released science items 4nces.ed.gov/timss/pdf/timss2011_g4_science.pdf · 4 released science items...

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4 RELEASED SCIENCE ITEMS is book contains the released Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2011 grade 4 science assessment items. is is not a complete set of all TIMSS 2011 assessment items because some items are kept confidential so that they may be used in subsequent cycles of TIMSS to measure trends. How Can This Set of Released Items Be Used? In Teacher-designed Assessments. e items in this book present different ways of measuring students’ understanding in various content and cognitive domains. A teacher may use these items to create an assessment according to the needs of the class after reviewing the items and selecting items of interest. For Feedback on Student Understanding. Student responses can be scored according to the scoring information provided in the book. Items that coincide with concepts taught in class allow the teacher to gain feedback on the students’ understanding of assessed concepts. For example, a teacher might decide to examine the incorrect or partially correct responses of the class. e teacher might use the items to identify particular difficulties or misconceptions experienced by individual students, which can serve as the basis for some remedial teaching or focused practice. To Benchmark Student Performance. e teacher might also compare the percent of students in the class who responded correctly to an item with the percent of students who responded correctly to the same item in other education systems or in the United States. TIMSS and PIRLS are copyrighted and are registered trademarks of IEA. Released items from TIMSS and PIRLS assessments are for non-commercial, educational, and research purposes only. Translated versions of items remain the intellectual property of IEA. Although the items are in the public domain, please print an acknowledgement of the source, including the year and name of the assessment you are using. If you publish any part of the released items from TIMSS 2011, please use the following acknowledgement: SOURCE: TIMSS 2011 Assessment. Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). Publisher: TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center, Lynch School of Education, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA and International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), IEA Secretariat, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 38331.0513.86070312

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Page 1: RELEASED SCIENCE ITEMS 4nces.ed.gov/timss/pdf/TIMSS2011_G4_Science.pdf · 4 RELEASED SCIENCE ITEMS This book contains the released Trends in International Mathematics and Science

4

RELEASED SCIENCE ITEMS

This book contains the released Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2011 grade 4 science assessment items. This is not a complete set of all TIMSS 2011 assessment items because some items are kept confidential so that they may be used in subsequent cycles of TIMSS to measure trends.

How Can This Set of Released Items Be Used?

In Teacher-designed Assessments. The items in this book present different ways of measuring students’ understanding in various content and cognitive domains. A teacher may use these items to create an assessment according to the needs of the class after reviewing the items and selecting items of interest.

For Feedback on Student Understanding. Student responses can be scored according to the scoring information provided in the book. Items that coincide with concepts taught in class allow the teacher to gain feedback on the students’ understanding of assessed concepts. For example, a teacher might decide to examine the incorrect or partially correct responses of the class. The teacher might use the items to identify particular difficulties or misconceptions experienced by individual students, which can serve as the basis for some remedial teaching or focused practice.

To Benchmark Student Performance. The teacher might also compare the percent of students in the class who responded correctly to an item with the percent of students who responded correctly to the same item in other education systems or in the United States.

TIMSS and PIRLS are copyrighted and are registered trademarks of IEA. Released items from TIMSS and PIRLS assessments are for non-commercial, educational, and research purposes only. Translated versions of items remain the intellectual property of IEA. Although the items are in the public domain, please print an acknowledgement of the source, including the year and name of the assessment you are using. If you publish any part of the released items from TIMSS 2011, please use the following acknowledgement:

SOURCE: TIMSS 2011 Assessment. Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). Publisher: TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center, Lynch School of Education, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA and International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), IEA Secretariat, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

38331.0513.86070312

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USER’S GUIDEGrade 4

This book contains TIMSS 2011 released items for grade 4. Each item appears on a single page, on which is provided information about the item’s classification and about international student performance on the item. The items appear in the content domain order, as shown in the index on the next page.

Information about item classification

Take a look at the first item on page 1. Across the top are three boxes which identify the item’s content domain (the subject matter in science that the item assesses), its main topic (the specific topic assessed within that subject matter), and its cognitive domain (the cognitive or thinking process assessed). For this item, the content domain is life science, the main topic is life cycles, reproduction and heredity, and the cognitive domain is applying.

Below the row of boxes and above a boxed-in area of the page is the item label. For this item, it is How tadpoles get in the pond. Below the boxed-in area is the item number, which is more commonly used to identify each item than the item label. Within the boxed-in area is the item as it appeared in student test booklets.

Correct answers are shown beneath each item. The correct answer for multiple-choice items is simply a letter code. For example, in the item S031001 on page 1, the letter code D is the correct answer. The correct answers for write-in or open-ended items are explained in a scoring guide. For example, Manuel’s temperature rise in the Life Science domain (page 10), provides an example

of a scoring guide, indicating the general nature of correct and incorrect responses. In some cases, partial credit may be awarded and these items will provide guidelines for fully correct, partially correct, and incorrect responses. Sample student responses are provided for some of the constructed-response items for each scoring category.

Information about international student performance

In the table along the right-hand side of the page are the percent correct statistics for the item. These consist of statistics on the percentage of students in each education system who could answer the question correctly. The lists of education systems are ordered in terms of this percentage. The international average is included as well.

To the right of some of the percent correct statistics are special symbols that indicate when an education system scored significantly higher or significantly lower than the international average. Thus, on the item How tadpoles get in the pond as an example, an estimated 86 percent of U.S. students could correctly answer this item, a percentage that was measurably higher than the international average, after taking into account the standard of error associated with the percent correct statistic for the United States and for the international average.

38331.0513.86070312

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ITEM INDEXGrade 4

Content Domain Page

Life ScienceS031001 How tadpoles get in the pond ...................1S031230 Birds/bats/butterflies share ........................2S031233 Main features of four animals ...................3S031236 Bird’s foot structure ......................................5S031254 Animal with young and adult forms ..........6S031266 Only female Siberian tigers left ..................7S031281 Why birds sit on their eggs .........................8S031291 What walrus has to keep it warm ...............9S031325 Manuel’s temperature rise ........................10S031340 Best source of calcium .............................12S031356 Which animal is a predator......................13S031361 Eyes in different outside conditions .........14S031390Z Animal extinction-DERIVED .......................15S041003 Living-nonliving things in a pond .............17S041013A Use of tiger canines ..................................19S041013B Use of rat incisors ......................................21S041014 One function of fruit .................................23S041039 Better way to travel around town .............24S041163 Group of animals contains reptiles .........26S041174 Migration of birds ......................................27S041178 What plants use energy for ......................29S041180 Correct predator-prey relationship ..........30S041181 Influenza passing between people .........31S041182 One thing to avoid flu ...............................33S041224 Flowering plant parts ................................35S051032 Hedgehog rolling into ball .......................39S051033 Why desert animals active at night .........40S051049Z Animals with backbones- DERIVED ..........41S051057 Write body part beside function ..............42S051173 Calcium important for growth .................44

Content Domain Page

Physical ScienceS031068 Maria’s experiment with salt/water .........46S031076 Two carts holding magnets .....................47S031077 Object in circuit for bulb to glow .............49S031197Z Two uses of electricity-DERIVED ................50S031204 Coarse & fine salt added to water ..........52S031273 Metal spoon and wooden spoon ...........54S031298 Boiled egg in cold water ..........................55S031299 Sunlight made up of colors .....................56S031311 Force that causes object to fall ...............58S031371 Heat to change state of water .................59S031410 Which is a mixture .....................................60S031418 Position of piece of ice in water ...............61S031421 Materials that will burn .............................62S041048 Styrofoam-brick-apple weigh more .........63S041049 Properties of two materials .......................65S041060 Identifies gas .............................................66S041067 Type of energy that runs objects .............68S041069 Shadow along which line ........................70S041117 Force causing boat to sail .......................71S041120 Objects that produce light ......................72S041187 Describes condensation ..........................73S041305 A balance and four cubes ......................74S041311 Thermometer reading hottest water ........75S051071 Children on seesaw ..................................76S051074 Will the bulb light ......................................77S051086 Temperature of ice, steam, water .............79S051119 Two magnets and two metal pins ...........80S051179 Sun reflection in a lake .............................82

Earth ScienceS031044 Label Earth, Moon, and Sun .....................83S031088Z Two ways to use air-DERIVED ....................85S031275 Explanation for day and night .................87S031376 Best soil for plants to grow in ....................88S031389 Soil change due to natural causes .........89S031391Z Ways to avoid wasting water-DERIVED .....90S041092 Drinking water comes from ......................92S041100 Reason for direction river flows ................93S041110 Energy received from the sun ..................94S041201A Advantage to farming by a river ..............96S041201B Disadvantage to farming by a river .........98S041208 How often Earth rotates on axis .............100S051100 Which made from waterfall energy .......101S051156 How long ago was plant alive? .............102

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Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). 1

TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Life Cycles, Reproduction, and Heredity

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: How tadpoles get in the pond

Melissa found some tadpoles and fi sh in a pond as shown above.How did the tadpoles get there?

A. Th ey hatched from eggs laid by fi sh in the pond.

B. Th ey formed from mud at the bottom of the pond.

C. Th ey were made from materials dissolved in pond water.

D. Th ey developed from eggs laid by frogs in the pond.

Item Number: S031001

Correct Response: D

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 97Japan 95Netherlands 93Singapore 93Slovenia 92Poland 91Chinese Taipei-CHN 90Finland 90Hong Kong-CHN 90Germany 90Austria 89Northern Ireland-GBR 89Ireland 88Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 88England-GBR 87Denmark 87Czech Republic 87Australia 86Sweden 86Italy 86United States 86Russian Federation 85Norway 85Croatia 84Thailand 82Portugal 82Lithuania 82New Zealand 81Spain 80Hungary 80Serbia 77Slovak Republic 77International average 76Romania 76Malta 75Iran, Islamic Rep of. 75Chile 72Turkey 68United Arab Emirates 65Bahrain 65Kazakhstan 65Azerbaijan 63Oman 63Georgia 59Qatar 57Saudi Arabia 54Armenia 52Kuwait 43Tunisia 38Morocco 33Yemen 21

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 87North Carolina-USA 87Florida-USA 86Alberta-CAN 86Ontario-CAN 84Dubai-UAE 73Abu Dhabi-UAE 59

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). 2

TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Characteristics and Life Processes of Living Things

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Birds/bats/butterflies share

What do birds, bats and butterfl ies have in common?

A. feathers

B. hair

C. internal skeleton

D. wings

Item Number: S031230

Correct Response: D

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 99United States 96Croatia 95Singapore 95Finland 95Sweden 95Ireland 95Austria 94England-GBR 94Norway 93Germany 93New Zealand 93Portugal 92Russian Federation 92Australia 92Slovenia 91Netherlands 91Northern Ireland-GBR 91Denmark 91Serbia 91Czech Republic 90Poland 90Slovak Republic 89Italy 89Lithuania 89Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 88Spain 87Japan 87Thailand 86Georgia 86Hungary 84Chile 84International average 83Armenia 83Chinese Taipei-CHN 83Romania 83Malta 82Hong Kong-CHN 79Kazakhstan 79Turkey 79Bahrain 75Azerbaijan 75United Arab Emirates 74Saudi Arabia 70Iran, Islamic Rep. of 62Qatar 62Tunisia 61Oman 61Kuwait 54Morocco 47Yemen 31

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 97Alberta-CAN 96North Carolina-USA 95Ontario-CAN 93Quebec-CAN 92Dubai-UAE 79Abu Dhabi-UAE 70

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). 3

TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Characteristics and Life Processes of Living Things

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Main features of four animals

Answer the following questions using the animals shown above. Write the name for the correct animal in the spaces below.

A. Which animal has an internal skeleton and produces milk for its young?

______________________________

B. Which animal has an external skeleton and three pairs of legs?

______________________________

C. Which animal has a soft body and no skeleton?

______________________________

Monkey Crocodile

Grasshopper Octopus

Item Number: S031233

SCORINGCorrect Response• Identifies all 3 animals in the correct order: monkey, grasshopper, octopus

Incorrect Response• Identifies one animal correctly.• Identifies two animals correctly.• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 88Singapore 83Hungary 80Italy 79Denmark 76Slovak Republic 75Portugal 74Russian Federation 72Japan 70Australia 70United States 69Chinese Taipei-CHN 69Hong Kong-CHN 69England-GBR 67Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 66Germany 66Northern Ireland-GBR 66Sweden 65Croatia 65Thailand 64Spain 64Poland 64Finland 64Norway 63Czech Republic 63Austria 63Lithuania 63Netherlands 60Chile 60New Zealand 59Slovenia 58International average 58Ireland 58Kazakhstan 57Malta 54Romania 53Turkey 53Serbia 51Iran, Islamic Rep. of 50Bahrain 49Azerbaijan 47United Arab Emirates 45Georgia 44Armenia 38Qatar 38Saudi Arabia 33Oman 31Kuwait 29Tunisia 26Morocco 16Yemen 14

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 74Florida-USA 72Quebec-CAN 68Alberta-CAN 66Ontario-CAN 63Dubai-UAE 48Abu Dhabi-UAE 41

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). 4

TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Main features of four animals (continued)S031233:

Student Responses

Correct Response:Answer the following questions using the animals shown above. Write the name for the correct animal in the spaces below.

A. Which animal has an internal skeleton and produces milk for its young?

______________________________

B. Which animal has an external skeleton and three pairs of legs?

______________________________

C. Which animal has a soft body and no skeleton?

______________________________

Monkey Crocodile

Grasshopper Octopus

Incorrect Response:Answer the following questions using the animals shown above. Write the name for the correct animal in the spaces below.

A. Which animal has an internal skeleton and produces milk for its young?

______________________________

B. Which animal has an external skeleton and three pairs of legs?

______________________________

C. Which animal has a soft body and no skeleton?

______________________________

Monkey Crocodile

Grasshopper Octopus

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Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). 5

TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Interactions with the Environment

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Bird’s foot structure

A bird that lives on a pond is most likely to have which of these foot structures?

A. B. C. D.

Item Number: S031236

Correct Response: D

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Netherlands 92Slovak Republic 91Hungary 89Czech Republic 89Norway 89Denmark 87Germany 87Russian Federation 86Northern Ireland-GBR 86Poland 86Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 86Lithuania 86Austria 86Australia 85New Zealand 84United States 84Sweden 83England-GBR 83Slovenia 82Romania 82Korea, Rep. of 81Finland 81Italy 81Ireland 80Chinese Taipei-CHN 80Portugal 79Chile 76Croatia 75Singapore 75Armenia 73Azerbaijan 72International average 72Japan 71Serbia 69Iran, Islamic Rep. of 69Tunisia 69Spain 66Malta 59Georgia 57Saudi Arabia 56United Arab Emirates 55Thailand 55Oman 54Hong Kong-CHN 50Kazakhstan 48Qatar 46Turkey 44Bahrain 43Kuwait 41Morocco 33Yemen 16

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 85North Carolina-USA 84Ontario-CAN 82Florida-USA 78Quebec-CAN 69Dubai-UAE 65Abu Dhabi-UAE 53

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). 6

TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Life Cycles, Reproduction, and Heredity

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Animal with young and adult forms

Which of these animals has a young form that looks the most like the adult form?

