ACT Science

Master scientific reasoning and analytical skills with 90+ practice passages covering all ACT Science question types and content areas.

13
Skills Covered
90+
Practice Passages
40
Questions

About the ACT Science Test

The ACT Science section measures your scientific reasoning and analytical skills rather than your ability to memorize specific facts. It tests how well you can interpret, analyze, and evaluate scientific information presented in various formats.

Test Format

  • 40 questions in 35 minutes
  • 6-7 passages with 5-7 questions each
  • 53 seconds per question average

Key Strategy

  • Read questions before the passage
  • Focus on data interpretation, not memorization
  • Practice with authentic passages

Passage Formats

Data Representation

2-3 passages

Focuses on graphs and tables; requires pure data analysis

Research Summaries

2-3 passages

Describes experiments; focuses on design and results

Conflicting Viewpoints

1 passage

Presents competing hypotheses; requires comparing perspectives

Content Areas

Biology

Cell biology, DNA/RNA, natural selection, ecology

Chemistry

pH scale, phase changes, solubility, molar mass

Physics

Forces, motion, gravity, density, energy conservation

Earth/Space

Geology, astronomy, meteorology, oceanography

Core Skill Domains

Interpretation of Data

40-50%

Analyze scientific data in tables, graphs, and diagrams. Recognize trends, translate data between formats, and perform interpolation or extrapolation.

Reading Tables and Graphs

Extract specific values and understand data organization in tables, graphs, and diagrams

10 passages

Identifying Trends and Patterns

Recognize patterns, correlations, and relationships in scientific data

10 passages

Interpolation and Extrapolation

Estimate values between data points (interpolation) and beyond the data range (extrapolation)

10 passages

Translating Between Data Formats

Convert data between tables, graphs, diagrams, and written descriptions

10 passages

Calculating Rates of Change

Determine how quickly variables change and calculate slopes, speeds, and rates

10 passages

Comparing Multiple Data Sets

Analyze and compare data from multiple experiments, trials, or conditions

10 passages

Scientific Investigation

20-30%

Understand experimental design and execution. Identify variables, understand procedures, and evaluate experimental tools.

Experimental Design and Setup

Understand how experiments are structured and why specific designs are chosen

10 passages

Identifying Variables

Distinguish between independent, dependent, and controlled variables in experiments

10 passages

Evaluation of Models, Inferences & Results

25-35%

Judge the validity of scientific information and draw conclusions. Compare conflicting viewpoints and evaluate hypotheses.

Comparing Conflicting Viewpoints

Analyze and compare competing scientific hypotheses, theories, or perspectives

2 passages

Evaluating Hypotheses with New Evidence

Determine which hypothesis is supported or refuted by new experimental data

2 passages

Drawing Conclusions from Data

Make valid inferences and conclusions based on experimental results

2 passages

Identifying Assumptions and Limitations

Recognize unstated assumptions and limitations in scientific arguments and experiments

2 passages

Determining Which Theory is Better Supported

Evaluate which competing theory has stronger evidence or makes better predictions

2 passages

Ready to Master ACT Science?

Start practicing with authentic passages covering all question types and content areas.