Common Core Science Practice Questions

posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - November 22nd, 2013

If your child is facing an upcoming Common Core test, you’re probably curious as to the best way to help them succeed and perform to the best of their ability. You’re not alone – the vast majority of parents with school age children utilize some type of supplemental study with their children regarding standardized testing. Science is one of the common core subjects which often causes confusion. This is due to the heavy focus placed on ELA (English Language Arts) by the common core. While even the science portion of the common core battery contains language-based questions, more traditional facts are tested as well. Science practice tests and questions are some of the best ways to help your child do well on this portion of the common core battery.

Ways to Study

There are three main ways in which you can help your child study. Even older students who prefer to study independently can benefit; they just don’t need as much (if any) supervision. Creating your own ‘homemade’ science practice questions and science practice tests is rather easy – all you need is your child’s current science textbook. Due to the ELA focus of the test, be sure to choose pieces of text which offer both ELA and fact-based questions.

Free online science practice questions are often the first option to which parents turn. Not only is the price unbeatable, but, more importantly, these questions allow you to familiarize  yourself with the testing format. An in-depth science curriculum, offering many opportunities to create science practice tests, can be found here. Other science practice questions can be found at a multitude of websites. Be sure that any question you may use reflects the most current version of the common core battery in your state, and that it is tailored to your child’s grade level.

Purchasing ready-made study guides and materials is another very popular option. These materials are available in both hard-copy and software-based formats, allowing you and your child to choose the format which best complements their learning style. Remember to ensure that any study guide is up to date and tailored to common core

testing.