School Improvement in Maryland

Using the State Curriculum: Science, Grade 5

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

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Standard 5.0 Physics

Topic A. Mechanics

Indicator 1. Describe the motion of objects using distance traveled, time, direction, and speed.

Objective a. Observe, describe, and compare types of motion.

Selected Response Item

Two students with different masses investigated how their positions on a seesaw affected the movement of the seesaw. The students changed their horizontal positions on the seesaw and measured the highest point at the opposite end.

Question Image

How might the students best show periodic motion using the seesaw?

  1. by switching ends of the seesaw every 10 seconds
  2. by balancing the ends of the seesaw for 10 seconds
  3. by taking turns pushing off the ground every 10 seconds
  4. by moving from the end to the center of the seesaw every 10 seconds
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_science_5_025.xml

Correct Answer:
C

Selected Response Item

Use the information below to answer the following.

Two students met at a local park. Student 1 lives farther from the park than does Student 2. Both students left their houses at 10:00 A.M. and arrived at the park at 10:20 A.M. While at the park, the students played on the swings, slide, and merry-go-round.

Which of these statements best explains how the two students arrived at the park at the same time?

  1. Student 1 took a longer route.
  2. Student 1 walked faster than Student 2.
  3. Student 2 walked faster than Student 1.
  4. Student 2 took more short-cuts than Student 1.
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_science_5_065.xml

Correct Answer:
B
Resources for Objective 5.A.1.a:
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