Performance expectationUse a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
Emphasis is on illustrating inputs and outputs of matter and the transfer and transformation of energy in photosynthesis by plants and other photosynthesizing organisms. Examples of models could include diagrams, chemical equations, and conceptual models.
Assessment does not include specific biochemical steps.
Balancing chemical equations.
This performance expectation appears in more than one course map. The note above is the scope NYSED specifies for Physical Science: Chemistry.
Every item written to HS-LS1-5 has to assess all three dimensions together, not the content alone. This is the structural change that made older practice material stop matching the exam.
Developing and Using Models
What a student at each level can do with HS-LS1-5. These drive how a cluster spreads difficulty across its items.
Summarised by ScienceIQ from the NYSED Performance Level Descriptions for Physical Science: Chemistry. These are our wording, not the Department’s — the official descriptions are the authority.
Use a model or information to identify how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
Use a model or information to identify matter and energy components in photosynthesis.
Use a model to describe how photosynthesis conserves energy or matter.
Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
Phenomenon stimulus, connected items across the required types, answer key, rubric and figures drawn deterministically from a structured spec — in the format your students will sit.