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Descriptive Statements:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and procedures for designing and carrying out scientific investigations.
- Recognize methods and criteria for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and presenting scientific data.
- Recognize the evidential basis of scientific claims.
- Demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures and hazards associated with scientific investigations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the materials, equipment, and technology used in the sciences.
- Apply basic mathematical procedures in reporting data and solving problems in the sciences.
Sample Item:
A scientist plants 100 bean seeds to investigate the effect of soil pH on growth rate
and flowering. The seeds are planted in two large containers with 50 seeds in each
container. The soil in one of the containers has a pH of 4, while the soil in the other
container has a pH of 10. Which of the following changes to the experimental design would
most improve the usefulness of the results?
- increasing the number of plants in each group to reduce the effects of
individual variability
- limiting the dependent variables to either flowering or growth rate
- planting a group of seeds in soil with a neutral pH to serve as a control
- placing the seeds in individual pots so they do not crowd each other
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
C. This question requires the examinee to demonstrate knowledge of the
principles and procedures for designing and carrying out scientific investigations.
In this experiment, since one of the containers contains acidic soil (i.e., soil having
a pH of 4) and one of the containers has basic soil (i.e., soil having a pH of 10),
an appropriate control would be to include a container that has soil of neutral pH
(i.e., soil having a pH of 7).
Descriptive Statements:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of major scientific ideas.
- Demonstrate knowledge of current major theories, models, and concepts in physical science, life science, and Earth and space science.
- Identify unifying themes, principles, and relationships that connect the different branches of the sciences.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of science as a system of inquiry.
Sample Item:
In working out the theory of evolution, Charles Darwin was strongly influenced by which
of the following developments in the sciences?
- the hypothesis that Earth had changed gradually over long periods of time
- the discovery that cells were the basic unit of living organisms
- the recognition that Earth's crust was composed of shifting tectonic plates
- the discovery that ancient humans lived in Africa millions of years ago
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
A. This question requires the examinee to demonstrate knowledge of the
historical development of major scientific ideas. Darwin's theory of evolution by natural
selection requires a long time frame over which to work. The work of two geologists,
James Hutton and Charles Lyell, suggested that Earth had changed gradually over long
periods of time, supporting Darwin's theory.
Descriptive Statements:
- Analyze the interrelationships between science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and society.
- Demonstrate scientific literacy in evaluating scientific research and the coverage of science in the media.
- Analyze social, economic, and ethical issues associated with technological and scientific developments.
Sample Item:
In which of the following scenarios does the government most directly affect the work
of scientists?
- The Food and Drug Administration evaluates the efficacy of a new medical device.
- Politicians running for office debate the potential risks to humanity of global
warming.
- The governor of a large state announces new energy conservation measures for
public buildings.
- Congress votes to support increased funding for research at the National Institutes
of Health.
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
D. This question requires the examinee to analyze the relationship
between science and society. Government funding for research influences the work of
scientists by encouraging them to work in funded areas of science and by providing
funds for scientists to continue their work.
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