Wheaton North High School ACT Science Tips & Tricks

Don’t worry about “not knowing enough science” to do well. The fact of the matter is, you do not need to be a science whiz to do well Although knowing science is a plus, the main information needed to answer the questions are in each passage. To do well, you will need to use some science reasoning and follow some basic test strategies. First step in doing well on the test is to understand the test… How may questions are on the Science Reasoning Test? 40 Questions divided among 7 passages How long do you have to take the Science Reasoning Test? 35 minutes How many different types of passages are on the Science Test? 3 Main Types and each is a little different Getting Started

Three Types of Questions Each type of passage presents it’s own unique challenge Typically, students will do better on Data Representation Passages, followed by the Research Summaries and finally the Conflicting Viewpoints Identifying the type of passage can be key in how to answer the questions and in what order 1 Data Representation 2 Research Summaries 3 Conflicting Viewpoints

Data Representation 1

Passage Type 1: Data Representation These passage tend to be the easiest for students and should be typically done FIRST There are 3 of these passages, each with 5 questions per passage These passages present scientific information in the form of graphs, tables, and figures. You may be asked to select conclusions, determine relationships between variables, or apply data.

2 Research Summaries

Passage Type 2: Research Summaries These passage tend to be the next easiest for students and should be typically done SECOND There are 3 of these passages, each with 6 questions per passage These passages consist of descriptions of scientific experiments and how they were carried out, with a summary of results. You may be asked to analyze the experimental design, predict outcomes, identify hypotheses, or determine conclusions.

3 Conflicting Viewpoints

Passage Type 3: Conflicting Viewpoints These passage tend to be the most difficult for students and should be typically done LAST There is 1 of these passages, with 7 questions These passages present differing hypotheses, theories, or viewpoints of more than one scientist. You may be asked to select evidence supporting particular positions, determine similarities/differences between positions, or determine strengths and weaknesses of positions.

? But wait… There’s More! How do attack each section? Strategies for each section

Strategies for the Different Passage Types Passage Type 1: Data Representation When presented with data in a graph or chart, pay close attention to the scale, axes, units, and legend if given. Remember: The first thing to know about any graph or diagram is what the numbers represent. Questions will often direct you to one particular data set among two or three. Be sure to only look at the data in question. Make it simple. Questions will usually ask you to identify patterns in data, so look for trends such as upward slope, downward slope, direct/indirect relationships, etc.

Strategies for the Different Passage Types Passage Type 2: Research Summaries When presented with an experiment or series of experiments, identify the control group and experimental group, and all the variables. (independent, dependent, and controlled) Questions will often direct you to one particular experiment in a series. Be sure to only look at the experiment in question. Make it simple. If presented with data, be sure to read and understand all the labels on axes, columns, and rows. Remember: The first thing to know about any graph or diagram is what the numbers represent.

Strategies for the Different Passage Types Passage Type 3: Conflicting Viewpoints When presented with two or more points of view on a topic, Identify the main points of difference Identify the main points of similarity

» Take 30 seconds and identify each section as either… » Data Representation (DR) » Research Summaries (RS) » Conflicting Viewpoints (CV) » Use the number of questions as your guide. » In order (DR, RS & then CV) try to answer the questions about that section. » The idea is that you are answering easy questions first and leaving harder ones for the end. Suggested Strategy Recap…

» Read through the general test taking strategies handout » Take the test at home and either use the suggested strategies or your own method. » Answer the questions for at least one of each section type and time yourself. » Do not worry if it takes you a little long. Another section might take you less time. For Next Time…