Ohio Grade 8 Achievement Test for Science – May 2008
Annotated Item 36
Standard and Benchmark Assessed:
Standard:
Earth and Space Sciences
Benchmark:
E. Describe the processes that contribute to the continuous changing of Earth's
surface (e.g., earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, erosion, mountain building and
lithospheric plate movements).
Multiple Choice Question:
Use the information below to answer questions 36 – 38.
Extinction
A paleontologist was studying the evidence of extinction of organisms in the fossil record.
Data were collected at several work sites. The paleontologist developed the drawing
below of eight layers at one work site. Other data used included the graph below that
shows changes in sea level from 490 million years ago to 60 million years ago. Asterisks on the
graph indicate times of mass extinction of marine organisms.
Source: Ohio Department of Education
July 08
Ohio Grade 8 Achievement Test for Science – May 2008
Annotated Item 36
36. Based on observations, the paleontologist concluded that the layers had been undisturbed
by geological activity.
Which layer should have the oldest fossils?
A. layer 8
B. layer 6
C. layer 4
D. layer 2
Commentary:
This multiple choice question asks students to analyze the provided information to identify the
oldest rock layer. Students are provided with a graphical representation of a site where a
paleontologist has collected samples. Students need to recall that rock layers are deposited
from bottom to top, oldest to youngest, unless disturbed by geologic activity such as folding or
faulting (Law of Superposition). Answer choice D is the correct answer. Answer choice A is
incorrect because layer 8 is the youngest layer (found on the top). Answer choice B is incorrect
because layer 6 it is not the bottom layer, since the rock is undisturbed the oldest layer will be
on the bottom. Answer choice C is incorrect because it is not the bottom layer, since the rock is
undisturbed the oldest layer will be on the bottom.
This question is classified as Communicating Understanding / Analyzing Science Information
because the task requires students to classify the layers by age to identify the oldest layer
communicate understanding of the Law of Superposition as applied to layers of rock.
Source: Ohio Department of Education
July 08
Ohio Grade 8 Achievement Test for Science – May 2008
Annotated Item 36
Performance Data:
The percent of public school students selecting answer choice D for question 36 on the May
2008 Ohio Grade 8 Achievement Test for Science was 68%.
Keywords: uplifting, geology, folding, Law of Superposition
Source: Ohio Department of Education
July 08