Study Guide

Field 108: Earth 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

Test overview, including duration of test, number of questions, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test (CBT)
Number of Questions 80 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response assignment
Time* 4 hours
Passing Score 240

*Does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial

Test Framework

pie chart of subarea weighting, as described in the table below
Test weighting by number of questions per subarea.
Subareas Range of Competencies Approximate Percentage 
of Test
Selected-Response
 roman numeral 1  Science Practices and the Engineering Process 0001–0004  16 percent 
 roman numeral 2  Space Systems 0005–0008  18 percent 
 roman numeral 3  Geological Systems 0009–0011  18 percent 
 roman numeral 4  Atmospheric and Hydrological Systems 0012–0015  18 percent 
 roman numeral 5  Natural Hazards and Human Environmental Interaction 0016–0019  15 percent 
Constructed-Response
 roman numeral 6  Pedagogical Content Knowledge 0020  15 percent 
this cell intentionally left blank.  100 percent 

 Subarea roman numeral 1–Science Practices and the Engineering Process 

Competency 0001–Apply knowledge of scientific practices and techniques to earth science investigations.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

Competency 0002–Apply knowledge of the processes of gathering, organizing, and interpreting scientific data.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

Competency 0003–Apply knowledge of engineering design to earth science.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

Competency 0004–Apply crosscutting concepts to earth science concepts, processes, and phenomena.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

 Subarea roman numeral 2–Space Systems 

Competency 0005–Analyze the evolution and structure of the universe and the objects within it.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

Competency 0006–Apply knowledge of stellar characteristics.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

Competency 0007–Apply knowledge of the solar system.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

Competency 0008–Apply knowledge of the earth, moon, and sun system.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

 Subarea roman numeral 3–Geological Systems  

Competency 0009–Apply knowledge of the history of the earth.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

Competency 0010–Apply knowledge of plate tectonics.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

Competency 0011–Apply knowledge of rocks, minerals, and geological processes.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

 Subarea roman numeral 4–Atmospheric and Hydrological Systems 

Competency 0012–Analyze the structure and function of the earth's atmosphere.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

Competency 0013–Apply knowledge of the relationship between water and atmospheric processes.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

Competency 0014–Analyze weather and climate.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

Competency 0015–Analyze the hydrologic system, freshwater, and ocean characteristics.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

 Subarea roman numeral 5–Natural Hazards and Human Environmental Interaction 

Competency 0016–Apply knowledge of natural hazards and processes and their impact on human societies.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

Competency 0017–Apply knowledge of energy and natural resources.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

Competency 0018–Analyze the effect of human activities on Earth systems.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

Competency 0019–Apply knowledge of monitoring and changing human impacts on Earth systems.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.

 Subarea roman numeral 6–Pedagogical Content Knowledge 

Competency 0020–Analyze a lesson plan for a given learning standard in the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science or in the Next Generation Science Standards, including examples of student work and/or assessments, and describe subsequent activities that address student needs.

The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency.