Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Ask questions and define problems that can be investigated scientifically or solved through engineering.
What does a student learn in
Mastery Learning Standards
The required skills a student should display by the end of Grade 6.
Science and Engineering Practices
Science and Engineering Practices
- Grades 6-8
- Grades 6-8
Developing and Using Models
Develop and use models to represent phenomena, systems, and engineering designs.
- Grades 6-8
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Plan and carry out investigations to gather data and test ideas.
- Grades 6-8
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Analyze and interpret data to derive meaning and identify patterns.
- Grades 6-8
Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Use mathematics and computational thinking to support scientific reasoning.
- Grades 6-8
Constructing Explanations
Construct explanations and design solutions based on evidence and scientific principles.
- Grades 6-8
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Engage in argument from evidence to compare competing explanations or design solutions.
- Grades 6-8
Communicating Information
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate scientific and technical information.
| Standard | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Asking Questions and Defining Problems Grades 6-8 | Ask questions and define problems that can be investigated scientifically or solved through engineering. | MD-SCI.SEP.6-8.1 |
| Developing and Using Models Grades 6-8 | Develop and use models to represent phenomena, systems, and engineering designs. | MD-SCI.SEP.6-8.2 |
| Planning and Carrying Out Investigations Grades 6-8 | Plan and carry out investigations to gather data and test ideas. | MD-SCI.SEP.6-8.3 |
| Analyzing and Interpreting Data Grades 6-8 | Analyze and interpret data to derive meaning and identify patterns. | MD-SCI.SEP.6-8.4 |
| Mathematics and Computational Thinking Grades 6-8 | Use mathematics and computational thinking to support scientific reasoning. | MD-SCI.SEP.6-8.5 |
| Constructing Explanations Grades 6-8 | Construct explanations and design solutions based on evidence and scientific principles. | MD-SCI.SEP.6-8.6 |
| Engaging in Argument from Evidence Grades 6-8 | Engage in argument from evidence to compare competing explanations or design solutions. | MD-SCI.SEP.6-8.7 |
| Communicating Information Grades 6-8 | Obtain, evaluate, and communicate scientific and technical information. | MD-SCI.SEP.6-8.8 |
Physical Science
Physical Science
- Grades 6-8
Matter and Interactions
Investigate the structure of matter and interactions among atoms and molecules to develop explanations of physical phenomena.
- Grades 6-8
Motion and Stability
Investigate forces, motion, and stability through Newton's laws and conservation principles.
- Grades 6-8
Energy
Investigate the forms, transfer, and conservation of energy.
- Grades 6-8
Waves and Information
Investigate waves and their applications in transferring energy and information.
| Standard | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Matter and Interactions Grades 6-8 | Investigate the structure of matter and interactions among atoms and molecules to develop explanations of physical phenomena. | MD-SCI.PS.6-8.1 |
| Motion and Stability Grades 6-8 | Investigate forces, motion, and stability through Newton's laws and conservation principles. | MD-SCI.PS.6-8.2 |
| Energy Grades 6-8 | Investigate the forms, transfer, and conservation of energy. | MD-SCI.PS.6-8.3 |
| Waves and Information Grades 6-8 | Investigate waves and their applications in transferring energy and information. | MD-SCI.PS.6-8.4 |
Life Science
Life Science
- Grades 6-8
Structures and Processes
Investigate the structures and processes of organisms, from cells to systems.
- Grades 6-8
Ecosystems
Investigate how matter and energy cycle in ecosystems and how organisms interact within communities.
- Grades 6-8
Heredity
Investigate inheritance and variation of traits across generations.
- Grades 6-8
Biological Evolution
Investigate the unity and diversity of life and the mechanisms of evolution.
| Standard | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Structures and Processes Grades 6-8 | Investigate the structures and processes of organisms, from cells to systems. | MD-SCI.LS.6-8.1 |
| Ecosystems Grades 6-8 | Investigate how matter and energy cycle in ecosystems and how organisms interact within communities. | MD-SCI.LS.6-8.2 |
| Heredity Grades 6-8 | Investigate inheritance and variation of traits across generations. | MD-SCI.LS.6-8.3 |
| Biological Evolution Grades 6-8 | Investigate the unity and diversity of life and the mechanisms of evolution. | MD-SCI.LS.6-8.4 |
Earth and Space Science
Earth and Space Science
- Grades 6-8
Earth's Place in the Universe
Investigate Earth's place in the universe, including the history of Earth and the patterns of motion in the solar system.
- Grades 6-8
Earth's Systems
Investigate the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere and how they interact.
- Grades 6-8
Earth and Human Activity
Investigate how human activity influences Earth's systems and how natural hazards affect human life.
| Standard | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Earth's Place in the Universe Grades 6-8 | Investigate Earth's place in the universe, including the history of Earth and the patterns of motion in the solar system. | MD-SCI.ESS.6-8.1 |
| Earth's Systems Grades 6-8 | Investigate the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere and how they interact. | MD-SCI.ESS.6-8.2 |
| Earth and Human Activity Grades 6-8 | Investigate how human activity influences Earth's systems and how natural hazards affect human life. | MD-SCI.ESS.6-8.3 |
Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science
Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science
- Grades 6-8
Engineering Design
Define engineering problems, develop possible solutions, and optimize designs through testing and refinement.
- Grades 6-8
Links Among Engineering, Technology, and Society
Investigate how engineering, technology, and society influence each other.
| Standard | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Design Grades 6-8 | Define engineering problems, develop possible solutions, and optimize designs through testing and refinement. | MD-SCI.ETS.6-8.1 |
| Links Among Engineering, Technology, and Society Grades 6-8 | Investigate how engineering, technology, and society influence each other. | MD-SCI.ETS.6-8.2 |
No state assessments at this grade
Students take their next one in Grade 8.
MISA: Science (Grade 8)
Maryland Integrated Science Assessment in grade 8, aligned to Maryland's NGSS-based science standards.
- When given:
- spring
- Frequency:
- annual
NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress)
Federally administered sample-based assessment in reading, mathematics, science, and writing. NAEP results inform state-by-state comparisons rather than individual student or school accountability.
- When given:
- biennial in winter
- Frequency:
- every two years