ACT Review

Science Reasoning

THE TEST

35 Minutes with

40 Questions

What is it?

The ACT Science Reasoning test measures your ability to read and understand scientific information.

The test does NOT measure your ability to recall scientific facts.

Only BASIC knowledge is Assumed!

Most questions are written so that you WON’T know what they’re talking about. They want to see if you can use your REASONing and problem-solving skills!

Just in Case…

Some students like to review basic science information before taking the ACT.

Here are the broad science concepts found on the ACT:

Four Main Disciplines

1.Biology

2.Earth and Space Science

3.Chemistry

4.Physics

Biology

Cell

Botany

Zoology

Microbiology

Ecology

Genetics

Evolution

Chemistry

Atoms

Chemical Reactions

Bonding

Reaction Rates

Solutions

Equilibrium

Gas Laws

Electrochemistry

Organic Chemistry

Biochemistry

States of Matter

Physics

Mechanics

Energy

Thermodynamics

Electromagnetis

m

Fluids

Solids

Light Waves

Earth and Spaces Science

Geology

Meteorology

Oceanography

Astronomy

Environmental Science

The Format: 7 Passages

① Data Representation (38%)

② Research Summaries (45%)

③ Conflicting Viewpoints (17%)

Pass out Cambridge Review

Work through p. 1-19

Back to the Format…

Data Representation

3 passages with ~ 5 questions each:

Collection of facts often represented visually (graphs, tables, charts, and diagrams)

Data Representation

You should KNOW:

What numbers measure

Factors that affect numbers

Trends in the data

Research Summaries

3 passages with ~ 6 questions each:

Pose questions

2 or 3 experiments

Describes results

Research Summaries

You should KNOW how to:

Compare experiments

Determine experimental design

Draw conclusions

Conflicting Viewpoints

1 passage with ~ 7 questions:

Outlines a scientific problem with 2 or more alternative explanations

Conflicting Viewpoints

You should KNOW how to:

Compare explanations

Recognize similarities and differences

Answer questions

Practice Identifying 3 types of passages

(Use ACT Review Study Guide)

3 Step Reading Method

1) Preview (30 seconds)

Determine Format

3 Step Reading Method

1) Preview (30 seconds)

2) Actively Read (1 – 2 minutes)

Look at visuals

3 Step Reading Method

1) Preview (30 seconds)

2) Actively Read (1 – 2 minutes)

3) Review Passage (30 seconds)

Scan again

Turn to Study Guide

Model the method with Passage 1.

Students should then try Passage 2.

Now…How to Answer the Questions!!!

Each passage has “Main” Ideas as well as Details

Depending on the type of passage, you first ask yourself these questions:

Data Representation Q’s

3 Key Questions

1) What is being measured?

2) What is the relationship among variables?

3) What are the trends in the data?Model with Passage 1

Research Summaries Q’s

3 Key Questions

1) What question is being asked?

2) What variable are being tested?

3) What similarities/differences exist in the experimental results?

Model with Passage 2

Conflicting Viewpoints Q’s

3 Key Questions

1) What must be explained?

2) What exist similarities/differences between theories?

3) What are the underlying assumptions?Model with Passage 3

4 Category of Questions

1) Main Idea Questions

2) Detail Questions

3) Inference Questions

4) Application Questions

4 Category of Questions: Practice!

Inference

Passage II, #2

Passage III, #2

Application

Passage 1, #4

Main Idea

Passage I, #1

Passage II, #1

Detail

Passage I, #2

Passage III, #1

Tricks and Traps

1) Beware irrelevant information!

2) Keep units straight!

3) Don’t assume information!

4) Don’t get bogged down in technical terminology!

Turn to Cambridge Review

Practice reading and answering Passage I in 5 minutes.

Discuss.

Repeat with remaining passages.

Test-taking Strategies

1) Preview entire test and start with easier passages (30 seconds)

2) Answer EVERY question!

Test-taking Strategies

3) If short on time, “2 Min. Drill”• Preview for 30 seconds• Answer for 90 seconds

Do this is you have a lot to do and you hear: “YOU HAVE FIVE MINUTES REMAINING.”

Test-taking Strategies

MOST IMPORTANTLY…

4) Practice Science Reading before the test!

• This includes science practice tests, scientific articles, books related to science

More About Reading…

Most students who start reading more in general often see gains on the ACT…especially students who had previously not read a lot.

STOP! – Practice

If time permits, students will complete the practice test.

Mrs. Jones has more practice tests. If you’re interested, see her in S103!