Physical Science NC Final Exam Testing Specifications

Updated for 2017-2018 School Year by NCDPI

Here is the link to the .PDF where this information originated.

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/accountability/common-exams/specifications/2017-18/hsscispecs1718.pdf

Table 1: Weight Distributions for Physical Science NCFE

Physical Science
Domain % of NCFE
Standard
PSc.1.1 2% -- 7%
Forces & Motion
PSc.1.2 9% -- 14%
PSc.2.1 11% -- 17%
Matter: Properties
PSc.2.2 23% -- 31%
& Change
PSc.2.3 2% -- 7%
Energy: PSc.3.1 7% -- 10%
Conservation & PSc.3.2 14% -- 19%
Transfer PSc.3.3 9% -- 14%
Total 100%
NOTE: Members of the Test Development section of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI)
invited teachers to collaborate and develop recommendations for a prioritization of the standards indicating the
relative importance of each standard, the anticipated instructional time, and the appropriateness of the standard for
multiple-choice and constructed response item formats.

Table 2: Number of Items by Clarifying Objective – Physical Science NCFE

Physical Number of
UNIFYING CONCEPT: Science Physical Science Objective Description Items per
Objective Objective*
Explain motion in terms of frame of reference, distance,
PSc.1.1.1 --
displacement
Compare speed, velocity, acceleration, momentum using:
PSc.1.1.2 investigations, graphing, scalar quantities, vector 2
Forces & Motion quantities
Effect of gravitational force on weight of an object and
PSc.1.2.1 3
velocity of an object in freefall
PSc.1.2.2 Classify frictional forces as: static, sliding, rolling, fluid 1
PSc.1.2.3 Explain forces using Newton’s laws 1
Classify matter as: homogenous, heterogeneous, pure,
PSc.2.1.1 mixture, element, compound, metal, non-metal, 1
metalloid, solution, colloid, suspension
Explain 3 phases of matter and the changes that matter
PSc.2.1.2 2
undergoes
PSc.2.1.3 Compare physical and chemical properties 2
Matter: Properties & Interpret data from Bohr model diagrams and dot
PSc.2.1.4 1
Change diagrams
Infer valence electrons, oxidation number, reactivity
PSc.2.2.1 2
based on element location on Periodic Table
PSc.2.2.2 Infer chemical bond types for substances 2
PSc.2.2.3 Predict chemical formulas and names for compounds 1
Balance chemical equations to show law of conservation
PSc.2.2.4 2
of matter
 Classify types of reactions as: synthesis, decomposition,
PSc.2.2.5 2
single and double replacement
PSc.2.2.6 Acid and base interactions 1
Nuclear reactions: alpha decay, beta decay, gamma
PSc.2.3.1 1
decay, nuclear fusion, nuclear fusion
PSc.2.3.2 Show radioactive decay using concept of half-life 1
PSc.3.1.1 Thermal energy & transfer 1
Law of conservation of energy of mechanical systems in
PSc.3.1.2 1
terms of: kinetic, potential, and heat
Work in terms of: relationship of applied force,
PSc.3.1.3 1
displacement of object, energy transfer
Qualitative & quantitative relationship between work,
PSc.3.1.4 1
power, and simple machines
Relationships between characteristics of waves:
PSc.3.2.1 3
frequency, period, velocity, amplitude, wavelength
Energy:
PSc.3.2.2 Compare waves: mechanical, electromagnetic, surface 2
Conservation &
PSc.3.2.3 Classify waves as: transverse, compressional, longitudinal 1
Transfer
Illustrate wave interactions: reflection, refraction,
PSc.3.2.4 --
diffraction, interference
PSc.3.3.1 Static and current electricity --
PSc.3.3.2 Explain series and parallel circuits in terms of Ohm’s law 2
Wire effect on current based on: composition, length,
PSc.3.3.3 --
temperature, diameter of wire
Explain magnetism based on: domains, interactions of
PSc.3.3.4 2
poles, magnetic fields
PSc.3.3.5 Practical applications of magnets 1
* Some objectives not designated with tested items (i.e., “–”) may be a prerequisite standard, may be tested within
the context of another standard, or may be included as an embedded field test item.