A. moth

B. human

C. frog

D. butterfl y

Item Number: S031254

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Chinese Taipei-CHN 86Japan 83Korea, Rep. of 79Hungary 78Italy 78Singapore 76Russian Federation 74Kazakhstan 72Slovenia 72Slovak Republic 71Hong Kong-CHN 68Romania 68Czech Republic 67Portugal 67Finland 65Iran, Islamic Rep. of 62Denmark 57Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 57Georgia 56Norway 56Spain 55International average 54Ireland 54Australia 54England-GBR 52Turkey 52Austria 50Sweden 50United States 50New Zealand 49Azerbaijan 49Saudi Arabia 48Chile 47Malta 46Poland 45Serbia 45Netherlands 44Germany 44United Arab Emirates 43Qatar 42Armenia 42Northern Ireland-GBR 41Morocco 39Bahrain 39Croatia 38Thailand 35Yemen 32Oman 31Kuwait 31Tunisia 28Lithuania — not applicable.

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 55Quebec-CAN 54Ontario-CAN 52North Carolina-USA 51Florida-USA 47Abu Dhabi-UAE 42Dubai-UAE 41

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

— Not applicable

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Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). 7

TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Life Cycles, Reproduction, and Heredity

Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Only female Siberian tigers left

Some animals are very rare. For example, there are very few Siberian tigers. If the only Siberian tigers left are female, what will most likely happen?

A. The females will find another type of male animal to mate with and produce more Siberian tigers.

B. The females will mate with each other and produce more Siberian tigers.

C. The females will only be able to produce female Siberian tigers.

D. The females will not be able to produce more Siberian tigers, and they will die out.

Item Number: S031266

Correct Response: D

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 88Slovak Republic 76Russian Federation 75Hungary 74Singapore 74Hong Kong-CHN 72Sweden 72Finland 71Denmark 69Croatia 67Chinese Taipei-CHN 67Spain 67Slovenia 65Netherlands 64United States 64England-GBR 63Czech Republic 62Norway 62Poland 61Lithuania 60Australia 60Germany 59Romania 58Thailand 58Serbia 58Austria 56Italy 56Japan 56Northern Ireland-GBR 56Ireland 55Chile 54International average 53New Zealand 52Portugal 51Turkey 49Kazakhstan 47Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 47Malta 46Georgia 39Armenia 36Azerbaijan 36Bahrain 34United Arab Emirates 32Saudi Arabia 32Kuwait 28Qatar 28Iran, Islamic Rep. of 28Oman 24Morocco 22Yemen 20Tunisia 20

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 70Quebec-CAN 65Alberta-CAN 58Florida-USA 58Ontario-CAN 52Dubai-UAE 37Abu Dhabi-UAE 29

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). 8

TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Interactions with the Environment

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Why birds sit on their eggs

Most birds sit on their eggs until they hatch. Which of these is the most important reason why birds sit on their eggs?

A. to keep the eggs inside the nest

B. to keep the eggs warm

C. to protect the eggs from the wind

D. to protect the eggs from the rain

Item Number: S031281

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Netherlands 96Finland 96Austria 95Czech Republic 94Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 94United States 94Sweden 93Denmark 93Singapore 93Germany 92Slovenia 92Australia 92Ireland 92Norway 91Croatia 91Slovak Republic 91Northern Ireland-GBR 91Hungary 89Spain 89Russian Federation 89England-GBR 89Poland 88Japan 87New Zealand 87Italy 87Serbia 87Chinese Taipei-CHN 86Portugal 85Korea, Rep. of 85Romania 84Hong Kong-CHN 84Lithuania 83Malta 81Chile 80Azerbaijan 80International average 79Georgia 79Turkey 77Kazakhstan 70Thailand 69Iran, Islamic Rep. of 67Armenia 66United Arab Emirates 64Bahrain 59Qatar 57Saudi Arabia 54Tunisia 46Oman 43Kuwait 40Morocco 31Yemen 31

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 95Alberta-CAN 93Florida-USA 91Quebec-CAN 91Ontario-CAN 90Dubai-UAE 73Abu Dhabi-UAE 58

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). 9

TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Interactions with the Environment

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: What walrus has to keep it warm

Polar bears and walruses look very diff erent, but both can survive in the extreme cold. A polar bear has a thick coat of fur that helps keep it warm. Th e walrus has no fur.

What does the walrus have that helps it keep warm?

A. fat layers

B. tusks

C. whiskers

D. fl ippers

polar bear walrus

Item Number: S031291

Correct Response: A

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Finland 98Russian Federation 97Czech Republic 95Italy 95Austria 94Germany 94Sweden 94Netherlands 93Lithuania 93Chile 93Poland 92Denmark 92Northern Ireland-GBR 92United States 91Hungary 91Spain 90Slovak Republic 90Korea, Rep. of 90Australia 90England-GBR 89Hong Kong-CHN 89Ireland 88Croatia 88New Zealand 88Georgia 88Portugal 87Azerbaijan 87Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 87Serbia 86Kazakhstan 86Singapore 86Chinese Taipei-CHN 85Japan 85Slovenia 84Romania 83International average 81Thailand 80Norway 79Iran, Islamic Rep. of 72Armenia 71Turkey 70Malta 70Bahrain 70United Arab Emirates 63Saudi Arabia 59Qatar 58Tunisia 47Oman 44Kuwait 44Morocco 27Yemen 25

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 94Florida-USA 94North Carolina-USA 93Alberta-CAN 92Ontario-CAN 90Dubai-UAE 70Abu Dhabi-UAE 59

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). 10

TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Human Health

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Manuel’s temperature rise

Th e normal temperature of the human body is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Manuel takes his temperature one morning aft er waking up. His body temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Write down one thing that could have caused his temperature to be higher than normal.

Item Number: S031325

SCORINGCorrect Response• Refers to Manuel being sick, having a fever, or similar.Examples:He was ill.He had an infection.He was running a fever.

Incorrect Response• Refers only to getting cold, wet, or similar. [Reflects misconception about cause of illness.] Example: He was out in the cold the night before.• Refers only to a factor affecting external temperature.Example: The weather was too hot.• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Norway 64Hong Kong-CHN 63Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 62Denmark 61Italy 60Sweden 59Croatia 58Hungary 57Finland 57Chinese Taipei-CHN 57Slovak Republic 55Czech Republic 55Russian Federation 54United States 52Netherlands 52Lithuania 52Slovenia 50Singapore 50Portugal 48Japan 47Poland 45Serbia 45Spain 41Kazakhstan 40Romania 39Turkey 39International average 39Ireland 38Austria 37Korea, Rep. of 36Azerbaijan 35Georgia 33Australia 32Chile 32Armenia 31Northern Ireland-GBR 30Bahrain 28England-GBR 25New Zealand 25Germany 24United Arab Emirates 24Thailand 22Saudi Arabia 21Malta 20Tunisia 20Iran, Islamic Rep. of 18Qatar 16Oman 16Yemen 8Kuwait 7Morocco 5

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 51North Carolina-USA 50Quebec-CAN 46Ontario-CAN 37Alberta-CAN 37Dubai-UAE 32Abu Dhabi-UAE 21

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). 11

TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Manuel’s temperature rise (continued)S031325:

Student Responses

Correct Response:Th e normal temperature of the human body is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Manuel takes his temperature one morning aft er waking up. His body temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Write down one thing that could have caused his temperature to be higher than normal.

Incorrect Response:

Th e normal temperature of the human body is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Manuel takes his temperature one morning aft er waking up. His body temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Write down one thing that could have caused his temperature to be higher than normal.

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Human Health

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Best source of calcium

Calcium is a mineral that helps make your bones and teeth strong. Which of these foods is the best source of calcium?

A. candy

B. rice

C. cheese

D. meat

Item Number: S031340

Correct Response: C

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Finland 83Singapore 77Thailand 71Japan 70Ireland 70Portugal 65Turkey 65Spain 65Northern Ireland-GBR 64Romania 63Denmark 62Italy 62Czech Republic 60Chile 58Slovak Republic 58Hong Kong-CHN 55England-GBR 55Chinese Taipei-CHN 53Australia 53Korea, Rep. of 53Azerbaijan 52New Zealand 51International average 47United States 47Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 46Netherlands 45Hungary 44Poland 44Lithuania 42Saudi Arabia 41Malta 39Serbia 37Bahrain 37Oman 36Armenia 36Georgia 35Qatar 35Sweden 34Tunisia 34Russian Federation 34Kuwait 34United Arab Emirates 31Kazakhstan 30Croatia 29Morocco 29Norway 29Yemen 28Iran, Islamic Rep. of 27Austria 27Germany 25Slovenia 23

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Ontario-CAN 69Quebec-CAN 66Alberta-CAN 60North Carolina-USA 52Florida-USA 43Dubai-UAE 39Abu Dhabi-UAE 31

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Ecosystems

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Which animal is a predator

A predator is an animal that feeds on other animals. Which of these is a predator?

A. deer

B. wolf

C. cow

D. goat

Item Number: S031356

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 99Finland 98Netherlands 98Russian Federation 98Poland 97Lithuania 97Kazakhstan 96Croatia 96Italy 96Czech Republic 96Austria 96Hungary 95Georgia 95Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 95Azerbaijan 95Germany 94Slovak Republic 93Armenia 93Iran, Islamic Rep. of 93Spain 92Serbia 92Slovenia 91Northern Ireland-GBR 91Thailand 91United States 90Hong Kong-CHN 90Denmark 90Romania 89Sweden 89Chile 89Singapore 88Norway 88Portugal 88International average 88England-GBR 87Australia 87Turkey 86New Zealand 86Ireland 86Chinese Taipei-CHN 83Bahrain 83Japan 83Saudi Arabia 83Tunisia 81Kuwait 74United Arab Emirates 74Oman 73Morocco 62Qatar 61Malta 58Yemen 54

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 94Florida-USA 93Alberta-CAN 91North Carolina-USA 89Ontario-CAN 87Abu Dhabi-UAE 75Dubai-UAE 70

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Interactions with the Environment

Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Eyes in different outside conditions

Picture 1 and Picture 2 show the same eyes in diff erent outside conditions. What outside condition is diff erent between Picture 1 and Picture 2?

A. Light is brighter in Picture 1.

B. Light is brighter in Picture 2.

C. Temperature is higher in Picture 1.

D. Temperature is higher in Picture 2.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Item Number: S031361

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Finland 77Chinese Taipei-CHN 74Hong Kong-CHN 74Netherlands 69Singapore 68Germany 68Portugal 68Sweden 68United States 66Denmark 65England-GBR 65Slovenia 65Korea, Rep. of 62Australia 62Hungary 62Spain 61Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 61Ireland 60Italy 60Chile 60Slovak Republic 60New Zealand 59Austria 59Turkey 59Japan 59Russian Federation 58Czech Republic 57Romania 57Northern Ireland-GBR 56International average 56Croatia 54Qatar 53Serbia 52Poland 51United Arab Emirates 51Norway 51Malta 51Saudi Arabia 51Kazakhstan 50Armenia 49Thailand 49Lithuania 47Bahrain 46Iran, Islamic Rep. of 46Azerbaijan 43Oman 42Kuwait 40Georgia 35Yemen 32Morocco 32Tunisia 30

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 70Florida-USA 70Alberta-CAN 65Ontario-CAN 60Dubai-UAE 56Quebec-CAN 54Abu Dhabi-UAE 50

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Ecosystems

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Animal extinction-DERIVED

Describe two human activities that can lead to the extinction of animals.

Activity 1:

Activity 2:

Item Number: S031390Z

SCORINGNote: Each of the two responses are scored separately. However, if the two responses are essentially the same, the second response should be scored as “Incorrect Response”.

Correct Response• Mentions tree felling or other land development activities (leading to loss of habitat/homes).Example: Cutting down trees.• Mentions hunting or killing animals (for food, pelts, etc.).Example: Shooting animals and eating them.• Mentions polluting the environment (or similar). Example: Causing air pollution.• Other correct

Incorrect Response• Mentions a human activity but connection to extinction of animals is unclear.Example: Smoking• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 54Russian Federation 44Italy 44Poland 41Netherlands 41Sweden 40Thailand 40Romania 38Chinese Taipei-CHN 38Denmark 38Austria 38Finland 38Slovak Republic 37Serbia 36Hungary 36Kazakhstan 34Czech Republic 33Germany 33Georgia 33Ireland 32Croatia 31England-GBR 30Singapore 29Spain 29United States 29Iran, Islamic Rep. of 28Slovenia 28International average 28Lithuania 27Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 27Australia 26Northern Ireland-GBR 26Portugal 25Bahrain 23New Zealand 23Armenia 23Saudi Arabia 23Turkey 22Hong Kong-CHN 20Azerbaijan 19Kuwait 19Chile 19Malta 16Japan 16United Arab Emirates 14Norway 13Qatar 12Tunisia 11Oman 10Morocco 6Yemen 1

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 38Ontario-CAN 36Florida-USA 29Quebec-CAN 28North Carolina-USA 24Dubai-UAE 17Abu Dhabi-UAE 14

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Animal extinction (continued)S031390Z:

Student Responses

Correct Response:Describe two human activities that can lead to the extinction of animals.

Activity 1:

Activity 2:

Incorrect Response:Describe two human activities that can lead to the extinction of animals.

Activity 1:

Activity 2:

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Characteristics and Life Processes of Living Things

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Living-nonliving things in a pond

The picture below shows a pond.

In the spaces provided below, list three living things and three non-living things shown in this picture.

Living things Non-living things

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

Item Number: S041003

SCORINGCorrect Response• Acceptable lists of living things: fish, frog, turtle, dragonfly (insect, butterfly, fly), water lily (plants,

flowering plant, water plant), trees, grasses, molluscs (snails)• Acceptable lists of non-living things: sun, clouds, water, rocks, pebbles (stones), sand, soil (dirt,

earth), mud, air

Incorrect Response• Incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Singapore 88Serbia 75Hungary 70Kazakhstan 69Italy 67Finland 66Spain 66Slovak Republic 66Croatia 65Chile 64Turkey 62Thailand 61Russian Federation 60Slovenia 58United States 58Czech Republic 55Oman 55Bahrain 55Lithuania 54Netherlands 52Australia 49Sweden 48International average 47United Arab Emirates 47Azerbaijan 47Iran, Islamic Rep. of 47Korea, Rep. of 46Portugal 46England-GBR 46Romania 45Denmark 45Malta 44Norway 43New Zealand 42Ireland 41Saudi Arabia 40Qatar 40Germany 40Hong Kong-CHN 39Japan 39Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 38Northern Ireland-GBR 34Austria 31Armenia 30Poland 21Morocco 20Georgia 19Kuwait 19Chinese Taipei-CHN 17Tunisia 15Yemen 13

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 63Ontario-CAN 56Florida-USA 56Quebec-CAN 52Dubai-UAE 52North Carolina-USA 42Abu Dhabi-UAE 41

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Living-nonliving things in a pond (continued)S041003:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Th e picture below shows a pond.

In the spaces provided below, list three living things and three non-living things shown in this picture.

Living things Non-living things

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

Incorrect Response:

Th e picture below shows a pond.

In the spaces provided below, list three living things and three non-living things shown in this picture.

Living things Non-living things

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Characteristics and Life Processes of Living Things

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Use of tiger canines

The diagrams show a tiger skull and a rat skull.

rat skull

incisors

tiger skull

canines

A tiger has very large teeth called canines. A rat has very large teeth called incisors. A tiger and a rat eat diff erent types of food.

A. What does a tiger use its canines for?

Item Number: S041013A

SCORINGCorrect Response• States that the tiger uses its canines for piercing (stabbing, holding, ripping, killing, tearing) prey.Examples: A tiger uses its canines to hold onto its prey and kill it. The tiger stabs its prey with the canines and rips the meat.

Incorrect Response• States that the tiger uses its canines for chewing (crushing, grinding) food.Example: A tiger uses its canines for chewing its prey.• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)Examples:To eat his prey.To devour its prey.The tiger uses them for meat.

