Items for Teachers to Prepare for the HSPE Quality
Test Preparation
DOK Levels
Item Specs
State Standards
Breakdown of the HSPE
First attempt offered during the students’ sophomore year
75 multiple-choice questions
60 core multiple-choice questions
15 field test items
Questions are constructed at three Depth of Knowledge
levels (DOK 1-3)
DOK 1
The question requires recall and there is nothing to “figure out”
The student either knows the answer or they do not
DOK 2
The student needs to apply information
Typically multi-step
Recall info, then decide what to do with that information
DOK 3
Includes DOK level 1 and 2 processing
Requires the student to decide how to approach the problem
Make a prediction or inference while providing a justification
2010 Science HSPE Test Matrix
Content Strand
DOK Level 1
DOK Level 2
DOK Level 3
Points
C1
(Physical Science)
7
10
1
18
C2
(Life Science)
5
10
3
18
C3
(Earth Science)
5
7
1
13
C4
(Nature of Science)
4
6
1
11
Items
21
(35%)
33
(55%)
6
(10%)
60
Science HSPE Standards – Scientific Inquiry
N.12.A.1 Students know tables, charts, illustrations and graphs can be
used in making arguments and claims in oral and written presentations.
E/S
 Given a choice of several graphs, select the one most appropriate to
display a collection of data or to illustrate a concept or conclusion.
 Interpret a graph, table, or chart and analyze the data display to reveal
information.
 Predict (extrapolate and interpolate) from a data display. (See also
P.12.B.1.)
N.12.A.2 Students know scientists maintain a permanent record of
procedures, data, analyses, decisions, and understandings of scientific
investigations. I/S
 Recognize proper data collection and recording procedures in scientific
investigations.
Science HSPE Standards – Scientific Inquiry
N.12.A.3 Students know repeated experimentation allows for statistical
analysis and unbiased conclusions. E/S
 Explain that repeated trials and increased sample size increase the
validity of experimental results.
 Explain the importance of independent replication of experimental
results.
 Given two or more sets of data among which there is some
disagreement, discuss conclusions that can or cannot be supported
 based on the combined data.
Science HSPE Standards – Scientific Inquiry
N.12.A.4 Students know how to safely conduct an original scientific
investigation using the appropriate tools and technology. E/S
 Explain the use of proper experimental controls and control groups in
experimental designs.
 Recognize a testable question.
 Describe proper and appropriate use of lab equipment.
 Explain safety considerations in lab procedures.
 Analyze an experimental design.
N.12.A.5 Students know models and modeling can be used to identify and
predict cause‐effect relationships. I/S
 Describe how models are used in science.
 Use models and modeling to illustrate relationships and predict
outcomes.
 Evaluate the appropriateness of a model.
Science HSPE Standards – Scientific Inquiry
N.12.A.6 Students know organizational schema can be used to represent
and describe relationships of sets. E/S
• Recognize that each branch of science has developed classification
systems based on observable characteristics.
• Explain that scientists use various classification systems to organize
information.
• Explain that classification systems can be modified over time to
account for new information.
Science HSPE Standards – Science, Technology and Society
N.12.B.1 Students know science, technology, and society influenced one
another in both positive and negative ways. E/S
 Explain with examples how science and technology benefit each other.
 Explain with examples how scientific events and discoveries have
positively and negatively influenced society.
 Explain with examples how technology has positively and negatively
affected society.
 Explain with examples how societal needs and pressures influence the
course of scientific research and technological advances.
 Explain with examples how technological advances frequently have
unintended consequences that are not initially evident.
N.12.B.2 Students know consumption patterns, conservation efforts, and
cultural or social practices in countries have varying environmental
impacts. E/S
 Identify the benefits and hazards of the environmental impact of human
activities (e.g., consumption, conservation, and cultural and social
practices).
Science HSPE Standards – Science, Technology and Society
N.12.B.3 Students know the influence of ethics on scientific enterprise.
E/S
 Identify “ethical” and “unethical” practices in scientific research and
describe the differences between them (e.g., treatment of
 test subjects and falsifying data).
