Science
Released Test
Questions
2010
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
7
GRADE
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
07.I.I.III.01
Scientific Thinking and Practice: Content Standard I: Benchmark III: Performance Standard 1:
Understand that the number of data (sample size) influences the reliability of a prediction.
160027.001 D Common, CMN
1. Two students think that
wintertime thunderstorms are
always followed by snow. Which
of the following would be the
best way to test this hypothesis?
A Measure the snowfall after the
first winter thunderstorm
B Compare data collected for one
week with data from another
group
C Tape record a show on tornadoes
and their destruction
D Analyze winter weather records
from the past five years
A Data collected after just one thunderstorm would not
be sufficient to test a hypothesis.
B Comparing data for one week is better than data
for one thunderstorm, but the best way is to use
five years of data. There may not have been a
thunderstorm during the week the data were
collected.
C Tornadoes are not part of the hypothesis.
D Correct answer
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
1
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
07.II.I.I.03.a
Content of Science: Content Standard I: PHYSICAL SCIENCE: Benchmark I: Performance
Standard 3.a: Identify characteristics of radioactivity, including: decay in time of some elements
to others.
160028.000 B Common, CMN
2. Some elements, such as uranium
and plutonium, are radioactive.
These elements decay over time
to form —
A living elements
B different elements
C larger compounds
D chemical reactions
A No elements are living.
B Correct answer
C When elements decay, they do not form compounds.
D Radioactive decay is not a chemical reaction.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
2
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
07.III.I.I.02
Science and Society: Content Standard I: Benchmark I: Performance Standard 2: Analyze
how technologies have been responsible for advances in medicine (e.g., vaccines, antibiotics,
microscopes, DNA technologies).
166658.000 A Common
3. In 1900, infectious diseases
accounted for 8 out of 10
deaths in the United States. In
2000, infectious diseases were
responsible for only 2 out of 10
deaths. Which of the following
has been most responsible for
this change?
A The development of a variety of
antibiotics and vaccines
B The use of technology to
transmit ill patients’ records
C The modification of bacteria
and viruses using genetic
engineering
D The ability to see inside the
body with X-rays
A Correct answer
B Having a patient’s records will not cure an infectious
disease.
C Modification of bacteria and viruses has not yet lead
to cures for infectious diseases.
D X-rays are of little use in curing infectious diseases.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
3
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
07.II.II.II.02
Content of Science: Content Standard II: LIFE SCIENCE: Benchmark II: Performance Standard
2: Reproduction: Identify the differences between sexual and asexual reproduction.
175151.000 D Common
4. Which process results in
offspring that are the most
genetically different from their
parents?
A Division of bacteria cells
B Mitosis in human skin cells
C Budding in hydra cells
D Fertilization of sex cells
A The division of bacteria cells produces two
genetically identical offspring.
B Mitosis produces two genetically identical cells.
C Budding produces an offspring that is genetically
identical to the parent.
D Correct answer
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
4
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
07.II.II.I.06
Content of Science: Content Standard II: LIFE SCIENCE: Benchmark I: Performance Standard
6: Biodiversity: Understand how diverse species fill all niches in an ecosystem.
175208.000 C Common
5. Centipedes are important
organisms in temperate forest
ecosystems. They live under
decaying materials and hunt
for small insects at night. What
is most likely the role of the
centipede in the temperate forest
ecosystem?
A Decomposer
B Herbivore
C Predator
D Producer
A Decomposers break down organic material to get
energy.
B Herbivores eat plant material to get energy.
C Correct answer
D Producers use photosynthesis to get energy.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
5
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
07.II.III.I.01
Content of Science: Content Standard III: EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE: Benchmark I:
Performance Standard 1: Explain why Earth is unique in our solar system in its ability to
support life.
160380.000 Common, CMN
6. Other planets in the solar system,
such as Venus, have an atmosphere
and orbit the sun. However, Earth is
the only planet in the solar system
that can sustain life as we know it.
Identify two factors that allow
organisms to live on Earth.
Scoring Guide
Score
Description
The student correctly identifies two factors that allow Earth to sustain life.
