This document provides an overview of the structure and content of an elementary education certification exam. It describes the five sections of the exam which cover language arts and reading, social science, physical education and arts, science and technology, and mathematics. For each section, it lists the competencies and skills that will be assessed, provides sample questions testing those skills, and gives the answers. The document is intended to help examinees prepare for the test by familiarizing them with what will be covered.

1. Elementary Education K-6
Key to success: Becoming familiar
with the structure of the test

2. The five sections of the test
consist of:
1. Language Arts and Reading
2. Social Science
3. Physical Education, Health, and the
Visual Arts
4. Science and Technology
5. Mathematics

3. There are various
Competencies and
Skills…used to assess
your knowledge of
LANGUAGE ARTS AND
READING

4. Six test questions will focus on your
ability to…
IDENTIFY THE CONTENT OF
EMERGENT LITERATURE

5. • Oral language development
• Phonological awareness
• Alphabet knowledge
• Decoding
• Concepts of printing

6. Sample Question
A kindergarten teacher asks students to say
words sound by sound while moving blocks
for each sound. What instructional method
is the teacher using?
a)Shared reading
b)Differentiated instruction
c)Explicit systematic instruction
d)Intensive instruction

7. ANSWER:
C
Explicit Systematic
Instruction

8. Twenty test questions will focus on
your ability to…
DEMONSTRATE YOUR
KNOWLEDGE OF READING

9. • Word recognition and decoding skills
• Components of, and instructional
methods for improving reading fluency.
• Instructional methods to increase
vocab acquisition and reading
comprehension.
• Identify comprehension skills (i.e. main
idea, supporting details and facts,
authors purpose, fact and opinion, point
of view, inderence and conclusion.
Cont…

10. • Identify appropriate classroom organizational
formats.
• Identify appropriate uses of multiple
representations of information (i.e. charts,
tables, graphs, etc..)
• Identify strategies for developing critical
thinking skills
• Identify instructional methods

11. Sample Question
Small groups of students in Ms. Wright’s
class are working together to write a ten-
word sentence about a passage they have
read. This is an example of what
comprehension skill?
a)Summarizing
b)Inference
c)Author’s Purpose
d)Point of View

12. ANSWER:
A
Summarizing

13. Sample Question
A group of 5th grade students collected info on how
many kindergarten students like chocolate, vanilla,
or strawberry ice cream. What is the best format
for an initial presentation of results to the
kindergarten students?
a) A table showing the number of students who chose each
flavor.
b) A video of the kindergarten students talking about their
favorite flavors.
c) A pie chart showing the number of students who chose each
flavor.
d) Stacks of three different colored cubes representing each
students’ choice.

14. ANSWER:
D
Stacks of three different
colored cubes representing
each students’ choice.

15. Four test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF LITERATURE

16. • Identify elements in different literary
genres
• Identify terminology and appropriate use
of literary devices.
•Identify professional guidelines for
selecting multicultural literature
•Identify techniques for encouraging
student responses.

17. Sample Question
Identify the type of story in
which lessons are taught through
animals conversations and actions.
a) Fable
b) Myth
c) Parable
d) legend

18. ANSWER:
A
Fable

19. Six test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF WRITING

20. • Developmental stages of writing
• Knowledge of the writing process
•The difference between revision and editing
•Identify characteristics of the modes of
writing (narrative, descriptive, expository,
persuasive)
•The appropriate mode of writing for a variety
of occasions
•Appropriate use of rubrics to assess writing.

21. Sample Question
Which of the following is an
element of a writing rubric?
a) Subjective analysis
b) Performance standards
c) Writing fluency
d) Individual criteria

22. ANSWER:
B
Performance Standards

23. Nine test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF
READING ASSESSMENT

24. • Identify measurement concepts
• Identify oral and written methods for
assessing student progress
• Interpret assessment data
• Use individual student reading data to
differentiate instruction
• Using student assessment results
• Evaluate the appropriateness of assessment
instruments

25. Sample Question
A class is finishing its writing products. Which of
the following is an appropriate instructional
strategy to teach students to revise their work?
a) Teach a mnemonic to help them remember to
check capitalization, spelling, and organization.
b) Teach students to use a rubric to help them
consider focus, organization, word choice, and
supporting details.
c) Teach students to use a rubric to help them
consider verb agreement and sentence structure.
d) Teach students to substitute more vivid language
for common vocabulary.

