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The science FCAT
focuses on scientific concepts, processes, and broad science-based
knowledge, rather than on facts in isolation. Students will be required
to apply interrelated science concepts and processes to demonstrate
scientific understanding.
There are two types
of science benchmarks from the Sunshine State Standards that are tested:
Annually Assesses benchmarks (60-70% of the science FCAT) and Content
Sampled benchmarks (30-40% of the science FCAT). Annually assessed
benchmarks are tested every year and content sampled benchmarks are
tested in three year cycles.
The science FCAT is
based upon individual Sunshine State Standard benchmarks and is reported
in four content clusters that comprise eight major scientific concepts:
Cluster 1 -
Physical and Chemical Sciences
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Strand A - The
Nature of Matter
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Strand B - Energy
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Strand C - Force
and Motion
Cluster 2 - Earth
and Space Sciences
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Strand D -
Processes that Shape the Earth
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Strand E - Earth
and Space
Cluster 3 - Life
and Environmental Sciences
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Strand F -
Processes of Life
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Strand G - How
Living Things Interact with Their Environment
Cluster 4 -
Scientific Thinking
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Strand H - The
Nature of Science
The science
questions can involve four different types of responses: Multiple Choice
(MC), Gridded Response (GR), Short Response (SR), and Extended Response
(ER). Approximately 15% of the questions on grades 5, 8, and 10 FCAT
require students to show their work, something that is usually not seen
on a standardized test.
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