ACT Science Test

The ACT Science Test assesses students' scientific reasoning skills through analysis of scientific information and data.

Understanding Scientific PassagesInterpreting Graphs and TablesScientific Reasoning Skills
Analyzing Experimental DesignEvaluating Scientific HypothesesIntegrating Information from Multiple Sources
Applying Scientific Reasoning in Daily LifeUnderstanding Scientific Claims in the MediaUsing Data to Make Informed Decisions
Time Management During the TestSmart Approaches to Multiple Choice Questions
Understanding Scient...Interpreting Graphs ...Scientific Reasoning...Analyzing Experiment...Evaluating Scientifi...Integrating Informat...Applying Scientific ...Understanding Scient...Using Data to Make I...Time Management Duri...Smart Approaches to ...
Advanced Topics

Analyzing Experimental Design

Understanding Experiments

The ACT Science Test often asks about how experiments are set up. This includes identifying controls, variables, and the purpose of each step.

Key Concepts

  • Independent Variable: What the experimenter changes.
  • Dependent Variable: What is measured in response to the change.
  • Control: The part of the experiment that stays the same.

How to Analyze

  • Determine what question the experiment is answering.
  • Identify how variables are isolated.
  • Look for flaws or limitations in the design.

Applications

Good experimental design leads to reliable results, whether you're testing new medicines or building safer cars.

Examples

  • Spotting the control group in a study testing a new fertilizer.

  • Identifying the dependent variable in an experiment measuring reaction time.

In a Nutshell

Learn to break down and evaluate scientific experiments.

Key Terms

Control Group
A group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment.
Variable
Any factor that can change and affect the outcome.
Next
Evaluating Scientific Hypotheses