26. ANSWER:
B
Teach students to use a rubric to help
them consider focus, organization,
word choice, and supporting
details.

27. The following slides were designed to
supplement and assist your language arts
knowledge and comprehension…

28. Knowledge of Emergent
Literature

29. Emergent Literacy where words rhyme
is sometimes referred to as
phonological awareness.

30. Picture walks,
prediction and
story retells are an
instructional
strategy referred
to as shared
reading.

31. Preoperational
students sometimes
lack understanding
of written language,
pictures and words
and is known as
concepts of print.

32. Use of manipulatives realia and
other tangibles to teach
phonetical awareness is known as
Explicit Systematic Instruction.

33. In morpheme-based morpholgy, a morphene is the
smallest linguistic unit that has semantic meaning.
Morphemes are composed of phonemes (the smallest
linguistically distinctive units of sound).

34. Emphasis placed on specific root
words in a text is known as:
MOREPHEME ANALYSIS

35. When students determine the
meaning of words in context,
this is referred to as
Decoding.

36. Scoring students with high error
rates with fluency measures is
known as Accuracy in Fluency.

37. Low scores on oral fluency reading measures
is best remediated and improved through…
…Corrective
feedback using
repeated readings
of familiar texts.

38. Using high frequency
(dolch words) several
times a week and
implementation of
word walls would
enhance Vocabulary
Development.

39. Defining
words in
text is
known as
Clarifying.

40. Determining the main idea, major
characters, author’s purpose,
setting and plot is known as
Summarizing.

41. Developing
questions that
cover the who,
where, when and
why is known as
Questioning the
text.

42. Making inferences through implies
ideas in the text and drawing logical
conclusions using literal clues, prior
knowledge and logic is known as
Predicting.

43. The use of
comprehension
skills to draw
logical
conclusions
from the text
is known as
Inferencing.

44. The use of listening centers, recorded
books, word centers, literacy games,
occurring in the classroom in a rotational
basis is known as Reading Centers.

45. Reading text
with a
discussion
component is
sometimes
referred to
as Shared
reading.

46. Using hands on
material to
represent and
introduce
materials and
concepts is most
effective when
Initially
introducing
material.

47. Outlining what
the students
know, want to
know and what
is learned is
sometimes
referred to as
a KWL chart.

48. The understanding of the components of words to
determine meaning, context and usage can be
achieved by…
Breaking words into prefixes,
suffixes, root words and cognates.

49. The use of venn diagrams and cause and effect
charts can help students to develop Critical
thinking skills.

50. The use of graphic organizers, annotation and
outlining can help students to understand and
decode difficult expository text.

51. A short
allegorical
narrative making
a moral point,
traditionally by
means of animal
characters who
speak and act like
human beings.

52. A traditional
sacred story,
typically
revolving around
the activities of
gods and heroes,
which purports to
explain a natural
phenomenon or
cultural practice.

53. A story, usually short and simple that
illustrates a lesson.

54. A traditional historical tale (or collection of
related tales) popularly regarded as true
but usually containing a mixture of fact and
fiction.

55. A sentence that describes
something as being like something
is known as a simile.

56. A sentence that is something
with those qualities is known as
a metaphor.

57. Use of the same consonant at the
beginning of each stressed syllable in
a line of verse is known as an
alliteration.

58. When selecting
appropriate
literature for
ELL students, the
most important
consideration is
Culturally
representative
text.

59. Assigning students specific
discussion roles when analyzing
literature is referred to as
Literature circles.

60. The use of rubrics to help students focus, choose
words, organize and support details is useful to help
students Revise their work prior to the finished
product.

61. Expository
Writing is
writing in
which the
purpose of
the author is
to inform,
explain,
describe, or
define.

62. Expository
Writing is
generally,
writing about
an event in a
personal way.

63. Descriptive Writing describes an
object, place, or person in a way that
creates a vivid impression in the
reader’s mind.