• Breathable oxygen (1 point)
2
• Fresh water (1 point)
The student explains that organisms need oxygen to survive or water is essential for the
survival of organisms.
1
The student answers the question partially correct. (1 point)
0
Response is incorrect or contains some correct work that is irrelevant to the skill or
concept being measured.
Blank
No response.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
6
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
Score Point 2
6.
Be sure to answer the entire question.
Score Point 1
6.
Be sure to answer the entire question.
Score Point 0
6.
Be sure to answer the entire question.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
7
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
07.II.II.III.04
Content of Science: Content Standard II: LIFE SCIENCE: Benchmark III: Performance
Standard 4: Function of Cells: Compare the structure and processes of plant cells and
animal cells.
160383.001 160384 Common, CMN
7. The illustration shows an animal cell
and a plant cell.
Describe 1 difference and
1 similarity between animal
cells and plant cells.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
8
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
Scoring Guide
Score
Description
The student provides a scientifically correct description, e.g.,
2
Animal and plant cells are similar in that they both have a nucleus, mitochondrion,
ribosomes, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. They both also have a plasma
membrane. (1 point)
One difference between animal cells and plant cells is that plant cells have a cell wall,
chloroplast, and a central vacuole and animal cells do not. (1 point)
The student provides a partially correct response, e.g.,
1
Animal and plant cells are similar in that they both have a nucleus, mitochondrion,
ribosomes, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. They both also have a plasma
membrane. (1 point)
OR
One difference between animal cells and plant cells is that plant cells have a cell wall,
chloroplast, and a central vacuole and animal cells do not. (1 point)
0
Blank
Response is incomplete or contains some correct work that is irrelevant to the skill or
concept being measured.
No response.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
9
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
Score Point 2
7.
Be sure to answer the entire question.
Score Point 1
7.
Be sure to answer the entire question.
Score Point 0
7.
Be sure to answer the entire question.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
10
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
07.I.I.II.02
Scientific Thinking and Practice: Content Standard I: Benchmark II: Performance Standard 2:
Critique procedures used to investigate a hypothesis.
160451.001 160452 Common, CMN
8. A student hypothesizes that
greenhouse gases cause global
warming. The student records the
average high temperature for each
month. The data collected are shown
in the table.
Monthly Temperatures for
Northern Alaska
Month
Average High
Temperature
(°C)
January
1.9
February
4.2
March
5.4
April
11.0
May
12.0
June
18.9
July
19.5
August
17.4
September
15.8
October
12.7
November
10.3
December
2.4
Identify 2 other things the
student can do to investigate his
hypothesis.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
11
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
Scoring Guide
Score
Description
2
The student demonstrates a thorough understanding of procedures used to investigate
a hypothesis. The student correctly identifies two additional things the student can do to
investigate the hypothesis that greenhouse gases cause global warming.
1
The student demonstrates a partial understanding of procedures used to investigate a
hypothesis. The student correctly identifies one additional thing the student can do to
investigate the hypothesis that greenhouse gases cause global warming.
0
The response is incorrect or irrelevant.
Blank
No response.
Scoring Information:
Other things the student can do to investigate his hypothesis could include:
• Measure the amount of greenhouse gases during the same months in northern Alaska.
• Get the monthly temperatures in past years in northern Alaska.
• Get the monthly amounts of greenhouse gases in past years in northern Alaska.
• Compare the data between the years.
• Any other plausible thing the student can do to investigate the hypothesis.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
12
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
Score Point 2
8.
Be sure to answer the entire question.
Score Point 1
8.
Be sure to answer the entire question.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
13
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
Score Point 0
8.
Be sure to answer the entire question.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
14
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
07.II.II.II.05
Content of Science: Content Standard II: LIFE SCIENCE: Benchmark II: Performance Standard
5: Heredity: Understand that some characteristics are passed from parent to offspring as
inherited traits and others are acquired from interactions with the environment.
175241.000 Matrix (Field/Pilot)
9. The list below shows several traits
of an individual.
