Objectives Outline the general nature of the science section of
the ACT. Analyze varying question types. State and use strategies
which can be helpful on the exam. Practice your science
skills!
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Overall Objective Prepare for the ACT so that you can
confidently take the exam in order to perform your best. Being
prepared eliminates fears and misconceptions about the science
section of the ACT. PPPPP!!!
Slide 4
General Information 40 questions 35 minutes 7 passages of
information (4-7 questions per passage) 0.875 minutes/question No
calculators.
Sowhat do I study? Good news: The ACT is not content driven,
unlike the NESA test. It is a skills based exam. You will have to
do only simple mathematic computations. Bad news: Many students
feel unsure of their science skills or are unaware of the ones they
have! Today one of our main purposes is to review your science
skills so that you are confident on April 23 rd.
Slide 7
3 Different Passage Formats Data Representation3 passages (38%
of questions) Research Summaries 3 passages (45% of questions)
Conflicting Viewpoints1 passage (17% of questions)
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Data Representation (38%) Graphs Tables Other Schematic
Forms
Slide 9
Graphs Different types of graphs have specific uses. In order
to glean the information necessary it is important to discern the
purpose of each type of graph. Primary graph types include: x-y
scatter (line), bar, and pie.
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X-Y scatter graphs Very useful when comparing two quantitative
variables. Often used to portray trends over time. Make sure to
read all axes and discern the meaning of the slope! When have you
seen these in your science classes?
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X-Y scatter example
Slide 12
Complex Graph Example
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Bar graphs Useful when comparing one quantitative variable to a
qualitative one. When have you seen these in your science
classes?
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Bar Graph Example
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Pie Graphs Used when diplaying the parts of a whole. When have
you seen these in your science classes?
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Pie Graph Example
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Tables
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Other Schematic Forms
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Research Summaries (45%) What is a research summary? Findings
of a research project. How are two variables linked?
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Essential components of a research project Variable
identification Independent variablethe researcher changes
purposefully. Dependent variablechanges as a result. Controlled
variableskept constant by researcher.
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Research summary hints Identify the relevant variables Pay
close attention to the graphs provided!
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Conflicting viewpoints (17%) Two different viewpoints, each
with their own justification. In order to answer correctly, you
must know the justification of each! Make sure to distinguish
between the viewpoints of each scientist and the evidence each
scientist has.
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Helpful Strategies! Prioritize Apply logic and common sense.
Spot trends in graphs given. Dont let sciency language intimidate
you. Read carefully. Predict answers.
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Practice! Get out the practice passage you were handed last
week. If you dont have one raise your hand, there are extras! 1
table, 2 graphs!
http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/science/sci_04.html Answers,
with justification.
Slide 25
Need more practice? http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/
http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/ Pamphlets in the media
center!
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FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT What are the three types of passages on
the science ACT? 1. Data Representation 2. Research Summaries 3.
Conflicting viewpoints
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How long do you have to complete the science section? 35
minutes How many questions are within the science section? 40
questions
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Quotes from LHS seniors When asked the question, What do you
wish someone would have told you about the ACT? I wish I someone
would have told me its all about analyzing graphs. Its less
stressful knowing all the information is given to you. You just
have to know how to interpret it.
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I wish someone would have told me that its all story problems
with a lot of graphs. Read the charts/graphs/pictures carefully. If
you understand them the answer will be easier to find.
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I wish someone would have told me what kind of problems will be
on it!
Slide 31
True or False? The science section of the ACT will require me
to remember every piece of information I have learned in science
class the last 3 years. FALSE!! Your scientific skills will be
tested, not how much information you have memorized.
Slide 32
True or False? I should make sure to answer every question on
the science portion of the ACT. TRUE!! As you are finishing your
exam, make sure every question is answered!
Slide 33
Want to review this powerpoint? Google Will Smith Physics. The
powerpoint can be downloaded on my homepage!