64. Persuasive Writing is used to convince
the reader of the writer’s argument.

65. Norm-referenced tests determine a student’s
placement on a normal distribution curve. Student
compete against each other on this type of assessment.
This is what is being referred to with the
phrase, ‘grading on a curve.’

66. Portfolio assessment provides a body of
student work – essentially, a portfolio –
that can be used to appraise student
performance over time.

67. A criterion-referenced
test is a test in which
questions are written
according to specific
predetermined criteria.
A student knows what
your standards are for
passing and only
competes against him
or herself while
completing the test.

68. An Informal reading inventory
(IRI) is an individually
administered survey designed to
help you determine the
instructional level a student’s
reading instructional needs.

69. Specifically, the IRI will help you assess a student’s
strengths and needs in these areas:
•Word recognition
•Word meaning
•Reading strategies
•Comprehension

70. Oral Reading Fluency
is an indicator of
reading competence.

71. A Computerized Reading Test is a test on the
computer, reading comprehension and word
recognition.

72. An Isolated skill review is a review
that focuses on a specific skill.

73. There are various
Competencies and
Skills…used to assess
your knowledge of Social
Science.

74. Twelve test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF TIME,
CONTINUITY, AND CHANGE
(HISTORY)

75. • Identify major historical events related by
cause and effect.
• Evaluate examples of documents for
historical perspective
• Identify cultural contributions and technical
developments from around the world.
• Relate physical and human geographic factors
to major historical events.

76. • Identify significant historical leaders and events of
influence
• Identify the causes and consequences of exploration,
settlement and growth.
• Identify individuals and events that have influenced
economic, social, and political institutions in the U.S.
• Identify immigration and settlement patterns shaping
U.S. history
• Identify cultural contributions to the state of Florida

77. Sample Question
Which of the following would best explain
the relocation of large numbers of Cubans
to Miami during the 1960s?
a)Warring groups within Cuba
b) Enhanced economic opportunity in the
U.S.
c) Establishment of a communist
government in Cuba
d) Lack of religious freedom in Cuba

78. ANSWER:
C
Establishment of a communist
government in Cuba

79. Sample Question
Which leader had the greatest
influence in the civil rights movement
in the 1960’s?
a) John F. Kennedy
b) Orval Faubus
c) Martin Luther King, Jr.
d) W.E.B. DuBois

80. ANSWER:
C
Martin Luther King, Jr.

81. Eleven test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF PEOPLE,
PLACES, AND ENVIRONMENT

82. • Identify the five themes of geography
• Interpret maps and other graphic representations
• Identify factors influencing the selection of a location
• Identify the relationship between natural physical
processes and the environment
• Interpret statistics showing how places differ in their
human and physical characteristics
• Identify how past living conditions (i.e. land tenure,
exploitation, colonism, etc.) affect present human
characteristics of places
Cont…

83. • Identify ways people adapt to an environment by
their production and use of clothing, food, shelter
• Identify how tools and technology affect the
environment
• Identify physical, cultural, economic, and political
reasons for the movement of people in the world,
nation, or state
• Identify how transportation and communication
networks contribute to economic development
• Compare and contrast major regions of the world

84. Sample Question
The legacy of apartheid in South
Africa today is
a) Establishment of separate equal schools for
blacks and whites
b) Continuation of economic sanctions against the
government
c) Full integration of various races in the country
d) Continued poverty in former black townships

85. ANSWER:
D
Continued poverty in poor
black townships

86. Sample Question
Most governments in Europe have high taxes
on oil and gasoline. This had led consumers
to demand that the local or state
government institute
a) Better public transportation
b) More social services
c) Higher wages
d) Lower car insurance rates

87. ANSWER:
A
Better public transportation

88. Twelve test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF GOVERNMENT
AND THE CITIZEN
(GOVERNMENT AND CIVICS)

89. • Identify the structure, functions, and purposes of
government
• Demonstrate knowledge of the rights and responsibilities
of a citizen in the world, nation, state, and community
• Identify major concepts of the U.S. constitution and other
historical documents
• Identify how the legislative, executive and judicial
branches share powers and responsibilities
Cont…

90. • Demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. electoral system
and the election process
•Identify the structures and functions of the U.S.
federal, state and local governments
• Identify the relationships between social, economic
and political rights
• Demonstrate knowledge of the processes of the U.S.
legal system
• Identify the roles of the U.S. in international
relations

91. Sample Question
Which of the following historical documents
declared former slaves to be citizens with
full civil rights?
a) Jim Crow Laws
b) Military Reconstruction Act
c) Emancipation Proclamation
d) 14th Amendment

92. ANSWER:
D
14th Amendment

93. Sample Question
Which of the following has the constitutional power
to choose the U.S. President if no candidate
receives a majority of the electoral votes cast in a
national election?
a) House of Representatives
b) Senate
c) President
d) Supreme Court

94. ANSWER:
A
House of Representatives

95. Eight test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF PRODUCTION,
DISTRIBUTION, AND
CONSUMPTION (ECONOMICS)

96. • Identify ways that limited resources affect decision
making
• Compare and contrast the characteristics of different
economic institutions
• Identify the role of markets
• Identify factors to consider when making consumer
decisions
• Identify the economic interdependence among nations
(trade, finance, etc.)
• Identify human, natural and capital resources, and how
these resources are used in the production of goods and
services

97. Sample Question
When prices are not allowed to rise to
market level, there is likely to be a
a) Surplus
b) Lower demand
c) Shortage
d) Higher equilibrium price

98. ANSWER:
C
Shortage

99. Sample Question
Which of the following would have the
greatest positive impact on a region’s
economic development?
a) Establishing an airline hub
b) Expanding a shopping mall
c) Opening a shopping mall
d) Enforcing stronger building codes

100. ANSWER:
A
Establishing an airline hub

101. Two test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF
INSTRUCTION AND
ASSESSMENT OF THE SOCIAL
SCIENCES

102. • Identify appropriate resources for
teaching social science concepts
• Identify appropriate assessment
methods in teaching social sciences
concepts

103. Sample Question
For a student to understand how a
witness experienced a historical event,
the best source would be a(n)
a) Text book passage
b) Artifact
c) Primary source
d) Encyclopedia

104. ANSWER:
C
Primary source

105. There are various
Competencies and
Skills…used to assess your
knowledge of PHYSICAL
EDUCATION, HEALTH
MUSIC AND VISUAL
ARTS

106. Six test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF PERSONAL
HEALTH AND WELLNESS

107. • Demonstrate knowledge of the interrelatedness
of physical activity, fitness and health
•Demonstrate basic knowledge of nutrition
• Identify the process of decision making and goal
setting in promoting individual health and wellness
•Demonstrate knowledge of common health
problems and risk behaviors

108. Sample Question
Which of the following is a risk factor
associated with emotional and social
health?
a) Level of intelligence
b) Number of age and family members
c) Religious affiliation
d) Deprived home and community
environment

109. ANSWER:
D
Deprived home and
community environment

110. Nine test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF PHYSICAL,
SOCIAL, AND EMOTIONAL
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

111. • Identify the structure, function, and
interrelatedness of the systems of the human
body
• Identify the principles of sequential progression
of motor skill development
• Demonstrate knowledge of human growth and
development and its relationship to well being
Cont….

112. • Identify major factors associated with social
and emotional health (i.e. conflict resolution,
stress management, etc.)
• Identify problems associated with physical, social
and emotional health
• Identify factors related to responsible sexual
behavior

113. Sample Question
Which of the following body systems
provides body structure and internal
organ protection?
a) Endocrine
b) Skeletal
c) Muscular
d) Nervous

114. ANSWER:
B
Skeletal

115. Four test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF COMMUNITY
HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES

116. • Identify factors, signs, symptoms, effect and
prevention strategies contributing to substance abuse
• Demonstrate knowledge of resources form home,
school, and community that provide valid health
information
• Identify appropriate violence prevention strategies
• Identify appropriate safety and injury prevention
strategies