 Identify potential sources of intentional bias in scientific endeavors and
explain the motives and consequences (e.g., financial
 pressures related to funding and choosing experiments most likely to
support a favored hypothesis).
N.12.B.4 Students know scientific knowledge builds on previous
information. E/S
 Explain that existing theories are modified as new information is added.
 Explain that occasionally a completely new theory changes the way we
interpret information and understand phenomenon.
 Explain the significance of the history of science in relation to the
step‐by‐step development of our current scientific understanding of the
natural world.
A solid cube was put into a cylinder
containing four liquids with different
densities as shown in the diagram.
The cube descended through layer A
and B, and stopped upon reaching
layer C. The density of the cube most
likely lies between
A.
1.00 and 1.50 g/cm3.
B.
1.51 and 3.50 g/cm3.
C.
3.51 and 6.00 g/cm3.
D.
6.00 and 9.00 g/cm3.
Use the graph to answer the following question.
How far did the car travel during
the first 15 s of the trip?
A.
B.
C.
D.
15 m
25 m
300 m
500 m
The table below shows some
characteristics of four substances at 1
atm pressure.
Which substance is a liquid at
temperatures ranging from –50°C to
0°C?
A.
Bromine
B.
Chlorine
C.
Ethanol
D.
Mercury
Use graphs to answer the following question.
Which graph best shows the radioactive decay of carbon-14?
A.
B.
C.
D.
In her laboratory journal, a microbiologist enters the
following information: “Some mold growth was seen on the
agar plate that was streaked with bacteria three days ago.
Bacterial colonies were noticed on the plate, but the area
surrounding the mold did not show any bacteria.
Which of the following describes the microbiologist’s journal
entry?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Prediction
Observation
Conclusion
Hypothesis
Observe the following diagram, which is taken from one of Charles Darwin’s
notebooks.
The words, “I think” can be seen at the top
of the page and a branching diagram is
shown below that.
This phrase represent a permanent
documentation of one of Darwin’s
A.
B.
C.
D.
hypotheses.
questions.
observations.
laws.
In 1989, two scientists held a news conference to announce that they had
observed controlled nuclear fusion in a glass jar better known as cold
fusion technology. It was later determined that their findings were false.
Using this example, which step is not part of the scientific process?
A.
Peer review of scientific work in research journals.
B.
Validation of scientific results through repeated trials.
C.
Making unsubstantiated claims about results.
D.
Allowing other scientists to review scientific procedures.
What makes a scientific explanation different from a non-scientific explanation?
Scientific explanations are
A.
based on assumptions.
B.
predictable.
C.
not able to be changed.
D.
testable.
In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union removed Pluto’s
status as a planet and named it a dwarf planet. What prompted the
reclassification of Pluto?
A.
A new telescope introduced in 2006 allowed scientists to see a
better view of Pluto.
B.
Scientists based their decision on known data from Pluto and
other objects in the solar system.
C.
A manned mission to Pluto provided evidence to make it a dwarf
planet.
D.
Scientists were biased to make the solar system have eight
planets.
When instructed by your teacher, the proper way to smell a chemical is to
A.
put the container next to your nose and inhale.
B.
waft the smell away from your nose.
C.
waft the smell towards your face.
D.
have your lab partner smell the chemical
A scientist sets up an investigation designed to study the effect of temperature
on bacterial growth. The following is her experimental design:
Count the bacterial growth at the same time each day
Place 3 petri dishes with the bacteria in the refrigerator and place 3 more petri
dishes with a different type of bacteria in an incubator
Use a different type of agar in each petri dish
What observation can you make about her experiment?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Her design will efficiently measure temperature changes on bacteria
growth.
She has too many variables that will affect understanding the
temperature changes on bacterial growth.
Different types of agar and pH changes will not prevent
understanding the effect of temperature on bacterial growth.
Her variables are controlled within the design of the experimental
Investigation.
A student is conducting an experiment using a Bunsen burner when the fire bell
rings. What should he do?
A.
Exit the room and quickly leave the building following directions from
hall monitors.
B.
Turn the gas off, exit the room, and quickly leave the building.
C.
Leave his eye goggles on, exit the room, and quickly leave the
building.
D.
