HS-PS4-3

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

HS-PS4-3. Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind the idea that electromagnetic
radiation can be described either by a wave model or a particle model, and that for
some situations one model is more useful than the other. [Clarification Statement:
Emphasis is on how the experimental evidence supports the claim and how a theory is
generally modified in light of new evidence. Examples of a phenomenon could include
resonance, interference, diffraction, and photoelectric effect.] [Assessment Boundary:
Assessment does not include using quantum theory.]

The performance expectation above was developed using the following elements from A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices Disciplinary Core Ideas Crosscutting Concepts

Engaging in Argument from Evidence PS4.A: Wave Properties Systems and System
Engaging in argument from evidence in 9–  [From the 3–5 grade band endpoints] Models
12 builds on K–8 experiences and Waves can add or cancel one another  Models (e.g., physical,
progresses to using appropriate and as they cross, depending on their mathematical, and
sufficient evidence and scientific relative phase (i.e., relative position of computer models) can be
reasoning to defend and critique claims peaks and troughs of the waves), but used to simulate systems
and explanations about the natural and they emerge unaffected by each and interactions —
designed world(s). Arguments may also other. (Boundary: The discussion at including energy, matter
come from current scientific or historical this grade level is qualitative only; it and information flows —
episodes in science. can be based on the fact that two within and between
 Evaluate the claims, evidence, and different sounds can pass a location in systems at different
reasoning behind currently accepted different directions without getting scales.
explanations or solutions to determine mixed up.)
the merits of arguments. PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation
-------------------------------  Electromagnetic radiation (e.g., radio,
Connections to Nature of Science microwaves, light) can be modeled as
a wave of changing electric and
Science Models, Laws, Mechanisms, magnetic fields or as particles called
and Theories Explain Natural photons. The wave model is useful for
Phenomena explaining many features of
 A scientific theory is a substantiated electromagnetic radiation, and the
explanation of some aspect of the particle model explains other features.
natural world, based on a body of
facts that have been repeatedly
confirmed through observation and
experiment. The science community
validates each theory before it is
accepted. If new evidence is
discovered that the theory does not
accommodate, the theory is generally
modified in light of this new evidence.

Observable features of the student performance by the end of the course:

1 Identifying the given explanation and associated claims, evidence, and reasoning
a Students identify the given explanation that is to be supported by the claims, evidence, and
reasoning to be evaluated, and that includes the following idea: Electromagnetic radiation can be
described either by a wave model or a particle model, and for some situations one model is more
useful than the other.
b Students identify the given claims to be evaluated.
c Students identify the given evidence to be evaluated, including the following phenomena:
i. Interference behavior by electromagnetic radiation; and
ii. The photoelectric effect.
d Students identify the given reasoning to be evaluated.

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2 Evaluating given evidence and reasoning
a Students evaluate the given evidence for interference behavior of electromagnetic radiation to
determine how it supports the argument that electromagnetic radiation can be described by a
wave model.
b Students evaluate the phenomenon of the photoelectric effect to determine how it supports the
argument that electromagnetic radiation can be described by a particle model.
c Students evaluate the given claims and reasoning for modeling electromagnetic radiation as both
a wave and particle, considering the transfer of energy and information within and between
systems, and why for some aspects the wave model is more useful and for other aspects the
particle model is more useful to describe the transfer of energy and information.

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