Science Questions on a Standardized test
Science is tested on standardized tests to give an objective evaluation of students’ knowledge and skills, as well as a comparison of their performance with other students. Standardized tests typically assess a range of topics in science, including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. Overall, standardized tests are used to measure students’ understanding of core scientific concepts and their ability to apply that knowledge to real-world problems.
The content varies, but generally covers the following:
- Physical sciences motion, forces, energy, and matter.
- Life sciences genetics, evolution, ecology, and human biology.
- Earth sciences geology, meteorology, and oceanography.
- Scientific inquiry and method experiment design and basic data analysis.
Examples of test content might include questions:
- Identify the stages of mitosis and explain their significance.
- Describe the properties of acids and bases and give examples of each.
- Explain how energy is transferred through an ecosystem.
- Design an experiment to test the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis.
How to Study Science
Here is a comprehensive overview of the science subjects covered on standardized tests with tips and strategies for studying and preparing for a science test. Read more
More study methods
Memory Palace – The memory palace method associates items to be remembered with specific locations in a familiar place, such as a house or a street. Then mentally walking through the familiar location and linking the items to be remembered with specific locations along the route. This you to mentally retrieve the items by retracing their steps through the location. The memory palace method has been used for centuries to improve memory and memorize. read more
Mindfulness – Mindfulness is a study method that involves intentionally focusing attention on the present moment, while at the same time calmly acknowledging and accepting feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Mindfulness as a study method improves focus, manage distraction, and reduce stress and anxiety. read more
Clustering – also known as mind mapping or concept mapping, is a study method that visually organizes ideas and concepts around a central topic. This technique can help to better understand complicated information, identify relationships between different ideas, and retain information more effectively.
Biology
Common Biology Topics:
Cell biology cell structure and function, cell division, and cellular respiration.
Genetics structure and function of DNA, genetic inheritance patterns, and genetic disorders.
Evolution natural selection, adaptation, and the evidence for evolution.
Ecology ecosystems, biomes, and the interactions between organisms and their environment.
Human biology structure and function of the human body, the immune system, and diseases and disorders.
Plant biology plant structure and function, photosynthesis, and plant reproduction.
Microbiology microorganisms, infectious diseases, and the immune response.
Biology Practice
Chemistry
Common Topics for chemistry questions
Atomic structure structure of atoms, the periodic table, and chemical bonding.
Chemical reactions balancing chemical equations, and types of chemical reactions.
States of matter four states of matter, properties of gases, liquids, and solids, phase changes, and intermolecular forces.
Acids and bases pH and acid-base reactions.
Thermodynamics energy, enthalpy, and entropy.
Organic chemistry reactions of organic compounds.
Chemistry Practice
Scientific Method and Reasoning
Experimental design formulating hypotheses, identifying independent and dependent variables, and designing controlled experiments.
Data analysis statistical analysis, probability, graphical representation of data, and interpretation of results.
Scientific Reasoning Method
Basic Physics
Basic physics topics cover the study of matter, energy, and their interactions. Common topics on a standardized physics test include:
Mechanics motion, force, energy, speed and momentum.
Waves and optics sound waves, light waves, reflection, refraction, and lenses.
Electricity and magnetism electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic waves.
Thermodynamics temperature, heat, and the laws of thermodynamics.
Basic Physics Practice
Date Published: Tuesday, March 5th, 2019
Date Modified: Wednesday, April 19th, 2023