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Denmark 62Kazakhstan 55Russian Federation 51Hungary 50Ireland 50England-GBR 48Slovenia 47Italy 47Austria 45Sweden 45Northern Ireland-GBR 44Czech Republic 43Germany 42Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 42Finland 40Australia 40Slovak Republic 40United States 38Netherlands 38Romania 37Singapore 37Norway 37New Zealand 36Poland 35Lithuania 33International average 31Tunisia 30Croatia 28Spain 27Azerbaijan 26Serbia 26Malta 24Chile 24Korea, Rep. of 24Armenia 23Portugal 23Japan 23United Arab Emirates 22Bahrain 20Iran, Islamic Rep. of 19Saudi Arabia 19Hong Kong-CHN 18Georgia 18Qatar 17Chinese Taipei-CHN 16Turkey 16Thailand 15Oman 13Kuwait 6Yemen 5Morocco 3

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 44North Carolina-USA 40Ontario-CAN 37Florida-USA 37Dubai-UAE 32Quebec-CAN 22Abu Dhabi-UAE 17

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Use of tiger canines (continued)S041013A:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Characteristics and Life Processes of Living Things

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Use of rat incisors

The diagrams show a tiger skull and a rat skull.

incisors

rat skulltiger skull

canines

A tiger has very large teeth called canines. A rat has very large teeth called incisors. A tiger and a rat eat diff erent types of food.

B. What does a rat use its incisors for?

Item Number: S041013B

SCORINGCorrect Response• States that the rat uses its incisors for gnawing (nibbling) food or killing prey.Examples: The rat uses them to gnaw nuts, grains, meat, and vegetable matter.The rat uses its incisors for biting hard stuff.

Incorrect Response• States that the rat uses its incisors for chewing (crushing, grinding, cutting, chopping, munching)

food.Examples:Rats use their incisors for chewing softer things.Rats use them to grind food.• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)Example: It uses them for vegetables.

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Finland 54Denmark 52Sweden 48Thailand 47Lithuania 45Norway 43Japan 41Kazakhstan 40Portugal 39Russian Federation 38Romania 34Chinese Taipei-CHN 33Korea, Rep. of 33Serbia 30Hungary 29Italy 29Czech Republic 27Slovenia 26Austria 24International average 23Northern Ireland-GBR 23Netherlands 21Slovak Republic 21Armenia 21Ireland 21Poland 20Georgia 20Chile 19England-GBR 19Turkey 19Croatia 19Germany 18Spain 18Bahrain 17Iran, Islamic Rep. of 17New Zealand 16Australia 15Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 15Tunisia 14Azerbaijan 14Singapore 13United States 13Malta 12United Arab Emirates 4Oman 4Qatar 4Hong Kong-CHN 2Saudi Arabia 2Kuwait 1Morocco 1Yemen #

rounds to zero.

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 15Quebec-CAN 15North Carolina-USA 13Florida-USA 13Ontario-CAN 12Dubai-UAE 6Abu Dhabi-UAE 3

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

# Rounds to zero

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Use of rat incisors (continued)S041013B:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Characteristics and Life Processes of Living Things

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: One function of fruit

Some plants produce fruit such as apples.

What is one function of a fruit?

A. to protect seeds

B. to produce food for seeds

C. to stop seeds from dispersing

D. to store water for seed germination

Item Number: S041014

Correct Response: A

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Singapore 61Romania 45Korea, Rep. of 44Slovak Republic 41Italy 41United States 41Chinese Taipei-CHN 40Azerbaijan 39Slovenia 38Poland 35Russian Federation 35Finland 34Spain 34Portugal 34Morocco 34Kazakhstan 33United Arab Emirates 33Serbia 33Bahrain 32Ireland 32Hong Kong-CHN 32Chile 32Croatia 32Iran, Islamic Rep. of 32Czech Republic 32Norway 31Germany 31International average 31Northern Ireland-GBR 31Malta 30England-GBR 30Denmark 29Saudi Arabia 29Lithuania 28Qatar 28Austria 27Turkey 26Australia 26Japan 26Oman 26Armenia 25Kuwait 25Netherlands 25Hungary 25New Zealand 25Thailand 24Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 24Sweden 22Georgia 20Tunisia 15Yemen 14

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Dubai-UAE 35Florida-USA 33Abu Dhabi-UAE 32North Carolina-USA 32Ontario-CAN 30Alberta-CAN 27Quebec-CAN 22

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Ecosystems

Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Better way to travel around town

The pictures above show two ways of traveling around town.

A. Which way of traveling is better for the environment?

(Check one box.)

Bicycle

Motorbike

B. Explain your answer.

Item Number: S041039

SCORINGCorrect Response• Bicycle with an explanation that relates to air or noise pollution. (If the explanation includes

inaccurate information such as destroying the ozone layer, still credit the response).Examples:It does not produce fumes like a motorbike does. A motorbike gives out fumes which go up into the air and pollute it. Whereas a bike does not.The motorbike gives off fumes which destroy the ozone layer and so the bicycle is better for the

environment.

Incorrect Response• Bicycle with a general explanation.Example: My answer is a bicycle because it does not use gas.• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)Examples:A bicycle because it gives you exercise.

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 83Croatia 78Portugal 75Slovenia 73Finland 70Italy 70Sweden 68Hungary 68Russian Federation 67Chinese Taipei-CHN 67Spain 64Czech Republic 64Chile 63Serbia 62Germany 62Iran, Islamic Rep. of 61Slovak Republic 60Austria 60Singapore 54Poland 54Netherlands 53Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 53Romania 51Lithuania 50Norway 49International average 48England-GBR 47Hong Kong-CHN 45Japan 45Denmark 44United States 43Northern Ireland-GBR 43New Zealand 42Australia 42Ireland 41Kazakhstan 40Bahrain 39Turkey 38Thailand 36Tunisia 35United Arab Emirates 31Malta 30Qatar 29Armenia 29Saudi Arabia 28Georgia 28Morocco 24Kuwait 20Oman 18Azerbaijan 12Yemen 4

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 54Ontario-CAN 51Florida-USA 46Quebec-CAN 45Dubai-UAE 40North Carolina-USA 36Abu Dhabi-UAE 31

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Better way to travel around town (continued)S041039:

Student Responses

Correct Response:Th e pictures above show two ways of traveling around town.

A. Which way of traveling is better for the environment?

(Check one box.)

Bicycle

Motorbike

B. Explain your answer.

Incorrect Response:Th e pictures above show two ways of traveling around town.

A. Which way of traveling is better for the environment?

(Check one box.)

Bicycle

Motorbike

B. Explain your answer.

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Characteristics and Life Processes of Living Things

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Group of animals contains reptiles

Which group of animals contains ONLY reptiles?

A. lizard, frog, snake

B. turtle, lizard, crocodile

C. octopus, snail, turtle

D. crab, earthworm, snake

Item Number: S041163

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Chinese Taipei-CHN 70Lithuania 56Singapore 56United States 55Australia 53Oman 52Slovenia 51Ireland 51Slovak Republic 50Bahrain 49Czech Republic 48Thailand 48Saudi Arabia 48Iran, Islamic Rep. of 47Germany 47Northern Ireland-GBR 47Hong Kong-CHN 46England-GBR 46Kuwait 45Italy 45Russian Federation 45Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 45New Zealand 44United Arab Emirates 44Netherlands 44Chile 44Austria 41Qatar 40Azerbaijan 40International average 40Spain 39Romania 36Morocco 36Hungary 35Kazakhstan 34Poland 33Malta 30Yemen 30Norway 29Croatia 28Portugal 27Armenia 27Sweden 25Korea, Rep. of 25Tunisia 25Georgia 24Denmark 23Finland 21Turkey 20Serbia 18Japan 14

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 56Quebec-CAN 56Ontario-CAN 53North Carolina-USA 51Alberta-CAN 45Abu Dhabi-UAE 44Dubai-UAE 38

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Interactions with the Environment

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Migration of birds

How does migration increase the survival of birds?

Item Number: S041174

SCORINGCorrect Response• Refers to finding food and/or reproduction.Examples:Move from one region to another for feeding or breeding.Some of the birds find food or a place to build their nest.• Refers to moving to a warmer place without mention of food or reproduction. Examples:Birds living in a country with winter will die in the cold. They will migrate to a place where it is

summer or spring. It provides warm weather for the birds.

Incorrect Response• Incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Austria 81Croatia 73Finland 72Slovak Republic 70Singapore 70Russian Federation 67Sweden 64Czech Republic 63Slovenia 56Hungary 55Italy 52Kazakhstan 51Serbia 47United States 47Portugal 47Romania 46Turkey 45Denmark 45Lithuania 45Armenia 41Korea, Rep. of 40Japan 38International average 37Poland 36Northern Ireland-GBR 35Bahrain 35Iran, Islamic Rep. of 35Azerbaijan 33Georgia 33Saudi Arabia 33Ireland 31Norway 31Chinese Taipei-CHN 27Thailand 27Germany 24Netherlands 24New Zealand 23Oman 19England-GBR 19Chile 19Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 19United Arab Emirates 19Australia 19Spain 18Qatar 18Morocco 17Tunisia 16Kuwait 12Hong Kong-CHN 9Malta 8Yemen 3

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 43Ontario-CAN 42Florida-USA 42Alberta-CAN 40Quebec-CAN 37Dubai-UAE 19Abu Dhabi-UAE 15

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Migration of birds (continued)S041174:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Ecosystems

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: What plants use energy for

Plants use energy directly from the Sun.

What do they use the energy from the Sun for?

A. to make food

B. to disperse seeds

C. to fertilize the soil

D. to prevent insect damage

Item Number: S041178

Correct Response: A

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 93Singapore 88Hong Kong-CHN 87Chinese Taipei-CHN 85Japan 85Saudi Arabia 79Bahrain 78Spain 75Turkey 73Thailand 72Finland 71Iran, Islamic Rep. of 71Czech Republic 70Serbia 69Hungary 68Oman 68Croatia 68Kuwait 67United Arab Emirates 66Italy 63Russian Federation 61United States 60Qatar 56Romania 55International average 51Lithuania 49Portugal 48England-GBR 46Kazakhstan 45Chile 44Azerbaijan 44Netherlands 42Slovenia 42Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 40Malta 35Slovak Republic 35Armenia 34Georgia 32Poland 31Ireland 30Germany 30New Zealand 29Australia 29Northern Ireland-GBR 29Yemen 28Austria 28Morocco 23Tunisia 21Sweden 14Norway 9Denmark 8

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Dubai-UAE 70Florida-USA 64Ontario-CAN 59Abu Dhabi-UAE 58North Carolina-USA 46Alberta-CAN 42Quebec-CAN 24

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Ecosystems

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Correct predator-prey relationship

The diagram below shows a food chain.

green algae krill fi sh seal killer whale

Which predator–prey relationship is correct?

A. fish (predator)–seal (prey)

B. green algae (predator)–krill (prey)

C. fish (predator)–krill (prey)

D. seal (predator)–killer whale (prey)

Item Number: S041180

Correct Response: C

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 87Russian Federation 83Czech Republic 81Japan 77Hong Kong-CHN 75Finland 75Chinese Taipei-CHN 74Italy 73Germany 72Lithuania 71Netherlands 71Hungary 69Thailand 68Croatia 67Portugal 67Serbia 66United States 66Slovak Republic 66Austria 66Poland 66Singapore 64Sweden 62England-GBR 62Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 61Romania 61Spain 60Slovenia 60Chile 60International average 57Australia 57Ireland 53Northern Ireland-GBR 52New Zealand 51Turkey 50Denmark 49Bahrain 48Kazakhstan 48Saudi Arabia 47Azerbaijan 42Tunisia 42United Arab Emirates 41Oman 39Iran, Islamic Rep. of 38Malta 38Qatar 38Georgia 37Armenia 34Kuwait 32Norway 31Morocco 27Yemen 26

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 70Florida-USA 68Quebec-CAN 65Alberta-CAN 63Ontario-CAN 58Dubai-UAE 47Abu Dhabi-UAE 41

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Human Health

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Influenza passing between people

How can infl uenza be passed from person to person?

Item Number: S041181

SCORINGCorrect Response• Mentions coughing or sneezing.Example: If you sneeze on your friend the germs can be passed on.• Mentions touching the same object, using the same utensils, or having physical contact with a

person who has influenza.Example: Influenza can be passed by sharing food and drinks.• Other correctExample: It is passed in the air.

Incorrect Response• Mentions being near someone with influenza but does not mention coughing, sneezing, or any

direct contact.Example:Itcanbepassedbygoingneartosomeonewithinfluenza.• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Sweden 84Lithuania 81Japan 78Slovak Republic 76Northern Ireland-GBR 75Russian Federation 75Croatia 74Finland 73Czech Republic 73England-GBR 73Hungary 73Serbia 72Netherlands 72Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 70Austria 69Kazakhstan 69Denmark 69New Zealand 68Germany 67Georgia 67Chinese Taipei-CHN 67Korea, Rep. of 67Romania 66Thailand 64Spain 60Slovenia 60Norway 60Hong Kong-CHN 60Azerbaijan 59International average 58Singapore 58Portugal 57Iran, Islamic Rep. of 55Armenia 55Chile 54United States 54Turkey 54Ireland 52Poland 51Bahrain 48Australia 47Saudi Arabia 40Italy 39United Arab Emirates 38Qatar 38Malta 35Oman 33Tunisia 32Morocco 30Kuwait 26Yemen 5

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 72Alberta-CAN 53Florida-USA 52Ontario-CAN 48North Carolina-USA 48Dubai-UAE 40Abu Dhabi-UAE 34

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Influenza passing between people (continued)S041181:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Human Health

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: One thing to avoid flu

Marcie is playing a board game with a friend who has the fl u.

Write down one thing Marcie can do to avoid catching the fl u from her friend.

Item Number: S041182

SCORINGCorrect Response• States one acceptable reason. Examples:Marcie can wash her hands.Marcie can cover her nose and mouth with a mask.Marcie can tell her friend to wear a mask.Marcie can wear gloves.Marcie should not touch her face.

Incorrect Response• Incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)Examples:Don’t sit near her.Get a flu shot.

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Japan 93Korea, Rep. of 78Russian Federation 77Chinese Taipei-CHN 75Singapore 67Kazakhstan 66Finland 61United States 61Portugal 57Hong Kong-CHN 55Ireland 54Lithuania 53Chile 53Georgia 49Norway 48Iran, Islamic Rep. of 48Thailand 47England-GBR 46Australia 46Denmark 44Croatia 44Spain 43Sweden 43Serbia 42International average 42Netherlands 41New Zealand 40Northern Ireland-GBR 40Hungary 39Romania 38Slovenia 38Germany 37Azerbaijan 36Turkey 35Slovak Republic 35Austria 35Armenia 35Czech Republic 33Poland 31Saudi Arabia 29Bahrain 27United Arab Emirates 25Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 24Italy 23Oman 20Malta 19Tunisia 18Qatar 17Kuwait 9Yemen 3Morocco #

rounds to zero.

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 58Florida-USA 57Quebec-CAN 55Ontario-CAN 52Alberta-CAN 52Dubai-UAE 30Abu Dhabi-UAE 22

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

# Rounds to zero

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: One thing to avoid flu (continued)S041182:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Characteristics and Life Processes of Living Things

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Flowering plant parts

The diagram shows a fl owering plant. Four of its parts are numbered.

In the table below, write the name of each part, and state its function.

