Things to Know for the Science TAKS (10th and 11th grade)
The TAKS tests are coming up and students have just over one week from the time I write this. This year might be slightly unusual. As I understand it the Academic UIL state meet is the same week as TAKS (that Friday, May 2nd), so if your school has students going to the state meet, then they may have to take the SOcial Studies test (always given on Fridays) on Monday instead. So, that Monday, which is a good day for final reviews and test taking strategies won’t be available to some schools.
Now, I just teach science and I’ve been teaching since TAKS testing started. Here are the things that you MUST know for the science TAKS test. In reality both 10th and 11th grades take the test over the same material. There are very few differences. The biggest difference is the number of questions in each category. Here they are (not including review questions)
TAKS Objective 10th grade 11th grade
1: Nature of Science 17 17
2: Living Systems 11 8
3: Organisms and the Environment 11 8
4: Chemistry 8 11
5: Physics 8 11
So 10th graders who aren’t as good in science should concentrate on Biology while 11th graders should concentrate more on Chemistry and Physics. “But my kid hasn’t take Physics!” That’s what IPC is. Don’t worry, the Physics on the TAKS has few actual calculation questions… but many that require thinking.
Everyone should concentrate on Objective 1: The nature of science. This includes topics like the scientific method, drawing conclusions from graphs and charts, verifying others conclusions, lab safety (few questions), and things like comparing products and understanding product descriptions.
Things to Especially Know
Here are some things that are almost surely going to be on the TAKS test. I say this because questions like them have been on almost every TAKS test since the beginning.
Objective 1: The Nature of Science
Know how to read a chart and graph. Even if you don’t have a clue what the concept behind the graph is, by reading the titles and labels, you can get through the question.
Drawing conclusions. Students must be able to read a paragraph or look at a chart and draw a conclusion from the data presented. Read the statements VERY carefully and look for words in the answer choices that don’t match. If the paragraph didn’t say anything about water, then an answer that talks about water isn’t correct.
Products. There is always a question about products. Usually, it’s an ad or product description. Sometimes, they ask the students to compare two or three different products. The ad questions are pretty easy, some common sense goes a long way. The product comparisons are a little more difficult and often require some simple calculations. For example: the question might give three candy bars information and ask which bar contains more fat per gram. Just divide the fat of each bar by the mass of each bar and compare.
Occasionally (often enough for me to note it) there is a question on how to read a scientific instrument, usually a graduated cylinder or balance scale. Practice this. Remember to read the graduated cylinder at the bottom of the meniscus.
Objective 2: Organization of Living Systems
There is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS some kind of DNA/RNA question where you get a sequence of nucleotides and are asked to what the complimentary sequence is. If you didn’t understand what I just said, then RUN, do not walk to your Biology teacher and ask about it. Just remember that C always compliments G and A always compliments T, except in RNA where U replaces T.
There is almost always a question that asks you to determine what human organ systems are involved in a process. There are 11 human organ systems. Know what they are and what they do.
There is almost always a question that involves the organelles within the cell. Know what they are and what they do.
There is usually a question about plants. Know what roots, stems, and leaves look like, do, and the effects of them on the plant.
Objective 3: Organism and the Environment
There is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS a question about the three types of symbiosis. Know them and be able to give examples of how they work. Parasitism, Commensalism, and Mutualism.
There is almost always a food web/ food chain question. Know what consumers and producers are.
There is usually a question on bacteria and/or viruses. Know what they are and how to identify them in pictures.
Objective 4: Chemistry
There is almost always a pH question, a question on ions, a question on phase changes, and a question on balancing equations. More rarely a question about gas laws.
There is almost always a question that involves the Law of Conservation of Mass.
Objective 4: Physics
There is almost always a question on energy (kinetic, Gravitational Potential, and or the conversion between them and the Law of Conservation of Energy).
There is almost always a question on energy transfer (Conduction, Convection, and Radiation).
WARNING: The newer TAKS tests have calculation questions that require MORE THAN ONE FORMULA! It is very, very important to not just punch numbers in the calculator and hope that is an answer choice. You will get it wrong. Pay very close attention to the units given in the problem and the units of the answer. Use the formula chart to figure out how to get from the question to the answer choices. WRITE UNITS IN YOUR FORMULAS!!!!
The formula chart can also help you, even if there are no numbers in the question. The formula explain how things go together. Like a force affects the acceleration of a mass.
Make sure you know they units of energy, force, work, and power and how they are derived. If you don’t, I can tell you if you ask, or find your IPC or Physics teacher and FIND OUT!
I hope that helps. Good luck.
wow, thank u…i’ve been searching for help like this all day!! my Taks test is tomorrow (im a 10th grader)…i hope i pass, thanxx for the info again 😀
Phoeve said this on April 30, 2008 at 7:29 pm |
I am a out of school student needing to pass the science taks do you have any advice…..
