Sandstone formation - McREL

1. The picture below can be used to show how sandstone can form along the edge of a large lake.
Draw and write on the picture to show the two main processes of sandstone formation.
NAEP released item, grade 4

Question 1
Scoring Guide
Score & Description
Complete
Student response includes both parts of the sedimentary process.
• Part 1:
a. Rivers erode mountain material
b. Mountain material is carried by river
c. Erosion
• Part 2:
a. Hardens
b. Solidifies
c. Compacts
d. Builds up in layers
Partial
Student response includes part 1 or part 2 of the sedimentary process.
Unsatisfactory/Incorrect
Student does not demonstrate an understanding of the sedimentary process.
Complete - Student Response
1 The picture below can be used to show how sandstone can form along the edge of a large lake.
Draw and write on the picture to show the two main processes of sandstone formation.
NAEP released item, grade 4

Scorer Comments:
Both responses fully describe the sedimentary process. Each response describes the
transportation of sedimentary material by the rivers into the lake and the subsequent compaction of
that material into sandstone.
Partial - Student Response
1 The picture below can be used to show how sandstone can form along the edge of a large lake.
Draw and write on the picture to show the two main processes of sandstone formation.
NAEP released item, grade 4

1 The picture below can be used to show how sandstone can form along the edge of a large lake.
Draw and write on the picture to show the two main processes of sandstone formation.
Scorer Comments:
Both responses provide a partial description of the sedimentary process. The first response
addresses the transportation of sedimentary materials by the rivers, and the second response
addresses the compaction of that material into sandstone.
Unsatisfactory/Incorrect - Student Response
1 The picture below can be used to show how sandstone can form along the edge of a large lake.
Draw and write on the picture to show the two main processes of sandstone formation.
NAEP released item, grade 4

1 The picture below can be used to show how sandstone can form along the edge of a large lake.
Draw and write on the picture to show the two main processes of sandstone formation.
Scorer Comments:
Neither response demonstrates understanding of either part of the sedimentary process.
NAEP released item, grade 4

2005 National Performance Results
Score
Percentage of Students
Unsatisfactory/incorrect 69%
Partial 5%
Complete 1%
Omitted 23%
Off task 2%
Note:
• These results are for public and nonpublic school students.
• Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.
The Fields of Science: Earth & Space Sciences (Sub content classification: Solid Earth)
Knowing and Doing Science : Conceptual Understanding
NAEP released item, grade 4

The Fields of Science
Earth & Space Sciences
This question measures basic knowledge and understanding of the following:
Solid Earth
• Composition of the Earth;
• Forces that alter the Earth's surface;
• Rocks: their formation, characteristics, and uses;
• Soil, its changes and uses;
• Natural resources used by humankind; and
• Forces within the Earth (not in grade 4).
Knowing and Doing Science
Conceptual Understanding
Conceptual understanding includes the body of scientific knowledge that students draw upon when
conducting a scientific investigation or engaging in practical reasoning. Essential scientific concepts
involve a variety of information, including facts and events the student learns from both science
instruction and experiences with natural environment; and scientific concepts, principles, laws, and
theories that scientists use to explain and predict observations of the natural world.
NAEP released item, grade 4