M-Step

Students want to design an investigation to learn about energy and motion. They start their investigation by making two setups. For setup 1 they attach three shelves at the following heights: 1 meter, 2 meters, and 3 meters. The students place a 1-kilogram ball at each shelf height. The students observe the ball stays at rest when set on each of the shelves. For Setup 2 they build a ramp using wood and a table. (See diagram above) They roll the 1-kilogram ball from the top of the ramp and record the speed of the ball as it travels down the ramp. See the results in Setup 2 Data (pictured above). On which shelf will the ball have the most potential energy?

• 1 meter tall shelf

• 2 meter tall shelf

• 3 meter tall shelf

Which type of force causes the ball to have the most potential energy?

• Electrical force

• Magnetic force

• Gravitational force

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

Based on the data collected for Setup 2, a student made the following claim about the energy of the ball. STUDENT CLAIM: As the ball travels down the ramp the kinetic energy increases and the potential energy stays the same. Which statement best evaluates the student's claim?

• The claim is incorrect because the potential energy increases when the speed of the ball increases.

• The claim is incorrect because the potential energy of the ball is being transferred to kinetic energy as it travels down the ramp.

• The claim is correct because the speed of the ball increases causing the ball to remain in motion as it travels beyond the ramp.

• The claim is correct because the speed of the ball is the same as its kinetic energy, and the speed of the ball increases as it travels down the ramp.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Which statement provides the best support for the variable you selected in part A?

• This would decrease the force of friction acting on the ball causing it to increase in speed.

• This would increase the force of friction acting on the ball causing it to decrease in speed.

• This would increase the potential energy of the ball resulting in an increase in kinetic energy.

• This would decrease the potential energy of the ball resulting in a decrease in kinetic energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

A student adds a material to the ramp that causes less friction between the ramp and the 1 kilogram ball. The student plans on rolling the ball from the top of the modified ramp.

Select the word or phrase from each set of options to complete the statements that best predict the results from using the modified ramp.

• balanced, decrease, the same speed

• balanced, increase, a slower speed than

• unbalanced, decrease, a faster speed than

• unbalanced, increase, a faster speed than

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-1

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

A student shapes a piece of clay into a small cube. The student places the clay cube at the bottom of the ramp in Setup 2. The student rolls the 1 kilogram ball down the ramp and observes the collision between the ball and the clay cube. PART A: Select one variable the student could change to Setup 2 to reduce the force of the ball during the collision.

• Replace the wood ramp with a ramp made of a smoother material

• Reduce the height of the ramp from 1 meter to 0.5 meters

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-1

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What is the primary purpose of the M-Step assessment in science education?

• To evaluate students' understanding of scientific concepts

• To measure students' physical fitness

• To assess students' artistic abilities

• To test students' knowledge of historical events

Which of the following scientific processes is most likely to be assessed in the M-Step science test?

• Photosynthesis

• Cooking

• Painting

• Singing

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

In an M-Step science experiment, students are asked to measure the boiling point of water. What is the expected boiling point of water at sea level?

• 100°C

• 90°C

• 80°C

• 70°C

During an M-Step science test, students are asked to identify the chemical formula for water. What is the correct formula?

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1