Science Strategy

There are 3 importance questions to ask yourself when answering more difficult questions.

1. What is the question asking? Underline the key Words. 2. Where do I look? You may have to use information from more than one data table. 3. What other information do I need? Look at the introduction and procedure passages for missing information.

Three categories of questions are on the science test

- Interpretation of Data: draw conclusions from the data, charts and graphs. - Scientific Investigation: comparing studies, evaluation of models, inferences, and experimental results. - Inferring or coming to conclusions from information.

Use a 4-step approach to answer the questions on the science test

1. Inspect: Quickly inspect the charts, graphs, and tables. Get a general idea of where everything is. 2. Questions: Complete one question at a time, making key words and clues. 3. Match: Match the information in the question to the appropriate chart, graph, or table. 4. Read: You may have to read the passage if the question states, based on the information. The introductory passage is a good place to start. if the answer is not in the charts or graphs, it will be in the reading.

Pay attention to the labels, column headings, graph legends, and captions on all charts, graphs, and tables.

1. Note the units of measurement being used. 2. Next, look for trends in the data and relationships between variables. 3. Sometimes a question will ask you to estimate a value that is outside the limits of the graph. In this case, you will need to extend the graph. Using your best judgment, continue to draw the line of the graph until you reach the needed value.

There are two basic types of questions in the opposing viewpoints passage

1. Simple word match - Look for the words in the passages to find the answer 2. Define the viewpoint - These require a bit of inferential thinking. Remember to be logical and straightforward. Determine the differences and similarities between the viewpoints.

Take Note of where to find important information

Always make sure you are using the correct charge, graph, or table --- Many questions tell you exactly where to find the information.

EXCEPT - You can answer except questions easily

Answer except questions with this formula.... First, eliminate all answers that are TRUE. Then, you are left with only one answer choice, which is the correct answer.

The ACT Science test typically has six passages, each with either six or seven questions.

Data Representation: passages typically have six questions and are presented with many graphs, charts and tables. There is always less reading on these passages. Research Summary passages typically have seven questions and are also presented with graphs, charts, and tables. However, each experiment presented typically has detailed descriptions. The Opposing Viewpoints passage always has seven questions and expresses several opposing hypotheses or views

If a questions does NOT refer to specific charts, graphs or tables......then, use the answers to help guide you.

Each science question will provide a hint or two for you to follow. Again, if possible, let the question quire you to the correct location of information. If the question is not clear on where to look, use the answer choices to guide you.

The OPPOSING VIEWS passage usually has 7 questions. I may include charts, graphs, or tables. it is the only passage that you MUST read in order to find the answers.

Effective reading Strategy: Skim: Skim the introductory paragraph, finding the topic. Frist view: Quickly but actively read the first viewpoint, taking mental notes of the main idea and supporting information. Second view: Do the same as you did for the first view, but pay special attention tot eh differences from the first view (Typically there are only two views. On occasion, the opposing views passage will have more than two viewpoints) Questions: Read through the questions. Look back to the viewpoints when you need to, using as much logic as possible.

Use Charts, graphs, and tables to answer as Many questions as possible

Focus on the charts, graphs, and tables whenever possible. Being familiar with the scientific process and with some science definitions will help. However, the information you need to correctly answer the questions is provided in the passage or in the charges, graphs, and tables.

Break up long questions sentence by sentence.

Often questions seem difficult because they are long. Read them one sentence at a time, noting important information.

What is mitosis?

Mitosis is the most common type of cell division. It is a duplication process that produces two identical daughter cells from a single parent cell, resulting in two set of identical chromosomes. - Prophase - Prometaphase - Metaphase - Anaphase - Telophase/Cytokinesis

Manipulation questions require the use of more than one chart, graph, or table.

Plug and chug is a useful technique for solving manipulation questions. Remember to pay close attention to labels and headings. You may have to manipulate data from one table to another.

Logic Questions are designed to challenge you thinking and have you use logic and deduction.

To answer LOGIC question, focus on connecting the information. Find Patterns, trends, and directions. Restating the question or breaking it down into parts may help. If the question talks about the design of the experiment, you may need to read a big of the passage. You may need to use the process of elimination to answer these questions.

A navigation type of question requires you to locate information in a chart or graph.

To find the correct answer about a chart of graph, pay attention to: Labels Column Headings Graph Legends Captions ++Draw Lines on graphs because answers may be close.++

Pace yourself appropriately in order to finish the 35-minute science test.

You have 35 minutes to complete six passages, with a total of 40 questions. This gives you approximately 6 to 7 minutes per passage. Some passage will take a bit less time while others will take a bit more. Don't rush, but be conscious of your time. You do not have enough time to dwell at length on the truly difficult questions. If you become stuck, make your best guess and move on. Guessing on a few questions is much better than leaving many questions blank at the end of the test.

When the last answer choice states something similar to there is no relationship or the data are not included, it is usually the correct answer.

You must still check to be sure the last answer is correct. Do not blindly pick the last answer without checking.

Look for and identify pattens and trends

You should look for pattens and trends within charts, graphs, and tables. These will help you answer the questions. If there is obvious pattern, such as a column of numbers increasing OR decreasing, draw an arrow to show that trend

Hypothesis questions involve yes/no or true/false answers. They usually require the use of more than one chart, graph, or table.

to answer a long hypothesis question, use the following approach. 1. Isolate the hypothesis and decide if it is true or false. 2. Cross out all yes or no answers 3. Pick the answer that matches the data.