Science
What this domain tests
The science domain assesses inquiry-based science for young children: observing, questioning, predicting, investigating, recording, and communicating. Expect questions on life, physical, and earth/space science, plus safety and the three dimensions of standards-based science learning.
Core rules and concepts
- Science and engineering practices: ask questions, plan and carry out investigations, analyze data, construct explanations, and communicate findings.
- Crosscutting concepts: patterns, cause and effect, systems, structure and function, and stability and change.
- Disciplinary core ideas for pre-K: living versus nonliving, life cycles, needs of plants and animals, properties of matter, force and motion, weather and seasons, and light and shadows.
- Hands-on is not inquiry by itself. Inquiry requires a question, prediction, test, evidence, and explanation.
- Use children’s misconceptions as starting points; do not correct with definitions before exploration.
- Safety: supervise tools, avoid nonfood tasting, and use child-safe materials.
Worked example
Children predict whether objects will sink or float, test them in water, and place pictures in “sink” and “float” columns. Reasoning: the teacher elicited a prediction, supported a fair test, and used evidence to build the concept of buoyancy. Asking “What made you think that?” develops explanation, not just activity.
Traps that cost marks
Don’t call any craft or demonstration “inquiry.” Don’t teach vocabulary lists before concrete experience. Don’t ignore safety or use unsafe materials. Don’t treat a failed prediction as a wrong answer; focus on evidence.