Item and Scoring Sampler Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Science Test Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3General Description of Scoring Guidelines for Science Open-Ended Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Multiple-Choice Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Open-Ended Item. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Item-Specific Scoring Guideline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Open-Ended Item. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Item-Specific Scoring Guideline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Sample Item Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 2019ii
INFORMATION ABOUT SCIENCEINTRODUCTIONThe Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) provides districts and schools with tools to assist in deliveringfocused instructional programs aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards (PAS). In addition to the PAS, thesetools include Assessment Anchor documents, assessment handbooks, and content-based item and scoring samplers.Each Item and Scoring Sampler is a useful tool for Pennsylvania educators in preparing local instructional programsand can also be useful in preparing students for the statewide assessment.This Item and Scoring Sampler is available in Braille format. For more information regarding Braille, call (717) 901-2238.WHAT IS INCLUDEDThis sampler contains test questions, or test “items,” that have been written to align to the Assessment Anchors that arebased on the PAS. The sample test questions model the types of items that will appear on an operational PSSA. Eachsample test question has been through a rigorous review process to ensure alignment with the Assessment Anchorsprior to being piloted in an embedded field test within a PSSA assessment and then used operationally on a PSSAassessment. Answer keys, scoring guidelines, and any related stimulus material are also included. Additionally, samplestudent responses are provided with each open-ended item to demonstrate the range of responses that studentsprovided in response to these items.PURPOSES AND USESThe items in this sampler may be used as models for creating assessment items at the classroom level, and they mayalso be copied and used as part of a local instructional program.1 Classroom teachers may find it beneficial to havestudents respond to the open-ended items in this sampler. Educators can then use the item’s scoring guideline andsample responses as a basic guide to score the responses, either independently or together with colleagues withina school or district. The sampler also includes the General Description of Scoring Guidelines for Science Open-EndedItems used to develop the item-specific guidelines. The general description of scoring guidelines can be used if anyadditional item-specific scoring guidelines are created for use within local instructional programs.1ITEM FORMAT AND SCORING GUIDELINESThe multiple-choice (MC) questions have four answer choices. Each correct response to an MC question is worthone point.Each open-ended (OE) item in science is scored using an item-specific scoring guideline based on a 0–2 point scale.TESTING TIME AND MODE OF TESTING DELIVERY FOR THE PSSAThe PSSA is delivered in traditional paper-and-pencil format as well as in an online format. The estimated time torespond to a test question is the same for both methods of test delivery. During an official testing administration,students are given additional time as necessary to complete the test questions. The following table shows theestimated response time per item for each item type.1Science Item TypeMCOEEstimated Response Time(minutes)15The permission to copy and/or use these materials does not extend to commercial purposes.PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 20191
INFORMATION ABOUT SCIENCEITEM AND SCORING SAMPLER FORMATThis sampler includes the test directions and scoring guidelines that appear in the PSSA science assessments. Eachsample multiple-choice question is followed by a table that includes the alignment, the answer key, the depth ofknowledge (DOK) level, the percentage2 of students who chose each answer option, and a brief answer-optionanalysis or rationale. Each open-ended item is followed by a table that includes the item alignment, DOK, and meanstudent score. Additionally, each of the included item‐specific scoring guidelines is combined with sample studentresponses representing each score point to form a practical, item‐specific scoring guide. The General Description ofScoring Guidelines for Science Open-Ended Items used to develop the item‐specific scoring guidelines should be used ifany additional item‐specific scoring guidelines are created for use within local instructional programs.Example Multiple-Choice Question Information TableItem InformationAlignmentAnswer KeyDepth of Knowledgep-value Ap-value Bp-value Cp-value DOption AnnotationsAssigned AAECCorrect AnswerAssigned DOKPercentage of students who selected option APercentage of students who selected option BPercentage of students who selected option CPercentage of students who selected option DBrief answer-option analysis or rationaleExample Open-Ended Item Information TableAlignment2Assigned AAECDepth of KnowledgeAssigned DOKMean ScoreAll p-value percentages listed in the item information tables have been rounded.PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 20192
