Science and Social Studies
What the questions test
This combined domain samples foundational science and foundational social studies. In science, expect the scientific method, independent and dependent variables, controls, the difference between hypothesis and theory, basic life science (cells, ecosystems, food chains), physical science (states of matter, energy transfer, force and motion), and Earth and space basics. In social studies, expect U.S. history landmarks, the Constitution and the three branches with their checks and balances, geography skills (map types, latitude and longitude), and basic economics (supply and demand, opportunity cost).
Traps to watch
- Variable confusion. The independent variable is what the experimenter changes; the dependent variable is what is measured. Constants are kept the same for every trial.
- Control group. Without a comparison group, results cannot be attributed to the treatment.
- Correlation vs. causation. Two trends moving together do not prove one causes the other.
- Theory. In science, a theory is a well-supported explanation, not a guess.
- Civics mix-ups. Congress makes laws, the president enforces them, and the courts interpret them; judicial review lets courts strike down unconstitutional laws.
- Chronology. Century math: 1776 falls in the 18th century, not the 17th.
Rule of thumb
For experiments, name what was changed and what was measured before answering. For civics, ask which branch holds the power and which branch can check it.
Worked example
Students grow identical plants under different colors of light and measure height weekly. Light color is the independent variable; height is the dependent variable; pot size, soil, and watering schedule are constants. Because one group was kept under white light for comparison, that group serves as the control.