ACT UP
Convention HandoutsThe problem:What is on the ACT Science test?Specific List of Objectives on ACT |
Only 36% of the 2,090,342 high school students who took the ACT in 2016 met the benchmark for science. Meeting the benchmark is not a guarantee of success in college, but it is a reliable predictor of success. The benchmark for science is a score of 23. If a student scores 23, then there is a 50% likelihood of that student getting a B or higher in college science.
Sources: 1. The Condition of College and Career Readiness 2016, National ACT 2. College and Career Readiness Standards The emphasis on the ACT is on interpretation of data, evaluation of a scientific model and scientific investigation. Notice that this is not a test over the students' science vocabulary or previously studied content. Instead, the student will be required to read a passage full of scientific information over content they have probably never seen before. This is a test to determine how well a student can reason scientifically through new information, not how much they have memorized.
Sources: Science Test Description for the ACT The Big Secret of ACT Science |
So, how do you prepare students for this kind of test?
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In our classrooms we can get caught up with terms and definitions, and with trying to finish the text book. But also need to each our students how to think! Give them opportunities in class to generate their own hypothesis, graph data, analyze data, and write lab reports summarizing the methods and conclusions of an experiment. Engage in debate in class and require student to use evidence to support their arguments. Encourage each science teacher in your school to teach rigorous science. Know the ACT readiness standards Articles by Chicago Consortium- search for ACT articles like this one. Article: Marzano Center Essentials for Achieving Rigor Site: Ambitious Science Teaching Do the research. Know the objectives necessary to reach a score of 23. Come-up with a plan for your students. Will you practice for the ACT in science class, after school, or during an elective period. What grade will you start preparing in? Will you make your own worksheet, use an online component, enroll in an ACT prep course, . . . ? Do you need to enlist the help of the math teacher to teach the students how to read the graphs. Add goals and objectives to your current list and check them off as you cover them. 7 Best Practices How to Teach the ACT 1. Free printable practice ACT tests.
2. Free student on-line practice science tests. 3. Article: The Best Way to Study for ACT Science 4. Free Kaplan live online ACT cram sessions 5. Teachers Pay Teachers. Search these topics: science literacy; claim evidence reasoning; graphing and data analysis. There are many items for FREE. But consider that a great resource is worth a few dollars. 6. I created 8 worksheets to be used with the free printable ACT tests. You will need to have a copy of my worksheet AND a copy of the pages of ACT practice book. You can download the documents at the bottom of this page. Each worksheet is available as a Word document (editable) and as a PDF. The answer keys are all together on one PDF (sorry about all the blank pages). |
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Form 72CPRE Pulling Forces, p46-47.pdf | |
File Size: | 679 kb |
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Form 72CPRE Pulling Forces, p.46-47.docx | |
File Size: | 28 kb |
File Type: | docx |
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Form 67C Wet Deposition, p_42-43.pdf | |
File Size: | 454 kb |
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Form 67C Wet Deposition, p_42-43.docx | |
File Size: | 23 kb |
File Type: | docx |
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Form 67C Cloud Cover, p_44-45.pdf | |
File Size: | 334 kb |
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Form 67C, Cloud Cover, p_44-45.docx | |
File Size: | 23 kb |
File Type: | docx |
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Form 72 CPRE Fruit Flies, p.40-41.pdf | |
File Size: | 557 kb |
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Form 72 CPRE Fruit Flies, p.40-41.docx | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | docx |
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Form 72 CPRE Greenhouse Gases, p_44-45.pdf | |
File Size: | 346 kb |
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Form 72 CPRE Greenhouse Gases, p_44-45.docx | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | docx |
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Form 72 CPRE Butterfly Questions, p_42-43.pdf | |
File Size: | 572 kb |
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Form 72 CPRE Butterfly Questions, p_42-43.docx | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | docx |
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Form 72 CPRE Drilling Mud, p_50-51.pdf | |
File Size: | 546 kb |
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Form 72 CPRE Drilling Mud, p.50-51.docx | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | docx |
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Form 72CPRE pH indicators, p_48-49.docx.pdf | |
File Size: | 686 kb |
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Form 72CPRE pH indicators, p_48-49.docx | |
File Size: | 24 kb |
File Type: | docx |
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67C Finch Beaks p_40-41.pdf | |
File Size: | 566 kb |
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67C Finch Beaks p_40-41.docx | |
File Size: | 23 kb |
File Type: | docx |
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answer_key.pdf | |
File Size: | 715 kb |
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