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 4SCIENCE TEST DIRECTIONSOn the following pages are the Science questions. There are two types of questions.Multiple-Choice Questions:Some questions will ask you to select an answer from among four choices. These questionswill be found in your test booklet.For the multiple-choice questions: Read each question, and choose the best answer. Record your choice in the answer booklet. Only one of the answers provided is the correct response.Open-Ended Questions:Other questions will require you to write your response. These questions will be foundin your answer booklet.For the open-ended questions: Be sure to read the directions carefully. If the question asks you to do two tasks, be sure to complete both tasks. If the question asks you to compare, be sure to compare. Also, if the questionasks you to explain, describe, or identify, be sure to explain, describe, oridentify.PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 20193
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 4GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SCORING GUIDELINES FOR SCIENCE OPEN-ENDED ITEMS2 Points The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of the scientific content, concepts, and proceduresrequired by the task(s). The response provides a clear, complete, and correct response as required by the task(s). The response maycontain a minor blemish or omission in work or explanation that does not detract from demonstrating athorough understanding.1 Point The response demonstrates a partial understanding of the scientific content, concepts, and procedures requiredby the task(s). The response is somewhat correct with partial understanding of the required scientific content, concepts,and/or procedures demonstrated and/or explained. The response may contain some work that is incompleteor unclear.0 Points The response provides insufficient evidence to demonstrate any understanding of the scientific content,concepts, and procedures as required by the task(s) for that grade level. The response may show only information copied or rephrased from the question or insufficient correctinformation to receive a score of 1.Special Categories within zero reported separately:Blank. Blank, entirely erased, entirely crossed out, or consists entirely of whitespaceRefusal. Refusal to respond to the taskOff Task. Makes no reference to the item but is not an intentional refusalForeign Language.Written entirely in a language other than EnglishIllegible. Illegible or incoherentPSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 20194
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 4THIS PAGE ISINTENTIONALLY BLANK.PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 20195
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 4MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS1.Use the drawing below to answer the question.Plant Growth7654321cmday 1 day 2day 3day 4day 5day 6How much did the plant grow in height from day 4 to day 6?A.1.0 cmB.2.5 cmC.4.0 cmD.6.5 cm652218Item InformationAlignmentAnswer KeyS4.A.1.3.1BDepth of Knowledgep-value Ap-value Bp-value Cp-value D26%52% (correct answer)15%27%Option AnnotationsA.B.C.D.The plant grew 1.0 cm from day 5 (5.5 cm) to day 6 (6.5 cm).Key: The plant grew 2.5 cm from day 4 (4.0 cm) to day 6 (6.5 cm).The plant was 4.0 cm on day 4.The plant grew a total of 6.5 cm.PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 20196
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 42.Which change in an animal’s food supply is the most likely cause of annual migration?A.The food supply is reduced as seasons change.B.A disease permanently reduces the food supply.C.The food supply gradually increases over several years.D.A new organism begins eating from the same food supply.704902Item InformationAlignmentAnswer KeyS4.A.1.3.4ADepth of Knowledgep-value Ap-value Bp-value Cp-value D255% (correct answer)12%13%20%Option AnnotationsA. Key: A regular yearly pattern of reduced food availability during the coldestmonths is most likely to result in migration behavior in certain animalspecies.B. The animal is not likely to return each year to a location where the foodsupply is permanently reduced.C. A long term increase in food supply is not likely to affect annual migrationbehavior.D. A new organism eating from the same food supply is unlikely to have apredictable, regular pattern in its effect. Therefore, it is unlikely to result inannual migration behavior.PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 20197
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 4Many trees in Pennsylvania forests lose their leaves in autumn and regrow their leaves in spring.Which graph best shows a weather change that results in this pattern?A.Jan Mar May Jul Sep NovMonthJan Mar May Jul Sep NovMonthJan Mar May Jul Sep NovMonthincreasingAir TemperatureincreasingD.Air TemperatureC.increasingincreasingAir TemperatureB.Air Temperature3.Jan Mar May Jul Sep NovMonth670410PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 20198
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 4Item InformationAlignmentAnswer KeyS4.A.2.1.4ADepth of Knowledgep-value Ap-value Bp-value Cp-value D349% (correct answer)20%16%15%Option AnnotationsA. Key: The graph shows the normal average monthly temperature patternof Pennsylvania, which gradually increases starting in spring and peaks insummer, and then gradually decreases through fall and into winter.B. This graph shows the opposite of a normal pattern of monthly airtemperature in Pennsylvania.C. This graph shows the average monthly air temperature consistentlyincreasing from January through the end of the year.D. This graph shows the average monthly air temperature consistentlydecreasing from January through the end of the year.PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 20199
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 44.Which characteristic of the Moon can a student best study using a telescope?A.the Moon’s distance from EarthB.why the Moon has different phasesC.the shapes of the Moon’s surface featuresD.how the Moon’s motion affects Earth’s tides670411Item InformationAlignmentAnswer KeyS4.A.2.2.1CDepth of Knowledgep-value Ap-value Bp-value Cp-value D226%16%48% (correct answer)10%Option AnnotationsA. An instrument such as a laser or camera and a measuring tool is needed tocalculate the distance to the Moon from Earth.B. A telescope is not required to determine why the Moon has differentphases.C. Key: Surface features of the Moon, such as mountains and craters, can beobserved with the use of a telescope.D. The study of gravitational forces is required to determine how the Moon’smotion affects Earth’s tides.PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 201910
