If you need help studying for the FTCE Middle Grades General Science 5-9 test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place!
Click below to take a free FTCE Middle Grades General Science practice test!
What’s on the Test?
The FTCE Middle Grades General Science test contains 80 multiple-choice questions and is timed at 2.5 hours.
The exam is split into nine competencies:
1. The Structure and Behavior of Matter
14% of the exam
- Physical and chemical properties of water
- States of matter
- The gas laws
- Major discoveries in the development of the atomic theory
- Characteristics of elements, compounds, and mixtures
- Symbols, formulas, and equations for common elements and compounds
- Components of an atom
- Chemical and physical properties of elements
- Types of chemical bonding
- Types of chemical reactions
2. Forces and Motion
13% of the exam
- Types and characteristics of contact forces and forces acting at a distance
- Newton’s laws of motion
- Solving problems involving force or motion
- Types, characteristics, and properties of waves
- Characteristics of wave phenomena
- Origins, characteristics, and examples of electricity
- Types of magnets
- Characteristics of magnetic fields
- Characteristics of motion
3. Energy and Its Effects
12% of the exam
- Forms of energy and their transformations
- Temperature, heat, and thermal energy
- Types of thermal energy transfer
- The laws of thermodynamics
- Potential and kinetic energy
- Nuclear reactions
- The regions of the electromagnetic spectrum and energy associated with each
- The use of light and optics in real-world applications
- Types, characteristics, and measurements of electrical quantities
- Currents, circuits, conductors, insulators, and resistors
- Voltage, resistance, power, and energy in direct current (DC) circuits
4. Earth and The Processes that Affect It
13% of the exam
- Surface and subsurface geologic processes
- The development of the theory of continental drift
- Characteristics of geologic structures
- Methods for determining geologic age
- Characteristics of ocean currents and how they influence weather patterns
- Characteristics of Florida’s geology and its formation
- Weathering, erosion, and deposition
- Characteristics and functions of the atmospheric layers
- Factors that contribute to the climate of a geographic area
- The movement of water in the hydrologic cycle
- Various forms of water storage
5. Space Science
6% of the exam
- Consequences of Earth’s motions and orientation
- Properties of stars
- Collecting and analyzing data about stars and other celestial objects
- The role of space exploration and its impact on technological advancements
- The components of the solar system
- Evaluating celestial objects
6. Processes of Life
14% of the exam
- Biological and chemical processes necessary for life
- Prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes
- Mitosis and meiosis
- Principles of Mendelian genetics
- The roles of DNA and RNA in replication and protein synthesis
- Characteristics of viruses, bacteria, protists, and fungi
- Structures and processes of plant and animal cells and their organelles
- Major steps of plant processes
- Processes of animal physiology
- Structures of the organs and organ systems of various kinds of animals
- Behaviors or adaptations of animals and plants that enable them to survive
- The roles of adaptation, genetic variation, mutation, and extinction in natural selection
- The impact of biotechnology on the individual, society, and the environment
7. The Effects of Physical and Biological Factors on The Environment
10% of the exam
- Components and sequences of biogeochemical cycles
- Issues related to the development, use, and conservation of natural resources
- The impact of environmental factors on the adaptation and survival rates of organisms
- Major characteristics of world biomes and communities
- The influence of biotic and abiotic factors on ecosystems
- Interactions between microorganisms and the environment
- The effects of homeostasis on the survivability of an organism
- The relationship between natural factors and human activities as they affect Florida’s ecosystems
8. The Science Learning Environment
5% of the exam
- Legal and ethical requirements for proper use, care, handling, and disposal of organisms
- Safe and appropriate techniques used in science instruction
- Appropriate substitutions for materials and activities
- Legal requirements for safe preparation, use, storage, and disposal of chemicals
- Identifying and addressing student misconceptions
- Appropriate strategies for teaching scientific inquiry
- Technological tools that facilitate the learning of science
9. Process Skills and Application of Scientific Inquiry
13% of the exam
- Observing and analyzing natural phenomena and communicating findings
- Applying mathematics and technology to scientific investigation
- Methods used in the pursuit of a scientific explanation
- Traits of scientists
- Assumptions of scientific knowledge
- The impact of the historical and cultural development of science on the advancement of scientific knowledge
- The development, use, benefits, and limitations of theories, laws, hypotheses, and models
- The interdependence between scientific knowledge and economic, political, social, and ethical concerns
How to Register
To get started with the registration process, you’ll need to create an FTCE/FELE account on their website. You can then register for the exam via your account.
The testing fee is $150.
FTCE Middle Grades General Science 5-9 Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
How the Exam is Scored
The FTCE Middle Grades General Science test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. You’ll need a scaled score of at least 200 to pass the exam.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone that takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
FAQs
How many questions are on the FTCE Middle Grades General Science exam?
The exam contains 80 questions.
What is the time limit for the FTCE Middle Grades General Science exam?
The exam is timed at 2.5 hours.
What is the passing score for the FTCE Middle Grades General Science exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 200 to pass.
How much does the FTCE Middle Grades General Science exam cost?
The testing fee is $150.