Turn the gas off, pour the reaction down the sink, exit the room, and
quickly leave the building.
You need to design an experiment to test for the effect of acids on metals. You
decide to use one type of acid and control the concentration but test different
metals such as copper, aluminum, and iron. Your lab partner wants to use three
different types of acids for each metal.
Which of the following is your best response to her?
A.
There is not enough time during the class period to test different
types of acids and their effects on metals.
B.
Different types of acids are more difficult to obtain and too much
time would be spent trying to find them.
C.
The experiment needs to be controlled and testing different acids
on different metals is too many variables.
D.
Collecting the data from her design requires setting up several data
charts which is more difficult to analyze.
Collaboration among scientists is an important component of scientific
inquiry for all of the following except
A.
scientists can learn from each other by sharing ideas and findings.
B.
scientists tend to argue during collaboration and fail to generate
new ideas.
C.
new procedures for problem solving can develop through
collaboration.
D.
experimental data can be validated by replicating each other’s
work.
The model below is designed to show how a lunar eclipse occurs.
What is the greatest limitation of this model?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The light bulb is standing straight up instead of tilted on an axis.
The comparative sizes and distances are inaccurate.
The shadow is being cast in the wrong direction.
The heat released is much less than that released by the Sun.
While conducting careful experimentation, a chemist discovered a new
element.
Chemists would
A.
ignore the new data because it did not fit into the generally
accepted periodic table.
B.
create a new classification system with the new information.
C.
disagree on how to incorporate the new data and create many
classification systems based on personal preference.
D.
modify the current periodic table to include the new data.
What property was most likely used to classify the substances in the data
table?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Group A
Water
Gasoline
Group B
Aluminum
Ice
Group C
Water Vapor
Air
Alcohol
Iron
Oxygen
Specific heat because Group A has a relatively low specific heat, Group
B has a higher specific heat, and Group C has the highest specific heat.
States of matter because Group A contains liquids, Group B contains
solids, and Group C contains gases.
Chemical composition because Group A contains elements, Group B
contains compounds, and Group C contains mixtures.
Abundance within the Earth because Group A is found in the greatest
amount, Group B is relatively less, and Group C is found in the least
amount.
Which statement best illustrates a classification system?
A.
A glacier melts at the rate of one meter per year.
B.
Ocean depths are measured by using sonar.
C.
Snowfall predictions for winter storms vary.
D.
Stars are grouped according to their color.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were introduced in the 1930’s as a replacement
for hazardous materials used as coolants in refrigerators and as propellants for
many aerosol products. CFCs are now banned in the United States and in
most of the world. The removal of CFCs from common use is because they
damage the ozone layer.
This is an example of how
A.
science and technology always benefit each other.
B.
science, technology, and society operate independently of each
other.
C.
scientific advances are influenced by the costs and benefits of those
advances.
D.
science is proven wrong when given enough time.
Science, technology, and society affect each other in both positive and
negative ways. One example was the discovery of antibiotics.
Which of the following best describes the negative affect that antibiotics
have on society?
The extensive use of antibiotics
A.
has led to the evolution of resistant strains of bacteria.
B.
has caused several forms of new cancers to develop.
C.
in consumer products has led to increased obesity in humans.
D.
resulted in an over-abundance of medical professionals.
Which of the following is a negative impact caused by mining for
resources?
The mining industry
A.
contributes to the economy and provides employment.
B.
practices reclamation procedures when a mine closes.
C.
uses leaching techniques that cause heavy metals to enter the
water supply.
D.
provides the raw materials needed to make the items used daily
by society.
The ecological resource consumption practices of the average citizen of the
United States
A.
is less than all other parts of the world.
B.
is balanced by recycling plastic items.
C.
is greater than most countries in the world.
D.
contributes to sustainable living practices.
Which of the following practices has a negative environmental impact on a
desert community?
A.
Using solar screens
B.
Having grass lawns
C.
Voluntary recycling
D.
Using water-efficient toilets
A construction company is proposing to build a new housing development in an
area that will destroy a wetland habitat. Which of the following would be the
most likely consequence of the wetland’s destruction?
A.
