Science
What the science EOC tests
Ohio's Science end-of-course tests cover Biology and Physical Science. They ask you to explain processes, interpret data and models, design or critique investigations, and connect evidence to scientific claims. 'Science inquiry and application' is woven through the items.
Core content
- Biology: cell structures and transport; photosynthesis and cellular respiration; DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis; meiosis; Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics; natural selection and evidence for evolution; ecosystem energy flow and homeostasis.
- Physical Science: motion and forces; Newton's laws; conservation of energy and momentum; waves and electromagnetic radiation; electric circuits and magnetism; chemical reactions and conservation of mass.
- Practice: identify independent and dependent variables and controls; read graphs and data tables; distinguish observation from inference; use models with their limits.
Worked example
Cross two heterozygous pea plants (Bb x Bb), where B = purple and b = white. Set up a 2x2 Punnett square: each parent gives B or b. Offspring genotypes are BB, Bb, Bb, bb, a 1:2:1 ratio. Phenotypes: three purple to one white, so 75% purple and 25% white. The reasoning: the recessive phenotype appears only when both alleles are lowercase.
Traps that cost marks
- Confusing genotype (alleles) with phenotype (observed trait).
- Saying an individual 'evolves' rather than a population.
- Mixing up photosynthesis (stores energy) and respiration (releases energy).
- Ignoring a control variable or sample size.
- Reading a graph's axis labels carelessly.