Jay said this on September 9, 2011 at 1:54 pm |
I hope you did well. And I hope you’ve prepared by listening in class, taking good notes, and studying. 😉
ogremkv said this on May 1, 2008 at 3:23 pm |
do u have any review packets… if u do email me
tina said this on May 28, 2008 at 5:53 pm |
Hi. im an eleventh grader and i took my exit level, passing all but science. For my grade, this was a very important test. But of course we have a couple more times to take it. Thank you for putting this website up, I now know what i need to study.
Also, i did not take biology, a class that is required at my school. I am thinking that is why i failed the test by only one question. Thanks again.
April said this on June 2, 2008 at 3:39 pm |
Hi, thanks for everything your doing that is very nice of you i`m an eleventh grader just like April and i`m trying to pass both Science and Math Taks I really hope I do pass and if I do I know that it was you who helped me out so thanks.
Shawndre said this on July 6, 2008 at 1:01 am |
Thanks and good luck.
ogremkv said this on July 6, 2008 at 9:42 am |
hey i already graduated fron high school but still didnt pass my science TAKs. i m really worried about it and nervous. i am just failing wit few points, i guess like for one question. i need help. please help me and send any TAKS related notes or anything that can help me pass my Science taks in july. i would be very thankful to u if u help me and i promise when i pass my this taks in july i would surely reply you back about my results. PLEASE HELP ME. THANKYOU
Lisa said this on July 12, 2008 at 6:49 pm |
im finally a senior @ churchill && i failed science && math not good @ those but hope this will help me i take them wen && thu’
so i hope this helps me 8) THANKS’
Jaimy said this on July 14, 2008 at 8:53 am |
Today I take science and this really helped thanks ill let y know if I passes
jeremy said this on July 17, 2008 at 6:59 am |
Hello, my daughter has not been able to pass her science exit level test. Unfortunatley, she did walk the stage at garduation and get her diploma. She still has not been able to pass it. She wants to give up and get her GED. do you know of any websites or good books that can help her??
Letty said this on August 12, 2008 at 10:19 am |
This is such a blast!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lindsey said this on April 23, 2009 at 9:36 am |
science is so awesome. and you’re cute.
Bob Ewell said this on April 23, 2009 at 9:39 am |
hey bryan veloso! i just love your website. you’ve inspired me to become a science teacher. yayayyayayaya.
Zachary Martin Nava said this on April 23, 2009 at 9:40 am |
I love the TAKS test so much! You inspired me to become a marine biologist so I may study plants.
Thanks, Bryan
Lindsey Morrow said this on April 23, 2009 at 9:42 am |
Hello, i have failed the TAKS for three years in a row and this is my last chance to take it or i will not be able to graduate from High School. This web site has helped me so much!! Even more than the TAKS classes I have been in for the last four years!! Thank you so much and wish me luck on my next test!!!
THANKS Bryan
Alex Miller said this on April 23, 2009 at 9:43 am |
hey hey bryan! i’m a student from post and i’m really needing help passing the taks test. this website has really helped me! thanks so much mr. veloso!
Cheyenne Miller said this on April 23, 2009 at 9:45 am |
Thanks for the great hints. The biggest challenge is reviewing with the students. It seems I am in a spiral, going over the information in October, January and March, for the repeat failures. I have scoured the internet and ordered books to change it up some. Do you have any suggestions?
Victor said this on April 23, 2009 at 12:06 pm |
hi this helped me alot i’m in 11 grade if you have other kind of practise that i can do plz send it to me
tashu said this on April 23, 2009 at 3:27 pm |
“Make sure you know they units of energy, force, work, and power and how they are derived. If you don’t, I can tell you if you ask, or find your IPC or Physics teacher and FIND OUT!”
okay i didnt get this so can you please help me with that?
and the rest is great thanx alot!!:)
Emily Davila said this on April 25, 2009 at 6:46 pm |
“Make sure you know they units of energy, force, work, and power and how they are derived. If you don’t, I can tell you if you ask, or find your IPC or Physics teacher and FIND OUT!”
i didnt get what you meant by that so can you please help me with this?
thanx
Emily Davila said this on April 25, 2009 at 6:47 pm |
Check out the latest entry on the blog. I hope it helps.
ogremkv said this on April 25, 2009 at 8:18 pm |
thanks for heads up! im 19 yrs old gonna be 20 in June!! and im an out of school student so my absences dont count against me. ive taken the Taks Test About 6 times already and I Just Cant Seem To Pass The Math & Science Taks!! It Sucks! Those Are The Only Things Thats Keeping Me From Getting My Diploma. If You Have a packet or something could you email me. Thanks.
