Release of Spring 2021

MCAS Test Items

from the

Grade 5 Science and

Technology/Engineering
Paper-Based Test
June 2021
Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education
 This document was prepared by the
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Jeffrey C. Riley
Commissioner

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, an affirmative action employer,
is committed to ensuring that all of its programs and facilities are accessible to all members of the public.
We do not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sex or
sexual orientation. Inquiries regarding the Department’s compliance with Title IX and other civil rights laws may
be directed to the Human Resources Director, 75 Pleasant St., Malden, MA 02148 781-338-6105.

© 2021 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Permission is hereby granted to copy for non-commercial educational purposes any or all parts of
this document with the exception of English Language Arts passages that are not designated as in
the public domain. Permission to copy all other passages must be obtained from the copyright holder.
Please credit the “Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.”

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906
Phone 781-338-3000 TTY: N.E.T. Relay 800-439-2370
[Link]
 Overview of Grade 5 Science and Technology/Engineering Test
The spring 2021 grade 5 Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) test was a next-generation assessment that was
administered in two primary formats: a computer-based version and a paper-based version. The vast majority of students took
the computer-based test. The paper-based test was offered as an accommodation for students with disabilities who are unable
to use a computer, as well as for English learners who are new to the country and are unfamiliar with technology.

Most of the operational items on the grade 5 STE test were the same, regardless of whether a student took the computer-based
version or the paper-based version. In places where a technology-enhanced item was used on the computer-based test, an adapted
version of the item was created for use on the paper test. These adapted paper items were multiple-choice or multiple-select items
that tested the same STE content and assessed the same standard as the technology-enhanced item.

This document displays released items from the paper-based test. Released items from the computer-based test are
available on the MCAS Resource Center website at [Link]/released-items.

Test Sessions and Content Overview

The grade 5 STE test was made up of two separate test sessions. Each session included selected-response questions and
constructed-response questions. On the paper-based test, the selected-response questions were multiple-choice items and
multiple-select items, in which students select the correct answer(s) from among several answer options.

In 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department reduced testing time for students in grades 3–8 through a session
sampling approach, in which each student took only a portion of each MCAS assessment. Instead of taking two sessions in
each subject, individual students took one session each.

Standards and Reporting Categories

The grade 5 STE test was based on learning standards in the four major content strands in the April 2016 version of the
Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework. The four content strands are listed below.

• Earth and Space Science

• Life Science

• Physical Science

• Technology/Engineering

The 2016 Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework is available on the Department website
at [Link]/frameworks/[Link].

Science and Technology/Engineering test results are reported under four MCAS reporting categories, which are identical to the
four framework content strands listed above.

The tables at the conclusion of this document provide the following information about each released and unreleased
operational item: reporting category, standard covered, practice category covered (if any), item type, and item description. The
correct answers for released selected-response questions are also displayed in the released item table.

Reference Materials
Each student taking the paper-based version of the grade 5 STE test was provided with a plastic ruler. An image of the ruler is
not reproduced in this document. Each student also had sole access to a calculator.

During both STE test sessions, the use of bilingual word-to-word dictionaries was allowed for current and former English
learner students.

1
 Grade 5
Science and Technology/Engineering
SESSION 1
This session contains 7 questions.

Directions
Read each question carefully and then answer it as well as you can. You must record
all answers in this Test & Answer Booklet.

For some questions, you will mark your answers by filling in the circles in your
Test & Answer Booklet. Make sure you darken the circles completely. Do not make
any marks outside of the circles. If you need to change an answer, be sure to erase
your first answer completely.

If a question asks you to show or explain your work, you must do so to receive full
credit. Write your response in the space provided. Only responses written within the
provided space will be scored.

2
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 1
SC315952 OP A

q The picture below shows a river flowing through a canyon.

Courtesy of the National Park Service

Which of the following best explains how the canyon becomes wider and
deeper over time?

A Water carries rock particles away from the canyon.

