Ohio Graduation Test for Science– March 2005
Annotated Item 22
Standard and Benchmark Assessed:
Standard:
Benchmark:
Earth and Space Sciences
E. Explain the processes that move and shape Earth's surface.
Multiple Choice Question:
Use the map to answer question 22.
GS0000ESEXC0108D
22. The Hawaiian Islands are riding on the Pacific Plate as it moves northwestward. They are
being formed as the plate moves over a hot spot in the mantle.
Where is the next volcano likely to form?
A.
A
B.
B
C. C
D. D
Commentary:
This multiple choice question asks students to predict the location of a developing volcano
based on information regarding the movement of one of Earth’s crustal plates over a mantle hot
spot. Students must demonstrate an understanding of the foundational principles of the theory
of plate tectonics including that Earth’s outermost layer (crust) is composed of fragmented
plates in motion atop the heated, fluid mantle layer of Earth’s interior. Students must use
information from the diagram which indicates where the oldest and youngest volcanic islands
are located relative to the direction of plate motion. As the plate moves northwestward over a
mantle hot spot, volcanic islands are formed in a pattern that enables the student to predict
where the next volcano will form. The most recently formed volcano lies southeast of the older
volcanoes. Answer choice D is the correct answer because the aforementioned process will
Source: Ohio Department of Education
July 05
Ohio Graduation Test for Science– March 2005
Annotated Item 22
result in a new volcano being formed close to and southeast of the youngest existing volcano.
All three incorrect answer choices, A, B, and C, represent misinterpretations of the data
provided by the diagram and do not support the statement that the Pacific Plate is moving
northwestward as described.
This question is classified as Communicating Understanding/Analyzing Science Information
because this task requires student analysis of information given in the context of a real world,
investigative scenario involving an Earth process. Students must interpret the diagram, detect a
pattern in the data, and make a valid inference based on the scientific evidence presented.
Performance Data:
The percent of public school students selecting answer choice D for question 22 on the March
2005 Ohio Graduation Test was 48%.
Keywords:
mantle, crustal plates, volcano
Source: Ohio Department of Education
July 05