PSAE Practice Session Science Mr. Johns Room 2012

What will be on the test? Science section of the Prairie State Achievement Examination Day 1: (April 25, 2007) ACT Science Day 2: (April 26, 2007) ISBE-developed science test

ACT Science (35 minutes, 40 multiple-choice questions) Seven sets of scientific information in the form of reading passages and data summaries, each followed by a series of multiple-choice questions. Types of passages: data representation (graphs, tables, and other schematic forms), research summaries (descriptions of several related experiments), or conflicting viewpoints (expressions of several related hypotheses or views that are inconsistent with one another). Content: Biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth and space sciences.

ISBE-Developed Science (40 minutes, 45 multiple-choice questions) ISBE-developed science test presents scientific information in the form of data summaries and short prompts. Each sets of information is followed by one multiple- choice question. Test questions are distributed across the Illinois Learning Standards.

Science Productive Thinking Scale Table

Illinois Learning Standards Applications of Learning Students demonstrate basic knowledge and skills. These applied learning skills cross academic disciplines and reinforce the important learning of the disciplines. The ability to use these skills will greatly influence students’ success in school, in the workplace and in the community.

Illinois Learning Standards Solving Problems Recognize and investigate problems; formulate and purpose solutions supported by reason and evidence. Asking questions and seeking answers are at the heart of scientific inquiry. Scientific method: Problem, Hypothesis, Experiment, Results, Analysis of the Results, & Conclusions.

Illinois Learning Standards Communicating Express and interpret information and ideas. Describes methods and results to a variety of audiences, including other scientists. Requires precise and complete descriptions and the presentation of conclusions supported by evidence. Ability to organize and study data, to determine its meaning, to translate their findings into clear understandable language and to compare their results with those of other investigators.

Illinois Learning Standards Using Technology Use appropriate instruments, electronic equipment, computers and networks to access information. Science students learn to use a range of technologies: instruments, computer hardware and software, on-line services and equipment, primary source data and images, and communication networks. Students learn how technology, in turn, is the result of a scientific design process that includes continual refinements and improvements.

Illinois Learning Standards Working on Teams Learn and contribute productively as individuals and as members of groups. Individuals bring unique insight and focus to the work of inquiry and problem solving. Working in groups, scientists pose questions, share hypotheses, divide their experimental efforts, and share data and results. Science students have the opportunity to work both ways.

Illinois Learning Standards Making Connections Recognize and apply connections of important information and ideas within and among learning areas. Science, at its best, provides knowledge and skills that improve the understanding of virtually all subjects.

STATE GOAL 11 Understand the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments and solve problems.

STATE GOAL 12 Understand the fundamental concepts, principles and interconnections of the life, physical and earth/space sciences.

STATE GOAL 13 Understand the relationship among science, technology and society in historical and contemporary contexts.

Science Content Category Table 2007

PSAE Science Standards

Science State Standards – Handout - pp ISBE, January Prairie State Achievement Examination Teacher Handbook through PSAE Science Standards

TIPS FOR TAKING THE ACT SCIENCE TEST Pace yourself minutes = 2 min/passage + 30 sec/Q. If possible, spend less time on the passages and the questions and use the remaining time allowed to review your work and return to the questions that were most difficult for you. Read the passage carefully (There are seven) It is important that you read the entire text and examine any tables, graphs, or figures. You may take notes in the test booklet. If experiments are described, consider the experimental design, controls, and variables, because questions are likely to address this component of scientific research.

TIPS FOR TAKING THE ACT SCIENCE TEST (cont.) Note different viewpoints in passages. Some material will present conflicting points of view, and the questions will ask you to distinguish among the various viewpoints. It may be helpful to you to make notes summarizing each viewpoint, next to that section in the test booklet. For questions that ask you to compare viewpoints, these notes will help you answer more quickly.

TIPS FOR TAKING THE ACT SCIENCE TEST (cont.) Step 1: Skim and identify the passage Step 2: Read the question and all answers Step 3: Eliminate obviously incorrect answers Step 4: Choose the correct answer from the remaining choices.