1. Unwrapping ACT Science

2. Objectives
Outline the general nature of the science section of the ACT.
Analyze varying question types.
State and use strategies which can be helpful on the exam.
Practice your science skills!

3. Overall Objective
Prepare for the ACT so that you can confidently take the exam in order to perform your best.
Being prepared eliminates fears and misconceptions about the science section of the ACT.

4. General Information 40 questions 35 minutes
7 passages of information (4-7 questions per passage)
0.875 minutes/question
No calculators.

5. Topics
Geology
Meteorology
Astronomy
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

6. So……what do I study?
Good news: The ACT is not content driven, it is a skills based exam. You will have to do only simple mathematic computations.
Bad news: Many students feel unsure of their science skills or are unaware of the ones they have!
Today one of our main purposes is to review your science skills so that you are confident on test day.

7. 3 Different Passage Formats
Data Representation—3 passages (38% of questions)
Research Summaries– 3 passages (45% of questions)
Conflicting Viewpoints—1 passage (17% of questions)

8. Data Representation (38%)
Graphs
Tables
Other Schematic Forms

9. Graphs Different types of graphs have specific uses.
In order to glean the information necessary it is important to discern the purpose of each type of graph.
Primary graph types include: x-y scatter (line), bar, and pie.

10. X-Y scatter example
Very useful when comparing two quantitative variables.
Often used to portray trends over time.
Make sure to read all axes and discern the meaning of the slope!

11. Complex Scatter Graph Example

12. Bar Graph Example
Useful when comparing one quantitative variable to a qualitative one.
What is the quantitative data measured?
What is the qualitative data measured?

13. Pie Graph Example Used when displaying the parts of a whole.
What is measured in this graph?

14. Tables
Data at a glance.
Helps sort, analyze and compare data gathered from an experiment or research project.
The quickest way to communicate large amounts of complex information.

15. Other Schematic Forms
Schematics are simple and easy to understand diagrams which represent elements in a system using abstract symbols.

16. Research Summaries (45%)
What is a research summary?
Findings of a research project.
How are two variables linked?

17. Essential components of a research project
Variable identification
Independent variable—the researcher changes purposefully.
Dependent variable—changes as a result.
Controlled variables—kept constant by researcher.

18. Research summary hints
Identify the relevant variables
Pay close attention to the graphs provided!

19. Conflicting viewpoints (17%)
Two different viewpoints, each with their own justification.
In order to answer correctly, you must know the justification of each!
Make sure to distinguish between the viewpoints of each scientist and the evidence each scientist has.

20. Helpful Strategies! Prioritize Apply logic and common sense.
Spot trends in graphs given.
Don’t let “sciency” language intimidate you.
Read carefully.
Predict answers.

21. Need more practice?
Practice tests are available with answers and explanations!
I have 2 ACT practice books that you may borrow if you would like. First come basis.

22. FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
What are the three types of passages on the science ACT?
Data Representation
Research Summaries
Conflicting viewpoints

23. How long do you have to complete the science section?
35 minutes
How many questions are within the science section?
40 questions

24. Quotes from students when asked the question, “What do you wish someone would have told you about the ACT?”
“I wish I someone would have told me its all about analyzing graphs. It’s less stressful knowing all the information is given to you. You just have to know how to interpret it.”
“I wish someone would have told me that it’s all story problems with a lot of graphs.”
“Read the charts/graphs/pictures carefully. If you understand them the answer will be easier to find.”

25. True or False?
The science section of the ACT will require me to remember every piece of information I have learned in science class the last 3 years.
FALSE!! Your scientific skills will be tested, not how much information you have memorized.

26. True or False?
I should make sure to answer every question on the science portion of the ACT.
TRUE!! As you are finishing your exam, make sure every question is answered!

27. Want to review this powerpoint?
The powerpoint can be downloaded on my homepage!