Cognitive Skill Descriptions for Grade 8 Science and Technology/Engineering MCAS

The lists below are general examples, but they are not a complete list. Depending upon how the item is written, these descriptions may not always apply.

Cognitive Skill / Description
Remembering
/
  • Identify or define a basic concept or term with little or no context
  • Recall facts with little or no context
Does the item require recalling or remembering facts or definitions?
Understanding /
  • Describe, explain, oridentify typical classroom examples for a science or tech/eng concept
  • Recognize and differentiate representations and descriptions of familiar models (contour maps, drawings, signs/symbols, eclipses)
  • Recognize basic cell parts and their functions in cells
  • Identify and describe familiar examples of elements and compounds
  • Determine the density of an object when given its mass and volume, or speed when given distance and time
  • Identify common tools and how to safely use them, and recognize appropriate use of science techniques in a familiar situation
Does the item require the recognition or a description of a familiar concept?
Applying /
  • Describe, explain, or identify a science or tech/eng concept presentedin a novel situation
  • Draw conclusions by comparing and contrasting information in novel situations
  • Draw conclusions by interpreting information/data (including simple graphs and tables) or make predictions based on data (does not include “critical examination” of data, as is done for analyzing)
  • Solve quantitative problems where an equation must be rearranged to solve the problem (e.g., finding the volume in a density problem)
  • Describe or explain multiple processes or system components (e.g., engineering design, communication system, universal model system) in a novel situation
The following apply to open-response items:
  • Describe appropriate use of science and tech/eng techniques in a given situation
  • Describe or explain a science or tech/eng concept usingfamiliar models (e.g., heat transfer models, bridge models)in a novel situation
  • Describe or explain appropriate use of tools and safety precautions
Does the item require drawing conclusions based on novel information or solving complex problems?
Analyzing /
  • Critically examine and interpret data(e.g., multiple graphs, tables with multiple variables), diagrams (e.g., moon/planet diagrams, food webs), or maps to draw conclusions based on given information (Note: An item with a graph/diagram/table/map is not necessarily analyzing—it depends on how the information needs to be interpreted.)
Doesthe item require critical examination of information to make conclusions?
Creating /
  • Generate an explanation or conclusion by combining two or more science or technology/engineering conceptsin a novel situation
  • Constructmodels, graphs, charts, drawings, or diagramsand generate explanations or conclusions based on the information
  • Construct food webs illustrating specific ecological relationships and generate predictions or conclusions based on the food web
  • Propose solutions to scientific or engineering problems based on given criteria/constraints
Does the item require the synthesis of different concepts or skills to generate a solution?

Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education | Cognitive Skills for Grade 8 STE MCAS | Working Draft May 2013