Course Syllabus
Course Name: Science ACT Prep
Instructor: Barb Steel
Course Description:
The ACT preparation class will teach students various strategies in taking the ACT test in science. Each student will set personal goals for achievement on the science test. Science reasoning will be reinforced and science strategies will be taught. Through this course the students will be better prepared to take the science portion of the ACT and become more comfortable with the test as to avoid severe test anxiety and improve their science test scores.
Course Objectives:
The students will be able to:
• identify the three types of passages on the science-reasoning test
• apply the strategies taught on the ACT science test
• choose and understand an appropriate pacing strategy for the science-reasoning test
Expectations of Students:
• Be prepared-bring all necessary materials to class
• Keep up with all assignments and complete all assignments
Student Evaluation:
• Quizzes & Tests = 50%
• Daily Assignments & Homework = 40%
• Portfolio Work Completed = 10%
Instructor's Signature: ___________ Date:________
Tentative Schedule
Week 1: June 9
• Introduction of students, class expectations and requirements
• Pretest Science ~ Prep. for the ACT 06-07
• HW: Read pgs. 355-358 & Basics of Experimental Design CW
June 11
• Basics of Experimental Design
• In class: pg. 357 Ex. 1/Graphs-ID the IV/DV
• HW: Circle Word – Data Organization in Controlled Experiments
June 12
• Data Organization in Controlled Experiments
• In class: pgs. 363-364 Ex. 2/graphs from 6/11 to look at trends
• HW: Graphs – ID the IV/DV
June 13
• Quiz #1 (Definitions & Graph Info)
• Intro to Science Reasoning Subtest (MOSS)
• Pacing Strategies & Data Representation Passages
• Passage III (ACT 2002-2003)
Week 2: June 16
• How to Approach Research Summaries (MOSS)
• Passage I (ACT 2002-2003)
• HW: Circle Word – Conflicting View Points
June 18
• Presentation of Conflicting Viewpoints
• In class: pg. 366 Ex 3
• HW:Circle Word Science Reasoning Vocab #1
June 19
• Conflicting Viewpoints (MOSS)
• Passage II (ACT 2002-2003)
• Discuss pacing strategies again
• HW: CW Science Reasoning Vocab #2
June 20
• Quiz #2
• Science Reasoning pgs. 367-371 Ex.4
• Science Reasoning 1 & 2 Definitions
Week 3: June 23
• Discuss Pacing Strategies & Type of Passages
• Core Lesson (pgs. 603-604) Passages I & II
• HW: CW Science Reasoning Vocab #3
June 25
• Quiz #3 (Passages & Pacing Strategies)
• Core Lesson (pgs. 606-608) Passages III-IV
• HW: CW Science Reasoning Vocab # 4
June 26
• Core Lesson pgs. 610-614 Passages V-IX
• HW: CW Science Reasoning Vocab #5
June 27
• Quiz #4 Vocab & pg. 616 Passage X
• HW: Bart Simpson Scientific Method Worksheet
Week 4: June 30
• Timed Practice Quiz I (pgs. 634-636)
• Challenge Items Passages I-IV (pgs. 617-622)
• HW: CW Science Reasoning Vocab #6
July 2
• Timed Practice Quiz II (pgs. 637-638)
• Challenge Items Passages V-VIII (pgs. 623-628)
• HW: CW Science Reasoning Vocab #7
July 3
• Timed Practice Quiz III (pgs. 639-642)
• Challenge Items Passages IX-XII (pgs. 629-632)
Week 5: July 7
• Science Reasoning Test ~
• Quiz #5 – Vocab & Science Reasoning
July 9
• Science Reasoning Test ~
• Quiz #6 – Vocab & Science Reasoning
July 10
• Science Reasoning Test ~
• Quiz #7 – Vocab & Science Reasoning
July 11
• Science Reasoning Test ~
• Quiz #8 – Vocab & Science Reasoning
Week 6: July 14
• Evaluation for Class
• Post Test Science ~ Prep. for the ACT 06-07