117. Sample Question
Which of the following is considered
to be a school-based prevention
program?
a) Recovery support group
b) Tobacco cessation program
c) Rehabilitation program
d) Drug awareness program

118. ANSWER:
D
Drug Awareness Program

119. Four test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF SUBJECT
CONTENT AND APPROPRIATE
CURRICULUM DESIGN

120. • Distinguish between developmentally appropriate and
inappropriate instructional practices
• identify various factors (i.e. environment, equipment,
group diversity, etc.) to consider when planning
activities
• Analyze the influence of culture, media, technology,
and other factors when planning health and wellness
instruction

121. Sample Question
The best procedure to enhance
student safety during physical activity
is to
a) Restrict use of climbing equipment unless the teacher is
spotting the students
b) Have equipment ready and in place when students report
to class
c) Stop any student misbehavior before it escalates
d) Review rules for use of equipment before students
participate in an activity

122. ANSWER:
D
Review rules for use of
equipment before students
participate in an activity

123. Six test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF SKILLS AND
TECHNIQUES IN MUSIC AND
VISUAL ARTS

124. • Identify appropriate vocal literature (i.e. age
appropriateness, diverse cultures, genres, etc.)
• Identify developmentally appropriate singing
techniques
• Identify correct performance techniques for
rhythmic and melodic classroom instruction
Cont….

125. • Read and interpret simple, traditional, and non-
traditional music notation
• Select safe and developmentally appropriate media,
techniques and tools to create two and three
dimensional works of art
• Identify appropriate uses of art materials and tools
for developing basic processes and motor skills

126. Sample Question
The art teacher is planning a printmaking lesson
with a kindergarten class. The best choice of
project for a child this age would be
a) Linoleum block painting
b) Silk screen painting
c) Gadget painting
d) Wood block painting

127. ANSWER:
C
Gadget Painting

128. Six test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF CREATION
AND COMMUNICATION IN
MUSIC AND VISUAL ARTS

129. • Identify the elements of music and ways they are
used to express text, ideas, etc..
• Demonstrate knowledge of strategies to develop
creative responses through music to ideas
• Demonstrate knowledge of strategies to develop
creative responses through art to ideas drawn from
text, music, speech, movement, and visual images
• Identify the elements of art and principles of design
(i.e. line, color, shape, form, etc.) and ways they are
used in expressing text, ideas, meanings, and emotions

130. Sample Question
In engaging 5th grade students in an aesthetic
discussion of Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soup Can, the
teacher should guide students in discussing
a) The colors, shapes, and textures of the painting
b) The possible reasons for painting soup cans
c) Their favorite soups
d) Events in Andy Warhol’s life

131. ANSWER:
B
The possible reasons for
painting a can of soup

132. Four test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF CULTURAL
AND HISTORICAL
CONNECTIONS IN MUSIC AND
VISUAL ARTS

133. • Identify the characteristics of style in musical
selections
• Demonstrate knowledge of how music reflects
particular cultures, historical periods, and places
• Identify characteristics of styles in works of art
• Demonstrate knowledge of how visual arts
reflect particular cultures, historical periods, and
places

134. Sample Question
Performance traditions in jazz and music
from the Baroque period share which
characteristic?
a) Improvisation
b) Instrumentation
c) Minuet and trio form
d) Sonata-allegro form

135. ANSWER:
A
Improvisation

136. Two test questions will
focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF
AESTHETIC AND
CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF
MUSIC AND VISUAL
ARTS

137. • Identify strategies for developing
students’ analytical skills to evaluate
musical performance
• Identify strategies for developing
students’ analytical skills to evaluate
works of art

138. Sample Question
A teacher wants to develop students’ musical
analysis skills. Using two different recordings of
the same piece of music, which strategy would be
most effective?
a) Playing both recordings and discussing the style of the
composer
b) Playing both recordings and discussing the similarities and
difference, using the elements of music
c) Playing both recordings and having students vote on which
recording they prefer
d) Playing one recording one day and the other recording the next
day and having students take notes about each version

