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Descriptive Statements:
- Recognize the characteristics and evolution of stars and galaxies, including theories about the origin and nature of the universe and supporting evidence.
- Analyze the interactions of the sun, the moon, and Earth and the effects of these interactions on Earth.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the role of gravity in the solar system and the universe.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of objects in the solar system (e.g., formation, history, structure, distance, size).
- Apply knowledge of geologic evidence (e.g., rock strata, fossils, plate tectonics) to support the timeline of Earth's geologic history.
- Analyze tectonic processes, the mechanisms driving plate movements, and the landforms and geologic phenomena produced by movement at plate boundaries.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the processes involved in the rock cycle and of the characteristics of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, including the characteristics and origins of common rocks, minerals, and fossils.
- Analyze the constructive and destructive processes that shape Earth's surface, including weathering, erosion, transportation, and deposition.
- Recognize the characteristics and origins of mineral, geothermal, and fossil fuel resources.
- Apply knowledge of the principles and procedures of designing and carrying out scientific investigations, including appropriate safety procedures; apply mathematical and computational skills to scientific investigations; and analyze scientific data related to understanding the characteristics of Earth, the solar system, and the universe.
- Apply knowledge of engineering design practices related to understanding the characteristics of Earth, the solar system, and the universe, including identifying criteria and constraints for a given problem, using iterative design, and evaluating an engineering/technical solution.
Sample Item:
Which of the following geologic landforms are produced primarily by plates moving away from each other at a divergent plate boundary?
- island chains
- deep trenches
- ocean basins
- accretionary wedges
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
C. Ocean basins are primarily produced from divergent zones where tectonic plates move away from each other. The plates begin to stretch and split as the continental crust rifts apart while new crust forms and cools to form ridges along the oceanic floor.
Descriptive Statements:
- Analyze the physical processes and interactions of the hydrologic cycle with Earth's atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.
- Identify the processes and characteristics of marine and freshwater systems, including oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater systems, and glaciers.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the structure, functions, and characteristics of the different layers of Earth's atmosphere.
- Analyze atmospheric conditions and geographic factors that produce weather and natural hazards in different parts of the world, and use weather maps and data to predict and explain weather events.
- Recognize factors controlling regional and global climate conditions and the role of humans in causing changes in climate, including the greenhouse effect and the roles of Earth systems in regulating change.
- Recognize how current changes in global climate are affecting Earth systems (e.g., ecosystems, the hydrosphere, coastal processes, agriculture).
- Analyze the positive and negative impacts on the environment that result from the extraction, development, use, and/or disposal of natural and synthetic materials (e.g., antibiotics, pesticides, plastics, nitrates, fossil fuels).
- Demonstrate knowledge of the ways in which science, engineering practices, and technology can be used to reduce humans' impact on the environment.
- Apply knowledge of the principles and procedures of designing and carrying out scientific investigations, including appropriate safety procedures; apply mathematical and computational skills to scientific investigations; and analyze scientific data related to understanding Earth's hydrosphere, atmosphere, weather, and climate.
- Apply knowledge of engineering design practices related to understanding Earth's hydrosphere, atmosphere, weather, and climate, including identifying criteria and constraints for a given problem, using iterative design, and evaluating an engineering/technical solution.
Sample Item:
Which of the following processes in the water cycle can increase the probability of erosion on the ground?
- evaporation
- surface runoff
- condensation
- plant transpiration
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
B. Within the water cycle, surface runoff will increase the probability of erosion on the ground because water is one of the primary agents of erosion. As the water flows and moves along the surface, it removes particles of soil, sediment, and dissolved material away from the ground, and the loose earth material transports as runoff into local bodies of water.
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