Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3….It’s that time of year- to help kids prepare with a practice science test. Most, if not all, states test students in grades 5, 8, and high school on their science knowledge. So, if you are teaching students who will be tested this year, then this is for you- how to use the practice science test.

In this Post

I will share a few ways you can use your state’s sample science test to help students prepare. We’ll go over the “why” we need to show them the sample test and how the types of questions and content can help us create review activities for our students.

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What is the State Sample Science Test?

The sample science test is a tool you can use to prepare your students for their state test. I did not go through all state education websites, but I’m going to assume they have a sample test on their website. Most states will have teachers show them how the test works (buttons, accessibility) and the types of questions asked.

I’m in Arizona, so I will share from the AZ Dept of Education’s website how I used the sample test to prepare my 8th graders.

Arizona has the sample test and the scoring guide. If your state has both, be sure to review it. In the next section I will share how I used both with my students.

Screenshot of AZ Sci sample test location on their website.

The sample science test is necessary to show students how to navigate through the online test. Get them familiar with the buttons, how to select answers, scrolling, bookmarking, highlighting, and other features that might be available. This will help them on testing day so they can progress through the test without stressing about the buttons.

The next thing is to look at the questions and how they are worded, what the question is asking students to do, and look at diagrams or models that the test is providing. Tell students how important it is to read the question so they know how to answer it. Is there only one answer or multiple answers? Do they have to type a response?

Ideas on Using the Sample Science Test

Students can work through a sample science test on their own, with a partner, or in a small group. I had my students work through it on their own and then we discussed the test.

After going over the features, have the students answer the questions. Then discuss using the scoring guide. You can either do this whole group or independently. Students can answer one question and then review it as a class. Or you can have students work through the entire sample test, writing answers in their notebooks. Then go over the responses on day 2.

Photo of student writing in notebook. Text on next to photo says "Using the Sample Test. After going over the features and navigating the test, have students answer questions in their notebooks. Then discuss with them.

I did the latter. They answered the questions and once they were done, we talked about it. I projected the test on my screen so they could see the questions. We went through each one and I used the scoring guide for the answers.

After this, I gave them a Google form to complete so I knew what they felt they needed to review the most. Our test covers grades 6-8, so they mostly wanted to review concepts from 6th grade.

On the Google form, I just asked them “What do you hope to review by the end of the week?” Then they typed their own list. You could create a list with checkboxes of different concepts too.

Review Activities for Students

When you know what your students want to review, you can look for activities or make some for them. Try to use a variety of activities- worksheets, scavenger hunts, stations, sorting, games, and labs.

I created a scavenger hunt to review the Law of Conservation of Mass. This covered the different cycles (carbon, nitrogen, and water) and photosynthesis.

To review variables, you could use a lab so they can identify the variables. You could also use a sorting activity with a typed lab procedure to help them identify the different variables.

Review games and escape rooms are a fun way to review concepts with your students.

There are so many things you can do. Try to make it fun for them since they’re going to be sitting still taking a long science test.