Sample Item The law of gravity describes a relationship between two masses. The more massive an object is or the closer it is to another body, the more the gravitational attraction between the two objects. However, the law is limited because it cannot explain which of the following? *A) Why there is a gravitational attraction in the first place B) What gives the larger object more mass C) Why does the smaller object also attract the larger object D) Why we experience gravity on earth and not in space Reporting Nature of Science Category Standard Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses & Models Benchmark SC.912.N.3.4: Number Benchmark Recognize that theories do not become laws, nor do laws become theories; theories are well supported explanations and laws are well supported descriptions. Also Assesses Item Types MC Benchmark Students must differentiate between the criteria that define a theory versus the Clarification criteria that define a law. Content The test item should pertain to laws and models covered within the physical Limits science course. Stimulus Students are given examples of current laws and/or theories and asked to identify Attributes differences between them, or be asked to identify why theories and models are used in science. Response None Specified Attributes
Sample Item The law of gravity describes a relationship between two masses. The more massive an object is or the closer it is to another body, the more the gravitational attraction between the two objects. However, the law is limited because it cannot explain which of the following? *A) Why there is a gravitational attraction in the first place B) What gives the larger object more mass C) Why does the smaller object also attract the larger object D) Why we experience gravity on earth and not in space Reporting Category Nature of Science Standard Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses & Models Benchmark Number SC.912.N.3.4: Benchmark Recognize that theories do not become laws, nor do laws become theories; theories are well supported explanations and laws are well supported descriptions. Also Assesses Item Types MC Benchmark Clarification Students must differentiate between the criteria that define a theory versus the criteria that define a law. Content Limits The test item should pertain to laws and models covered within the physical science course. Stimulus Attributes Students are given examples of current laws and/or theories and asked to identify differences between them, or be asked to identify why theories and models are used in science. Response Attributes None Specified
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