The ACT Science Reasoning Test is 35 minutes long. includes 7 reading passages. has 40 questions divided among seven passages. The 7 passages include: Graphs & Tables Research Summaries Conflicting Viewpoints

Myth #1 Is the ACT science reasoning test a test of scientific knowledge? NO!!!!! It is a test of science reasoning ability.

You dont need to know science to do the science! Attempts fairness to all test takers All information is on page in front of you To make test more difficult, extra info is added

Myth #2 Does the ACT science reasoning test require the ability to solve complex math problems? NO!!!!! The test uses only simple math problems. If youre solving too many complicated problems, youre on the wrong track!

Helpful Technique #1: Ignore the Intro Read only if italicized word is unknown to you Points are given for doing questions, not reading stuff Exception is conflicting viewpoints

Sample Introduction Passage III Solar cycles are periodic variations in the Suns brightness. For the same cycle, Figure 2 shows the number of proton events, when the Sun emitted much higher than average numbers of protons (positively charged particles).

Helpful Technique #2: Spot the Difference The Experiments Passage 6 questions with graphs & tables Growth (cm)

Helpful Technique #3: Read Carefully! This is no time to skim. Understand as you go.

3 Types of ACT Science Questions: Charts & Graphs – 38% (data analysis) Research Summaries – 45% Conflicting Viewpoints – 17%

Type 1: Charts & Graphs Look It Up! Charts or tables. Easiest type. Do these first! Plant Growth Rate (mm)

Charts & Graphs contd. What If? Used to find specific info or in comparing info Makes predictions Draws conclusions Analyzes data Key: What is changing?

Charts & Graphs contd. What Does It Mean? Involves the analysis of charts and graphs. Make predictions and extrapolations (go beyond the known range) from the data.

Strategies for Charts & Graphs Determine what is being represented Determine what the axes represent Note units Look for trends in the data

2. At what altitude did the meteorologists measure an air temperature of 10 0 C? F.1.4m G.140m H.1400m I.14km Try your hand at this question:

Type 2: The Experiments Passage Structure is always the same: Experiment is conducted Results are given

Experiments Identify the purpose - P Identify the variable - V Identify the control - C Circle the results Only one condition should change, all others stay the same.

The variable is what is changed. temperature, amount of light, amount of chemical, etc. The control is staying the same same size dish, same amount of water, same type of chemical, etc.

Experiments Passage contd Questions ask 3 things: What factor is being changed? Underline and label V What is the control group? Underline and label C What do the results show? Circle the results

How to handle the experiments passage: Read description of each experiment Decide what are the variable and control Go to the questions

Type 3: Conflicting Viewpoints Do this passage last even if it is found in the middle of the test! Questions involve two conflicting viewpoints on an issue. Passages start with short introduction, followed by viewpoints of two (or three) opposing scientists.

The Conflicting Viewpoints Passage 7 questions- no charts or graphs All written info is important here- dont skip! Read carefully.

When analyzing conflicting viewpoints Your job: Understand the position of each scientist DO NOT figure out which scientist is right or which one is wrong

Conflicting Viewpoints General Technique Read the intro Identify the hypothesis - H Identify the support - S Identify the conflicts - * Understand the hypothesis before moving on

Two types of data Data that supports a scientists theory. Data that weakens a scientists theory. Dont mix up the viewpoints. Once viewpoints are understood, then analyze the data. Most questions will refer to only one of the viewpoints.

Conflicting Viewpoints Question Technique Step 1: Read the question Step 2: Think of answer first Step 3: Cross out obviously incorrect answers. Step 4: Find the answer among the choices

Final Tips For ACT Science Reasoning What kind of passage is it? Label the passages before you start Write answers on test. Last 5 min fill in answer key. Prioritize – answer the easiest ones first Guessing wont hurt

Final Tips contd Eat well balanced breakfast! Dont forget 2 pre-sharpened pencils with erasers. If possible bring hand sharpener

Summary Slide Only your science abilities will be tested, not your knowledge Helpful Technique #1: Ignore the Intro Helpful Technique #2: Spot the Difference Helpful Technique #3: Read Carefully Helpful Technique #4: Do Charts & Graphs First

Yes, you can do well on the test. All you have to do is learn to be a good test taker! TAKE HEART