Transcript Wheaton North High SchoolACT Science Tips & Tricks

2012-2013
Wheaton North High School
ACT Science
Tips & Tricks
Getting Started
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Don’t worry about “not knowing enough science” to do well. The fact of
the matter is, you do not need to be a science whiz to do well
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Although knowing science is a plus, the main information needed to
answer the questions are in each passage.
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To do well, you will need to use some science reasoning and follow some
basic test strategies.
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First step in doing well on the test is to understand the test…
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How may questions are on the Science Reasoning Test?
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How long do you have to take the Science Reasoning Test?
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40 Questions divided among 7 passages
35 minutes
How many different types of passages are on the Science Test?
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3 Main Types and each is a little different
Three Types of Questions
Data
Representation
Research
Summaries
Conflicting
Viewpoints
• Each type of passage presents it’s own unique challenge
• Typically, students will do better on Data Representation Passages,
followed by the Research Summaries and finally the Conflicting
Viewpoints
• Identifying the type of passage can be key in how to answer the
questions and in what order
Data Representation
Passage Type 1: Data Representation
• These passage tend to be the easiest for
students and should be typically done FIRST
• There are 3 of these passages, each with 5
questions per passage
• These passages present scientific information in
the form of graphs, tables, and figures.
• You may be asked to select conclusions,
determine relationships between variables, or
apply data.
Research Summaries
Passage Type 2: Research Summaries
• These passage tend to be the next easiest for
students and should be typically done SECOND
• There are 3 of these passages, each with 6
questions per passage
• These passages consist of descriptions of
scientific experiments and how they were
carried out, with a summary of results.
• You may be asked to analyze the experimental
design, predict outcomes, identify hypotheses,
or determine conclusions.
Conflicting Viewpoints
Passage Type 3: Conflicting Viewpoints
• These passage tend to be the most difficult for
students and should be typically done LAST
• There is 1 of these passages, with 7 questions
• These passages present differing hypotheses,
theories, or viewpoints of more than one scientist.
• You may be asked to select evidence supporting
particular positions, determine
similarities/differences between positions, or
determine strengths and weaknesses of positions.
?
But wait…
There’s More!
How do attack each section?
Strategies for each section
Strategies for the Different Passage Types
• Passage Type 1: Data Representation
• When presented with data in a graph or chart, pay close
attention to the scale, axes, units, and legend if given.
Remember: The first thing to know about any graph or
diagram is what the numbers represent.
• Questions will often direct you to one particular data set
among two or three. Be sure to only look at the data in
question. Make it simple.
• Questions will usually ask you to identify patterns in data,
so look for trends such as upward slope, downward slope,
direct/indirect relationships, etc.
Strategies for the Different Passage Types
• Passage Type 2: Research Summaries
• When presented with an experiment or series of
experiments, identify the control group and experimental
group, and all the variables. (independent, dependent, and
controlled)
• Questions will often direct you to one particular
experiment in a series. Be sure to only look at the
experiment in question. Make it simple.
• If presented with data, be sure to read and understand all
the labels on axes, columns, and rows. Remember: The
first thing to know about any graph or diagram is what the
numbers represent.
Strategies for the Different Passage Types
• Passage Type 3: Conflicting Viewpoints
• When presented with two or more points of view on a
topic,
• Identify the main points of difference
• Identify the main points of similarity
Suggested Strategy Recap…
» Take 30 seconds and identify each section as either…
» Data Representation (DR)
» Research Summaries (RS)
» Conflicting Viewpoints (CV)
» Use the number of questions as your guide.
» In order (DR, RS & then CV) try to answer the questions
about that section.
» The idea is that you are answering easy questions first
and leaving harder ones for the end.
For Next Time…
» Read through the general test taking strategies handout
» Take the test at home and either use the suggested strategies
or your own method.
» Answer the questions for at least one of each section type
and time yourself.
» Do not worry if it takes you a little long. Another section
might take you less time.