Physical Science: Physics · Energy

HS-PS3-4Thermal Energy Transfer

Performance expectation

Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of thermal energy when two components of different temperature are combined within a closed system results in a more uniform energy distribution among the components in the system (second law of thermodynamics).

What NYSED says about assessing it

Clarification statement

Emphasis is on analyzing data from student investigations and using mathematical thinking to describe the energy changes both quantitatively and conceptually. Examples of investigations could include mixing liquids at different initial temperatures or adding objects at different temperatures to water.

Assessment boundary

Assessment is limited to investigations based on materials and tools provided to students.

The three dimensions

Every item written to HS-PS3-4 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.

Science & engineering practice

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Disciplinary core ideas
  • PS3.B: Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer
  • PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes
Crosscutting concepts
  • Systems and System Models

Related performance expectations

Generate a cluster for HS-PS3-4

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.