1. The diagram above shows a cross section of the edge of a continent. In this region a section of oceanic crust is gradually moving down under a section of continental crust. Explain how the mountain range near the seacoast on this continent was probably formed.
NAEP released item, grade 12
Scoring Guide
Score & Description Complete Student response gives a complete explanation that explains how mountains can form at convergent plate boundaries.
a. Continental crust is pushed up when oceanic crust collides with it b. Continental crust rises as oceanic crust is subducted under it
Unsatisfactory/Incorrect Student response may only describe the picture or simply state that the tectonic plates collide.
Complete - Student Response 1 The diagram above shows a cross section of the edge of a continent. In this region a section of oceanic crust is gradually moving down under a section of continental crust. Explain how the mountain range near the seacoast on this continent was probably formed.
Scorer Comments: Student response explains that the continental crust is forced up as a result of the oceanic crust moving under it.
1 The diagram above shows a cross section of the edge of a continent. In this region a section of oceanic crust is gradually moving down under a section of continental crust. Explain how the mountain range near the seacoast on this continent was probably formed.
Scorer Comments: Student response explains that the continental crust is pushed upward by the oceanic crust.
Unsatisfactory/Incorrect - Student Response 1 The diagram above shows a cross section of the edge of a continent. In this region a section of
NAEP released item, grade 12 oceanic crust is gradually moving down under a section of continental crust. Explain how the mountain range near the seacoast on this continent was probably formed.
Scorer Comments: Student response mentions erosion, which is not a factor in mountain formation at convergent plate boundaries. The statement that the water moves downward is incorrect.
1 The diagram above shows a cross section of the edge of a continent. In this region a section of oceanic crust is gradually moving down under a section of continental crust. Explain how the mountain range near the seacoast on this continent was probably formed.
Scorer Comments: Student response mentions buildup of sediment, which is not a factor in mountain formation at convergent plate boundaries.
NAEP released item, grade 12
2000 National Performance Results
Score Percentage of Students Unsatisfactory/incorrect 56% Complete 39% Omitted 4% Off task 1%
Note:
• These results are for public and nonpublic school students. • Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.
The Fields of Science: Earth & Space Sciences (Sub content classification: Solid Earth) Knowing and Doing Science : Conceptual Understanding
NAEP released item, grade 12
The Fields of Science
Earth & Space Sciences
This question measures basic knowledge and understanding of the following:
Solid Earth
• Composition of the Earth; • Forces that alter the Earth's surface; • Rocks: their formation, characteristics, and uses; • Soil, its changes and uses; • Natural resources used by humankind; and • Forces within the Earth (not in grade 4).
Knowing and Doing Science
Conceptual Understanding
Conceptual understanding includes the body of scientific knowledge that students draw upon when conducting a scientific investigation or engaging in practical reasoning. Essential scientific concepts involve a variety of information, including facts and events the student learns from both science instruction and experiences with natural environment; and scientific concepts, principles, laws, and theories that scientists use to explain and predict observations of the natural world.
NAEP released item, grade 12