The wetland plant species would disperse to adjacent meadow
habitats.
B.
The populations of wetland animals would be unable to survive in
that area.
C.
The wetland animal species would survive by interbreeding with
non-wetland species.
D.
The populations of wetland plants would evolve to disperse seeds
by wind rather than water.
Tobacco companies argue that smoking is not directly related to lung cancer.
People who smoke cigarettes have only a one-percent chance of getting lung
cancer.
Which statement best contradicts this claim?
A. Lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure is the same as lung cancer
caused by smoking.
B. Eighty-seven percent of lung cancer patients smoke cigarettes.
C. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4000 cancer-causing substances.
C. Exposure to radon gas is considered the second leading cause of lung
cancer.
Patricia A. Bolton suggests deliberate deceit and dishonesty, including forged
or fabricated data, falsified or invented results, and plagiarism belongs within
the category of
A.
honest mistakes.
B.
noncompliance.
C.
scientific misconduct.
D.
ethical behavior.
Accurate estimates of the age of Earth were not possible until what discovery
was made?
A.
Earth’s molten core cools at predictable and measurable rates.
B.
Radioactive decay occurs in certain elements at a constant rate.
C.
The oldest fossils are found in layers at the bottom of rock strata.
D.
The shrinking diameter of the Sun can be used to infer the age of
planets.
Which statement below best describes Charles Darwin’s theory of natural
selection and Alfred Wegener’s theory of continental drift?
A.
The theories answer all scientific questions about evolution and
continental drift.
B.
The development of their theories was influenced by many
scientists.
C.
Planned experiments were used to develop these theories.
D.
These theories are an example of how scientific theories do not
change over time.
Which statement best describes the process of science?
A.
Scientists are objective and free of prejudice.
B.
Scientists generally discover new ideas without the help of others.
C.
Scientific ideas evolve or change over time.
D.
New ideas in science generally result from planned experiments.
Use the chart to answer the following question.
Which of the following graphs would BEST represent this data?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Bar graph
Pie chart
Histogram chart
Line graph
Use the graph to answer the following question.
How many players on the team have a batting average between .300 ‐ .399?
A.
B.
C.
D.
1
5
7
9
Use the graph to answer the following question.
Based on the trend shown above, at what time will the water temperature
reach 16 degrees?
A.
B.
C.
D.
4 seconds
5 seconds
6 seconds
7 seconds
A student measures the length of a pendulum three times. The measurements
were 1.42 meters, 1.43 meters, and 1.45 meters.
The actual length of the pendulum was 1.89 meters. What can be said about
these measurements? The measurements are
A.
accurate.
B.
precise.
C.
aligned.
D.
exact.
Control groups are used in scientific experiments because they
A.
are easily identified by the experimenter during the investigation.
B.
are cheap and relatively easy to maintain throughout the experiment.
C.
prevent data collection from being contaminated by other variables.
D.
provide a standard of comparison with other data collected.
A student is conducting a laboratory investigation and needs to obtain
chemicals for his lab station. He should do all of the following EXCEPT
A.
know the names and formulas of the chemicals needed for the
investigation.
B.
know the quantities of all the chemicals needed for the activity.
C.
take all the chemicals to his desk and measure what he needs.
D.
carry only what he can safely manage to his desk and then obtain the
remaining materials.
When deciding whether or not to implement a new technology, the affected
society must always
A.
weigh the costs and benefits of the new technology.
B.
make a decision based on what the majority of the people in the
specific sector of society says.
C.
use the most cost effective form of technology available.
D.
run sufficient safety tests on the technology to make sure no
organisms will be harmed.
Which of the following is an example of how the internet has negatively
impacted society?
A. People can communicate with others quickly and at any time of day.
B. Anyone can put information online whether it is fact or fiction.
C. Information about millions of subjects is available all day long, every day.
D. Using the internet can cut down on the amount of paper being used.
Video Games have now become a regular part of many US households. Which
of the following changes has been influenced by society’s need to become
healthier?
A.
Quicker game systems have been influenced by society’s need to
become healthy.
B.
Systems have been connected to the internet to allow players to
interact .
C.