PartNumber Name of Part Function of Part

1

2

3

4

4

3

2

1

Item Number: S041224

SCORINGCorrect Response• Identifies 4 parts of the plant and states a correct function for each.1: Flower (bud). Example: It produces seeds.1: Seeds. Example: They reproduce the plant when the seed germinates.1: Petals. Example: They attract pollinators. 2: Stem (stalk). Example: It transports water and food. 3: Leaf. Example: It makes food for the plant. 4: Root. Example: It transports water into the plant.• Identifies 4 parts of the plant and states 3 correct functions.

Partially Correct Response• Identifies 4 parts and 1 or 2 correct functions OR 3 parts and 1 or 2 or 3 correct functions OR2 parts and 1 or 2 functions.

Incorrect Response• Identifies 4 parts, but no correct functions• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Singapore 80Korea, Rep. of 42Thailand 40Czech Republic 39Bahrain 37Italy 36Romania 35Hungary 34Croatia 33Finland 32Portugal 31Iran, Islamic Rep. of 28Kazakhstan 27Chinese Taipei-CHN 26Austria 25Slovak Republic 25United States 24Serbia 23United Arab Emirates 22Lithuania 21England-GBR 21International average 21Russian Federation 20Japan 20Oman 19Sweden 18Kuwait 18Saudi Arabia 16Hong Kong-CHN 16Spain 16Slovenia 15Denmark 15Azerbaijan 15Qatar 13Chile 13Poland 13Morocco 12Turkey 11Ireland 10Georgia 10Germany 10Australia 10Armenia 10Northern Ireland-GBR 9Netherlands 8Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 6Malta 6New Zealand 6Norway 4Tunisia 2Yemen 1

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Dubai-UAE 31Florida-USA 24Ontario-CAN 22Alberta-CAN 21Abu Dhabi-UAE 17North Carolina-USA 13Quebec-CAN 8

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Flowering plant parts (continued)S041224:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Th e diagram shows a fl owering plant. Four of its parts are numbered.

In the table below, write the name of each part, and state its function.

PartNumber Name of Part Function of Part

1

2

3

4

4

3

2

1

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Flowering plant parts (continued)S041224:

Student Responses

Partially Correct Response:

Th e diagram shows a fl owering plant. Four of its parts are numbered.

In the table below, write the name of each part, and state its function.

PartNumber Name of Part Function of Part

1

2

3

4

4

3

2

1

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Flowering plant parts (continued)S041224:

Student Responses

Incorrect Response:

Th e diagram shows a fl owering plant. Four of its parts are numbered.

In the table below, write the name of each part, and state its function.

PartNumber Name of Part Function of Part

1

2

3

4

4

3

2

1

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Interactions with the Environment

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Hedgehog rolling into ball

A hedgehog is a small spiny animal. When it is frightened it rolls into a ball.

How does this behavior help the hedgehog?

A. The hedgehog can roll away quickly.

B. The hedgehog looks larger rolled up.

C. The hedgehog is harder to see in a ball.

D. The hedgehog’s soft body parts are covered.

Item Number: S051032

Correct Response: D

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Russian Federation 76Denmark 74Poland 73Slovenia 73Finland 72Czech Republic 71Hungary 69Spain 68Germany 66Croatia 66Slovak Republic 65Serbia 65Lithuania 64Austria 61Kazakhstan 59Northern Ireland-GBR 58Korea, Rep. of 58England-GBR 58Japan 57Turkey 56Azerbaijan 56Netherlands 54Sweden 54Ireland 51New Zealand 51Hong Kong-CHN 51United States 50International average 50Singapore 50Portugal 50Australia 49Italy 49Chinese Taipei-CHN 48Romania 47Iran, Islamic Rep. of 45Georgia 45Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 43Thailand 43Norway 43Malta 37Chile 34Armenia 34Bahrain 30Saudi Arabia 30Qatar 27United Arab Emirates 27Morocco 24Tunisia 23Yemen 22Kuwait 19Oman 18

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 59Alberta-CAN 54Florida-USA 53North Carolina-USA 49Ontario-CAN 47Dubai-UAE 35Abu Dhabi-UAE 26

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Interactions with the Environment

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Why desert animals active at night

Why are many desert animals more active at night?

A. It is drier at night.

B. It is cooler at night.

C. There is less danger at night.

D. There is less wind at night.

Item Number: S051033

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Chinese Taipei-CHN 71United States 68Netherlands 67Portugal 64Romania 64Sweden 63Hong Kong-CHN 63Finland 62Russian Federation 61Germany 61Singapore 60Kazakhstan 59Australia 59Ireland 59Hungary 58England-GBR 56Austria 55Northern Ireland-GBR 55Slovak Republic 53Italy 53Korea, Rep. of 53Malta 52Armenia 52Spain 51New Zealand 50Bahrain 50Georgia 49Chile 49International average 49Azerbaijan 48Poland 47Lithuania 46United Arab Emirates 45Qatar 43Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 42Denmark 40Oman 39Czech Republic 38Japan 38Saudi Arabia 37Croatia 36Morocco 35Norway 34Slovenia 32Kuwait 32Turkey 32Iran, Islamic Rep. of 32Serbia 31Yemen 31Thailand 30Tunisia 30

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 76North Carolina-USA 68Quebec-CAN 63Ontario-CAN 60Alberta-CAN 59Dubai-UAE 51Abu Dhabi-UAE 42

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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Percent higher than International average

TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Characteristics and Life Processes of Living Things

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Animals with backbones- DERIVED

Which animals shown below have a backbone?

Fill in one oval for each animal. One has been done for you.

Animal Has a Backbone

es No

heron --------------------- ------------ B

spider --------------------- A ------------ B

crab ----------------------- A ------------ B

fish ----------------------- A ------------ B

lion ----------------------- A ------------ B

Y

Item Number: S051049Z

SCORINGCorrect Response• Fillintheovalsintheorder:B,B,A,A

Incorrect Response• Otherincorrect(includingcrossedout,erased,straymarks,illegible,orofftask)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Japan 65Italy 59Russian Federation 56Czech Republic 55Croatia 55Sweden 53Hungary 53Spain 51Slovak Republic 50Finland 49Bahrain 49Romania 49Chile 48Germany 47Saudi Arabia 47Austria 45Australia 45Norway 43Korea, Rep. of 43Thailand 42Poland 42Slovenia 42Kazakhstan 41Portugal 41International average 41Iran, Islamic Rep. of 41Serbia 40Georgia 40Denmark 39United States 39Hong Kong-CHN 38New Zealand 38England-GBR 37Lithuania 37Malta 37Singapore 37Ireland 37Northern Ireland-GBR 36Azerbaijan 35Armenia 35Oman 33Turkey 32United Arab Emirates 32Chinese Taipei-CHN 31Netherlands 31Kuwait 30Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 28Morocco 28Qatar 24Tunisia 22Yemen 17

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 47Alberta-CAN 43Ontario-CAN 38Florida-USA 37Abu Dhabi-UAE 35North Carolina-USA 31Dubai-UAE 30

Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Characteristics and Life Processes of Living Things

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Write body part beside function

The table shows three functions carried out by parts of the human body.

Write the name of the body part beside its function. The first one has been done for you.

Function Body Part

Supports the body Skeleton

Pumps blood through the body

Used for thinking

Item Number: S051057

SCORINGCorrect Response• Completes the table as shown.

Function Body Part

Supports the body Skeleton

Pumps blood through the body Heart

Used for thinking Brain

Incorrect Response• Identifies the heart only. • Identifies the brain only. • Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task), including the

following response: Mind

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Finland 91Sweden 83Czech Republic 81England-GBR 80Norway 80Northern Ireland-GBR 78Spain 75Hungary 74Slovenia 73Slovak Republic 73Denmark 72Ireland 70New Zealand 70Austria 69Australia 69Portugal 69Germany 68Turkey 67Singapore 66United States 65Croatia 64Romania 64Netherlands 60Russian Federation 58Italy 56Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 54Hong Kong-CHN 54Chile 50Malta 50International average 50Serbia 49Azerbaijan 46Poland 45Kazakhstan 37United Arab Emirates 37Qatar 35Lithuania 35Georgia 29Iran, Islamic Rep. of 29Japan 26Thailand 26Bahrain 24Korea, Rep. of 23Armenia 21Chinese Taipei-CHN 15Tunisia 10Kuwait 9Oman 8Saudi Arabia 7Morocco 4Yemen 2

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Ontario-CAN 70Alberta-CAN 70Florida-USA 66Quebec-CAN 63North Carolina-USA 62Dubai-UAE 54Abu Dhabi-UAE 30

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Write body parts beside function (continued)S051057:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

The table shows three functions carried out by parts of the human body.

Write the name of the body part beside its function. The first one has been done for you.

Function Body Part

Supports the body Skeleton

Pumps blood through the body

Used for thinking

Incorrect Response:

The table shows three functions carried out by parts of the human body.

Write the name of the body part beside its function. The first one has been done for you.

Function Body Part

Supports the body Skeleton

Pumps blood through the body

Used for thinking

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

LIFE SCIENCE

Main Topic

Human Health

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Calcium important for growth

Harry grows two centimeters in one month.

Why is eating food that contains calcium important for Harry’s growth?

Item Number: S051173

SCORINGCorrect Response• Refers to calcium being needed to make (strong) bones.Examples:He needs the calcium for his bones.His bones are growing and he needs calcium to make them.

Incorrect Response• Incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Japan 49Denmark 46Finland 42Kazakhstan 40England-GBR 38Czech Republic 37Russian Federation 35Spain 35Portugal 31Northern Ireland-GBR 30Lithuania 30Slovak Republic 28Chile 28Ireland 27Hong Kong-CHN 27Singapore 25Poland 24Italy 24Romania 22Korea, Rep. of 21Sweden 21Australia 21New Zealand 21International average 20Hungary 19Thailand 19United States 18Germany 18Chinese Taipei-CHN 17Azerbaijan 16Saudi Arabia 15Austria 14Armenia 13Bahrain 13Turkey 13Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 12Norway 11United Arab Emirates 11Serbia 11Croatia 10Slovenia 10Malta 10Qatar 9Netherlands 9Iran, Islamic Rep. of 8Georgia 8Oman 7Tunisia 5Morocco 5Kuwait 4Yemen 2

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 32Ontario-CAN 29North Carolina-USA 22Quebec-CAN 21Florida-USA 16Dubai-UAE 11Abu Dhabi-UAE 11

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Calcium important for growth (continued)S051173:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Classification and Properties of Matter

Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Maria’s experiment with salt/water

Maria designed an experiment using salt and water. Th e results of her experiment are shown in the table.

Amount of Salt Dissolved

Water Volume

Water Temperature

Was Mixture Stirred?

15 grams 50 ml 25o C Yes

30 grams 100 ml 25o C Yes

45 grams 150 ml 25o C Yes

60 grams 200 ml 25o C Yes

What was Maria studying in her experiment?

A. How much salt will dissolve in diff erent volumes of water.

B. How much salt will dissolve at diff erent temperatures.

C. If stirring increases how fast salt will dissolve. D. If stirring decreases how fast salt will dissolve.

Item Number: S031068

Correct Response: A

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 84Singapore 75Japan 68Hong Kong-CHN 64United States 64England-GBR 63Chinese Taipei-CHN 63Finland 59Denmark 59Czech Republic 59Russian Federation 58Australia 58Italy 56Germany 55Northern Ireland-GBR 55Hungary 55Croatia 54Serbia 54Austria 54Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 53Slovak Republic 53Lithuania 52Ireland 52Sweden 52Portugal 52Slovenia 52New Zealand 51Turkey 50International average 49Netherlands 48Romania 48Malta 47Norway 46Chile 45Bahrain 45Azerbaijan 44United Arab Emirates 44Spain 44Kazakhstan 43Poland 41Oman 39Thailand 38Qatar 37Saudi Arabia 36Iran, Islamic Rep. of 36Kuwait 33Morocco 32Georgia 27Armenia 26Yemen 20Tunisia 16

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 72North Carolina-USA 71Alberta-CAN 59Ontario-CAN 59Dubai-UAE 52Quebec-CAN 49Abu Dhabi-UAE 41

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Sources and Effects of Energy

Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Two carts holding magnets

The figure shows two carts, each holding a magnet. Th e carts are moved close together and then let go.

Describe what will happen to the carts.

(You may draw a picture to help explain your answer.)

S SNN

Item Number: S031076

SCORINGCorrect Response• Refers to carts repelling, moving apart from each other, or NOT being attracted to each other (or

similar). [May draw diagram to indicate this.]Examples:The magnets repel because two north poles pull apart. They will push each other away.The carts will spread apart.The two carts will not stick together.

Incorrect Response• Refers only to the two carts being attracted WITHOUT any mention of turning so N-S poles are

attracted.Example: They will stick together.• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Singapore 90Korea, Rep. of 88Japan 87Chinese Taipei-CHN 77United States 58England-GBR 53Iran, Islamic Rep. of 51Romania 50Hong Kong-CHN 49Russian Federation 48Slovenia 48Austria 48Germany 43Ireland 42Denmark 42Malta 40Hungary 40Kuwait 40Finland 38Slovak Republic 37Portugal 37International average 36Sweden 36Serbia 36Thailand 36Australia 35Netherlands 34New Zealand 33Czech Republic 32Bahrain 32United Arab Emirates 31Qatar 30Kazakhstan 27Northern Ireland-GBR 27Saudi Arabia 27Lithuania 27Spain 26Turkey 26Azerbaijan 25Chile 23Georgia 23Poland 22Oman 22Norway 21Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 19Italy 18Croatia 17Armenia 11Yemen 2Tunisia 2Morocco 1

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 64North Carolina-USA 55Florida-USA 54Ontario-CAN 50Dubai-UAE 33Quebec-CAN 32Abu Dhabi-UAE 31

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Two carts holding magnets (continued)S031076:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Sources and Effects of Energy

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Object in circuit for bulb to glow

The following picture shows a lightbulb connected to a battery in an electrical circuit. Which of the following objects connected to Points 1 and 2 will allow the bulb to glow?

A. iron nail

B. plastic spoon

C. rubber band

D. wooden stick

Point 1

Point 2

Item Number: S031077

Correct Response: A

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Japan 94Chinese Taipei-CHN 94Singapore 94Austria 89Germany 88Slovak Republic 87Finland 86United States 84Hong Kong-CHN 84England-GBR 84Korea, Rep. of 83Iran, Islamic Rep. of 82Sweden 79Portugal 79Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 78Czech Republic 77Slovenia 76Ireland 76Serbia 76Northern Ireland-GBR 75Denmark 75Malta 75Romania 74Poland 74Lithuania 74New Zealand 74Australia 74Hungary 73Croatia 73Russian Federation 72International average 71Spain 71Oman 68Thailand 68Norway 67Turkey 63Kazakhstan 62Italy 62Netherlands 62Qatar 61United Arab Emirates 61Armenia 60Chile 59Azerbaijan 57Bahrain 57Georgia 56Saudi Arabia 53Tunisia 46Morocco 43Yemen 36Kuwait 34

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 91Florida-USA 80Alberta-CAN 78Ontario-CAN 76Quebec-CAN 71Dubai-UAE 69Abu Dhabi-UAE 58

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Sources and Effects of Energy

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Two uses of electricity-DERIVED

Name two things electricity can be used for in daily life.

Use 1:

Use 2:

Item Number: S031197Z

SCORINGNote: Each of the two responses are scored separately. However, if the two responses are essentially the same, the second response should be scored as “Incorrect Response”.

