The content of the Science test includes: biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/space science. Extensive knowledge is not needed to succeed in the ACT science section. The test emphasizes scientific reasoning skills, basic mathematical skills and reading. All problems can be accomplished without a calculator.
The scientific information is presented in three different formats:
1. Data Reasoning: (30-40%) This is represented through graphs and tables. These questions measure skills such as graph reading, interpreting tables and plots
2. Research Summaries: (45-55%) This setup provides descriptions of one or more related experiments. The questions focus on the design of the experiment and interpreting the experimental results
3. Conflicting viewpoints: (15-20%) The questions focus on the understanding, analysis and comparison of alternative viewpoints
Practice Science ACT test are available in my classroom for students who would like to take some of these practice test.
Below you will find attachments with tips on how to approach the Science section of the ACT and sample questions
Hints and Tips:
Practice Problems:
Conflicting Viewpoints practice Questions
Research Summary and Data Analysis Question
Practice ACT Science tests:
Practice ACT Test ( Tennessee Electronic Library) (This is the website, but you will need to follow the directions below to get to ACT practice test section)
Directions to Tennessee Electronic Library ACT Practice Test