B Caves form in the canyon walls and rock particles move into them.
C Earthquakes cause the rocks of the canyon to move away from each
other.

D Volcanic activity causes the rocks on each side of the canyon to become
larger.

3
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 1
SC803832570_PA OP C

w A diagram of a tennis racket is shown.

Head

Frame

The design of tennis rackets has changed over time. Some changes to the
design are shown in the table.

Size of
Design Frame Weight
Head
Year Material (g)
(cm2)

1874 wood 370–400 419

1967 steel 350 626

1987 graphite 200–300 684

Which of the following best explains the difference in weight of the tennis
rackets?

A Over time, tennis rackets have become lighter in weight because of a

change in the racket head size.

B Over time, tennis rackets have become heavier in weight because of a

change in the racket head size.

C Over time, tennis rackets have become lighter in weight because of a

change in the racket frame material.

D Over time, tennis rackets have become heavier in weight because of a

change in the racket frame material.

4
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 1
SC806381763 OP D

e A group of students stirred sand into a beaker of water. The beaker was
set on a table for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, three layers formed in the
beaker, as shown in the diagram.

Water with
sand particles

Small grains
of sand
Large grains
of sand

The students made these observations after 10 minutes:

• The top layer was mostly water with some sand particles in it.
• The middle layer was mostly solid with small grains of sand.
• The bottom layer was mostly solid with large grains of sand.
• Each layer was at room temperature.

Some students claimed that a chemical reaction took place when the sand
was stirred into the water. Other students claimed that a mixture was formed.

Which of the following is best supported by the students’ observations?

A Claim: A chemical reaction took place.

Evidence: Three layers formed.

B Claim: A chemical reaction took place.

Evidence: The water had some sand particles in it.

C Claim: A mixture was formed.

Evidence: Each layer was at room temperature.

D Claim: A mixture was formed.

Evidence: The water and sand were mostly separated.

5
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 1
SC630226369 OP D

r A group of students designed a box to keep their lunches cool during recess.
Their design is shown.

Sunlight

Lunches

Which of the following best describes the main purpose of the part labeled W
in the design?

A It keeps the box from falling over.

B It gives support to the rest of the box.
C It stops warm air from blowing on the box.
D It blocks heat energy from entering the box.

6
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 1
SC804958319 OP X

t A scientist tested four objects: W, X, Y, and Z. Two of the objects were

made of the same substance, and the other objects were made of different
substances. The scientist collected the data in the table.

Soluble in Conducts
Object Mass Shape
Water? Electricity?

W 10 g cube yes no

X 10 g ball yes yes

Y 15 g ball yes no

Z 15 g cube no yes

Identify the two objects that were made of the same substance. Explain your
reasoning and include data from the table to support your answer.

 t

7
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 1
SC815568663 OP B, D, E

y A software engineer designed a new version of a video game. The original

version of the game and the new version are compared in the table.

Characteristic Original Version New Version

amount of time for

6 months 18 months
engineer to develop
cost to make each
$5.00 $10.00
unit
multiplayer,
number of players only 1 player
1–4 players
easy, medium,
levels of difficulty medium only
and hard
number of levels
25 levels 45 levels
of play

Select three design criteria the engineer most likely used in designing the
new version of the game.

A must cost more to make than the original version

B must allow more players than the original version
C must take longer to design than the original version
D must have more levels of play than the original version
E must have more levels of difficulty than the original version

8
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 1
SC717726918_PA OP A, B, D

u The model shown represents particles of a substance in a closed container

before and after a phase change.

Before After

Particle

What state of matter was the substance before the phase change?

A solid
B liquid
C gas

What state of matter was the substance after the phase change?

A solid
B liquid
C gas

What type of phase change took place?

A condensation
B evaporation
C freezing
D melting

9
 Grade 5
Science and Technology/Engineering
SESSION 2
This session contains 13 questions.

Directions
Read each question carefully and then answer it as well as you can. You must record
all answers in this Test & Answer Booklet.

