| Science
The Science Reasoning section has seven passages, each of which is followed by five to seven questions. The passages cover material drawn from biology, chemistry, physics, and the physical sciences (including geology, astronomy, and meteorology).
All of the passages fall within three basic categories:
Data Representation
Experimental Reasoning
Alternative Viewpoints
The questions test one's ability to interpret scientific data and fall into three categories:
Understanding
Analysis
Generalization
Biology I is the Tennessee End-of-course test that must be passed before graduation to earn a high school diploma.
The Terra Nova Complete Battery for Science "measures knowledge of key concepts and facility with science process skills. By applying scientific concepts to objects and situations that are familiar to them, students draw connections between what they learn in the classroom and what they find in their own lives. Engaging graphics, photographs, and page designs typify science instructional materials and invite students to participate fully in the test.
The test covers the traditional core areas of science - inquiry, physical science, life science, Earth and space sciences - and adds science and technology, science in personal and social perspectives, and the history and nature of science, as suggested in the National Science Education Standards. Implicit in many questions is the measurement of higher-order thinking skills - the student's ability to analyze, infer, synthesize, and evaluate."
The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) document contains skills that can be obtained through a Science program.
The Tennessee Science Curriculum Standards provide standards, performance indicators, and accomplishments for students in science.
Environmental Science
The Biology I End-of-course test is given after completion of Biology I.
The Terra Nova Complete Battery assesses students in tenth grade (Level 20).
Environmental Science is a course that enables students to develop an understanding of the natural environment and the environmental problems the world faces. Students will investigate the following:
*Fundamental Ecological Principles
*Human Population Dynamics
*Natural Resources
*Energy Sources and Their Use
*Human Interaction with the Environment
*Personal and Civic Responsibility
It is the expectation that students will explore the content of Environmental Science through inquiry. This science course will utilize group lab and field experiences to meet these expectations. Particular emphasis will be placed on local environments. Students will develop a basic understanding of ecology as a basis for making ethical decisions and career choices.
Earth and Space Science
The Earth and Space Science unit addresses the composition, structure, exploration, and history of the earth and space. Topics include plate tectonics, the atmosphere, geological cycles and processes, weather, climate, the solar system, and the universe.
Life Science
The Life Science unit addresses the characteristics and cycles of and relationships between living things and their environments. Topics include cellular organization, classification, ecosystems, genetics, and human health issues.
Physical Science
The Physical Science unit includes concepts related to matter, forces, motion, and energy, as well as their interactions. Topics include chemical and physical changes, electricity, magnetism, heat, light, sound, machines, work and power.
Research and Inquiry
The Research and Inquiry unit focuses on the knowledge, processes, and real world issues associated with science and technology. Topics include experimentation, data analysis, science related careers, and technological advances.
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