Content Benchmark E.8.C.3

Students know Earth is composed of a crust (both continental and oceanic); hot convecting mantle; and dense, a metallic core. E/S

Sample Test Questions

1st Item Specification: Given a model, identify the major structural elements of the Earth (i.e. continental and oceanic crusts, mantle, core).

Depth of Knowledge Level 1

1. Use the model of Earth below to answer the following question.

(From http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Earth_cross_section-i18.png/800px-Earth_cross_section- i18.png)

What is the number of the layer representing the mantle of Earth? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 7

2. The inner core of Earth is solid because of increased A. density and composition. B. density and temperature. C. temperature and pressure. D. pressure and density.

3. The primary cause of crustal movement is A. conduction. B. convection. C. magnetism. D. radiation. 4. A major difference between continental crust and oceanic crust is A. density. B. gravity. C. pressure. D. temperature.

5. Which of the following is MOST similar between the inner and outer core of Earth? A. Composition B. Pressure C. Movement D. Density

Depth of Knowledge Level 2

6. Use the map below to answer the following question.

(From http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/earth/Continents.shtml)

What do the black lines on the map above represent? A. They represent continental borders. B. They represent the boarders of countries. C. They outline the major ocean basins. D. They outline the crustal plate boundaries. 7. Use the following diagram to answer the question below.

(From http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Ch1CMB/Content1.html)

Analyzing the diagram above, what can you infer the about the type of plate boundary being shown here? A. Divergent boundary B. Convergent boundary C. Transform boundary D. Static boundary

8. Which of the following is possible evidence that the Earth’s core has both a solid and liquid portion? A. The Earth has a strong magnetic field that periodically fluctuates. B. The Moon is held in orbit around the Earth by the gravitational attraction. C. The Earth’s oceans experience 2 high tides and 2 low tides a day. D. The visible light from the Sun is deflected by the Van Allen Belts. 9. Below is a diagram depicting movement of liquid in a container being heated. Use this diagram to answer the following question.

(From http://food.oregonstate.edu/learn/energy.html)

What is the difference between the water located at point A and the water located at point B? A. Point A is hotter than point B B. Point B is hotter than point A C. Water at point A is not moving but at point B it is sinking D. Water at point B is not moving but at point A is raising

10. Use the diagram below to answer the following question.

(From http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Earth_cross_section-i18.png/800px-Earth_cross_section- i18.png )

The crust (Layer 1) is partially covered with water on the left side of the diagram. What type of plate boundary is most likely responsible for producing the mountains shown on the right side of the diagram? A. Divergent boundary B. Transform boundary C. Static boundary D. Convergent boundary Constructed Response E.8.C.3

1. Use the diagram to answer the following questions. The diagram is a cross-section model of Earth with several layers labeled with numbers.

(From http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Earth_cross_section-i18.png/800px-Earth_cross_section- i18.png )

A. Label the names of layers 1, 2, 6, and 7 on the diagram.

B. Describe the differences between continental and oceanic crust.

C. Provide an explanation for the process occurring within the Earth that drives plate tectonics. Content Benchmark E.8.C.3

Students know Earth is composed of a crust (both continental and oceanic); hot convecting mantle; and dense, a metallic core. E/S

Answers to Sample Test Questions 1. B, DOK level 1 2. C, DOK level 1 3. B, DOK level 1 4. A, DOK level 1 5. A, DOK level 1 6. D, DOK level 2 7. B, DOK level 2 8. A, DOK level 2 9. A, DOK level 2 10. D, DOK level 2

Constructed Response Answer and Score Rubric

Response addresses all parts of the question clearly and correctly. Part A is a list of, Crust, Mantle, Outer Core, Inner Core. Part B will include; density and rock type (Granite for Continental, Basalt for Oceanic). Continental crust (primarily granite) is less dense 3 points than Oceanic crust (primarily basalt). Part C will include; The core is the source of heat (from radioactive decay) that drives the convection currents in the mantel. Heated magma rises through the mantel, as it rises the magma cools as it nears the surface / crust. The magma moves horizontally pushing the crustal plates then sinking back into the mantel. 2 points Response addresses all parts of the question and includes only minor errors. 1 point Response does not address all parts of the question. 0 points Response is totally incorrect or no response provided.