Download FCAT 2.0 Science Test Item Specifications Grade 8

Grade 8
SC.7.E.6.5
BENCHMARK SC.7.E.6.5
Reporting Category
Earth and Space Science
Standard
Big Idea 6
Benchmark
SC.7.E.6.5
Explore the scientific theory of plate tectonics by
describing how the movement of Earth’s crustal plates causes
both slow and rapid changes in Earth’s surface, including
volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and mountain building. (Also
assesses SC.7.E.6.1 and SC.7.E.6.7.)
Also Assesses
SC.7.E.6.1
Describe the layers of the solid Ear th, including the
lithosphere, the hot convecting mantle, and the dense metallic liquid
and solid cores.
Earth Structures
SC.7.E.6.7
Recognize that heat flow and movement of material
within Earth causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and creates
mountains and ocean basins.
Benchmark
Clarifications
Students will describe the scientif ic theory of plate tectonics and/or
how the movement of Earth’s crustal plates and the flow of heat and
material cause various geologic events to occur.
Students will identify and/or describe the la yers of Earth.
Content Limits
Items will not assess types of v olcanoes but may assess different
causes of volcano formation.
Items will not assess types of ear thquake waves.
Items may assess density differences between layers of Earth but will
not assess density differences as they relate to plate tectonics.
Items assessing the layers of Earth are limited to the cr ust, the
lithosphere, the hot convecting mantle, the outer (liquid) core, and
the inner (solid) core.
Stimulus Attributes
None specified
Response Attributes
None specified
Prior Knowledge
This benchmark grouping is foundational. These concepts have not
been introduced in the NGSSS prior to this g rade-level grouping.
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| DRAFT FCAT 2.0 Science Test Item Specifications, Grade 8
Florida Department of Education
Grade 8
100000314627
Sample Item 12
SC.7.E.6.5
SC.7.E.6.1
Interactions between layers of Earth cause convection currents to move crustal plates. The
diagram below shows four layers of Earth.
1
2
3
4
In which layer of Earth are the convection currents that directly result in tectonic plate
motion found?
A.
★ B.
C.
D.
1
2
3
4
DRAFT FCAT 2.0 Science Test Item Specifications, Grade 8
Florida Department of Education | 57