All

Interpretation of Data (IOD): This category requires you to manipulate and analyze scientific data presented in tables, graphs, and diagrams (e.g., recognize trends in data, translate tabular data into graphs, interpolate and extrapolate, and reason mathematically).

• ACT.SC.IOD.1(Objective)

  Read and interpret information directly from tables, graphs, and diagrams.

• ACT.SC.IOD.2(Objective)

  Identify trends and patterns in data presented in tables, graphs, and diagrams.

• ACT.SC.IOD.3(Objective)

  Translate data from one format to another (e.g., table to graph, graph to table).

• ACT.SC.IOD.4(Objective)

  Perform simple interpolation (estimating values between data points) and extrapolation (estimating values beyond data points) based on presented data.

• ACT.SC.IOD.5(Objective)

  Understand and apply basic mathematical operations and reasoning to scientific data (e.g., calculating averages, ratios, percentages).

• ACT.SC.IOD.6(Objective)

  Compare and contrast different sets of data.

• ACT.SC.IOD.7(Objective)

  Determine the relationship between variables based on data presented in tables, graphs, or diagrams (e.g., direct, inverse, or no relationship).

• ACT.SC.IOD.8(Objective)

  Analyze more complex data sets requiring multiple steps of interpretation or synthesis of information from different parts of a data presentation.

Scientific Investigation (SIN): This category requires you to understand experimental tools, procedures, and design (e.g., identify variables and controls) and compare, extend, and modify experiments (e.g., predict the results of additional trials).

• ACT.SC.SIN.1(Objective)

  Identify the purpose or hypothesis of a simple experiment.

• ACT.SC.SIN.2(Objective)

  Identify the independent and dependent variables in a simple experiment.

• ACT.SC.SIN.3(Objective)

  Identify controls in a simple experiment.

• ACT.SC.SIN.4(Objective)

  Understand the basic design and procedures of an experiment.

• ACT.SC.SIN.5(Objective)

  Predict the outcome of a simple experiment or a change to an experimental design.

• ACT.SC.SIN.6(Objective)

  Compare and contrast different experimental designs or procedures.

• ACT.SC.SIN.7(Objective)

  Propose modifications to an experiment to test a new hypothesis or to improve the design.

• ACT.SC.SIN.8(Objective)

  Identify strengths and weaknesses of an experimental design.

• ACT.SC.SIN.9(Objective)

  Understand how to design experiments to test specific scientific questions or hypotheses, including identifying appropriate tools and measurements.

Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results (EMI): This category requires you to judge the validity of scientific information and formulate conclusions and predictions based on that information (e.g., determine which explanation for a scientific phenomenon is supported by new findings).

• ACT.SC.EMI.1(Objective)

  Determine whether a simple conclusion or hypothesis is supported by given data or information.

• ACT.SC.EMI.2(Objective)

  Identify assumptions made in an experiment or model.

• ACT.SC.EMI.3(Objective)

  Formulate simple conclusions based on experimental results or data.

• ACT.SC.EMI.4(Objective)

  Determine which of several explanations or models is best supported by given findings.

• ACT.SC.EMI.5(Objective)

  Identify inconsistencies between data/results and a given explanation or model.

• ACT.SC.EMI.6(Objective)

  Understand how new findings can support, modify, or refute existing scientific models or explanations.

• ACT.SC.EMI.7(Objective)

  Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different scientific models or explanations.

• ACT.SC.EMI.8(Objective)

  Make predictions based on scientific models or experimental results.

• ACT.SC.EMI.9(Objective)

  Determine alternative explanations for scientific phenomena or experimental results, and identify further tests that could distinguish between them.