Ohio Graduation Test for Science– March 2005
Annotated Item 8
Standard and Benchmark Assessed:
Standard:
Benchmark:
Earth and Space Sciences
F. Summarize the historical development of scientific theories and ideas, and
describe emerging issues in the study of Earth and space sciences.
Multiple Choice Question:
8. The early development of the theory of plate tectonics was supported by which of these
observations?
A. matching fossils on the continents of Africa and South America
B. glacier deposits far from existing continental glaciers
C. thick sediment layers at the mouths of rivers
D. sudden volcanic activity of long-dormant volcanoes
Commentary:
This multiple choice question asks students to identify one piece of scientific evidence that
supported the early development of the theory of plate tectonics. Students must apply their
knowledge of the theory of plate tectonics and what observations would be likely to support this
theory. Students must demonstrate an understanding of the foundational principles of the theory
including that Earth’s outermost layer (crust) is composed of fragmented plates that are moving
relative to one another atop the fluid mantle layer of Earth’s interior. Students must further
understand the historical implications of this plate motion – that crustal plates have changed
their positions relative to each other on Earth’s surface over time. Students must distinguish
between evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics and the resulting effects of plate
motion that may not provide such evidence. Answer choice A is the correct answer because
matching fossils found on two continents that are not in close geographic proximity would
indicate that these continents were contiguous in the past so that a particular species existed
and evolved on a single large land mass that has now been divided. Answer choice B is not
responsive to the question because glacial deposits far from existing continental glaciers were
not a factor in the early development of the theory of plate tectonics. Answer choice C is
incorrect because while the deposition of sediment is an earth process, it is not related to plate
tectonics or plate movement over time. Answer choice D may provide evidence of plate
movement but does not provide evidence for the early development of the theory of plate
tectonics.
This question is classified as Recalling/Identifying Accurate Science because this task requires
students to recall previously learned facts regarding the development of and evidence for the
theory of plate tectonics. Students must use a conceptual understanding of the processes that
operate below Earth’s crust to correctly identify an accurate description of the underlying
concept.
Performance Data:
The percent of public school students selecting answer choice A for question 8 on the March
2005 Ohio Graduation Test was 52%.
Keywords:
plate tectonics
Source: Ohio Department of Education
July 05