• Bone structure
• Plays guitar
• Ability to taste
• Eye color
• Uses a tool
Identify which of the traits listed
are inherited traits and which
are learned traits. You may use a
chart to display your answer.
Scoring Guide
Score
Description
2
The student demonstrates thorough understanding of the relevant scientific concepts and/or
procedures. The student completes the task correctly, using scientifically sound procedures
and provides clear and complete explanations and interpretations. The response may
contain minor flaws that do not detract from the demonstration of thorough understanding.
1
The student demonstrates partial understanding of the relevant scientific concepts and/
or procedures. The response includes some correct information, but indicates a lack of
essential understanding of the scientific concepts and/or procedures. Explanations and/or
interpretations are incomplete or only partially supported. The response may contain flaws
that indicate misunderstanding of the task or of the scientific concepts and/or procedures.
0
The student demonstrates no understanding of the relevant scientific concepts and/or
procedures. The response is incorrect or irrelevant to the skill or concept being measured.
Blank
No response.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
15
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
07.II.II.I.06
Content of Science: Content Standard II: LIFE SCIENCE: Benchmark I: Performance Standard
6: Biodiversity: Understand how diverse species fill all niches in an ecosystem.
166640.001 166641 Common, CMN
10. The illustration shows a food chain of an ecosystem found in the Sandia Mountains.
Forest Food Chain
Pine Cone
Field Mouse
Red-tailed
Hawk
Mushroom
Select 2 organisms from the food chain shown and describe their niche in the ecosystem.
Scoring Guide
Score
Description
2
The student demonstrates thorough understanding of the relevant scientific concepts and/or
procedures. The student completes the task correctly, using scientifically sound procedures
and provides clear and complete explanations and interpretations. The response may
contain minor flaws that do not detract from the demonstration of thorough understanding.
1
The student demonstrates partial understanding of the relevant scientific concepts and/or
procedures. The response includes some correct information, but indicates a lack of
essential understanding of the scientific concepts and/or procedures. Explanations and/or
interpretations are incomplete or only partially supported. The response may contain flaws
that indicate misunderstanding of the task or of the scientific concepts and/or procedures.
0
The student demonstrates no understanding of the relevant scientific concepts and/or
procedures. The response is incorrect or irrelevant to the skill or concept being measured.
Blank
No response.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
16
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
07.II.II.II.04
Content of Science: Content Standard II: LIFE SCIENCE: Benchmark II: Performance Standard
4: Reproduction: Know that organisms that sexually reproduce fertile offspring are members of
the same species.
175296.000 Matrix (Field/Pilot)
11. Cardinals are a species of bird. A
population of cardinals has been
isolated on an island. While living
in the new environment, the
population developed adaptations
over time that helped the cardinals
survive.
A. Predict 1 way that this
population could be different
from the original population
of cardinals and describe
what would have caused the
change.
B. Explain how to determine,
without using DNA analysis,
whether these cardinals have
become a different species.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
17
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
Scoring Guide
Score
Description
4
The student demonstrates thorough understanding of the relevant scientific concepts and/or
procedures. The student completes the task correctly, using scientifically sound procedures
and provides clear and complete explanations and interpretations. The response may
contain minor flaws that do not detract from the demonstration of thorough understanding.
3
The student demonstrates an understanding of the relevant scientific concepts and/or
procedures. The student completes most of the task correctly, but the scientific procedures,
explanations, and/or interpretations are incomplete or only partially supported. The response
may contain minor flaws that indicate some misunderstanding of the scientific concepts
and/or procedures.
2
The student demonstrates partial understanding of the relevant scientific concepts and/
or procedures. The response includes some correct information, but indicates a lack of
essential understanding of the scientific concepts and/or procedures. Explanations and/or
interpretations are incomplete or only partially supported. The response may contain flaws
that indicate misunderstanding of the task or of the scientific concepts and/or procedures.
1
The student demonstrates a minimal understanding of the relevant scientific concepts
and/or procedures. The student has reached an inadequate conclusion and/or provided
reasoning that is faulty or incomplete. The response is incomplete and exhibits many flaws,
but does contain some correct work that addresses the task.