Myra B. said this on April 27, 2009 at 12:04 am |
hey my name is Di’sha Wallace and i really need HELP WITH OBJECTIVE ONE CUZ IM RETESTIGN THIS SUMMER AND I HAVE TO PASS IT THIS SUMMER CUZ THIS THE ONLY TAKS TEST I FAILED AND CANT AFFORD TO FAIL SO I WOULD ASK THAT YOU EMAIL ME BACK ASAP
Di'sha Wallace said this on June 4, 2009 at 4:27 pm |
Hi, i was on google trying to find something i could practice for my science taks i was supposed to graduate in 2008 but unfortunately i didn’t graduate because i only needed to pass science i really need your help im retaking this test on the 16th of this month please help me i really wanna go to college & this is the only thing that’s holding me back give me some hints at least i have a couple of study guides but i can’t really study them b/c im not good in science. That would help alot thanks!! =)
L. Morales said this on July 7, 2009 at 4:51 pm |
am gonna pass this foshooo¡ now¡
edwin said this on July 9, 2009 at 6:50 pm |
omg im a senior and i havent pass my science taks
and i just got one more chance.this was a great
help
angela said this on April 20, 2010 at 1:48 pm |
i dont know a lot of biology so can you email me some like basic stuff about bilogy, it will really help me alot…THZ!!!
K.D said this on April 21, 2010 at 7:09 pm |
need practice test
tricia lerma said this on April 21, 2010 at 8:52 pm |
so im an 11th grader and im not that great in science my teacher has more confidence in me than what i have in myself. this website actually help me 🙂 tomorrow is the day were i take the TAKS and im REALLY nervous of not passing 😦 this really helped and thanks for the website!!
elizabeth said this on April 28, 2010 at 7:05 pm |
Why is it that 10th graders have Physics on the TAKS test, when physics is a 11 and 12th grade classes? makes no sense.
Dea said this on April 28, 2010 at 8:50 pm |
The Physics required for both 10th and 11th grade TAKS is from IPC (which is usually taught in 9th grade).
Nothing from 12th grade Physics that is not also in 9th grade IPC is on the TAKS.
ogremkv said this on April 28, 2010 at 9:06 pm |
ive been out of school for two years already have not received diploma for not passing science taks….so it is very stressful knowing that for this one test i wont get my diploma..so i should take it this june..thanks for all ur notes…really looking forward to pass it:)
anna said this on March 28, 2011 at 4:34 pm |
hello i have passes all da taks test exept science and this is my last chance to pass it and if i dont i wont walk the stage and im getting so nervous so if u will please help me….PLEASE!!! thnkz 🙂
Rosio said this on April 4, 2011 at 1:13 pm |
Hello I was looking for a website that help me for pass my science taks and I find this and is helping me a lot I will present in summer my taks because if I fail I will be a retester during senior year and i just want to be free thank you a lot for put this website If I passed my taks test I will coment again thank 🙂
Sergio said this on July 5, 2011 at 12:05 pm |
im a 10th grader bout 2 take the science test 2morrow (4-25-2012) my school has already been unacceptable but dats gunna change……..WISH ME LUCK…….nd thxs for de help:-)
Ashley Teal said this on April 25, 2012 at 6:41 pm |
Thanks so much! I took a practice test yesterday and every thing that you said was on it. I failed my science TAKS in 5th grade and I’ve always been worried about taking another. I’m now in 10th grade and the time for me to take another science TAKS has come (tomorrow). Knowing what to study makes me more confident. Thanks for your time to make this website. 🙂
otter1408 said this on April 25, 2012 at 7:32 pm |
hey i already graduated fron high school but still didnt pass my science TAKs. i m really worried about it and nervous. i am just failing wit few points, i guess like for one question. i need help. please help me and send any TAKS related notes or anything that can help me pass my Science taks in july. i would be very thankful to u if u help me and i promise when i pass my this taks in july i would surely reply you back about my results. PLEASE HELP ME. THANKYOU
jess said this on June 25, 2012 at 1:20 pm |
Please could you give any advise on passing my taks science
Lycero said this on September 6, 2012 at 3:18 pm |
Thank you thank you I so thankful that you made this page now I know what to study and I have two more chance to pass this test I hope I pass it
Melina said this on October 23, 2012 at 1:11 am |
Reblogged this on Ms. Sarah's Science Classes and commented:
Great post from another blogger
temne said this on December 12, 2012 at 6:00 pm |
i really hope i pass my test diz 24 of april i have 3 weeks to study i have taken it 3 times nd diz is my 4th time im a senior i passed all my test except science i got a 2068 i jst needed 3 questions on da 2nd one nd the 3rd time i needed for 2 bt i wna pass it so i can b able to graduate i can still graduate from Donna High School….. 😦
sarah said this on April 2, 2013 at 8:01 am |
do u think if I know all of this ill be able to pass the taks test?
andrea said this on May 28, 2013 at 8:00 pm |
HOPEFULLY I PASS THIS SCIENCE TAKS I WANT TO BE DONE!!! 😦
Zeht said this on June 26, 2014 at 9:02 pm |
[…] #, #, […]
Taks Close Reading Practice 10th Grade | News Latest Update said this on October 17, 2014 at 7:26 am |