Study Guide
Field 026: Middle Level Science
Test Design and Framework
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The test design below describes general assessment information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.
Test Design
*Does not include 15-minute C B T tutorial
Test Framework
| subareas | range of competencies | approximate percentage of test | |
|---|---|---|---|
| selected-response | |||
| roman numeral 1 | foundations of scientific inquiry | 0001–0004 | 6 percent |
| roman numeral 2 | life science | 0005–0009 | 26 percent |
| roman numeral 3 | physical science | 0010–0015 | 32 percent |
| roman numeral 4 | earth and space science | 0016–0019 | 21 percent |
| this cell intentionally left blank. | 85 percent | ||
| subareas | range of competencies | approximate percentage of test | |
|---|---|---|---|
| constructed-response | |||
| roman numeral 1 | foundations of scientific inquiry | 0001–0004 | 15 percent |
Subarea roman numeral 1–Foundations of Scientific Inquiry
Competency 0001–Understand the process of scientific inquiry.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Recognize the characteristics of different types of scientific investigations (e.g., observations, controlled experiments).
- Analyze the processes by which scientific knowledge and hypotheses are generated.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of experimental design (e.g., dependent and independent variables, experimental controls and constants).
- Recognize appropriate questions to ask in a given scientific context and the appropriateness of a given experimental design to test a hypothesis
Competency 0002–Understand the historical and contemporary contexts of the study of science and the common themes that connect science and technology.
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- Analyze the significance of key events, theories, and experiments in the history of science.
- Identify the scientific contributions of individuals and societies of different periods and cultures.
- Identify ethical, environmental, and health issues associated with scientific developments and new technologies.
- Analyze the interrelationship of science and technology in scientific investigations and in daily life.
- Recognize the characteristics and uses of different types of models (e.g., scale models, simulations, formulas) in science and technology.
- Identify general concepts common to science and technology (e.g., order, scale, modeling, cause and effect, systems, constancy).
Competency 0003–Understand the principles of measurement and the processes of gathering, organizing, reporting, and interpreting scientific data.
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- Identify procedures for gathering and collecting relevant and reliable data in a given situation.
- Analyze procedures and formats used in organizing, reporting, and interpreting scientific data (e.g., tables, charts, graphs).
- Solve problems involving measurement and basic computation, using the International System of Units (SI) and scientific notation.
- Apply descriptive statistics in the analysis of data.
Competency 0004–Understand the equipment, materials, and chemicals used in scientific inquiry; and apply procedures for their proper, safe, and legal use.
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- Recognize procedures for the safe and proper use of common laboratory equipment (e.g., balances, glassware, thermometers, microscopes) and materials in various types of scientific investigations.
- Identify procedures for the safe storage, use, and disposal of common laboratory chemicals according to material safety data sheet (MSDS) guidelines.
- Identify procedures for the ethical treatment and safe handling of organisms (e.g., animals, specimens both in and out of the classroom).
- Apply procedures for promoting laboratory safety and appropriately responding to accidents and injuries in the science laboratory.
- Recognize how computers are used in scientific investigations.
Subarea roman numeral 2–Life Science
Competency 0005–Understand the basic concepts of cell biology.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify the components and principles of the cell theory.
- Recognize structures in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and their functions (e.g., plant cells, animal cells, bacteria).
- Identify the role of organic molecules (e.g., proteins, DNA, carbohydrates) in cells and organisms.
Competency 0006–Understand the diversity of life and life processes.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Recognize the characteristics and classification of major groups of organisms.
- Analyze the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
- Recognize how organisms grow, reproduce, and maintain homeostasis.
- Identify the structure, components, functions, and physiological processes of organs and systems in plants and animals, including humans.
Competency 0007–Understand genetics and biological adaptation.
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- Identify the structure and function of genes and chromosomes.
- Analyze processes by which characteristics are passed on from parents to offspring.
- Analyze the roles of variation, natural selection, and adaptation in biological evolution.
- Recognize the paleontological and genetic evidence for biological evolution.
Competency 0008–Understand populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes.
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- Identify the characteristics of populations, communities, and ecosystems.
- Analyze factors that affect population growth and community interactions.
- Analyze the movement of energy and materials through the trophic levels of an ecosystem.
- Recognize the physical and biological characteristics of the earth's biomes (e.g., grassland, tundra, rainforest).
Competency 0009–Understand the effect of humans on the environment.
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- Identify sources of environmental pollutants and strategies for controlling pollution.
- Analyze the effects of humans on natural processes and environments.
