School Improvement in Maryland

Using the State Curriculum: Science, Grade 4

Skills and Processes | Earth/Space | Life | Chemistry | Physics | Environmental

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Standard 5.0 Physics

Topic C. Electricity and Magnetism

Indicator 3. Cite evidence supporting that forces can act on objects without touching them.

Objective b. Based on observations, describe the effect of a magnet on a variety of objects including those that are metallic or non-metallic; those made with iron or made with other metals; and on other magnets.

Selected Response Item

Different materials are attracted by magnets.

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Which items are attracted by a magnet?

  1. copper cylinder and iron nail
  2. steel paper clip and iron nail
  3. steel paper clip and copper cylinder
  4. aluminum washer and steel paper clip
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_science_4_007.xml

Correct Answer:
B

Selected Response Item

Science students observed the physical properties of different materials. They recorded their observations in the data table below.

Question Image

The students then combined baking soda with some of the materials. Their observations are in the data table below.

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The students were given a mixture of salt, sand, glass marbles, and steel marbles.

Which material in the mixture would be attracted by a magnet?

  1. salt
  2. sand
  3. glass marbles
  4. steel marbles
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_science_4_014.xml

Correct Answer:
D

Selected Response Item

Use the information below to answer the following question.

Some rocks contain small amounts of iron. These rocks have magnetic properties. The iron particles act like tiny magnets that are attracted by the two oppositely charged magnetic poles of Earth.

Question Image

A student uses a wand with a magnet on the tip and iron filings to complete pictures. A clear sheet of plastic covers a cardboard picture. Iron filings are between the cardboard picture and the sheet of plastic. As the student moves the wand across the sheet of plastic, the iron filings follow the movement of the wand.

Question Image

Which change in the design of the toy would allow the student to move more iron filings with the wand at one time?

  1. Use a wand with a more powerful magnet.
  2. Make the iron filings a different color.
  3. Make the sheet of plastic larger.
  4. Use a longer wand.
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_science_4_054.xml

Correct Answer:
A