Correct Response• Refers to providing light.• Refers to supplying heat.• Refers to an electrical household appliance or device.• Refers to transportation.• Other correct

Incorrect Response• Response too vague. [Connection to light, heat or other use not clear.]ExamplesIt helps us.To read and write.• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 91Finland 82Northern Ireland-GBR 78Sweden 77Ireland 76Thailand 75England-GBR 75Singapore 74Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 72Australia 71Japan 71Slovenia 70Slovak Republic 70Denmark 70Lithuania 69United States 68Bahrain 68Netherlands 67Austria 66Chinese Taipei-CHN 66New Zealand 65Italy 64Hungary 64Germany 63Czech Republic 63Norway 61Poland 60Saudi Arabia 58Hong Kong-CHN 58Portugal 57International average 57Russian Federation 56Spain 56Kazakhstan 54Malta 52United Arab Emirates 51Iran, Islamic Rep. of 50Croatia 48Romania 44Chile 44Qatar 41Azerbaijan 41Oman 40Georgia 39Kuwait 37Serbia 36Tunisia 29Armenia 26Turkey 20Yemen 12Morocco 8

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 70Ontario-CAN 70Alberta-CAN 69North Carolina-USA 66Quebec-CAN 59Dubai-UAE 56Abu Dhabi-UAE 50

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Two uses of electricity (continued)S031197Z:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Use 1:

Use 2:

Incorrect Response:

Use 1:

Use 2:

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Classification and Properties of Matter

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Coarse & fine salt added to water

Coarse salt and fi ne salt are added to water and then stirred as shown in the picture.

A. Which statement is true?

(Check one box.)

Coarse salt will dissolve faster.

Fine salt will dissolve faster.

They both will dissolve in the same amount of time.

B. Explain your answer.

Coarse Salt Fine Salt

Item Number: S031204

SCORINGCorrect Response• FINE with an explanation based on smaller particles dissolving faster (or similar).Examples:The fine salt has the smallest size of crystals, so they will dissolve faster.The coarse salt is in big blocks that do not dissolve very well.The fine salt is already partly broken down.

Incorrect Response• FINE with no explanation or an incorrect explanation. [May include a true statement that does not

answer the question.]Example: The fine salt is lighter.• COARSE with or without explanation.• BOTH with or without explanation.• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 79Japan 60Chinese Taipei-CHN 58United States 56Singapore 54Slovenia 52Serbia 52Italy 51Finland 50Germany 47Australia 47Denmark 46Turkey 45England-GBR 45Netherlands 44Croatia 44Sweden 44Portugal 44New Zealand 42Austria 42Chile 42Slovak Republic 41Kazakhstan 39Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 38Romania 38Thailand 38Ireland 38Hong Kong-CHN 38Lithuania 38Czech Republic 37International average 37Hungary 37Northern Ireland-GBR 35Russian Federation 33Poland 33Saudi Arabia 30Spain 28Norway 26Iran, Islamic Rep. of 24Oman 23Armenia 22Qatar 22Georgia 22Bahrain 22United Arab Emirates 21Tunisia 20Azerbaijan 19Kuwait 17Malta 12Yemen 10Morocco 5

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 60Ontario-CAN 59Alberta-CAN 55Florida-USA 51Quebec-CAN 49Dubai-UAE 30Abu Dhabi-UAE 16

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Coarse & fine salt added to water (continued)S031204:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Coarse salt and fi ne salt are added to water and then stirred as shown in the picture.

A. Which statement is true?

(Check one box.)

Coarse salt will dissolve faster.

Fine salt will dissolve faster.

They both will dissolve in the same amount of time.

B. Explain your answer.

Coarse Salt Fine Salt

Incorrect Response:

Coarse salt and fi ne salt are added to water and then stirred as shown in the picture.

A. Which statement is true?

(Check one box.)

Coarse salt will dissolve faster.

Fine salt will dissolve faster.

They both will dissolve in the same amount of time.

B. Explain your answer.

Coarse Salt Fine Salt

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Sources and Effects of Energy

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Metal spoon and wooden spoon

A metal spoon and a wooden spoon are used to stir a pot of hot soup. Aft er a few minutes, the metal spoon feels hotter than the wooden spoon. What explains this?

A. Metal is always hotter than wood.

B. Metal conducts heat better than wood.

C. Metal conducts electricity better than wood.

D. Metal heats up the water better than the wood.

Item Number: S031273

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 96Singapore 89Japan 87Hong Kong-CHN 86Finland 82England-GBR 72United States 70Serbia 68Hungary 68Sweden 66Italy 65Australia 65Ireland 65Northern Ireland-GBR 64Russian Federation 63Spain 63Germany 62Austria 61Chinese Taipei-CHN 61Slovenia 58Denmark 57International average 56Poland 55Portugal 54Georgia 54Romania 54Thailand 53Azerbaijan 52Netherlands 51Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 51Turkey 50Kazakhstan 49Qatar 49Chile 49Lithuania 47New Zealand 47Tunisia 47Croatia 46Norway 46Czech Republic 46United Arab Emirates 44Bahrain 42Saudi Arabia 42Slovak Republic 42Iran, Islamic Rep. of 42Malta 40Oman 36Kuwait 34Morocco 34Armenia 33Yemen 29

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 71North Carolina-USA 70Alberta-CAN 67Ontario-CAN 60Quebec-CAN 51Dubai-UAE 49Abu Dhabi-UAE 42

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Sources and Effects of Energy

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Boiled egg in cold water

A hot, boiled egg is put into a cup of cold water. What happens to the temperature of the water and the egg?

A. Th e water gets colder and the egg gets warmer.

B. Th e water gets warmer and the egg gets colder.

C. Th e water temperature stays the same and the egg gets colder.

D. Both the water and the egg get warmer.

Item Number: S031298

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Singapore 73Korea, Rep. of 67Romania 54Azerbaijan 52Turkey 51Japan 51Hong Kong-CHN 43Slovak Republic 43Chinese Taipei-CHN 43Portugal 41Serbia 39Russian Federation 39Georgia 38Lithuania 37Morocco 37United States 35Saudi Arabia 35Italy 34Croatia 34International average 34Armenia 34Kuwait 34Thailand 33Finland 32Qatar 31Bahrain 30Poland 30England-GBR 30United Arab Emirates 30Chile 30Norway 29Ireland 29Iran, Islamic Rep. of 29Denmark 29Germany 28Czech Republic 28Hungary 27Malta 27Austria 27Northern Ireland-GBR 27Slovenia 27Yemen 26Oman 26Australia 26New Zealand 26Sweden 26Tunisia 25Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 24Spain 23Kazakhstan 21Netherlands 14

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 33Alberta-CAN 32Dubai-UAE 31North Carolina-USA 30Abu Dhabi-UAE 27Ontario-CAN 25Quebec-CAN 15

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Sources and Effects of Energy

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Sunlight made up of colors

Name one thing you have seen that shows that sunlight is made up of diff erent colors.

Item Number: S031299

SCORINGCorrect Response• Refers to a prism (or equivalent). Example: Light shining into broken glass.• Refers to a rainbow.• Refers to sunset or sunrise (or similar).Example: When the sun goes down.• Other correct Examples:Soap bubbles.Oil slicks.

Incorrect Response• Incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)Example: Day and night.Day and night.GlassMirror

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Singapore 68Serbia 63Romania 62Portugal 54Denmark 53Ireland 52United States 51Hong Kong-CHN 50Croatia 50Finland 49Russian Federation 47Spain 45Lithuania 45Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 45Korea, Rep. of 43Italy 43Sweden 42Germany 42Netherlands 41Australia 41Northern Ireland-GBR 40Czech Republic 39Slovak Republic 39Bahrain 39England-GBR 39International average 38New Zealand 37Kazakhstan 37Hungary 37Chile 37Chinese Taipei-CHN 36Iran, Islamic Rep. of 35Turkey 34Azerbaijan 33Austria 33Slovenia 33Norway 32Oman 31Saudi Arabia 31Georgia 30Japan 29Malta 29United Arab Emirates 28Qatar 25Thailand 22Poland 22Tunisia 19Armenia 17Kuwait 16Morocco 13Yemen 5

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 58Alberta-CAN 58North Carolina-USA 54Ontario-CAN 51Quebec-CAN 33Dubai-UAE 31Abu Dhabi-UAE 25

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Sunlight made up of colors (continued)S031299:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Forces and Motion

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Force that causes object to fall

What causes an object to fall to the ground when you let it drop from your hand?

A. magnetism

B. gravity

C. air resistance

D. the push from your hand

Item Number: S031311

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Finland 85Slovak Republic 83United States 81Hong Kong-CHN 80England-GBR 80Australia 79Korea, Rep. of 79Chinese Taipei-CHN 78Denmark 78Netherlands 73Northern Ireland-GBR 71Ireland 71Sweden 71Turkey 70Spain 70Japan 70Singapore 68New Zealand 66Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 66Norway 65Germany 65Bahrain 65Poland 63Romania 63Saudi Arabia 63Austria 62Serbia 62Hungary 62Russian Federation 61International average 61Italy 60Georgia 60Thailand 59Kuwait 58Chile 57Slovenia 56United Arab Emirates 56Iran, Islamic Rep. of 56Portugal 56Czech Republic 51Croatia 50Malta 49Oman 46Qatar 45Azerbaijan 45Kazakhstan 43Yemen 34Tunisia 34Lithuania 31Armenia 28Morocco 23

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Ontario-CAN 81Alberta-CAN 80Florida-USA 79North Carolina-USA 76Quebec-CAN 63Dubai-UAE 60Abu Dhabi-UAE 52

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Classification and Properties of Matter

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Heat to change state of water

During freezing, melting, and boiling, water changes from one state to another state.

Heat needs to be supplied for which of these to take place?

A. boiling only

B. melting onlyC. melting and freezing but not boiling

D. melting and boiling but not freezing

Item Number: S031371

Correct Response: D

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Germany 73Austria 68Slovenia 67Singapore 66Russian Federation 66Korea, Rep. of 64Croatia 62United States 61Finland 60Lithuania 59Chile 58Sweden 57Norway 54England-GBR 53Hungary 51Northern Ireland-GBR 50Serbia 50Italy 50Ireland 50Hong Kong-CHN 50Kazakhstan 49Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 49Poland 48Malta 48International average 47New Zealand 47Australia 46Bahrain 45Thailand 44Japan 44Chinese Taipei-CHN 44Slovak Republic 43United Arab Emirates 43Iran, Islamic Rep. of 42Saudi Arabia 41Tunisia 41Qatar 40Turkey 40Denmark 39Romania 38Spain 37Armenia 37Kuwait 35Oman 35Czech Republic 35Portugal 34Azerbaijan 34Netherlands 33Georgia 27Yemen 27Morocco 25

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 69Florida-USA 65Alberta-CAN 59Ontario-CAN 54Dubai-UAE 46Abu Dhabi-UAE 42Quebec-CAN 37

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Classification and Properties of Matter

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Which is a mixture

Which of these is a mixture?

A. salt water

B. sugar

C. water vapor

D. salt

Item Number: S031410

Correct Response: A

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Turkey 88Korea, Rep. of 82Georgia 79United States 79Portugal 78Finland 77Chinese Taipei-CHN 76Azerbaijan 76Hungary 75Romania 75Austria 75Denmark 75Singapore 75Bahrain 73Russian Federation 73Armenia 72Spain 72Saudi Arabia 71Germany 71United Arab Emirates 69England-GBR 69Northern Ireland-GBR 69Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 68Ireland 67Chile 67Sweden 66Lithuania 65Norway 65Oman 65New Zealand 65International average 64Australia 64Netherlands 64Japan 61Hong Kong-CHN 60Italy 59Qatar 58Serbia 57Iran, Islamic Rep. of 57Kazakhstan 54Malta 53Poland 52Slovak Republic 52Kuwait 51Slovenia 48Czech Republic 47Morocco 42Croatia 40Thailand 37Tunisia 35Yemen 34

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 77North Carolina-USA 76Dubai-UAE 74Alberta-CAN 73Ontario-CAN 70Quebec-CAN 65Abu Dhabi-UAE 65

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Classification and Properties of Matter

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Position of piece of ice in water

A piece of ice is placed in a glass of water. Which picture best shows the position of the ice in the water?

A. B. C. D.

Item Number: S031418

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Japan 83Singapore 76Korea, Rep. of 75Finland 74Denmark 73United States 61Sweden 60Hong Kong-CHN 59Chinese Taipei-CHN 59Australia 58Norway 55Northern Ireland-GBR 55Netherlands 53Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 52Czech Republic 52New Zealand 51England-GBR 51Croatia 51Slovenia 51Ireland 50Thailand 49Portugal 49Russian Federation 48Chile 46Lithuania 46Austria 45Slovak Republic 44International average 44Spain 43Malta 43Germany 41Poland 40Hungary 39Italy 37Bahrain 37Qatar 33United Arab Emirates 31Romania 29Serbia 28Kuwait 28Iran, Islamic Rep. of 26Saudi Arabia 26Azerbaijan 25Kazakhstan 22Oman 22Turkey 21Georgia 21Yemen 18Armenia 18Morocco 14Tunisia 12

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 69North Carolina-USA 68Quebec-CAN 64Alberta-CAN 62Ontario-CAN 57Dubai-UAE 38Abu Dhabi-UAE 28

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Classification and Properties of Matter

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Materials that will burn

Some of the materials below will burn and some will not. Put an X in the box next to the materials that will burn.

(You may put an X in more than one box.)

water

wood

sand

gasoline

air

Item Number: S031421

SCORINGCorrect Response• Wood AND Gasoline (no incorrect materials are checked).

Incorrect Response• Wood AND Air (no other materials are checked)• Gasoline AND Air (no other materials are checked)• Water OR Sand (even if correct materials are also checked)• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Germany 87Russian Federation 87Czech Republic 86Croatia 81Finland 81Hungary 80Austria 80Lithuania 78Serbia 77Romania 76Slovak Republic 74Denmark 73Netherlands 73Kazakhstan 73Turkey 72Poland 71Azerbaijan 69Japan 68Portugal 67Italy 66Northern Ireland-GBR 64Armenia 64Slovenia 64Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 63Norway 62Ireland 62Georgia 61International average 61England-GBR 60Sweden 60Australia 57United States 56Spain 55Chile 55Chinese Taipei-CHN 54Saudi Arabia 52Korea, Rep. of 52New Zealand 51Bahrain 51Singapore 51Iran, Islamic Rep. of 50Malta 50United Arab Emirates 47Hong Kong-CHN 45Tunisia 43Oman 40Thailand 36Qatar 35Kuwait 30Morocco 23Yemen 17

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 60North Carolina-USA 59Alberta-CAN 58Florida-USA 57Ontario-CAN 54Dubai-UAE 50Abu Dhabi-UAE 45

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Classification and Properties of Matter

Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Styrofoam-brick-apple weigh more

Jack’s teacher places three objects on a table, as shown below. She puts them in order according to their volume.

Jack thinks that objects with more volume weigh more.

A. Do you agree with him?

(Check one box.)

Yes

No

B. Explain your answer.

styrofoam brick apple

Item Number: S041048

SCORINGCorrect Response• No with an explanation based on weight and/or denseness of material. Examples: Styrofoam is much larger than the other two objects and it probably does not weigh as much.The brick has a smaller volume but it probably weighs more than the styrofoam. The styrofoam is the least dense but it has more volume than the other two.

