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 ...
Basic Concepts

Interpreting Graphs and Tables

Reading Visual Data

Graphs and tables are everywhere in science! The ACT Science Test challenges you to read and interpret these visuals accurately.

How to Approach

  • Read titles and labels: Understand what the axes represent.
  • Check units: Units matter! They tell you how data is measured.
  • Spot patterns: Look for increases, decreases, or trends.

Types of Graphs

  • Line Graphs: Show changes over time.
  • Bar Graphs: Compare different groups.
  • Tables: Present raw data or summaries.

Common Pitfalls

  • Mixing up the axes.
  • Ignoring the scale or units.
  • Overlooking footnotes or captions.

Real-World Uses

Reading graphs helps in many fields, like business, health, and environmental science—anywhere data informs decisions.

Examples

  • Identifying which fertilizer leads to the tallest plants in a bar graph.

  • Comparing temperatures over time using a line graph.

In a Nutshell

Master the art of extracting information from scientific graphs and tables.

Key Terms

Axis
A reference line on a graph (X for horizontal, Y for vertical).
Unit
A standard measurement (meters, seconds, etc.) used in data.
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Scientific Reasoning Skills