Praxis Physical Science 5485 study plan
Praxis Physical Science 5485 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Physics
Solve 1-D and 2-D kinematics problems by selecting the correct equation, separating vector components, and checking units.
Apply Newton's three laws to free-body diagrams for inclines, pulleys, and friction cases, then calculate net force and acceleration.
Calculate work, kinetic energy, potential energy, power, and momentum in closed systems, and verify conservation where applicable.
Interpret position-time, velocity-time, and force-time graphs by extracting slopes and areas to infer motion.
Your checkpoint
Score at least 80% on a 25-question timed mechanics set and correct every missed item in a written error log.
Chemistry
Map electron configurations for neutral atoms and common ions, then predict periodicity trends in atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity.
Draw Lewis dot structures for covalent molecules and polyatomic ions, including resonance and formal-charge checks.
Classify bonds and intermolecular forces, then predict relative melting point, solubility, and conductivity.
Balance formula equations and convert among moles, particles, and mass for simple compounds.
Your checkpoint
Complete a 30-item formula-writing, Lewis-structure, and periodic-trend mini-exam with at least 85% accuracy.
Physics
Apply the wave equation and superposition to calculate frequency, wavelength, speed, reflection, refraction, and interference patterns.
Solve series and parallel circuit problems using Ohm's law, equivalent resistance, and power formulas.
Apply right-hand rules to determine magnetic force direction on moving charges and current-carrying wires.
Interpret ray diagrams and electromagnetic-spectrum data to predict image type and energy ordering.
Your checkpoint
Build a one-page formula sheet and score at least 80% on a timed 30-question waves/electricity-and-magnetism set.
Chemistry
Balance redox and acid-base equations, then identify oxidizing and reducing agents and conjugate pairs.
Solve limiting-reactant and percent-yield stoichiometry problems using mole ratios and molar masses.
Calculate enthalpy changes from calorimetry data and Hess's law expressions.
Apply Le Chatelier's principle to predict equilibrium shifts and interpret equilibrium-constant expressions.
Your checkpoint
Complete a 20-problem calculation packet with worked solutions and score at least 80% on a timed reactions review.
Physics & Nature of Science and Engineering
Design a controlled experiment that isolates one independent variable and specifies constants, controls, and a measurable dependent variable.
Analyze data tables and graphs to identify outliers, calculate means and slopes, and state uncertainty.
Evaluate claims using evidence, identifying correlation versus causation and sources of bias.
Apply engineering design constraints to compare two solutions and justify the best trade-off.
Your checkpoint
Write a one-page experimental design and data-analysis report for a physics scenario, including a graph and a validity critique.
Chemistry & Nature of Science and Engineering
Evaluate lab safety and measurement procedures, then distinguish accuracy, precision, random error, and systematic error.
Interpret chemical data sets and graphs to support or reject a hypothesis using evidence.
Apply nature-of-science reasoning to identify testable questions and appropriate controls in chemistry contexts.
Correct chemistry calculation errors using unit analysis and significant figures.
Your checkpoint
Score at least 80% on a 30-question chemistry-plus-science-practices set and revise every missed rationale.
Physics & Chemistry
Complete timed mixed practice under exam conditions with no notes, pacing to finish within the time limit.
Categorize every miss by domain, content strand, and error type in an error log.
Re-teach two weakest physics strands and two weakest chemistry strands using corrected worked examples.
Compare answer choices to eliminate distractors using dimensional analysis, limiting cases, and sign checks.
Your checkpoint
Finish one full-length mixed practice test and produce a prioritized review list with at least 10 corrected items.
Nature of Science and Engineering & Physics & Chemistry
Reattempt all previously missed items without notes and explain each corrected reasoning step in writing.
Complete two timed section drills, one physics and one chemistry, and record score and pacing.
Apply a single consolidated formula-and-constants sheet through 20 rapid recall checks.
Evaluate readiness by comparing practice scores to a 75% target and list only final weak areas.
Your checkpoint
Score 80% or higher on a final timed mixed review and submit a one-page readiness checklist with remaining weak areas.
Milestones
Week 2: Mechanics and chemistry-fundamentals mini-exams both at 80% or higher; error log shows a correction for every miss.
Week 4: Timed domain checks in mechanics, waves/E&M, atomic/bonding, and reactions/stoichiometry each at 75% or higher.
Week 6: Science-practices and chemistry review set at 80% or higher, with lab-design and data-analysis errors reduced from week 5.
Week 8: Final mixed review at 80% or higher and a completed readiness checklist naming no more than three weak strands for last-minute review.