Physical Science

MS-PS1-4

Thermal energy and particle motion

Performance expectation

Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed.

Clarification

Emphasis is on qualitative molecular-level models of solids, liquids, and gases through state changes.

Assessment boundary

No additional assessment boundary is stated.

SEP

Practice

  • Developing and Using Models

DCI

Core idea

  • PS1.A
  • PS3.A

CCC

Reasoning lens

  • Cause and Effect

Evidence map

Rooms connected to MS-PS1-4.

“Primary” means the chapter includes an observable performance and assessable artifact for this expectation; “supporting” builds context.

Connections recorded in the official model

ELA/literacy: RST.6–8.7

Mathematics: 6.NS.5

California Environmental Principles and Concepts: No direct mapping recorded.

Verified 2026-07-29. Open the official California source.