ACT (American College Testing) Science Syllabus

Science syllabus: all 4 chapters

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics.

1. 1

   Interpretation of Data

   4 topics

   • Reading Graphs and Tables
     • Identifying variables and units
     • Reading values from scatterplots, line, and bar graphs
     • Interpreting multi-panel and combined figures
   • Trends and Relationships
     • Direct and inverse relationships between variables
     • Extrapolation and interpolation
   • Translating Data Between Formats
     • Converting table data into graphical form and vice versa
   • Mathematical Reasoning in Data
     • Calculating differences, ratios, and rates from data
2. 2

   Scientific Investigation

   3 topics

   • Experimental Design
     • Identifying independent, dependent, and controlled variables
     • Recognizing the purpose of a control group
   • Methods and Procedures
     • Understanding the setup of experiments
     • Comparing differences between experiments
   • Predicting Results and Extending Experiments
     • Predicting outcomes of modified procedures
     • Determining additional trials needed
3. 3

   Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Results

   3 topics

   • Conflicting Viewpoints
     • Comparing competing hypotheses or theories
     • Identifying points of agreement and disagreement
   • Supporting and Weakening Conclusions
     • Determining which data supports a claim
     • Identifying evidence that contradicts a hypothesis
   • Drawing Conclusions from Evidence
     • Forming valid conclusions consistent with data
4. 4

   Foundational Science Concepts

   4 topics

   • Biology Background Knowledge
     • Cells, photosynthesis, and ecology basics
   • Chemistry Background Knowledge
     • Atomic structure, density, and pH
   • Physics Background Knowledge
     • Motion, force, and energy basics
   • Earth and Space Science Background
     • Geology, weather, and astronomy basics

ACT (American College Testing) Science flashcards — 50 questions with answers

1. On a line graph, what does a steep upward slope indicate about the relationship between the two variables?

   A strong positive (direct) relationship — as the x-variable increases, the y-variable increases rapidly.

2. When reading a data table, what should you check first before interpreting any value?

   The column/row headers and their units (and any footnotes), so each number is matched to the correct variable and scale.

3. What is the difference between a direct (positive) and an inverse (negative) relationship between two variables?

   Direct: both variables increase or decrease together. Inverse: as one variable increases, the other decreases.

4. On a scatter plot, what does it mean when points are tightly clustered around a trend line versus widely scattered?

   Tightly clustered = strong correlation; widely scattered = weak correlation between the variables.

5. How do you convert a value shown on a bar graph into a position on a corresponding data table?

   Read the bar's height against the y-axis scale, then match that variable and value to the appropriate row/column in the table.

6. What is interpolation when reading a graph?

   Estimating a value that falls between two known/plotted data points along the existing trend.

7. What is extrapolation when reading a graph?

   Estimating a value beyond the range of plotted data by extending the existing trend.

8. If a quantity doubles every 10 minutes, what type of growth is this and how is it represented on a linear-axis graph?

   Exponential growth — it appears as an upward-curving (J-shaped) line on a linear axis.

9. How do you calculate the percent change between an initial value and a final value?

   Percent change = ((final − initial) / initial) × 100.

10. On a graph, what does the point where two lines intersect represent?

    The x-value (condition) at which the two variables/data sets have equal y-values.

11. What is a controlled (independent) variable versus a dependent variable in an experiment?

    Independent variable: the factor the experimenter deliberately changes. Dependent variable: the factor measured as a response to that change.

12. What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

    It provides a baseline with no experimental treatment, so changes in the experimental groups can be attributed to the manipulated variable.

13. Why do scientists repeat trials or use multiple samples in an experiment?

    To improve reliability, reduce the effect of random error, and confirm results are reproducible.

14. In an experiment, what is a constant (controlled condition)?

    A factor kept the same across all groups so it does not affect the dependent variable and confound the results.

15. If a researcher wants to test the effect of temperature on enzyme activity, what should be the only variable changed between trials?

    Temperature — all other conditions (pH, substrate concentration, enzyme amount, time) must be held constant.

16. In the Conflicting Viewpoints passage type, what is the key task when comparing two scientists' hypotheses?

    Identify the central point of disagreement and how each viewpoint explains the same evidence differently.

17. What kind of new evidence would strengthen a scientist's conclusion?

    Evidence consistent with and predicted by the conclusion, especially results that the opposing view cannot explain.

18. What kind of new evidence would weaken a scientist's conclusion?

    Evidence that contradicts a prediction of the conclusion or that the conclusion cannot account for.

19. When drawing a conclusion from experimental data, what must the conclusion be limited to?

    Only what the data actually show — within the tested range and conditions — without unsupported assumptions.

20. If two viewpoints agree on a fact but disagree on its cause, where should you focus to answer comparison questions?

    On the explanatory mechanism each proposes, not on the shared observed fact.

ACT (American College Testing) Science FAQ