Incorrect Response• No with an incorrect or no explanation.• Yes with an explanation based on objects with more volume weighing more.Examples:The styrofoam is bigger so it has to weigh more.It has to have volume to weigh more.• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Chinese Taipei-CHN 74Austria 74Serbia 72Russian Federation 71Finland 71Korea, Rep. of 68Hungary 68Norway 62Portugal 61Poland 58Sweden 56Italy 56Czech Republic 55Lithuania 54Slovak Republic 53Singapore 52Germany 51Hong Kong-CHN 49Croatia 47United States 46Denmark 46Japan 45Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 45Kazakhstan 45Slovenia 43Australia 43Spain 42International average 42Chile 41Netherlands 40Northern Ireland-GBR 40Ireland 39England-GBR 39New Zealand 39Romania 38Turkey 36Saudi Arabia 35Thailand 30Iran, Islamic Rep. of 24Kuwait 23Oman 21United Arab Emirates 19Azerbaijan 19Georgia 19Bahrain 19Malta 19Armenia 18Tunisia 15Qatar 12Yemen 3Morocco #

rounds to zero.

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 52Ontario-CAN 51Quebec-CAN 51North Carolina-USA 49Florida-USA 40Dubai-UAE 24Abu Dhabi-UAE 18

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

# Rounds to zero

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Styrofoam-brick-apple weigh more (continued)S041048:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Jack thinks that objects with more volume weigh more.

A. Do you agree with him?

(Check one box.)

Yes

No

B. Explain your answer.

Incorrect Response:

Jack thinks that objects with more volume weigh more.

A. Do you agree with him?

(Check one box.)

Yes

No

B. Explain your answer.

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Classification and Properties of Matter

Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Properties of two materials

The table below shows the properties of two materials.

Properties of Material 1 Properties of Material 2

Conducts heat quickly

Solid

Does not dissolve in water

Attracted by magnets

Conducts heat slowly

Solid

Dissolves in water

Not attracted by magnets

Which statement about materials 1 and 2 is most likely to be correct?

A. Material 1 is glass, and material 2 is clay.

B. Material 1 is copper, and material 2 is wood.

C. Material 1 is iron, and material 2 is sugar.

D. Material 1 is cork, and material 2 is gold.

Item Number: S041049

Correct Response: C

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Chinese Taipei-CHN 81Singapore 78Japan 74Korea, Rep. of 69Russian Federation 67Finland 66Hong Kong-CHN 66Netherlands 62Portugal 60Croatia 59Slovak Republic 59Hungary 58Serbia 58Turkey 53Czech Republic 51Slovenia 51Kazakhstan 50Sweden 50United States 50Germany 50Austria 50Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 49Poland 49Lithuania 49Italy 48International average 47England-GBR 47Romania 46Denmark 46Spain 44Australia 43Azerbaijan 42Iran, Islamic Rep. of 41New Zealand 40Ireland 40Saudi Arabia 39Northern Ireland-GBR 39United Arab Emirates 37Chile 37Bahrain 37Thailand 36Norway 36Qatar 34Malta 33Oman 32Kuwait 32Georgia 30Armenia 29Tunisia 26Yemen 25Morocco 24

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 51North Carolina-USA 46Ontario-CAN 44Alberta-CAN 44Dubai-UAE 44Quebec-CAN 42Abu Dhabi-UAE 35

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Classification and Properties of Matter

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Identifies gas

glass sheet

Diagram 1 Diagram 2

container X

container Ycontainer X

Diagram 3 Diagram 4 Diagram 5

glass sheet

Diagram 1 shows a container X that is fi lled with a material that could be a solid, liquid, or gas. Th e container has been sealed with a glass sheet. Container X is placed upside down on an empty container Y, as shown in Diagram 2.

Th e glass sheet is removed.

A. Which of the diagrams below shows what you would see if the material in container X is a gas?

(Check one box.)

B. Explain your answer.

Item Number: S041060

SCORINGCorrect Response• Diagram 3 and explains that gases expand (or increase in volume) OR that they fill a container

(rise up/spread out to take the shape of a container) OR have no definite shape.Examples:Gas does not have a definite volume or shape.Gas would fill the space.

Incorrect Response• Diagram 3 with an incorrect or no explanation.Example: Diagram 3: It looks like a gas.• Diagram 4 with or without an explanation.• Diagram 5 with or without an explanation.• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Russian Federation 41Finland 37Italy 33Singapore 30England-GBR 30United States 29Korea, Rep. of 28Romania 26Northern Ireland-GBR 26Australia 24Austria 24Sweden 24Kazakhstan 24Chinese Taipei-CHN 22Netherlands 22Turkey 21Portugal 21Czech Republic 21Hungary 21Slovenia 20New Zealand 20Ireland 19Poland 18International average 18Hong Kong-CHN 18Denmark 17Serbia 16Spain 16Chile 16Japan 16Germany 16Slovak Republic 15United Arab Emirates 14Oman 14Iran, Islamic Rep. of 14Malta 14Croatia 13Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 13Norway 11Qatar 11Bahrain 10Morocco 10Azerbaijan 9Thailand 7Armenia 6Saudi Arabia 6Tunisia 6Kuwait 5Georgia 4Yemen #

rounds to zero.

Lithuania —not applicable.

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 29North Carolina-USA 21Dubai-UAE 20Alberta-CAN 19Ontario-CAN 17Quebec-CAN 16Abu Dhabi-UAE 11

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

— Not applicable# Rounds to zero

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Identifies gas (continued)S041060:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

glass sheet

Diagram 1 Diagram 2

container X

container Ycontainer X

Diagram 3 Diagram 4 Diagram 5

glass sheet

Diagram 1 shows a container X that is fi lled with a material that could be a solid, liquid, or gas. Th e container has been sealed with a glass sheet. Container X is placed upside down on an empty container Y, as shown in Diagram 2.

Th e glass sheet is removed.

A. Which of the diagrams below shows what you would see if the material in container X is a gas?

(Check one box.)

B. Explain your answer.

Incorrect Response:

glass sheet

Diagram 1 Diagram 2

container X

container Ycontainer X

Diagram 3 Diagram 4 Diagram 5

glass sheet

Diagram 1 shows a container X that is fi lled with a material that could be a solid, liquid, or gas. Th e container has been sealed with a glass sheet. Container X is placed upside down on an empty container Y, as shown in Diagram 2.

Th e glass sheet is removed.

A. Which of the diagrams below shows what you would see if the material in container X is a gas?

(Check one box.)

B. Explain your answer.

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Sources and Effects of Energy

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Type of energy that runs objects

What type of energy runs the objects shown above?

lamp computer iron

Item Number: S041067

SCORINGCorrect Response• States that electrical energy runs the objects shown in the diagram.Examples:They run by electrical energy.They all plug into electricity.

Incorrect Response• Incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Finland 85Japan 85Korea, Rep. of 83Northern Ireland-GBR 80England-GBR 78Russian Federation 78Chinese Taipei-CHN 76Lithuania 76Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 75Hungary 75Romania 74Portugal 73Netherlands 73Thailand 72Spain 69Poland 68Austria 68Sweden 67Denmark 67Croatia 64Hong Kong-CHN 64Serbia 64Slovenia 63Kazakhstan 63Ireland 62Germany 62Singapore 62Australia 62United States 61Turkey 61Czech Republic 60Slovak Republic 60International average 59Georgia 59Italy 58Norway 55Bahrain 55Chile 52Saudi Arabia 51Azerbaijan 48Tunisia 45Iran, Islamic Rep. of 45New Zealand 43Armenia 43United Arab Emirates 40Malta 38Qatar 32Kuwait 21Oman 20Morocco 16Yemen 12

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 73Florida-USA 63Ontario-CAN 60North Carolina-USA 60Alberta-CAN 60Dubai-UAE 44Abu Dhabi-UAE 39

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Type of energy that runs objects (continued)S041067:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Sources and Effects of Energy

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Shadow along which line

A spotlight shines on a girl on a stage.

Her shadow would be seen along which line?

A. A

B. B

C. C

D. D

A

BC

D

Item Number: S041069

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Singapore 87Chinese Taipei-CHN 83Japan 79Korea, Rep. of 77Hong Kong-CHN 74Finland 70Slovak Republic 69Lithuania 69Slovenia 68Hungary 67Russian Federation 67Czech Republic 63United States 62Germany 62Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 62Austria 61Kazakhstan 61Portugal 61Netherlands 60Serbia 60Romania 60Croatia 59Sweden 58England-GBR 58Thailand 58Australia 57International average 57Northern Ireland-GBR 57New Zealand 56Denmark 56Ireland 56Qatar 55Spain 54Chile 53Italy 52Saudi Arabia 52Bahrain 52Norway 51Iran, Islamic Rep. of 50Poland 49Georgia 49United Arab Emirates 48Azerbaijan 47Malta 47Turkey 47Morocco 43Oman 42Kuwait 41Armenia 38Tunisia 33Yemen 30

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 65Ontario-CAN 57North Carolina-USA 56Florida-USA 54Dubai-UAE 51Quebec-CAN 49Abu Dhabi-UAE 49

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Forces and Motion

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Force causing boat to sail

The picture shows a boat sailing.

Which force causes the boat to move?

A. gravity

B. wind

C. friction

D. magnetism

Item Number: S041117

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Chinese Taipei-CHN 99Czech Republic 98Slovenia 98Austria 98Croatia 98Poland 97Germany 97Finland 97Italy 96Portugal 96Russian Federation 96Sweden 95Australia 95Serbia 95Northern Ireland-GBR 95Denmark 94Netherlands 94Slovak Republic 94Norway 93New Zealand 93Ireland 93Lithuania 93Hungary 93Japan 93United States 93Spain 92Singapore 92Korea, Rep. of 91Romania 91England-GBR 91Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 90International average 90Hong Kong-CHN 90Malta 88Bahrain 88Turkey 87Kazakhstan 87Azerbaijan 87Chile 86United Arab Emirates 85Iran, Islamic Rep. of 84Tunisia 83Georgia 83Qatar 81Saudi Arabia 81Oman 80Thailand 79Armenia 75Kuwait 74Morocco 71Yemen 60

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 95Florida-USA 94Ontario-CAN 94North Carolina-USA 94Quebec-CAN 93Dubai-UAE 87Abu Dhabi-UAE 86

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Sources and Effects of Energy

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Objects that produce light

Which two objects produce their own light?

A. candle and moon

B. moon and mirror

C. Sun and candle

D. mirror and Sun

Item Number: S041120

Correct Response: C

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Czech Republic 86Singapore 81Slovak Republic 70Georgia 65Slovenia 64Croatia 62Lithuania 59Finland 59Azerbaijan 58Iran, Islamic Rep. of 57Portugal 56Romania 56Italy 56Oman 55Russian Federation 55Spain 54United Arab Emirates 54Qatar 53Serbia 53Bahrain 52United States 51Sweden 51Saudi Arabia 50Austria 50International average 50Germany 49Kuwait 48Turkey 48Armenia 48Poland 47Malta 46Chile 46Kazakhstan 46New Zealand 45Australia 45Ireland 45Yemen 44Hungary 44Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 43England-GBR 42Netherlands 41Tunisia 41Chinese Taipei-CHN 40Denmark 40Northern Ireland-GBR 39Korea, Rep. of 38Thailand 36Morocco 36Japan 35Norway 32Hong Kong-CHN 28

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 57Abu Dhabi-UAE 56Florida-USA 53Dubai-UAE 51North Carolina-USA 45Ontario-CAN 45Quebec-CAN 39

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Classification and Properties of Matter

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Describes condensation

Which of the following describes condensation?

A. a liquid changing to a solid

B. a solid changing to a liquid

C. a solid changing to a gas

D. a gas changing to a liquid

Item Number: S041187

Correct Response: D

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

England-GBR 42Korea, Rep. of 41United Arab Emirates 41Lithuania 40Kuwait 39Portugal 38Poland 36Singapore 35Bahrain 34Russian Federation 33New Zealand 33Kazakhstan 32Azerbaijan 32Qatar 32United States 32Australia 32Czech Republic 31Ireland 31Northern Ireland-GBR 30Hungary 30Malta 29Oman 29Saudi Arabia 29Serbia 28Chile 28Sweden 28International average 28Romania 27Yemen 27Italy 27Netherlands 26Armenia 26Georgia 25Slovak Republic 25Morocco 24Turkey 24Denmark 23Slovenia 23Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 22Germany 21Spain 20Finland 20Norway 19Croatia 18Tunisia 18Austria 18Japan 16Thailand 16Chinese Taipei-CHN 12Hong Kong-CHN —

Not applicable.

Iran, Islamic Rep. of —Not applicable.

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Dubai-UAE 42Abu Dhabi-UAE 37Quebec-CAN 35Florida-USA 33North Carolina-USA 30Ontario-CAN 23Alberta-CAN 22

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

— Not applicable

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Forces and Motion

Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: A balance and four cubes

Stephanie has a balance and four cubes (1, 2, 3, 4). Th e cubes are made of diff erent materials.

She puts two cubes at a time on the balance and observes the following results.

What can she know about the weight of cube 2?

A. It is heavier than cubes 1, 3, and 4.

B. It is heavier than cube 1 but lighter than cubes 3 and 4.

C. It is heavier than cube 3 but lighter than cubes 1 and 4.

D. It is heavier than cube 4 but lighter than cubes 1 and 3.

1

2 1

3 4

3

Item Number: S041305

Correct Response: A

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Singapore 74Chinese Taipei-CHN 70Korea, Rep. of 70Hong Kong-CHN 68Japan 66Portugal 57Ireland 54Finland 53Netherlands 52Australia 50Norway 50United States 50Northern Ireland-GBR 49Russian Federation 49Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 49Serbia 49Kazakhstan 49Germany 49England-GBR 48New Zealand 47Lithuania 47Austria 46Croatia 45Italy 45International average 44Romania 44Sweden 44Denmark 44Turkey 44Spain 44Slovak Republic 43Malta 43Slovenia 41Hungary 40Bahrain 40Czech Republic 39Qatar 39Thailand 39United Arab Emirates 37Chile 36Iran, Islamic Rep. of 36Azerbaijan 35Saudi Arabia 35Poland 33Georgia 31Oman 31Armenia 30Kuwait 27Morocco 23Yemen 19Tunisia 18

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 50North Carolina-USA 49Quebec-CAN 48Ontario-CAN 48Alberta-CAN 48Dubai-UAE 40Abu Dhabi-UAE 36

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Sources and Effects of Energy

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Thermometer reading hottest water

Four different thermometers were used to measure the temperature of water in four diff erent beakers.

Which thermometer reading belongs to the hottest water?

100

80

60

40

20

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

A. B. C. D.

Item Number: S041311

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 98Netherlands 98Chinese Taipei-CHN 98Russian Federation 97Slovak Republic 97Korea, Rep. of 97Hungary 97Ireland 97Japan 97Singapore 97Austria 97Sweden 96Serbia 96Lithuania 96Finland 96Croatia 96Slovenia 96Italy 95Hong Kong-CHN 95Poland 95Northern Ireland-GBR 95Germany 95Portugal 94United States 94Chile 94Denmark 94New Zealand 93Georgia 93Australia 93England-GBR 93Czech Republic 92Spain 92Norway 91Kazakhstan 91International average 91Romania 91Saudi Arabia 89Malta 89Turkey 89Bahrain 89United Arab Emirates 87Thailand 87Armenia 85Azerbaijan 81Qatar 81Oman 80Iran, Islamic Rep. of 79Kuwait 79Morocco 77Tunisia 76Yemen 62

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Ontario-CAN 94North Carolina-USA 94Alberta-CAN 93Quebec-CAN 93Florida-USA 92Dubai-UAE 87Abu Dhabi-UAE 85

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Forces and Motion

Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Children on seesaw

Nick rides on a seesaw with his sister Kate and then with his brother Leon. Nick is the same weight as Kate, but Leon is twice the weight of Nick.

Which figure shows where the children should sit so that Nick can balance first with Kate and then with Leon?