For some questions, you will mark your answers by filling in the circles in your
Test & Answer Booklet. Make sure you darken the circles completely. Do not make
any marks outside of the circles. If you need to change an answer, be sure to erase
your first answer completely.

If a question asks you to show or explain your work, you must do so to receive full
credit. Write your response in the space provided. Only responses written within the
provided space will be scored.

10
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2
SC815459442 OP B

i Houses built in places that have hurricanes need to be protected from strong
winds and flooding. The design shown helps keep winds from blowing the
roof off a house during a hurricane.

Which drawing represents the best way to modify the house so that it is also
protected from flooding?

11
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2
SC736074336_PA OP A; A

o When a tuning fork is hit, it vibrates and makes a sound. A picture of a

tuning fork is shown.

Which of the following happens when a tuning fork is hit?

A The tuning fork creates sound waves that carry kinetic energy.
B The tuning fork creates sound waves that carry electrical energy.
C The tuning fork creates sound waves that carry magnetic energy.

Which of the following would happen if a tuning fork is hit and then
placed in water?

A The sound waves will move the water.

B The sound waves will immediately stop moving.

12
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2

The following section focuses on organisms in a garden.

Read the information below and use it to answer the three selected-response
questions and one constructed-response question that follow.
SC315793_span OP
A science class investigated how sunlight and fertilizer affect the total mass of
vegetables produced in a garden. The students filled four planting boxes with
equal amounts of soil. They put two boxes in a very sunny area and two boxes in a
shaded area. The students added fertilizer to one box in each area. The table below
shows the conditions that were different for each box. All other conditions were the
same for each box.

Table 1: Conditions for Growing Plants

Condition Box W Box X Box Y Box Z

sunlight sunny sunny shaded shaded

fertilizer no yes no yes

The students planted four identical pea plants and four identical lettuce plants
in each box. After six weeks, the students measured the mass of the vegetables
produced in each box. The table below shows the students’ data.

Table 2: Student Data

Vegetable Box W Box X Box Y Box Z

peas 363 g 454 g 227 g 318 g

lettuce 1089 g 1452 g 816 g 907 g

total 1452 g 1906 g 1043 g 1225 g

13
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2

The students observed small insects called aphids eating some parts of the plants.
The students also observed ladybugs eating the aphids. The students made the
model below to show how matter moves in the garden. The students forgot to add
decomposers.
Movement of Matter Model

Ladybug

Ladybug
Aphid

Air Aphid Pea plant

Soil
Pea plant

Soil

14
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2
SC315801_PA OP D

a The students also studied how pea plants use energy.

Which of the following best describes how pea plants use energy?

A Pea plants use energy from soil to break down food.

B Pea plants use energy from sunlight to break down food.
C Pea plants use energy from water to make their own food.
D Pea plants use energy from sunlight to make their own food.

15
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2
SC315798_PA OP C

s A student is classifying some organisms from the garden into these three
groups: producer, consumer, and decomposer.

Which of the following tables correctly classifies each organism?

A B
Group Organism Group Organism

producer aphid producer fungus

consumer fungus consumer aphid

decomposer lettuce plant decomposer lettuce plant

C Group Organism
D Group Organism

producer lettuce plant producer lettuce plant

consumer aphid consumer fungus

decomposer fungus decomposer aphid

SC315799 OP A

d A student noticed that the small aphids in the garden grew larger over time.
Which of the following best describes what the aphids must have done to
grow larger?

A ate more of the plant for food

B used more matter from the soil
C absorbed more sunlight for food
D received more energy from the air

16
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2

This question has three parts. Write your response on the next page. Be
sure to label each part of your response.
SC315804 OP X

f A student is investigating the process of photosynthesis.