139. ANSWER:
B
Playing both recordings and
discussing the similarities and
difference, using the elements
of music

140. Four test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF APPROPRIATE
ASSESSMENT STATEGIES IN
MUSIC AND VISUAL ARTS

141. • Strategies and materials to assess
skills, techniques, creativity and
communication in music
• Strategies and materials to assess
skills, techniques, creativity and
communication in art

142. Sample Question
When grading artwork produced by a student at the
beginning and end of the third grade, which would
be the most effective technique to assess student
progress?
a) Rubric
b) Written evaluation
c) Portfolio
d) Aesthetic and critical analysis

143. ANSWER:
C
Portfolio

144. There are various Competencies and
Skills…used to assess your knowledge of
Science and Technology

145. Three test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF THE NATURE
OF MATTER

146. • Identify the physical and chemical properties of
matter (i.e. mass, volume, density, and chemical change)
• Identify the characteristics of elements, compounds,
and mixtures and distinguish among the states of
matter
• Identify the basic components of the atom (i.e.
elections, neutrons, protons)

147. Sample Question
The parts of the atom located outside
the nucleus of the atom are
a) Electrons
b) Quarks
c) Neutrons
d) Protons

148. ANSWER:
A
Electrons

149. Ten test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF FORCES,
MOTION, AND ENERGY

150. • Apply knowledge of temperature and heat
• Identify the types and characteristics of contact forces
(i.e. mechanical) and at-a-distance forces (i.e. magnetic)
• Apply knowledge of simple machines to solve problems
involving work
• Apply knowledge and characteristics of sounds as they
apply to everyday situations
• Apply knowledge of light and optics to practical
applications (i.e. reflection, refraction, diffusion)
Cont….

151. • Identify the regions of the electromagnetic spectrum and
the relative wavelengths and energy associated with each
region
• Identify characteristics and examples of static electricity
• Apply knowledge of currents, circuits, conductors, and
insulators to everyday situations
• Identify types of magnets, their characteristics, and their
applications to everyday situations
• Identify types of energy (i.e. chemical, electrical, nuclear,
mechanical, etc.)

152. Sample Question
When a second light bulb is wired into an electric
circuit already containing one light bulb, the first
one dims. The light bulbs must be wired in a(an)
a) Series circuit
b) Parallel circuit
c) Open circuit
d) Magnetic circuit

153. ANSWER:
A
Series Circuit

154. Seven test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF PROCESSES THAT
SHAPE THE EARTH

155. • Identify characteristics of geologic formations, the
mechanisms by which they were formed, and their
relationship to the movement of tectonic plates.
• Identify fossil formation and its use in interpreting
the past and extrapolating to the future
• Interpret geologic maps
•Identify the major groups of rocks, examples of each,
and the processes of their formation
Cont…

156. • Identify atmospheric conditions (i.e. air masses, wind
patterns, cloud types and storms) and the properties
of air
• Identify the movement of water in the water cycle,
including types of precipitation and causes of
condensation
• Identify ways in which land and water interact (i.e.
soil absorption, runoff, etc..)

157. Sample Question
What is likely the cause of tectonic plate
movement?
a) Gradual shrinking and cooling of the Earth
b) Convection within the hot interior of the Earth
c) Ocean currents scraping the Earth’s seafloor
d) Solar energy heating the Earth’s interior

158. ANSWER:
B
Convection within the hot
interior of the Earth

159. Four test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF EARTH AND
SPACE

160. • Identify the components of Earth’s solar system
and compare their individual characteristics
• Demonstrate knowledge of space exploration
• Identify the phases of the Moon and the Moon’s
effect on Earth
• Identify Earth’s orbital pattern and its effect on
the seasons.

