Science
What this domain tests
The science domain covers scientific practices, life science, physical science, Earth and space science, and engineering design at a level suitable for elementary teaching. Items ask you to identify variables, interpret observations and data, and explain everyday phenomena with correct science. Expect questions about fair tests, classification, cycles, and energy.
Core rules and concepts
- A fair test changes one independent variable, keeps other factors constant, and measures a dependent variable. A control group provides a comparison; repeated trials reduce the effect of random error.
- An observation is what you detect with senses or instruments; an inference is an explanation built from observations and prior knowledge.
- A scientific hypothesis is a testable explanation, not merely a guess. A prediction states an expected outcome.
- In life science, structure relates to function; organisms have life cycles and interact in ecosystems.
- In physical science, matter has properties, motion responds to forces, and energy transfers but is conserved.
- In Earth science, weather, the water cycle, rocks, and the solar system follow observable patterns.
Worked example
Two identical bean plants are placed in identical pots with the same soil and watered equally. One sits by a sunny window; the other sits in a dark closet. After two weeks, the window plant is taller and greener. The independent variable is light; the dependent variable is plant growth; constants include water, soil, pot size, and plant type. The inference is that light supports growth, but one trial does not prove that light is the only factor. Repeating with more plants would strengthen the claim.
Traps that cost marks
- Changing several variables and calling it a fair test.
- Treating an observation as an inference (“the plant is happy” is not observable).
- Confusing mass with weight, or evaporation with boiling.
- Assuming correlation proves causation from a single data set.
- Forgetting that a hypothesis must be testable and can be revised.