- Analyze techniques and procedures for protecting the environment.
- Recognize the characteristics of natural resources and strategies for their management.
Subarea roman numeral 3–Physical Science
Competency 0010–Understand the structure and nature of matter.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Recognize historic and contemporary theories of the atom and the kinetic theory of matter.
- Identify the physical and chemical characteristics of matter (e.g., density, mass, volume, state, reactivity).
- Recognize the characteristics of elements, pure substances, compounds, mixtures, and solutions.
- Recognize types and characteristics of chemical bonding and its relationship to molecular structures.
- Analyze the organization of the periodic table in terms of its relationship to atomic structure and both chemical and physical properties of elements.
Competency 0011–Understand physical, chemical, and nuclear changes in matter.
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- Distinguish between physical and chemical changes and their characteristics.
- Apply knowledge of the conservation of mass to balance chemical equations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of chemical formulas, the mole concept, and chemical notation to solve problems.
- Recognize the characteristics of different types of chemical reactions (e.g., acid-base, oxidation-reduction).
- Analyze phase changes and the characteristics of the different states of matter.
- Identify characteristics of nuclear changes in matter.
Competency 0012–Understand the basic concepts of force, motion, and work.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify the forces (e.g., gravity, the normal force, friction, buoyant force) affecting an object.
- Apply Newton's laws of motion to interpret and predict the motion of objects in a variety of situations.
- Analyze simple machines and the principles of work and power.
Competency 0013–Understand energy and its forms and transformations.
start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics
- Identify forms of energy (e.g., electrical, mechanical, thermal, nuclear) and their characteristics.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the law of conservation of energy in various situations, including physical and chemical changes.
- Analyze the transfer of thermal energy through conduction, convection, and radiation.
- Recognize the characteristics of mechanical energy and the relationship between kinetic and potential energy.
Competency 0014–Understand waves, sound, and light.
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- Interpret concepts associated with waves, sound, and light (e.g., frequency, amplitude, wavelength, pitch, loudness, color).
- Apply knowledge of refraction, reflection, and constructive and destructive interference to explain the behavior of light and sound waves.
- Analyze the properties and propagation of sound and light in a variety of real-world situations (e.g., rainbows, echoes, Doppler effect, shadows).
- Recognize the characteristics of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Competency 0015–Understand electricity, magnets, and electromagnetism.
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- Identify the characteristics of static electricity and current electricity.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the properties of permanent magnets and the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
- Recognize the characteristics of parallel and series circuits.
- Recognize how electricity is generated (e.g., wind, water, sun, fossil fuel) and used in everyday life.
Subarea roman numeral 4–Earth and Space Science
Competency 0016–Understand geology and geologic processes.
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- Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of rocks, minerals, and soils and their formation.
- Analyze the structure and composition of the earth and the evidence supporting the theory of plate tectonics.
- Analyze processes of the rock cycle and the effect of these processes on the earth's systems.
- Recognize major events in the earth's history and principles and methods of relative and absolute dating techniques.
- Interpret maps commonly used in earth science (e.g., topographic maps, globes, map projections) and geologic cross sections.
Competency 0017–Understand the hydrosphere.
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- Identify the chemical and physical characteristics of freshwater and seawater (e.g., specific heat, density, salinity).
- Identify characteristics and processes of the water cycle (e.g., condensation, precipitation, transpiration).
- Recognize the characteristics of freshwater systems, including factors that affect the movement of surface water and groundwater (e.g., soil characteristics, wells, water budgets).
- Identify factors that affect the biological productivity of bodies of water.
- Demonstrate knowledge of ocean basins, ocean circulation, and coastal processes.
Competency 0018–Understand weather, climate, and the earth's atmosphere.
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- Identify the structure, functions, and characteristics of the earth's atmosphere.
- Analyze the role of air masses, fronts, and the jet stream in producing different weather conditions, including hazardous weather.
- Recognize processes related to precipitation and cloud formation.
- Identify equipment and methods used to predict and interpret weather and climate changes.
- Recognize the potential effects of climate change and weather events on societies and ecosystems.
Competency 0019–Understand basic astronomy.
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- Analyze theories of the structure, origin, and evolution of the solar system and universe.
- Recognize the interactions and motions of the earth, sun, and moon that produce seasons, tides, and eclipses.
- Identify the components of the solar system (e.g., sun, planets, moons, asteroids) and their characteristics, interactions, and movements.
- Identify the characteristics of stars and galaxies (e.g., types, life cycles).
- Identify equipment used to study space and the effect that space exploration has had on society and technological developments.