161. Sample Question
Which of the following factors most
influences the change of the seasons?
a) Calendar month
b) Earth’s distance from the Sun
c) Angle of the Earth’s axis
d) Radiation of the Sun

162. ANSWER:
C
Angle of the Earth’s axis

163. Six test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROCESSES
OF LIFE

164. • Compare and contrast living and nonliving things
• Distinguish among microorganisms (i.e. viruses,
bacteria, and protozoans)
• Differentiate structures and functions of plant and
animal cells
• Identify the major steps of the plant physiological
processes of photosynthesis, transpiration,
reproduction, and respiration
Cont…

165. • Identify the structures and functions of
organs and systems of animals, including
humans
• Identify the major steps of the animal
physiological processes (i.e. respirations,
reproduction, digestion, and circulation)

166. Sample Question
Which of the following is part of the
nitrogen cycle?
a) Bacteria fix nitrogen from the air for use by
plants
b) Nitrogen is a product of respiration
c) Nitrogen is given off during photosynthesis
d) Green plans take atmospheric nitrogen from the
air for food

167. ANSWER:
A
Bacteria fix nitrogen from
the air for use by plants

168. Four test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF HOW LIVING
THINGS INTERACT WITH THE
ENVIRONMENT

169. • Identify parts and sequences of biogeochemical cycles of
common elements in the environment (i.e. carbon, oxygen,
hydrogen, and nitrogen)
• Identify causes and effects of pollution
• Identify the living and nonliving factors that influence
population density
• Analyze various conservation methods and their
effectiveness in relation to renewable and nonrenewable
natural resources

170. Sample Question
Redfish cannot be taken during certain
seasons of the year. This is due to the
depletion of the breeding population by
a) Contaminants
b) Over-fishing
c) Predation
d) Parastitism

171. ANSWER:
B
Over-fishing

172. Five test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF THE NATURE
AND HISTORY OF SCIENCE

173. • Demonstrate knowledge of basic science processes (i.e.
observing, classifying, quantifying, etc.)
• Apply knowledge of the integrated science processes of
manipulating variables, defining operationally, forming
hypotheses, measuring (metric) and graphing, and
interpreting data
• Apply knowledge of inquiry approaches to learning science
concepts
• Identify the appropriate laboratory equipment for specific
activities
• Identify state safety procedures for teaching science

174. Sample Question
In the design of a scientific experiment, the investigator
considers all of the factors that may influence the results and
then plans ways to keep these factors constant. In doing so,
the investigator is engaging in the scientific process of
a) Collecting data
b) Defining operationally
c) Hypothesizing
d) Manipulating and controlling variables

175. ANSWER:
D
Manipulating and
controlling variables

176. Two test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF THE
RELATIONSHIP OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY

177. • Identify the interrelationship of
science and technology
• Identify the tools and techniques
of science and technology used for
data collection and problem solving

178. Sample Question
A 4th-grader is collecting weather information (daily
temperatures, rainfall, humidity). Which of the
following would be most efficient for recording and
analyzing this data?
a) LCD
b) Word processor
c) Spreadsheet
d) internet

179. ANSWER:
C
Spreadsheet

180. Four test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF TECHNOLOGY
PROCESSES AND APPLICATIONS

181. • Identify the purposes and functions of common
computer software
• Identify ways technology can be used by students to
represent understanding of science concepts
• Identify telecommunications terminology, professes,
and procedures
• Demonstrate knowledge of legal and ethical practices
as they relate to information and technological systems

182. Sample Question
Identify the system by which a paper document is
converted into electronic form and transmitted to
another site.
a) Word processor
b) Electronic mail
c) Internet
d) Fascimile

183. ANSWER:
D
Fascimile

184. There are various Competencies and
Skills…used to assess your knowledge of
Mathematics

185. Eleven test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF NUMBER SENSE,
CONCEPTS, OPERATIONS

186. • Associate multiple representations of numbers using
word names, standard numerals, and pictoral models
for real numbers
• Compare the relative size of integers, fractions, and
decimals, numbers expressed as percents, numbers
with exponents, and/or numbers in scientific notation
• Apply ratios, proportions, and percents in real-world
situations
• Represent numbers in a variety of equivalent forms
Cont…

187. • Recognize the effects of operations on rational numbers and
the relationships among these operations (i.e. addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division)
• Select the appropriate operation(s) to solve problems
involving rations, proportions, and percents, and the addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division of rational numbers
• Use estimation in problem-solving applications
• Apply number theory concepts (primes, composites, multiples,
factors, etc.)
• Apply the order of operations

