Science: Method, Data, and Core Concepts
What the Science section tests
Science questions emphasize reasoning with data and understanding core ideas from life, physical, and earth science. You may read a short passage, a table, or a description of an experiment and then interpret results, identify variables, or apply a concept.
Concepts to master
- Scientific method: A hypothesis is a testable prediction. An experiment changes one independent variable while holding others constant (controls). The dependent variable is what you measure.
- Data interpretation: Read units and scales carefully, identify trends, and distinguish correlation from causation.
- Cells and living systems: Cells are the basic unit of life; plants make food through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
- Matter and energy: Matter is conserved in changes; energy transfers but is not created or destroyed. States of matter depend on particle energy.
- Forces and motion: An object at rest stays at rest unless a force acts; speed is distance divided by time.
- Earth and space: Earth's tilt causes seasons; the water cycle moves water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
Traps to watch
- Confusing variables: Do not label the measured outcome as the independent variable.
- Overgeneralizing data: A single trial rarely proves a broad claim.
- Ignoring controls: Without a control group, you cannot attribute a result to the treatment.
Rule of thumb
When a question presents an experiment, first name the independent variable, the dependent variable, and the control. Then ask whether the conclusion follows from the data shown. If the passage shows one trial, be suspicious of absolute conclusions.