Science Test Scope Statement and Test Specifications from 2006

The study of Science contributes to the development of strong foundations for further learning by providing opportunities for students to develop a body of scientific knowledge and skills in working scientifically in the areas of:

• the history of science

• the nature and practice of science

• applications and uses of science

• implications of science for society and the environment

• current issues, research and development.

The School Certificate Science test will assess students’ ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and their skills of working scientifically through:

• developing investigative skills to test identified questions

• analysing data gathered from a variety of sources

• thinking critically and creatively in problem-solving processes

• evaluating data and information and drawing evidence-based conclusions

• communicating findings, understandings and viewpoints in a scientifically literate way.

Test Specifications
The Science test will be of two hours duration plus 10 minutes reading time. It will consist of two sections. All questions are compulsory. Questions may be based on stimulus material. When stimulus material is used, one or more questions may draw on that material.

Section 1 (60 marks)
Part A (50 marks)
50 questions in objective-response format.
All questions will be of equal value.
All answers to this section must be recorded on the answer sheet provided.

Part B (10 marks)
There will be 10 objective constrained response questions. These are to be answered on the answer sheet provided.

Section 2 (40 marks)
There will be 5–8 short-response questions with a total value of 40 marks. These questions may consist of several parts and will be answered in the spaces provided.

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View the 2006 School Certificate Science Specimen Test (including Mapping Grid) Acrobat PDF file (965k)