Praxis Middle School Science case studies
Praxis Middle School Science · Put your knowledge to work in context.
Praxis Middle School Science, listed by ETS under test code 5442, is a subject-matter assessment used in the teacher certification process for candidates who plan to teach science at the middle school level. It is typically taken by aspiring middle grades science teachers, career-changers entering an alternative route, and candidates in educator preparation programs whose state requires a content test before licensure. Because certification requirements are set by individual states, ETS directs candidates to check their own state's requirements and register for the correct test rather than assuming a single national rule. The exam is organized around two broad areas: science content knowledge and scientific inquiry and methodology, so preparation should combine disciplinary review across the middle school science curriculum with practice in experimental design, data interpretation, and evidence-based reasoning. The Praxis Middle School Science case studies are 5 cases and about 2,457 words.
1The Warm Beaker Mystery
A teacher sets out three identical beakers for a lab on thermal energy. Beaker A holds 200 mL of water at 60 °C.
443 words, about 2 min2The Fertilizer Fair Test
A student claims a new liquid fertilizer makes bean plants grow taller. She sets up four pots: Pot 1 gets 50 mL of fertilizer weekly, Pot 2 gets 25 mL, Pot 3 gets 10 mL, and Pot 4 gets plain water.
501 words, about 3 min3Reading the Density Graph
Students are given a data table for five unknown solid cubes of equal volume (1.0 cm³ each) with masses of 2.7 g, 7.9 g, 8.9 g, 11.3 g, and 19.3 g. A reference list gives densities: aluminum 2.7 g/cm³, iron 7.9 g/cm³, copper 8.9 g/cm³, lead 11.3 g/cm³, and gold 19.3 g/cm³.
530 words, about 3 min4The Variable That Wasn't Controlled
A team tests whether a paper airplane's design affects flight distance. Design A has a pointed nose; Design B has a blunt nose.
487 words, about 2 min5Interpreting a Class Data Set
A class measures the boiling point of water five times and records 98.0 °C, 98.2 °C, 97.9 °C, 98.1 °C, and 104.0 °C. The accepted value at their altitude is about 98 °C.
496 words, about 2 min