A. B.

C. D.

Nick Kate Leon

Item Number: S051071

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 81Finland 68Japan 66Sweden 63Netherlands 63Czech Republic 61Germany 61Denmark 60Lithuania 56Slovenia 54Austria 53Russian Federation 52Norway 52Serbia 51Hungary 51Singapore 51Slovak Republic 50England-GBR 50New Zealand 49Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 48Hong Kong-CHN 48Australia 47Croatia 47United States 46Chinese Taipei-CHN 46Romania 45International average 44Italy 42Kazakhstan 42Northern Ireland-GBR 40Ireland 40Spain 40Poland 39Portugal 38Azerbaijan 38Chile 37Turkey 37Saudi Arabia 36Malta 35Thailand 34Georgia 34Iran, Islamic Rep. of 31United Arab Emirates 30Qatar 30Oman 27Bahrain 27Armenia 25Morocco 21Kuwait 21Tunisia 20Yemen 16

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 52Quebec-CAN 51Florida-USA 49Ontario-CAN 45North Carolina-USA 41Dubai-UAE 32Abu Dhabi-UAE 28

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Sources and Effects of Energy

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Will the bulb light

Gerry connects a battery, a light bulb, and some wire as shown below.

A. Will the bulb light?

(Check one box.)

Yes

No

B. Explain your answer.

+

Item Number: S051074

SCORINGCorrect Response• No with an explanation that the bulb does not light because the circuit is incomplete.Examples:No – There is a gap in the wires.No – The two wires on the right have to be connected.

Incorrect Response• Yes with an explanation that the bulb would light up if he were to join the wires together.• Other Incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Japan 72Chinese Taipei-CHN 68England-GBR 59Slovenia 56Singapore 51Germany 42United States 42Bahrain 40Slovak Republic 40Turkey 36Korea, Rep. of 35Oman 34Kuwait 34Northern Ireland-GBR 33Iran, Islamic Rep. of 33Saudi Arabia 32Finland 32Qatar 30Lithuania 30Malta 30Austria 29International average 27United Arab Emirates 27Denmark 27Sweden 26Czech Republic 26Romania 25Serbia 25Russian Federation 25Netherlands 24Ireland 22Hong Kong-CHN 22Thailand 20New Zealand 20Kazakhstan 20Portugal 19Australia 18Armenia 17Spain 15Croatia 14Poland 14Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 14Hungary 13Azerbaijan 13Georgia 12Chile 11Tunisia 11Italy 10Morocco 10Norway 7Yemen 5

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 43Dubai-UAE 30Abu Dhabi-UAE 28Florida-USA 24Alberta-CAN 21Quebec-CAN 15Ontario-CAN 12

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Will the bulb light (continued)S051074:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Gerry connects a battery, a light bulb, and some wire as shown below.

A. Will the bulb light?

(Check one box.)

Yes

No

B. Explain your answer.

+

Incorrect Response:

Gerry connects a battery, a light bulb, and some wire as shown below.

A. Will the bulb light?

(Check one box.)

Yes

No

B. Explain your answer.

+

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Classification and Properties of Matter

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Temperature of ice, steam, water

Water, ice, and steam all have different temperatures.

What is the order from coldest to hottest?

A. ice, water, steam

B. ice, steam, water

C. steam, ice, water

D. steam, water, ice

Item Number: S051086

Correct Response: A

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

United States 90Netherlands 88Singapore 87Croatia 87Czech Republic 86Hong Kong-CHN 86Italy 84Russian Federation 84Serbia 84Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 84Australia 83Slovak Republic 83Denmark 83Finland 82Spain 81Hungary 81Slovenia 80Chile 80England-GBR 80Chinese Taipei-CHN 80Korea, Rep. of 80Austria 79Northern Ireland-GBR 79Germany 79Sweden 79New Zealand 78Ireland 76Norway 75Kazakhstan 73International average 73Japan 72Turkey 71Romania 71Bahrain 71Lithuania 70Malta 70United Arab Emirates 69Saudi Arabia 67Azerbaijan 65Poland 63Georgia 62Iran, Islamic Rep. of 61Qatar 61Armenia 59Oman 56Kuwait 55Thailand 55Tunisia 41Morocco 37Yemen 29Portugal —

Not applicable.

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 94North Carolina-USA 90Alberta-CAN 86Ontario-CAN 85Dubai-UAE 73Quebec-CAN 72Abu Dhabi-UAE 70

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

— Not applicable

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Sources and Effects of Energy

Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Two magnets and two metal pins

Betty has two magnets (A and B) and two metal pins that are the same.

She slides Magnet A along a table until a pin is attracted to the magnet. She slides Magnet B along a table until a pin is attracted to the magnet.

She finds that Magnet A attracts the pin from 15cm and Magnet B attracts the pin from 10cm.

Steven says that both magnets are equally strong.

A. Do you agree?

(Check one box.)

Yes

No

B. Explain your answer.

A

B

magnets pins

Item Number: S051119

SCORINGCorrect Response• No with an explanation that a stronger magnet (i.e., Magnet A) can attract the pin from a further

distance.Examples:No – Magnet A attracted the pin from a further distance than Magnet B, so it is stronger.No – Magnet B had to be closer to the pin so it is weaker.• No with an explanation that refers to different distances only.Example: No – The magnets attract from different lengths.

Incorrect Response• Incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task), including responses that

refer to the strength of the magnet only.Example: No – Magnet A is stronger.

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Singapore 66Japan 50Chinese Taipei-CHN 47Finland 41Sweden 37United States 37England-GBR 35Portugal 35Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 35Slovenia 32Norway 32Hong Kong-CHN 31Northern Ireland-GBR 30Netherlands 30Serbia 29Turkey 29Denmark 28Czech Republic 28Germany 28Ireland 28Spain 27Australia 27Korea, Rep. of 27Russian Federation 27Kazakhstan 27Poland 26International average 26Georgia 26Iran, Islamic Rep. of 26Bahrain 26New Zealand 25Malta 25Lithuania 24Romania 23Thailand 23Italy 23Hungary 23Saudi Arabia 22Austria 21Slovak Republic 20Chile 20Tunisia 19United Arab Emirates 19Qatar 17Croatia 17Kuwait 15Armenia 14Azerbaijan 12Oman 6Morocco 5Yemen 1

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Ontario-CAN 39Florida-USA 38Alberta-CAN 34North Carolina-USA 34Quebec-CAN 31Dubai-UAE 22Abu Dhabi-UAE 17

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Two magnets and two metal pins (continued)S051119:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Betty has two magnets (A and B) and two metal pins that are the same.

She slides Magnet A along a table until a pin is attracted to the magnet. She slides Magnet B along a table until a pin is attracted to the magnet.

She finds that Magnet A attracts the pin from 15cm and Magnet B attracts the pin from 10cm.

Steven says that both magnets are equally strong.

A. Do you agree?

(Check one box.)

Yes

No

B. Explain your answer.

A

B

magnets pins

Incorrect Response:

Betty has two magnets (A and B) and two metal pins that are the same.

She slides Magnet A along a table until a pin is attracted to the magnet. She slides Magnet B along a table until a pin is attracted to the magnet.

She finds that Magnet A attracts the pin from 15cm and Magnet B attracts the pin from 10cm.

Steven says that both magnets are equally strong.

A. Do you agree?

(Check one box.)

Yes

No

B. Explain your answer.

A

B

magnets pins

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Main Topic

Sources and Effects of Energy

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Sun reflection in a lake

Alice watches a sunrise from across a calm lake. She sees a sun in the sky and a sun in the lake as shown below.

Why does Alice see a sun in the lake?

A. The sunlight warms that part of the lake.

B. The sky spreads sunlight over the lake.

C. The sunlight reflects off the lake water.

D. Clouds reflect sunlight into the lake.

Item Number: S051179

Correct Response: C

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Chinese Taipei-CHN 95Korea, Rep. of 93Poland 93Czech Republic 93Austria 93Northern Ireland-GBR 92Italy 92Spain 92Finland 92Germany 91Japan 91Ireland 91United States 90Singapore 90Hungary 90England-GBR 88Netherlands 88Portugal 87Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 87Chile 86Russian Federation 85Sweden 85Romania 84Slovak Republic 84Australia 84New Zealand 84Lithuania 79Malta 77Thailand 76International average 76Hong Kong-CHN 73Denmark 73Bahrain 72Slovenia 70Turkey 70Saudi Arabia 70Azerbaijan 66United Arab Emirates 66Kazakhstan 64Norway 63Croatia 62Serbia 61Qatar 59Kuwait 58Georgia 52Iran, Islamic Rep. of 52Oman 52Tunisia 43Yemen 36Morocco 34Armenia 30

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 94Alberta-CAN 93North Carolina-USA 89Ontario-CAN 87Quebec-CAN 76Dubai-UAE 72Abu Dhabi-UAE 62

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

EARTH SCIENCE

Main Topic

Earth in the Solar System

Cognitive Domain

Reasoning

Item label: Label Earth, Moon, and Sun

The figure below shows Earth, the Moon, and the Sun. Each body is labeled by a number. Th e arrows show the direction each body is moving.

Fill in the correct number next to each body (1, 2 or 3).

Earth is body number: _______________

Th e Moon is body number: _______________

Th e Sun is body number: _______________

1

2

3

Item Number: S031044

SCORINGCorrect Response• Earth = 2 Moon = 3 Sun = 1

Incorrect Response• Only the Sun is correct (3 – 2 – 1)• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Portugal 78Russian Federation 74Korea, Rep. of 73Slovak Republic 66United States 65Finland 65Sweden 64England-GBR 63Norway 60Spain 59Chile 59Hong Kong-CHN 58United Arab Emirates 55Australia 54Lithuania 54Japan 53Austria 53Czech Republic 52Denmark 52Chinese Taipei-CHN 52Kuwait 51Bahrain 51Hungary 51Malta 50Ireland 50Kazakhstan 49Netherlands 49Poland 49International average 49Slovenia 48Thailand 48Singapore 48Qatar 47Romania 47Germany 44Italy 44New Zealand 44Croatia 43Iran, Islamic Rep. of 42Georgia 40Saudi Arabia 39Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 39Azerbaijan 39Serbia 39Turkey 38Northern Ireland-GBR 35Oman 30Armenia 27Tunisia 17Morocco 16Yemen 15

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 68North Carolina-USA 63Quebec-CAN 59Dubai-UAE 58Abu Dhabi-UAE 54Alberta-CAN 48Ontario-CAN 46

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Label Earth, Moon, and Sun (continued)S031044:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Th e fi gure below shows Earth, the Moon, and the Sun. Each body is labeled by a number. Th e arrows show the direction each body is moving.

Fill in the correct number next to each body (1, 2 or 3).

Earth is body number: _______________

Th e Moon is body number: _______________

Th e Sun is body number: _______________

1

2

3

Incorrect Response:

Th e fi gure below shows Earth, the Moon, and the Sun. Each body is labeled by a number. Th e arrows show the direction each body is moving.

Fill in the correct number next to each body (1, 2 or 3).

Earth is body number: _______________

Th e Moon is body number: _______________

Th e Sun is body number: _______________

1

2

3

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

EARTH SCIENCE

Main Topic

Earth’s Structure, Physical Characteristics, and Resources

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Two ways to use air-DERIVED

Air is important for many things. What are two ways we use air?

1.

2.

Item Number: S031088Z

SCORINGNote: Each of the two responses are scored separately. However, if the two responses are essentially the same, the second response should be scored as “Incorrect Response”.

Correct Response• States that air (oxygen) is needed for breathing.Example: Humans breathe air.• States that air (oxygen) is needed for fire, burning (or similar).Example: Air is used in fire.• States that air is used to inflate things (e.g., balloons, balls, tires, blow bubbles, etc.).Example: To blow up balloons.• States an effect due to air movement or pressure (or similar).Example: Air is needed for airplanes to fly.• Other correct

Incorrect Response• Response too vague.Example: To stay alive.• Refers only to plants needing air (or similar)• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 34Sweden 28Chinese Taipei-CHN 28Kazakhstan 27Singapore 26Russian Federation 26Finland 26Serbia 24Romania 23Portugal 22Japan 22New Zealand 21Lithuania 21United States 21Tunisia 21Netherlands 20Ireland 20Hong Kong-CHN 19Poland 19Denmark 19Slovak Republic 18Bahrain 18Italy 18International average 16Hungary 16Czech Republic 16Spain 16Saudi Arabia 15Slovenia 15Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 15United Arab Emirates 15Austria 14Norway 14Australia 13Oman 12Turkey 11Chile 11Qatar 11Germany 10Malta 10Northern Ireland-GBR 9England-GBR 9Croatia 9Thailand 9Kuwait 8Georgia 7Iran, Islamic Rep. of 7Azerbaijan 6Armenia 5Yemen 5Morocco 2

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 19Florida-USA 18Ontario-CAN 15North Carolina-USA 15Abu Dhabi-UAE 15Dubai-UAE 13Quebec-CAN 9

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Two ways to use air (continued)S031088Z:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

1.

2.

Incorrect Response:

1.

2.

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

EARTH SCIENCE

Main Topic

Earth in the Solar System

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Explanation for day and night

What is the correct explanation for why we have day and night on Earth?

A. The Sun orbits around the Earth.

B. Earth orbits around the Sun.

C. Earth turns on its axis.

D. The Sun turns on its axis.

Item Number: S031275

Correct Response: C

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Slovak Republic 58Czech Republic 58Russian Federation 54Lithuania 52Chile 52Azerbaijan 47Germany 46Bahrain 46Slovenia 46Saudi Arabia 45Armenia 44Austria 44Portugal 44Hong Kong-CHN 43Qatar 42Poland 40Hungary 39Finland 39Turkey 39Serbia 37Georgia 37England-GBR 37Croatia 37Chinese Taipei-CHN 36United Arab Emirates 36Kazakhstan 35International average 35Spain 34Romania 32United States 32Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 32Sweden 30Australia 30Singapore 29Kuwait 29Japan 28Denmark 27Thailand 25Netherlands 25Iran, Islamic Rep. of 24Italy 23Malta 23Oman 23New Zealand 22Yemen 21Korea, Rep. of 20Ireland 20Morocco 19Tunisia 18Northern Ireland-GBR 16Norway 14

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Dubai-UAE 38Florida-USA 38Abu Dhabi-UAE 37Quebec-CAN 27North Carolina-USA 25Alberta-CAN 22Ontario-CAN 21

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

EARTH SCIENCE

Main Topic

Earth’s Structure, Physical Characteristics, and Resources

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Best soil for plants to grow in

Plants grow best in soils that are rich in which of the following?

A. grains of sand

B. lumps of clay

C. layers of gravel

D. decaying plants and animals

Item Number: S031376

Correct Response: D

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Thailand 75Czech Republic 73Korea, Rep. of 67Finland 63Croatia 61Slovak Republic 60Russian Federation 60Serbia 59Italy 58Chinese Taipei-CHN 57Sweden 56Azerbaijan 55Hungary 54Denmark 53Kazakhstan 52Portugal 49United States 48Armenia 46Hong Kong-CHN 46New Zealand 46Slovenia 46Romania 46England-GBR 46International average 40Norway 40Australia 39Malta 37Poland 35Northern Ireland-GBR 35Spain 34Ireland 34Chile 32Austria 31Japan 29Bahrain 28Germany 28Oman 28Lithuania 28Qatar 27United Arab Emirates 26Turkey 26Tunisia 25Georgia 24Yemen 23Morocco 21Singapore 20Netherlands 20Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 20Saudi Arabia 19Kuwait 16Iran, Islamic Rep. of 14

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 64North Carolina-USA 58Ontario-CAN 55Quebec-CAN 52Florida-USA 49Dubai-UAE 31Abu Dhabi-UAE 24

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

EARTH SCIENCE

Main Topic

Earth’s Structure, Physical Characteristics, and Resources

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Soil change due to natural causes

Which of these soil changes is due only to natural causes?

