Cognitive Skill Descriptions for Grade 8 Science and Technology/Engineering MCAS
The lists below are general examples, but they are not a complete list. Depending upon how the item is written, these
descriptions may not always apply.
Cognitive Skill
Remembering
Understanding
Applying
Analyzing
Creating
Description
 Identify or define a basic concept or term with little or no context
 Recall facts with little or no context
Does the item require recalling or remembering facts or definitions?
 Describe, explain, or identify typical classroom examples for a science or tech/eng concept
 Recognize and differentiate representations and descriptions of familiar models (contour maps,
drawings, signs/symbols, eclipses)
 Recognize basic cell parts and their functions in cells
 Identify and describe familiar examples of elements and compounds
 Determine the density of an object when given its mass and volume, or speed when given distance
and time
 Identify common tools and how to safely use them, and recognize appropriate use of science
techniques in a familiar situation
Does the item require the recognition or a description of a familiar concept?
 Describe, explain, or identify a science or tech/eng concept presented in a novel situation
 Draw conclusions by comparing and contrasting information in novel situations
 Draw conclusions by interpreting information/data (including simple graphs and tables) or make
predictions based on data (does not include “critical examination” of data, as is done for
analyzing)
 Solve quantitative problems where an equation must be rearranged to solve the problem (e.g.,
finding the volume in a density problem)
 Describe or explain multiple processes or system components (e.g., engineering design,
communication system, universal model system) in a novel situation
The following apply to open-response items:
 Describe appropriate use of science and tech/eng techniques in a given situation
 Describe or explain a science or tech/eng concept using familiar models (e.g., heat transfer models,
bridge models) in a novel situation
 Describe or explain appropriate use of tools and safety precautions
Does the item require drawing conclusions based on novel information or solving complex
problems?
 Critically examine and interpret data (e.g., multiple graphs, tables with multiple variables),
diagrams (e.g., moon/planet diagrams, food webs), or maps to draw conclusions based on given
information (Note: An item with a graph/diagram/table/map is not necessarily analyzing—it
depends on how the information needs to be interpreted.)
Does the item require critical examination of information to make conclusions?
 Generate an explanation or conclusion by combining two or more science or
technology/engineering concepts in a novel situation
 Construct models, graphs, charts, drawings, or diagrams and generate explanations or
conclusions based on the information
 Construct food webs illustrating specific ecological relationships and generate predictions or
conclusions based on the food web
 Propose solutions to scientific or engineering problems based on given criteria/constraints
Does the item require the synthesis of different concepts or skills to generate a solution?
Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education | Cognitive Skills for Grade 8 STE MCAS | Working Draft May 2013