ACT 1-on-1 Curriculum Science: Data Representation

ACT Science 40 questions 35 minutes Three types of passages: –Data Representation –Research Summary –Conflicting Viewpoints Science Section at a Glance D IRECTIONS DIRECTIONS:You have seven different types of passages to complete. Each passage, which could include charts, graphs and written information, is followed by either five, six or seven questions. Pick the correct answer to each question and fill in the correct bubble on your answer document. You can look back at the passages as many times as you need. Calculators are NOT permitted on this portion of the test.

ACT Science The ACT Science test covers: –Biology –Earth/Space Science –Chemistry –Physic s The ACT Science test is a science reasoning test. –Most of the questions can be answered by the information presented. There are three types of passages: –Data Representation — 3 passages with 5 questions each –Research Summary — 3 passages with 6 questions each –Conflicting Viewpoints — 1 passage with 7 questions The Basics

ACT Science Data Representation passages contain one or more figures, such as charts, tables, or graphs. There are five questions based upon your understanding of the chart, table, or graph. There are no headings for this section. Data Representation

ACT Science When looking at a graph, look for the following things: –Topic of the graph –Variables on both axis –Units of the variables –The Key—if a graph has two or more lines, it will have a key telling what each line represents. –The Trends Compare one axis to the other. As one variable increases, does the other increase? Does it decrease? Questions you might see on graphs: –Find a point on the graph –Identify the trend –Interpolation: Add a point between two known points. –Extrapolation: Extend the graph. What happens to the line? –Find the relationship between two curves of the graph Interpreting Graphs — Data Representation

ACT Science 1.What variables and units are represented? 2.What is in the key? 3.As the distance increases, the height ______? 4.The 50 kg, 65 kg, and 80 kg lines are the same until which distance? Interpreting Graphs — Data Representation

ACT Science Questions you might see on graphs: –Find a point on the graph. –Identify the trend. –Interpolation: Add a point between two known points. –Extrapolation: Extend the graph. What happens to the line? –Identify the relationship between two curves of the graph. Interpreting Graphs — Data Representation

ACT Science When looking at a chart, look for the following items: –Title and topics –Variables and Units –Trends: Compare columns to see the trends. Turn the chart into a few sentences noting these items to interpret that data. Questions you might see on charts: –What is the relationship between two sets of numbers? –Interpolation –Extrapolation Interpreting Charts — Data Representation

ACT Science 1.What are the variables and their units? 2.What is the relationship between dissolved oxygen and temperature? 3.What is the relationship between nitrates and temperature? 4.What is the relationship between dissolved oxygen and nitrates? 5.If the temperature were raised to 22 C, would pH, dissolved oxygen and nitrates increase or decrease? Interpreting Graphs — Data Representation Temperature ( ◦ C) pH Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Nitrates (mg/l of NO 3 )

ACT Science Questions you might see on charts: –What is the relationship between two sets of numbers? –Interpolation –Extrapolation Interpreting Charts — Data Representation

ACT Science The text for each passage is in technical language. Very few of the data representation answers will be found in the text. As a result, glance at the figures and then go to the question. Use a systematic method for turning the charts and graphs into sentences that will help you determine the purpose and method of the information given. Text — Data Representation

ACT Science Before going to the questions, look over the charts and graphs to become familiar with the variables, units and patterns. You should not read the text prior to the questions unless you need more information. Remember, most questions will deal with the charts and graphs rather than the text. Glance at the charts and graphs to have an idea on the information presented. Ask yourself the following: –Are the charts in logical order? –What specific items are in each chart? –How are the various charts or graphs linked together? Conquering Data Representation

ACT Science Pay attention to the questions. Most questions will direct you to the right chart. Use your answer choices to your advantage–if you see the information given in your answer choices located in a chart or graph, that is where you want to reference for that question. Some answer choices will be worded similarly, where the only change will be one or two words. Pay attention to these. Many times, the answer will be between those choices that are direct opposites. Conquering Data Representation

ACT Science Turn to p in the Real ACT Guide Book and try out questions Remember: –Use a method to analyze the information –Look for trends, units, the key –Ask yourself what question type each one is –Let it lead you to the answer. Data Representation