2. Thursday, April 21 st : “A” Day Monday, April 25 th : “B” Day Agenda  PSAE Science Test Hints  ACT Sample Science Test  Grade Tests  Movie: “Addiction“ - Bill Nye Juniors: Good luck on the PSAE! Get a good night’s sleep before the test. Eat a good breakfast!

3. PSAE Schedule April 27 th  Day 1:  ACT English (45 minutes/75 questions)  ACT Math (60 minutes/60 questions)  (15 minute break)  ACT Reading (35 minutes/40 questions)  ACT Science (35 minutes/40 questions)  (5 minute break)  ACT Writing (30 minutes/1 prompt question) ** Calculators are NOT permitted on either science test**

4. PSAE Schedule April 28 th  Day 2:  *ISBE-Developed Science (40 minutes/45 questions)  WorkKeys Applied Math (45 minutes/33 questions)  (15 minute break)  WorkKeys Reading for Info (45 minutes/33 questions) ** Both the ACT Science test on Day 1 and the ISBE Science test on Day 2 are used to generate your PSAE science score. ** *ISBE = Illinois State Board of Education

5. ACT Science Test “Science Reasoning” Day 1 35 Minutes 7 Passages 40 Questions

6. The term “Science Reasoning” may sound impressive and difficult, but much of the intimidation of the test is mere bluff—big words that disguise simple concepts.

7.  Where the data comes from—whether it’s taken from chemistry or biology experiments—doesn’t matter. In other words, the content is not important…  Your ability to read and interpret data is what you are being tested on.

8. ACT Science Test  7 passages followed by multiple choice questions.  Can include biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth/space science (geology, astronomy, meteorology).  Test emphasizes scientific reasoning skills over recall of scientific content, skill in math, or reading ability.

9. What’s on the Test?  Data representation (38%) – Information presented in graphs and tables  Research Summaries (45%) – Descriptions of experiments with questions that focus on experiment design and interpretation of experimental results.  Conflicting Viewpoints (17%) – Questions focus on the understanding, analysis, and comparison of alternative viewpoints or hypotheses.

10.  Base your answers only on the contents of the passage.  In the case of the ACT Science Test, external knowledge has the potential to hurt you. All of the information you need to know is in the passage.

11. ISBE-developed Science Test Day 2 40 Minutes 45 Questions

12. ISBE-developed Science Test  Questions measure critical thinking skills including interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving.  Presents scientific information in the form of short prompts, followed by one multiple- choice question that relates to that prompt.

13.  Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, you should never leave a question blank.  Answer ALL questions, even if you have to guess. A Final Note…

14. ACT Sample Science Test  You will have 35 minutes to complete the test so pace yourself.  Do not take too much time on any one question, do the easy questions first and then go back to the more difficult ones.  Use test-taking strategies to eliminate some of the answer choices if you can.  The test administrator will let you know when there are 5 minutes remaining.  Yes, this is for a grade! Good Luck!

15. Movie: “Addiction” Bill Nye  You DO NOT have to take notes on the movie.  You ARE expected to stay awake and pay attention!