A. Loss of minerals due to farming.

B. Deserts forming due to tree cutting.

C. Flooding due to dam construction.

D. Minerals washing out due to heavy rain.

Item Number: S031389

Correct Response: D

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 63Finland 61Russian Federation 60Japan 55United States 54Kazakhstan 53Azerbaijan 52Slovak Republic 51Hungary 51Croatia 48Turkey 48Chinese Taipei-CHN 48Slovenia 47Poland 45Lithuania 44Australia 44Hong Kong-CHN 44Italy 43Czech Republic 41Sweden 41Portugal 40Singapore 40England-GBR 39International average 39Romania 39Northern Ireland-GBR 38Ireland 37Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 37New Zealand 36United Arab Emirates 36Austria 36Denmark 35Georgia 35Serbia 34Saudi Arabia 34Netherlands 33Oman 32Iran, Islamic Rep. of 31Thailand 30Spain 30Bahrain 29Armenia 29Chile 28Norway 28Malta 27Germany 26Qatar 26Kuwait 22Morocco 21Yemen 19Tunisia 19

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

North Carolina-USA 51Florida-USA 48Ontario-CAN 43Alberta-CAN 43Dubai-UAE 39Abu Dhabi-UAE 34Quebec-CAN 29

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

EARTH SCIENCE

Main Topic

Earth’s Structure, Physical Characteristics, and Resources

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Ways to avoid wasting water-DERIVED

Th ere is a shortage of fresh water in many parts of the world. Describe two things people can do to avoid wasting water.

1.

2.

Item Number: S031391Z

SCORINGNote: Each of the two responses are scored separately. However, if the two responses are essentially the same, the second response should be scored as “Incorrect Response”.

Correct Response• Mentions that faucets should not be left running (or similar).Example: Don’t leave the water running.• Mentions recycling, reusing or purifying water (or similar).Example: Screen out dirt so you can drink the water.• Mentions a specific practical method to conserve or minimize the use of water.Example: Have short showers.• Other correct

Incorrect Response• Gives a general/vague statement about not using or drinking (much) water. [No specific method

given.]Example: Stop using water.• Other incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 70Singapore 52Chinese Taipei-CHN 51Portugal 50Australia 42United States 41Ireland 41Hungary 41Spain 41Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 36Netherlands 35Bahrain 34Iran, Islamic Rep. of 33Poland 33Italy 33Hong Kong-CHN 33Germany 32Northern Ireland-GBR 31England-GBR 31Austria 30Denmark 29Finland 29Japan 28Sweden 28Slovak Republic 28Kazakhstan 28Chile 27International average 27Saudi Arabia 26Croatia 25Malta 24Norway 24New Zealand 23Czech Republic 21Serbia 20Turkey 20Slovenia 18Romania 18Russian Federation 17United Arab Emirates 16Qatar 15Thailand 15Oman 14Tunisia 14Kuwait 12Lithuania 12Armenia 9Azerbaijan 6Morocco 4Georgia 2Yemen 1

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 44Quebec-CAN 44Alberta-CAN 42North Carolina-USA 42Ontario-CAN 31Dubai-UAE 27Abu Dhabi-UAE 13

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Ways to avoid wasting water (continued)S031391Z:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

1.

2.

Incorrect Response:

1.

2.

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

EARTH SCIENCE

Main Topic

Earth’s Structure, Physical Characteristics, and Resources

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Drinking water comes from

Water that has its salt removed before it can be used as drinking water is most likely to have come from

A. underground

B. a river

C. a lake

D. a sea

Item Number: S041092

Correct Response: D

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 88Japan 83Russian Federation 82Chinese Taipei-CHN 76Czech Republic 75Finland 74Sweden 74Hong Kong-CHN 73Serbia 73Slovenia 72Hungary 71Singapore 71Austria 68Slovak Republic 68Croatia 67Netherlands 66United States 65Northern Ireland-GBR 65Norway 64England-GBR 63Spain 62Ireland 61Denmark 61Malta 60Germany 58Australia 57International average 57Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 57New Zealand 56Portugal 55Chile 55Saudi Arabia 54Bahrain 54Iran, Islamic Rep. of 50United Arab Emirates 50Georgia 48Qatar 48Oman 48Turkey 45Italy 44Poland 43Lithuania 42Thailand 42Kuwait 41Romania 38Morocco 32Kazakhstan 31Yemen 30Tunisia 30Armenia 28Azerbaijan 21

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 70North Carolina-USA 69Alberta-CAN 65Quebec-CAN 62Ontario-CAN 59Dubai-UAE 52Abu Dhabi-UAE 51

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

EARTH SCIENCE

Main Topic

Earth’s Processes, Cycles, and History

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Reason for direction river flows

Th e direction water fl ows in a river depends on

A. the length of the river

B. the slope of the land

C. the type of rock over which the water fl ows

D. the location of the North Pole

Item Number: S041100

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 81Chinese Taipei-CHN 77Japan 70Hong Kong-CHN 67Finland 65Sweden 62Singapore 58Russian Federation 57Slovak Republic 57Australia 57Netherlands 57Romania 56Czech Republic 56Serbia 55Italy 55Ireland 54United States 53England-GBR 53Germany 51New Zealand 51Croatia 51Northern Ireland-GBR 51Hungary 51Austria 49Norway 48Spain 47Kazakhstan 47Georgia 46International average 45Poland 44Denmark 44Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 44Portugal 39Armenia 38Turkey 35Lithuania 35Iran, Islamic Rep. of 34Slovenia 34Saudi Arabia 30Thailand 29United Arab Emirates 28Bahrain 27Malta 26Chile 25Kuwait 25Azerbaijan 25Qatar 24Yemen 24Oman 24Tunisia 22Morocco 20

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 58North Carolina-USA 54Florida-USA 50Ontario-CAN 47Quebec-CAN 45Dubai-UAE 35Abu Dhabi-UAE 24

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

EARTH SCIENCE

Main Topic

Earth in the Solar System

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Energy received from the sun

Write down one form of energy Earth receives from the Sun.

Item Number: S041110

SCORINGCorrect Response• Refers to light (sunlight).Example: Light energy.• Refers to heat.Example: It provides heat.• Refers to solar energy.Example: Solar energy.

Incorrect Response• Incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)Examples:Energy from the sun.Sun.

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Singapore 82Korea, Rep. of 79Slovak Republic 75Hong Kong-CHN 73Russian Federation 73Northern Ireland-GBR 69Netherlands 69Italy 68Romania 68Ireland 68England-GBR 66Austria 64Australia 63United States 63Kazakhstan 62Portugal 62Croatia 62Serbia 61Chinese Taipei-CHN 61Denmark 61Japan 59Czech Republic 59Georgia 59Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 59Norway 57New Zealand 56Turkey 55Finland 55International average 54Hungary 54Iran, Islamic Rep. of 54Slovenia 53Chile 53Lithuania 53Thailand 52Spain 51Germany 48Bahrain 47Saudi Arabia 47United Arab Emirates 46Poland 45Sweden 44Qatar 40Malta 38Azerbaijan 37Armenia 35Kuwait 29Tunisia 29Oman 24Yemen 12Morocco 9

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Florida-USA 67Alberta-CAN 64North Carolina-USA 62Ontario-CAN 60Quebec-CAN 57Dubai-UAE 56Abu Dhabi-UAE 44

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Energy received from the sun (continued)S041110:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

EARTH SCIENCE

Main Topic

Earth’s Structure, Physical Characteristics, and Resources

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Advantage to farming by a river

The picture below shows a river fl owing across a plain.

Farming is carried out on the plain and near the river.

Th ere are advantages and disadvantages to farming along a river.

A. Describe one advantage.

Item Number: S041201A

SCORINGCorrect Response• Referstotheavailabilityofwater(forcropsand/oranimals)ORpresenceoffertilesoilORabilityto

grow better crops.Examples:Lots of water for irrigation.They can water their crops easily.You would be able to get water for animals.

Incorrect Response• Incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)Examples:Having enough water for washing.You can catch fish.The crops will grow.

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 83Finland 70Singapore 62Portugal 61Chinese Taipei-CHN 61Czech Republic 59Italy 57Thailand 57Germany 55Russian Federation 54Hong Kong-CHN 54Austria 54Romania 53Sweden 53England-GBR 52Northern Ireland-GBR 52Denmark 51Netherlands 51Ireland 51Lithuania 50United States 49Iran, Islamic Rep. of 48Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 44Poland 44Australia 44Croatia 43Kazakhstan 43International average 42Norway 41Slovenia 39Slovak Republic 38New Zealand 38Serbia 38Hungary 37Turkey 36Spain 35Chile 35Georgia 35Japan 33Bahrain 29Azerbaijan 28United Arab Emirates 27Malta 26Saudi Arabia 25Qatar 23Armenia 22Tunisia 16Kuwait 13Oman 13Morocco 13Yemen 3

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 59Ontario-CAN 54Quebec-CAN 43Florida-USA 38Dubai-UAE 37North Carolina-USA 35Abu Dhabi-UAE 19

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Advantage to farming by a river (continued)S041201A:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

EARTH SCIENCE

Main Topic

Earth’s Structure, Physical Characteristics, and Resources

Cognitive Domain

Applying

Item label: Disadvantage to farming by a river

The picture below shows a river fl owing across a plain.

Farming is carried out on the plain and near the river.

Th ere are advantages and disadvantages to farming along a river.

B. Describe one disadvantage.

Item Number: S041201B

SCORINGCorrect Response• Refers to the river flooding/overflowing OR the river being polluted/carrying pollutants OR animals

falling into the river. Examples:The river could flood.Pollutions can flow from the fields down into the river.The water may be poisoned.

Incorrect Response• Incorrect (including crossed out, erased, stray marks, illegible, or off task)Examples:In the winter the water freezes over and you go skating and fall in.Something will fall into the water.The river is dangerous.

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 64Czech Republic 60Italy 55Finland 55Slovak Republic 55Romania 53Thailand 52Chinese Taipei-CHN 52Netherlands 52Slovenia 51Singapore 49Austria 47Ireland 46Germany 46Hong Kong-CHN 45Denmark 44Poland 44Portugal 44Hungary 43Northern Ireland-GBR 43England-GBR 43Russian Federation 42Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 39New Zealand 38Australia 36United States 35Lithuania 34International average 34Sweden 33Turkey 32Georgia 29Japan 26Kazakhstan 25Azerbaijan 25Norway 25Spain 24Serbia 24Chile 23Croatia 22Iran, Islamic Rep. of 22Malta 16Bahrain 15Armenia 15United Arab Emirates 14Qatar 13Saudi Arabia 11Oman 7Tunisia 7Morocco 6Kuwait 5Yemen 1

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 42Ontario-CAN 36Quebec-CAN 35North Carolina-USA 25Florida-USA 24Dubai-UAE 21Abu Dhabi-UAE 9

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Item label: Disadvantage to farming by a river (continued)S041201B:

Student Responses

Correct Response:

Incorrect Response:

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

EARTH SCIENCE

Main Topic

Earth in the Solar System

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: How often Earth rotates on axis

How oft en does Earth rotate on its axis?

A. once every 12 hours

B. once every 24 hours

C. once every month

D. once every year

Item Number: S041208

Correct Response: B

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Slovak Republic 70Portugal 69Bahrain 69Slovenia 67Lithuania 67Spain 66Turkey 65Saudi Arabia 65Georgia 64Kazakhstan 63Iran, Islamic Rep. of 63Azerbaijan 59Romania 59Qatar 59United Arab Emirates 59Japan 58Chile 58Austria 57Russian Federation 57Hungary 55Germany 54Thailand 54Italy 53International average 53Oman 53Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 53United States 52Netherlands 52Korea, Rep. of 52Czech Republic 51Serbia 51Croatia 50Poland 49England-GBR 49Denmark 48Norway 47Chinese Taipei-CHN 47Hong Kong-CHN 46Finland 45Singapore 45New Zealand 44Australia 44Armenia 44Malta 43Sweden 42Ireland 42Northern Ireland-GBR 42Morocco 39Kuwait 37Yemen 37Tunisia 36

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Dubai-UAE 59Abu Dhabi-UAE 57Florida-USA 55Quebec-CAN 51North Carolina-USA 46Alberta-CAN 44Ontario-CAN 41

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

EARTH SCIENCE

Main Topic

Earth’s Structure, Physical Characteristics, and Resources

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: Which made from waterfall energy

A river flowing over a waterfall has a lot of energy.

Which of the following is made from waterfall energy?

A. hot water

B. solar power

C. electricity

D. drinking water

Item Number: S051100

Correct Response: C

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Austria 72Serbia 68Germany 63Finland 59Romania 56Croatia 54Iran, Islamic Rep. of 52Norway 51Sweden 50Azerbaijan 49Korea, Rep. of 47Italy 42Hong Kong-CHN 41Czech Republic 41Russian Federation 34Portugal 33Thailand 33International average 31Hungary 31Netherlands 31Slovenia 31Kazakhstan 30Georgia 29Denmark 29Armenia 29Poland 28Lithuania 28Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 28Spain 28Japan 26Turkey 25Slovak Republic 24New Zealand 24Ireland 24Chinese Taipei-CHN 21Chile 19Qatar 19United States 19Singapore 17United Arab Emirates 16Yemen 15Morocco 15Bahrain 14Tunisia 14England-GBR 13Oman 13Northern Ireland-GBR 12Australia 12Saudi Arabia 12Malta 10Kuwait —

Not applicable.

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Quebec-CAN 42Ontario-CAN 28Alberta-CAN 25North Carolina-USA 21Dubai-UAE 19Florida-USA 17Abu Dhabi-UAE 12

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average

— Not applicable

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TIMSS 2011 4th-Grade Science Concepts and Science Items

Content Domain

EARTH SCIENCE

Main Topic

Earth’s Processes, Cycles, and History

Cognitive Domain

Knowing

Item label: How long ago was plant alive?

The leaf shape in the rock comes from a plant that lived long ago.

About how long ago was the plant alive?

A. one year

B. one hundred years

C. one thousand years

D. one million years

rock

leaf shape

Item Number: S051156

Correct Response: D

Overall Percent Correct

Education systemPercent correct

Korea, Rep. of 64Germany 42Slovak Republic 42Czech Republic 40Austria 40Italy 40Japan 39Georgia 36Chinese Taipei-CHN 35Norway 35Sweden 35Spain 34Hong Kong-CHN 34United States 33Slovenia 32Singapore 32Finland 31Hungary 31Denmark 31Kuwait 30Poland 30Russian Federation 29Azerbaijan 28International average 28England-GBR 27Romania 26Australia 26Ireland 25New Zealand 25Malta 25United Arab Emirates 24Croatia 23Kazakhstan 23Qatar 23Chile 22Serbia 22Iran, Islamic Rep. of 21Portugal 21Armenia 21Thailand 21Turkey 20Northern Ireland-GBR 20Oman 20Saudi Arabia 19Tunisia 19Yemen 18Morocco 17Belgium (Flemish)-BEL 17Bahrain 16Lithuania 16Netherlands 15

Benchmarking education system

Percentcorrect

Alberta-CAN 43Florida-USA 36Quebec-CAN 32Ontario-CAN 31North Carolina-USA 29Dubai-UAE 28Abu Dhabi-UAE 22

Percent higher than International average Percent lower than International average