One of our tutors demystifies the ACT science section.
After working with many students to help them prepare for the ACT, I’ve found that students have a lot of anxiety concerning the ACT science section. When students hear the term “science section,” they instantly start recalling all of the science classes they’ve taken and what they may need to remember. It’s a never-ending list: all of the elements of the periodic table, valance electron placement, balancing chemical equations, mitosis v. meiosis, physics formulas!
As students rack their brains for all of the possible science questions they might be asked, they begin to dread the exam. They may fear that there’s no way to succeed because there’s no way to prepare for that many possibilities. If the science section of the ACT were actually a “science” test, they would be right: it would be very difficult to prepare for such a test. However, the good news is that the “science” section of the ACT is not a science test at all. It’s a reasoning test!
Whenever I first explain this to students, they have a hard time believing me. Most will point out that this section does include scientific concepts and is filled with various scientific terms. Although this is true, I share one of the test makers’ secrets: most, if not all, of the answers to the questions can be found within the passages alone. The passages employ scientific words and complex theories to disguise simple concepts. The key to success on this section is to ignore all of the scientific jargon and actively use the test to take the test.
We break down the science section into three different passage types: graphs, experiments, and scientists. Our tutors teach students strategies specific to each passage type. After working with all of my students for a few weeks and teaching them proactive strategies to use while working on this section, they begin to buy into the theory that this is not a science test. They learn how to correctly find answers, draw conclusions and interpret data – regardless of whether or not they understand the scientific concept covered in the passage. They realize it doesn’t matter if they don’t know how to pronounce various terms in the passages (not to mention what those terms mean).
Students who work with Nurturing Wisdom build confidence in their ability to successfully complete this section. They learn strategies to overcome those tricky concepts and terms, and they learn how not to let all the “science” drag down their science score. Contact us to learn more!
Sarah graduated from Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in education and sociology, and she’s completed coursework in childhood literacy and museum studies. After nine years as a fifth grade teacher in Wauwatosa, Portland, and Chicago, Sarah initially joined NW as a tutor. Learn more about her below!
A tip I’d give to a student to make the most of tutoring would be… that you get out of it what you put into it. If you put in time and energy, and bring a positive attitude, you’ll achieve so much!
I loved Marquette University because… it put me on the path to teaching, introduced me to amazing, life-long friends, and made me fall in love with Milwaukee.
On a day off, you’ll find me… taking a long walk to a coffee shop, chatting with friends, or going on a bike ride and cooking while listening to my latest podcast obsession.
What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… that everyone on the team is a life-long learner at heart, and that we care about the whole student. Everyone is dedicated to getting to know families in order to find a great fit for students and tutors.
Shannon has a degree in marketing from Creighton University. After working in the business world for over five years, she decided to go back to school to get her master’s degree in elementary education from Quincy University. Learn more about her below!
My favorite book is… The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. This is an amazing book that made me want to travel and see more of the world.
My favorite subject in school was… history because I loved learning more about the world and how the past helped shape who we are today.
On a day off you’ll find me… hanging out with family and friends. In the summer, usually doing something fun outside.
What sets Nurturing Wisdom apart is… it’s team approach to tutoring as well as it’s individualized curriculum! Both the team approach and the curriculum make tutoring and learning more fun and efficient.