Exhibit 2.11 provides the description of student achievement at the Intermediate International Benchmark. At this level, students showed knowledge and understanding of some aspects of science across the three content domains.

Exhibit 2.11.1 presents an item from the life science domain. It illustrates that students reaching the Intermediate Benchmark understood why plastic objects in the ocean are dangerous for sea animals. Sweden, Finland, and Norway (fifth grade) had best achievement on this item, 85–86 percent correct. The international average was 57 percent.

Exhibit 2.11.2 shows an item from the physical science domain. On average, internationally, 66 percent of fourth grade students recognized why wheels on a wagon make it easier to pull. Finland and Korea had the highest percentage correct—87–88 percent.