0
The student demonstrates no understanding of the relevant scientific concepts and/or
procedures. The response is incorrect or irrelevant to the skill or concept being measured.
Blank
No response.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
18
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
07.I.I.II.01
Scientific Thinking and Practice: Content Standard I: Benchmark II: Performance Standard 1:
Describe how bias can affect scientific investigation and conclusions.
160416.001 160417 Common, CMN
12. Researchers at a toothpaste company wanted to do a study to find out whether their brand
of toothpaste would be recommended by dentists.
• The researchers asked their own dentists to give out samples of the
toothpaste to their clients.
• Both the dentists and their clients filled out questionnaires concerning
the quality of the toothpaste.
• The dentists and their clients were paid for filling out the
questionnaires.
The results were revealed in the advertisement below.
Brush with X!
Kids love the taste!
X!
Fights cavities
Freshens breath
Studies show that four out of five
dentists recommend X!
A. Identify a source of bias in this investigation and explain why it is a bias.
B. Describe 2 ways to improve the investigation that will eliminate sources of bias.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
19
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
Scoring Guide
Score
Description
4
The student
investigation
investigation
investigation
3
The student demonstrates an understanding of how bias can affect scientific investigation
and conclusions. The student correctly does any three of these: identifies a source of bias
in the investigation, explains why it is bias, or describes one or two ways to improve the
investigation that will eliminate sources of bias.
2
The student demonstrates a partial understanding of how bias can affect scientific
investigation and conclusions. The student correctly does any two of these: identifies a
source of bias in the investigation, explains why it is bias, or describes one or two ways
to improve the investigation that will eliminate sources of bias.
1
The student demonstrates an understanding of how bias can affect scientific investigation
and conclusions. The student correctly does any one of these: identifies a source of
bias in the investigation, explains why it is bias, or describes one way to improve the
investigation that will eliminate sources of bias.
0
The response is incorrect or irrelevant.
Blank
demonstrates a thorough understanding of how bias can affect scientific
and conclusions. The student correctly identifies a source of bias in the
and explains why it is bias. The student describes two ways to improve the
that will eliminate sources of bias.
No response.
Scoring Information:
(A)A source of bias is the researchers asking their own dentists to be part of the study. It is bias
because the dentists know the researchers and might be favorable in their responses to the
questionnaire.
OR
A source of bias is giving money to the dentists and their clients for filling out the questionnaire.
It is bias because the dentists and clients might be favorable in their responses to the
questionnaire because they are receiving payment.
(B)Ways to improve the investigation that will eliminate sources of bias include:
• researchers ask a random sample of dentists to test the toothpaste
• researchers do not pay the dentists or clients for filling out the questionnaire
• any other plausible improvement to the investigation to eliminate sources of bias
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
20
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
Score Point 4
12.
Be sure to answer the entire question.
Score Point 3
12.
Be sure to answer the entire question.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
21
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
Score Point 2
12.
Be sure to answer the entire question.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
22
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
Score Point 1
12.
Be sure to answer the entire question.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
23
NEW MEXICO 2010 RELEASED ITEMS
GRADE 7 SCIENCE
Score Point 0
12.
Be sure to answer the entire question.
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
24
NM_2009-2010_Gr7_Sci_Released_Item_Support_Materials
25
I
III
1
2
MC
D
1
Strand1
Benchmark
Performance Standard
Depth of Knowledge
Item Type2
Answer Key
Total Possible Points
2Item
1
B
MC
2
3a
I
II
2
1
A
MC
2
2
I
III
3
1
D
MC
1
2
II
II
4
1
C
MC
2
6
I
II
5
2
SA
2
1
I
II
6
2
SA
2
4
III
II
7
2
SA
3
2
II
I
8
2
SA
1
5
II
II
9
I = Scientific Thinking and Practice; II = Content of Science; III = Science and Society
Type: MC = Multiple Choice, SA = Short Answer, OE = Open Ended
1Strand:
1
Released Item Number
Grade 7 Science Released Item Information
2
SA
2
6
I
II
10
4
OE
3
4
II
II
11
4
OE
3
1
II
I
12