A. Identify the part of the pea and lettuce plants where most photosynthesis
takes place.

B. What must the pea and lettuce plants take up through their roots to
perform photosynthesis?

C. The student is also investigating the effect of sunlight on the total mass of
the vegetables produced in the garden. The student graphs the data from
box W and box Y, as shown.

Vegetables
Produced

1200
1000
Mass (g)

800
600
400 Box W
200 Box Y
0
Peas Lettuce

Explain why the student compared the data from boxes W and Y instead of
the data from boxes W and Z to determine the effect of sunlight.

17
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2

 f

18
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2
SC735433920 OP B

g The Ring of Fire is a region around the Pacific Ocean that has many volcanoes.
The area shaded gray on the map is where the Ring of Fire is located.

ASIA
NORTH
AMERICA

Pacific SOUTH
Ocean AMERICA
N AUSTRALIA

Key
Ring of Fire

Which of the following best explains why there are many volcanoes in this
region?

A There is an ocean in this region.

B There are plate boundaries in this region.
C There are only four continents in this region.
D There is always a warm climate in this region.

19
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2

This question has three parts. Write your response on the next page. Be
sure to label each part of your response.
SC315791 OP X

h A student used a model to show how fresh water cycles in Massachusetts.

The model is shown.

Lamp

Clear lid

Ice pack

Plastic
container

Clay
Water

In the model, the water represented a lake and the clay represented land.
A lamp shined through the lid and onto the water. The student placed an ice
pack on top of the clear lid. Water droplets formed under the ice pack and
dripped onto the clay.

A. Identify what the lamp represented in this model.

B. Describe the part of the water cycle that was represented by the lamp
shining on the water in the container. In your answer, be sure to describe
what happened to the water.

C. Identify the part of the water cycle that was represented by the droplets
of water forming on the bottom of the lid under the ice pack. Explain your
reasoning.

20
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2

 h

21
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2
SC629849945 OP B

j A student adds liquid water to a measuring cup and freezes it. The surface of
the ice that forms is above the 1-cup measurement line, as shown.

1 cup

34
23

12

13
14

The ice then melts and the student observes that the surface of the liquid
water is below the 1-cup measurement line. The student claims the number
of water particles in the ice and in the liquid water was the same.

To provide evidence for this claim, what did the student most likely do before
and after the ice melted?

A measured the level of the water using a ruler

B measured the mass of the water using a scale
C measured the temperature of the water using a thermometer
D measured the circumference of the measuring cup using a tape measure

22
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2

This question has two parts.

SC814675449 OP A; C

k A teacher played a game with a class of students. During the game, the
teacher gave hand signals. The students watched the teacher and then
moved a game piece on a board based on the teacher’s hand signals.
The move required by each hand signal is shown.

• closed fist: move up one space

• one thumb up: move down one space
• two thumbs up: move left one space
• open hand: move right one space

The teacher gave several hand signals and the students moved their game
pieces.

Part A

Which of the following best describes how information was transferred as

the teacher gave the hand signals?

A The teacher encoded a message and then sent it to the students.

B The teacher decoded a message and then sent it to the students.
C The teacher decoded a message and then received it from the students.
D The teacher encoded a message and then received it from the students.

Part B

Which of the following best describes how information was transferred after
the teacher gave the hand signals?

A The students sent a message and then encoded it.

B The students decoded a message and then sent it.
C The students received a message and then decoded it.
D The students encoded a message and then received it.

23
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2
SC804038252 OP A

l Students are testing two designs of a compost bin. One bin has gaps in its
sides, while the other does not. Each design is shown.

Gaps

Design 1 Design 2

Each bin contains the same amount of materials that will be composted.
One student claims that the gaps in design 1 will allow the materials to
break down faster than in design 2.

Which of the following best supports the student’s claim?

A The gaps in design 1 allow air to flow into the bin.

B The gaps in design 1 allow the materials to dry out.
C The gaps in design 1 allow heat to escape from the bin.
D The gaps in design 1 allow light to shine on the materials.

24
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2
SC633242830 OP B

; The table shows weather data collected over a three-day period.

