Praxis Physical Science 5485 study materials
Praxis Physical Science 5485 study resources

Praxis Physical Science 5485 study plan

Praxis Physical Science 5485 · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

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.

Week 2

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.

Week 3

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.

Week 4

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.

Week 5

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.

Week 6

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.

Week 7

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.

Week 8

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.