Download Science Topic Checklist - Academic Testing Advantage

ACT Science Topics
August 122, 2016 - AcademicTestingAdvantage.com
The science section of the ACT is called a science test but it more correctly should be thought of
as a reading test about science topics. This means that it does not really test your knowledge of
any science courses you’ve taking in high school (although that helps a bit). The science that you
need to know will either be explained in the reading passage itself require knowledge of eighth
grade science.
For example, following is a list of very basic science topics they expect you to know about:

Basic understanding of gravity and friction. Know that the effect of gravity is lower at higher
altitudes.

Basic understanding of density. For example, why does an ice cube float in a glass of water?
Why does a hot air balloon rise?

Know the PH scale ( 0 – 14) and what numbers are acidic vs alkaline.

Know Bernoulli’s principle. For example, why does a curve ball curve or why does an
airplane fly?

Know the differences among transfer of heat by convection, conduction, radiation.

Know the basic form of a chemical equation. For example, the items on the left side of the
arrow are input and those on the right side are the output. (Know how to balance.)

Know the colors of the rainbow and why a sunset is orange or red.

Know the general sizes of the planets. For example know that Jupiter and Saturn are larger
than earth, pluto, mars, or mercury.

Know why one musical note is a higher pitch than a note that is lower. Know what wave
property makes a sound louder.

Know the difference between potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE). Know the
conservation of energy principle. Also know that KE = 1/2 mv2

Know the difference between two variables being “directly related” as opposed to “indirectly
related” or “inversely related.”

Know that atoms are made of a nucleus (protons and neutrons) and circling electrons. Also
know that protons have a positive charge, electrons have a negative charge, and neutrons
have no charge.

Know the basics of genetics and heredity (terms: genes, traits, allells, genotype, phenotype,
dominant trait, recessive trait)
See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEUvRrhmcxM and/or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBezq1fFUEA

Know the basic construction of an atom: A nucleus composed of a positively charged protons
and neutrally charged neutrons and a electrons (negatively charged) orbiting around the
nucleus.

Know the basics of photosynthesis: CO2, water and sunlight are consumed by trees or other
plants producing O2 and nutrients.