188. Sample Question
Which of the following lists shows the numbers arranged
from smallest to largest?
a) .345, .19, .8, 1/5
b) .19, 1/5, .345, .8
c) .8, .19, 1/5, .345
d) 1/5, .8, .345, .19

189. ANSWER:
B
.19, 1/5, .345, .8

190. Eight test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF MEASUREMENT

191. • Apply given measurement formulas for perimeter,
circumference, area, volume, and surface area in problem
situations
• Evaluate how a change in length, width, height, or radius
affects perimeter, circumference, area, volume, and surface
area
• Within a given system, solve real-world problems involving
measurement, with both direct and indirect measures, and
make conversions to a larger or smaller unit
• Solve real-world problems involving estimates and exact
measurements
• Select appropriate units to solve problems

192. Sample Question
A yardstick casts a shadow of approximately 5 feet, and
a building casts a shadow of approximately 50 feet.
About how tall is the building?
a) 30 feet
b) 50 feet
c) 80 feet
d) 240 feet

193. ANSWER:
A
30 feet

194. Eight test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF GEOMETRY AND
SPACIAL SENSE

195. • Identify angles or pairs of angles as adjacent,
complementary, supplementary, vertical, corresponding,
alternate interior, alternate exterior, obtuse, acute, or
right
• Identify lines and planes as perpendicular,
intersecting, or parallel
• Apply geometric properties and relationships, such as
the Pythagorean Theorem, in solving basic problems
Cont…

196. • Identify the basic characteristics of, and
relationships pertaining to, regular and irregular
geometric shapes in two and three dimensions
• Apply the geometric concepts of symmetry,
congruency, similarity, tessellations, transformations,
and scaling
• Determine and locate ordered pairs in all four
quadrants of a rectangular coordinate system

197. Six test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF ALGEBRAIC
THINKING

198. • Extend and generalize patterns or functional
relationships
• Interpret tables, graphs, equations, and verbal
descriptions to explain real-world situations involving
functional relationships
• Select a representation of an algebraic expression,
equation, or inequality that applies to a real-world
situation

199. Sample Question
A gasoline tank with a capacity of 15 gallons contains y
gallons of gasoline. The price per gallon of gasoline is x
dollars. Which rule describes the total price T to fill
the tank with gasoline?
a) T = x(15-y)
b) T = x(y-15)
c) T = 15(xy)
d) T = 15x-y

200. ANSWER:
A
T = x(15-y)

201. Eight test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF DATA ANALYSIS
AND PROBABILITY

202. • Apply the concepts of range and central tendency (mean, median,
and mode)
• Determine probabilities of dependent or independent variables
• Determine odds for and odds against a given situation
• Apply fundamental counting principles such as combinations to
solve probability problems
• Interpret information from tables, charts, line graphs, bar
graphs, etc…
• Make accurate predictions and draw conclusions from data

203. Sample Question
A company wishes to provide ID cards for its employees.
Each identification number will begin with a letter of the
alphabet followed by two digits. How many different ID
numbers can be made?
a) 1872
b) 2106
c) 2340
d) 2600

204. ANSWER:
D
2600

205. Four test questions will focus on your
KNOWLEDGE OF INSTRUCTION
AND ASSESSMENT

206. • Identify alternative instructional strategies
• Select manipulatives, mathematical and physical
models, and other classroom teaching tools
• Identify ways that calculators, computers, and other
technology can be used in instruction
• Identify a variety of methods of assessing
mathematical knowledge, including analyzing student
thinking to determine strengths and weaknesses

207. Sample Question
Ms. Gamez’s class is playing a game on the calculator. Ms. Gamez gives the
following directions:
“Enter 2581 into your calculator. Subtract a number such that the 2,8, and 1
will remain in the same position but a 0 will appear in place of the 5.” (The
student should subtract 500 and have 2081 on the display)
What mathematical concept is being addressed with this calculator activity?
a) Subtraction
b) Multiples
c) Place values
d) Order of magnitude

208. ANSWER:
C
Place values