ILTS Science: Chemistry (240) study guide
ILTS Science: Chemistry (240) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ILTS Science: Chemistry (240) test is one of the subject-matter exams in the Illinois Licensure Testing System, used by the Illinois State Board of Education as part of the requirement for a chemistry teaching endorsement. It is aimed at candidates who already hold or are completing a teacher-preparation program and want to teach chemistry, often alongside another science area, in Illinois middle or high schools. The ILTS Science: Chemistry (240) study guide has 8 sections and about 2,446 words.
01Foundations of Scientific Inquiry and the Nature of Science
This domain tests how scientific knowledge is built and tested: experimental design, measurement, data interpretation, models, and the distinctions among hypothesis, theory, and law. Questions often ask you to identify variables, judge whether evidence supports a claim, or apply significant-figure rules.
307 words, about 2 min02Chemistry Content: Matter, Atomic Structure, and Periodicity
This domain covers matter classification, atomic structure, electron configuration, and periodic trends. Exam items ask you to interpret atomic models, use quantum numbers, predict properties from position on the periodic table, and explain trends in radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity.
313 words, about 2 min03Chemistry Content: Chemical Bonding, Reactions, and Stoichiometry
This domain tests bonding models, reaction types, equation balancing, mole conversions, limiting reactants, and yield. Expect items that combine Lewis or VSEPR reasoning with stoichiometric calculation and items that ask you to classify or predict products.
281 words, about 1 min04Chemistry Content: Thermochemistry, Kinetics, and Equilibrium
This domain covers energy changes, calorimetry, reaction rates, collision theory, equilibrium expressions, and Le Chatelier’s principle. Questions often combine a calculation with a conceptual prediction about how a change shifts a system.
331 words, about 2 min05Chemistry Content: Solutions, Acids and Bases, and Electrochemistry
This domain tests concentration, solubility, acid-base behavior, pH, buffers, titration, redox, and electrochemical cells. Items may ask you to calculate pH or cell potential, interpret a titration curve, or identify oxidation and reduction half-reactions.
317 words, about 2 min06Chemistry Content: Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Nuclear Chemistry
This domain covers organic functional groups and reactions, major biomolecules, and nuclear changes. Expect nomenclature and isomer questions, recognition of reaction types, and half-life or decay calculations.
306 words, about 2 min07Science Laboratory Safety, Techniques, and Data Analysis
This domain tests safe laboratory practice, correct use of equipment, separation and measurement techniques, and data analysis. Questions may ask you to choose PPE, interpret an SDS, select a technique, or evaluate error and graphing.
295 words, about 1 min08Pedagogical Content Knowledge and Instructional Practice in Chemistry
This domain tests how chemistry is taught: inquiry design, representations, assessment, differentiation, and safety planning. Questions ask you to select instructional strategies that build conceptual understanding and address misconceptions.
296 words, about 1 min