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 45.Which object is most likely part of a human-made system?A.the milk people drinkB.the clothes people wearC.the air in the atmosphereD.the vegetables in the ground811772Item InformationAlignmentAnswer KeyS4.A.3.1.1BDepth of Knowledgep-value Ap-value Bp-value Cp-value D29%63% (correct answer)13%15%Option AnnotationsA. Milk comes from an animal source such as a cow or goat.B. Key: Clothes made from synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon,can be made by people.C. The air in the atmosphere is part of a natural system.D. Vegetables come from plants, which are organisms.PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 201911
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 46.Use the drawing below to answer the question.Desert EcosystemWhich chart best describes a part of the desert ecosystem?A.PartLiving orNonlivingRolerattlesnakenonlivingproduces energyfor other organismsPartLiving orNonlivingRolethe Sunlivingproduces energyfor many organismsPartLiving orNonlivingRolerocknonlivingproduces energyfor many organismsPartLiving orNonlivingRolecactuslivingproduces energyfor other organismsB.C.D.670414PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 201912
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 4Item InformationAlignmentAnswer KeyS4.A.3.1.3DDepth of Knowledgep-value Ap-value Bp-value Cp-value D27%30%14%49% (correct answer)Option AnnotationsA.B.C.D.The rattlesnake is living.The Sun is nonliving.The rock does not provide energy to organisms.Key: The cactus is a living part of the ecosystem that provides food andenergy to other organisms.PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 201913
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 47.Which step most likely happens first in the process of making clothes from cotton?A.Cotton fabric is made in a factory.B.Cotton is grown and harvested on a farm.C.A person makes a shirt from cotton fabric.D.A truck is used to transport cotton to a factory.670415Item InformationAlignmentAnswer KeyS4.A.3.1.4BDepth of Knowledgep-value Ap-value Bp-value Cp-value D214%68% (correct answer)7%11%Option AnnotationsA. Cotton must first be grown in a field.B. Key: Cotton fiber is produced by plants.C. Cotton must be grown and processed into fabric before a shirt can bemade.D. The cotton fiber is grown on a farm and then transported to a factory.PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 201914
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 48.Which process follows a pattern that lasts about one year?A.the change from a new moon to a full moonB.the movement of Earth in its orbit around the SunC.the change from high to low ocean tides on a beachD.the movement of a drop of water through the water cycle704895Item InformationAlignmentAnswer KeyS4.A.3.3.1BDepth of Knowledgep-value Ap-value Bp-value Cp-value D216%67% (correct answer)9%8%Option AnnotationsA.B.C.D.The phases of the Moon change throughout each month of the year.Key: Earth takes one year to complete its orbit around the Sun.Tides change on a daily basis.The amount of time it takes water to move through its cycle is variable.PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 201915
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 49.Mussels are simple organisms that have shells. They attach themselves to rocks to keepstrong waves from washing them away. Which types of environments are most likely toinclude mussels?A.oceans and lakesB.rivers and desertsC.prairies and tundrasD.forests and wetlands698777Item InformationAlignmentAnswer KeyS4.B.2.1.1ADepth of Knowledgep-value Ap-value Bp-value Cp-value D278% (correct answer)7%7%8%Option AnnotationsA. Key: Mussels are aquatic organisms that most commonly live in largebodies of water, such as oceans and lakes.B. Mussels could not survive in non-aquatic environments, such as deserts.C. Mussels could not survive in non-aquatic environments, such as prairies ortundras.D. Mussels could not survive in non-aquatic environments, such as forests.PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring Sampler—September 201916
PSSA SCIENCE GRADE 410. Use the drawing below to answer the question.Common SnipeThe common snipe of some Pennsylvania wetlands can often be found wading through thesoft, marshy soil. The snipe feeds on insects, worms, and some plant materials. How does theshape of its beak most likely help the snipe survive?A.It helps the bird attract mates.B.It helps the bird find and pick up food.C.It helps the bird move through soft soil.D.It helps the bird blend into its environment.809085Item InformationAlignmentAnswer KeyS4.B.2.1.1BDepth of Knowledgep-value Ap-value Bp-value Cp-value D25%72% (correct answer)16%7%Option AnnotationsA. There is no information provided that indicates that having a sharp, pointybeak is needed for the bird to attract mates.B. Key: A sharp pointy beak could help this bird to capture small prey found inthe soil of a marshy environment.C. The bird’s legs would be most useful in helping it move within itsenvironment.D. The bird’s feathers w
PSSA Grade 4 Science Item and Scoring SamplerSeptember 2019 1 INFORMATION ABOUT SCIENCE INTRODUCTION The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) provides districts and schools with tools to assist in delivering . focused instructional programs aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards (PAS) . In addition to the PAS, these
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