Temperature Wind Speed Wind

Day Humidity
(°F) (mph) Direction

1 31 15 west 67%

2 34 6 north 98%

3 42 5 west 92%

Which of the following best explains why there was a greater chance of
precipitation on day 2 than on day 1?

A Day 1 had stronger winds.

B Day 2 had higher humidity.
C Day 1 had colder temperatures.
D Day 2 had more wind from the north.

25
Science and Technology/Engineering Session 2
SC814159782 OP D

2) The people in a town want to help the environment. Which of the following
is one way the people in the town can reduce human impact on the
environment?

A heat town buildings using oil and propane gas

B build a housing development in a forested area
C install street lights throughout the town so people can see at night
D build a water-treatment plant that cleans and recycles wastewater

26
 Grade 5 Science and Technology/Engineering
Spring 2021 Released Operational Items

PBT
Page Reporting Practice Item Correct
Item Standard Item Description
No. Category Category Type* Answer**
No.
Use evidence from a picture to describe the
Earth and Space C. Evidence, Reasoning,
1 3 [Link].1.1 SR role of erosion in the formation of a landform A
Science and Modeling
over time.
Technology/ Evaluate data in a table to explain how an
2 4 [Link].3.1 B. Mathematics and Data SR C
Engineering existing technology was improved over time.
C. Evidence, Reasoning, Use evidence from a diagram to support a
3 5 Physical Science [Link].1.4 SR D
and Modeling claim that a mixture formed.
Technology/ C. Evidence, Reasoning, Analyze a sketch of a design to determine the
4 6 [Link].3.2 SR D
Engineering and Modeling purpose of one part of the design.
Use data to determine which objects were
made from the same substance based on
5 7 Physical Science [Link].1.3 B. Mathematics and Data CR
their characteristic properties and explain the
reasoning using evidence.
Analyze information to determine the design
Technology/
6 8 [Link].1.1 B. Mathematics and Data SR criteria an engineer most likely used to redesign B,D,E
Engineering
a game.
Interpret a particle model of a phase change
C. Evidence, Reasoning,
7 9 Physical Science [Link].1.1 SR and determine the phases of the substance and A;B;D
and Modeling
the phase change that took place.
Technology/ C. Evidence, Reasoning, Determine which design solution will best
8 11 [Link].3.1 SR B
Engineering and Modeling protect a structure from flooding.
Determine the type of energy carried by sound
9 12 Physical Science [Link].4.1 None SR waves and what will happen to water when the A;A
sound waves enter the water.
Describe how plants use energy from sunlight
10 15 Life Science [Link].1.1 None SR D
to make their own food.
Classify organisms from a model as
11 16 Life Science [Link].2.1 None SR C
producers, consumers, or decomposers.
Describe how animals must use food for
12 16 Life Science [Link].3.1 None SR A
growth.
Identify a part of a plant where photosynthesis
takes place, identify water as what is taken up
A. Investigations and
13 17 Life Science [Link].1.1 CR through roots for photosynthesis, and evaluate
Questioning
a student’s investigation of how different
amounts of sunlight affect photosynthesis.
Earth and Space C. Evidence, Reasoning, Analyze a map to explain why there are
14 19 [Link].2.2 SR B
Science and Modeling volcanoes in a region.
Earth and Space C. Evidence, Reasoning, Identify, describe, and explain different parts
15 20 [Link].2.1 CR
Science and Modeling of the water cycle in a student's model.
Identify evidence from an investigation that
A. Investigations and
16 22 Physical Science [Link].1.2 SR supports the claim that matter is conserved B
Questioning
before and after a phase change.
Analyze a situation to determine how a
Technology/ C. Evidence, Reasoning,
17 23 [Link].4.3 SR message was encoded, sent, received, and A;C
Engineering and Modeling
decoded.
C. Evidence, Reasoning, Use evidence to support a claim about compost
18 24 Life Science [Link].2.2 SR A
and Modeling bin designs.
Use weather data to explain why there was
Earth and Space
19 25 [Link].2.1 B. Mathematics and Data SR a greater chance of precipitation on a B
Science
particular day.
Earth and Space Identify one way people in a town can reduce
20 26 [Link].3.1 None SR D
Science human impact on the environment.

