Study Guide

Field 026: Middle Level Science 
Test Design and Framework

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The test design below describes general assessment information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.

Test Design

Test overview, including duration of test, number of questions, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test ( C B T ) and online proctored test
Number of Questions 80 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response assignment
Time* 4 hours
Passing Score 240

*Does not include 15-minute  C B T  tutorial

Test Framework

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.

test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 1 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
selected-response
roman numeral 1 foundations of scientific inquiry 0001–0004 6 percent
roman numeral 2 life science 0005–0009 26 percent
roman numeral 3 physical science 0010–0015 32 percent
roman numeral 4 earth and space science 0016–0019 21 percent
this cell intentionally left blank. 85 percent
test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 2 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
constructed-response
roman numeral 1 foundations of scientific inquiry 0001–0004 15 percent

 Subarea roman numeral 1–Foundations of Scientific Inquiry 

Competency 0001–Understand the process of scientific inquiry.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0002–Understand the historical and contemporary contexts of the study of science and the common themes that connect science and technology.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0003–Understand the principles of measurement and the processes of gathering, organizing, reporting, and interpreting scientific data.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0004–Understand the equipment, materials, and chemicals used in scientific inquiry; and apply procedures for their proper, safe, and legal use.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 2–Life Science 

Competency 0005–Understand the basic concepts of cell biology.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0006–Understand the diversity of life and life processes.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0007–Understand genetics and biological adaptation.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0008–Understand populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0009–Understand the effect of humans on the environment.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 3–Physical Science 

Competency 0010–Understand the structure and nature of matter.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0011–Understand physical, chemical, and nuclear changes in matter.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0012–Understand the basic concepts of force, motion, and work.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0013–Understand energy and its forms and transformations.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0014–Understand waves, sound, and light.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0015–Understand electricity, magnets, and electromagnetism.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 4–Earth and Space Science 

Competency 0016–Understand geology and geologic processes.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0017–Understand the hydrosphere.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0018–Understand weather, climate, and the earth's atmosphere.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0019–Understand basic astronomy.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics