MSL Exams
Information about MSLs (Common Exam)
Measures of Student Learning (MSL) - Frequently Asked Questions
Measures of Student Learning - Implementation Timeline
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How to Pass the Middle School Science MSL (Common Exam)
The 6th and 7th grade science MSL is given to students in North Carolina at the end of the school year. This exam tests the student's understanding of Earth science, Life science, and Physical science. It incorporates concepts such as experimentation, problem solving and analysis. The MSL science exam is also given in order to see how well teachers are teaching and students are performing. In order to pass the science MSL, understand the format of the exam, review your notes from school and take practice tests.
Instructions for 6th Grade Students:
1. Know the format of the science MSL. In order to pass the science MSL, you need to know
the essential standard topics and clarifying Objectives.
Forces and Motion
6.P.1 Understand the properties of waves and the wavelike property of energy in
earthquakes, light and sound.
- 6.P.1.1 Compare the properties of waves to the wavelike property of energy in
earthquakes, light and sound.
- 6.P.1.2 Explain the relationship among visible light, the electromagnetic spectrum, and
sight.
- 6.P.1.3 Explain the relationship among the rate of vibration, the medium through which
vibrations travel, sound and hearing.
Matter: Properties and Change
6.P.2 Understand the structure, classifications and physical properties of matter.
- 6.P.2.1 Recognize that all matter is made up of atoms and atoms of the same element
are all alike, but are different from the atoms of other elements.
- 6.P.2.2 Explain the effect of heat on the motion of atoms through a description of what
happens to particles during a change in phase.
- 6.P.2.3 Compare the physical properties of pure substances that are independent of the
amount of matter present including density, boiling point, melting point and
solubility to properties that are dependent on the amount of matter present to
include volume, mass and weight.
Energy: Conservation and Transfer
6.P.3 Understand characteristics of energy transfer and interactions of matter and energy.
- 6.P.3.1 Illustrate the transfer of heat energy from warmer objects to cooler ones using
examples of conduction, radiation and convection and the effects that may
result.
- 6.P.3.2 Explain the effects of electromagnetic waves on various materials to include
absorption, scattering, and change in temperature.
- 6.P.3.3 Explain the suitability of materials for use in technological design based on a
response to heat (to include conduction, expansion, and contraction) and
electrical energy (conductors and insulators).
Earth in the Universe
6.E.1 Understand the earth/moon/sun system, and the properties, structures, and
predictable motions of celestial bodies in the Universe.
- 6.E.1.1 Explain how the relative motion and relative position of the sun, Earth and moon
affect the seasons, tides, phases of the moon, and eclipses.
- 6.E.1.2 Explain why Earth sustains life while other planets do not based on their
properties (including types of surface, atmosphere and gravitational force) and
location to the Sun.
- 6.E.1.3 Summarize space exploration and the understandings gained from them.
Earth Systems, Structures and Processes
6.E.2 Understand the structure of the earth and how interactions of constructive and
destructive forces have resulted in changes in the surface of the Earth over time and
the effects of the lithosphere on humans.
- 6.E.2.1 Summarize the structure of the earth, including the layers, the mantle and core
based on the relative position, composition and density.
- 6.E.2.2 Explain how crustal plates and ocean basins are formed, move and interact
using earthquakes, heat flow and volcanoes to reflect forces within the earth.
- 6.E.2.3 Explain how the formation of soil is related to the parent rock type and the
environment in which it develops.
- 6.E.2.4 Conclude that the good health of humans requires: monitoring the lithosphere,
maintaining soil quality and stewardship.
Structures and Functions of Living Organisms
6.L.1 Understand the structures, processes and behaviors of plants that enable them to
survive and reproduce.
- 6.L.1.1 Summarize the basic structures and functions of flowering plants required for
survival, reproduction and defense.
- 6.L.1.2 Explain the significance of the processes of photosynthesis, respiration and
transpiration to the survival of green plants and other organisms.
Ecosystems
6.L.2 Understand the flow of energy through ecosystems and the responses of populations
to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
- 6.L.2.1 Summarize how energy derived from the sun is used by plants to produce
sugars (photosynthesis) and is transferred within a food chain or food web
(terrestrial and aquatic) from producers to consumers to decomposers.
- 6.L.2.2 Explain how plants respond to external stimuli (including dormancy and forms of
tropism) to enhance survival in an environment.
- 6.L.2.3 Summarize how the abiotic factors (such as temperature, water, sunlight, and
soil quality) of biomes (freshwater, marine, forest, grasslands, desert, Tundra)
affect the ability of organisms to grow, survive and/or create their own food
through photosynthesis.
2. Study your notes from class. The information that you have learned during the year will be
tested on the science MSL. Therefore, you should study your notes each day. Also, look at
online educational videos that is related to the essential standards.
3. Take practice science exams. You can find practice science exams on my webpage. After
you take the exam, check your answers. If you answered any question wrong, then find
the source of your error. Also, look back over questions missed on tests that you've taken
throughout the school year.
4. Create your own questions and test yourself and your friends on the information. For
example, if you are studying for the 6th grade science MSL, you can create a series of
questions that relate to plants and animals.
5. Create a list of useful vocabulary words. In order to pass the science MSL, you should have
an understanding of the scientific terms that will be on the test. As you review your notes
and take practice exams, make a list of vocabulary words and their definitions. Study this
list each day.
6. Sleep well before the exam. Sleeping well before the exam will help you to be more
prepared and focused.
7. Do not become stuck on a single question. When taking the science MSL, you may find
that you do not know the answer to one of the questions. Instead of spending too much
time on that question, move on to the other questions, and then return to the one you are
unsure of after.
8. Do not leave any question blank. If you do not know the answer, then choose the answer
to the best of your ability. You may have chosen the right answer. If you leave the
question blank, then you will be marked wrong.