* Science and Technology/Engineering item types are: selected-response (SR) and constructed-response (CR).
** Answers are provided here for selected-response items only. Sample responses and scoring guidelines for constructed-response items will be posted to the
Department’s website later this year.

27
 Grade 5 Science and Technology/Engineering
Spring 2021 Unreleased Operational Items

PBT
Reporting Practice Item
Item Standard Item Description
Category Category Type*
No.
Determine which pair of magnets has the strongest
21 Physical Science [Link].2.3 None SR
attraction between them.
C. Evidence, Reasoning, Describe an improvement to increase the effectiveness
22 Earth and Space Science [Link].3.2 SR
and Modeling of a water filter.
Describe the energy that an object had at a certain
23 Physical Science [Link].3.4 None SR
position on a ramp.
C. Evidence, Reasoning, Identify the direction of the gravitational force that
24 Physical Science [Link].2.1 SR
and Modeling acted on a moving object.
C. Evidence, Reasoning, Describe how a change in design would affect the
25 Physical Science [Link].3.4 SR
and Modeling stored energy and speed of an object.
Explain how surface material would affect the force
C. Evidence, Reasoning,
26 Physical Science [Link].3.1 CR of friction acting on an object, the speed of the object,
and Modeling
and the kinetic energy of the object.
Describe changes that could be made to the design
C. Evidence, Reasoning,
27 Technology/Engineering [Link].1.5 CR of a structure to meet specific criteria and describe a
and Modeling
possible tradeoff to one of the changes.
C. Evidence, Reasoning, Analyze a diagram and determine the effect of
28 Physical Science [Link].2.1 SR
and Modeling unbalanced forces on an object.
Identify a model that shows the cause of day and
C. Evidence, Reasoning,
29 Earth and Space Science [Link].1.2 SR night and explain why people on Earth experience this
and Modeling
change.
Describe how scientists use fossil evidence to make
30 Life Science [Link].4.1 None SR comparisons between a modern-day organism and
one that lived long ago.
C. Evidence, Reasoning, Analyze information to determine a characteristic of
31 Life Science [Link].3.2 SR
and Modeling a plant that was affected by the environment.
Use precipitation and temperature data to describe
32 Earth and Space Science [Link].2.2 B. Mathematics and Data SR
the climate of a region.
C. Evidence, Reasoning, Describe a similarity between the life stages of plants
33 Life Science [Link].1.1 SR
and Modeling and animals.
Interpret a circle graph to explain why there is a limited
34 Earth and Space Science [Link].2.2 B. Mathematics and Data SR
amount of fresh water available for human use.
Describe how an environmental change is likely to
35 Life Science [Link].4.4 None SR
affect an organism's survival.
C. Evidence, Reasoning, Compare design solutions to determine why one
36 Technology/Engineering [Link].1.2 SR
and Modeling design cooks food faster.
Describe how plant roots support the survival of
37 Life Science [Link].1.1 None SR
plants during winter.
Compare different representations of a design
38 Technology/Engineering [Link].1.4 None CR solution and describe an advantage of each
representation.
C. Evidence, Reasoning, Describe how the loss of trees affects the soil in an
39 Earth and Space Science [Link].2.1 SR
and Modeling area.
Determine whether energy resources are renewable or
40 Earth and Space Science [Link].3.1 None SR
nonrenewable.
Describe how some individuals within a population
41 Life Science [Link].4.2 None SR have an advantage in survival and reproduction
because of variations of a characteristic.

* Science and Technology/Engineering item types are: selected-response (SR) and constructed-response (CR).

28