Systems have incorporated more physical movement to increase
exercise .
D.
Children of all ages can now play and learn through video games.
Frozen meals that are cooked with the microwave have created which of the
following negative consequence?
A.
Incorrect cooking of the meals is causing food poisoning.
B.
Meals are pre‐portioned to help with calorie in‐take.
C.
Meals offer healthier alternative to fast food.
D.
Family‐size meals encourage families to eat dinner together.
The environmental impact of the cultural practice of individual automobile
ownership is
A.
a practice that fosters conservation.
B.
resource depletion of petroleum.
C.
sustainable energy efforts.
D.
realistic energy practices.
Consumptive practices refer to
A.
use of clothing and reference materials by a society.
B.
use of another country’s resources including satellites.
C.
cost of resources among various societal groups.
D.
the amount and types of resources are used by a society.
According to ethical guidelines established by the National Academy of
Science, which of the following is INCORRECT concerning scientific research?
Scientific research
A.
involves collaborating with other scientists.
B.
takes place within a broad social and historical context.
C.
must not be restricted by the influence of ethical concerns.
D.
cannot be done without drawing on the work of other scientists.
Watson and Crick used the data from other scientists to construct a model that
aided the understanding of how
A.
cells have the ability to pass on genetic information.
B.
cells produce directions for protein formation.
C.
living organisms on our planet share a common origin.
D.
living organisms have the ability to code for traits.
Today’s understanding of how we view the structure and formation of the
continents is best explained by
A.
the theory of plate tectonics.
B.
the theory of catastrophism.
C.
global warming.
D.
worldwide volcanic activity.
The graph below shows the growth of a plant over eight months.
During which of these time periods did the plant grow at the fastest rate?
A
B
C
D
from 2 to 3 months
from 3 to 4 months
from 4 to 5 months
from 5 to 6 months
Which of these actions is most likely the first step of a scientific investigation?
A
organizing data into tables and graphs
B
researching results of similar studies
C
documenting procedures in a written record
D
determining the results from analysis of data
A mirage is an optical illusion that can create the appearance of water where
there is none. When a mirage appears on a section of hot pavement, it can
cause an object to appear as though it is being reflected in a pool of water. The
picture below shows a mirage on a highway.
Which of these best models how rays of light are affected by a mirage?
A
shining a laser beam through a glass lens
B
using a curved mirror to observe an image
C
separating white light into different colors with a prism
D
concentrating light in a small area with a magnifying glass
 In 1911, approximately 52% of the precipitation that fell in the Lake Tahoe
region of the Sierra Nevada mountains was snow. Today, approximately 34%
of the precipitation that falls in the Lake Tahoe region is snow. Which statement
describes how rivers and streams that flow from the Lake Tahoe region into the
Great Basin Desert will most likely be affected if this trend continues?
A
Rivers and streams will contain less water in each season of the year.
B
Rivers and streams will contain more water in the summer and fall but
less water in the winter and spring.
C
Rivers and streams will contain more water in each season of the year.
D
Rivers and streams will contain more water in the winter and less water
in the spring and summer.
Which best predicts how the populations of the predator and prey will change
from year 91 to year 95?
A
Both populations will increase.
B
Both populations will decrease.
C
The prey population will decrease and the predator population will
increase.
D
The prey population will increase and the predator population will
decrease.
Which information would be most useful to construct a model of the
populations of a predator species and prey species in an area?
A
the average population size, birth rate, and death rate of each species
B
the initial population size, reproduction rate, and amount of genetic
variation of each species
C
the initial population size, reproduction rate, and survival rate of each
species
D
the average population size, survival rate, and amount of genetic
variation of each species
Which of these would be most helpful in increasing the rate of plastics
recycling?
A developing different plastics that all look and feel the same
B developing different plastics that all have the same melting point
C developing a single plastic that can have several different densities
D developing a single plastic that can be modified for many different uses
All of the following are examples of classification schemes used in science
except
A
continental drift.
B
Linnean taxonomy.
C
the periodic table.
D
the Mohs hardness scale.
Vocabulary NOS A1
Vocabulary NOS A2
Vocabulary NOS A3
Vocabulary NOS B1