TExES Science 7-12 (236) Practice Test

The TExES Science (7-12) exam is provided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in order to determine a participant’s requisite skills and knowledge as an entry-level educator in the science subject for public schools in Texas for grades seven through twelve.

In short: If you want to become a science teacher for these grades in the state of Texas, you must first pass this TExES Science exam.

When And Where Can I Take The TExES Science (7-12) Exam?

The TExES Science (7-12) exam is administered via computer year-round. To register for the exam, participants must use an Educational Testing Service (ETS) online registration system. When creating an ETS account for the first time, be careful to enter a name that matches the identification you plan to bring to your testing appointment, so that they match.

Exams take place throughout the state of Texas and in some additional areas. Participants can find the testing center closest to them before registering by checking online.

The usual fee for most exams administered by TExES is $131. International students may have an additional $55 fee to pay upon registration.

An online scientific calculator will be included as part of the test-taking software during the exam. Participants should not bring their own calculators.

How Is The Content On The TExES Science (7-12) Exam Divided?

For the TExES Science (7-12) exam, content has been divided into broad areas called “domains.” Each domain is intended to include educator standards in the science field. There are ten total domains, and each makes up an approximated percentage of the total exam:

1. Scientific Inquiry and Processes: 10 percent
2. Physics: 20 percent
3. Chemistry: 20 percent
4. Cell Structures and Processes: 8 percent
5. Heredity and Evolution of Life: 8 percent
6. Diversity of Life: 8 percent
7. Interdependence of Life and Environmental Services: 6 percent
8. Earth’s History and the Structure and Function of Earth Systems: 9 percent
9. Components and Properties of the Solar System and the Universe: 6 percent
10. Science Learning, Instruction and Assessment: 5 percent

What Specific Content Areas Are Covered In The TExES Science (7-12) Exam?

For domain one of the TExES Science (7-12) exam, participants should be familiar with the following specific content areas, per TEA:

1. How to select and manage learning activities to ensure the safety of all students and the correct use and care of organisms, natural resources, materials, equipment and technology
2. The nature of science, the process of scientific inquiry and the unifying concepts that are common to all sciences
3. The history of science, how science impacts the daily lives of students and how science interacts with and influences personal and societal decisions

For domain two:

1. The description of motion in one and two dimensions
2. The laws of motion
3. The concepts of gravitational and electromagnetic forces in nature

For domain three:

1. The characteristics of matter and atomic structure
2. The properties of gases
3. The properties and characteristics of ionic and covalent bonds

For domain four:

1. The structure and function of biomolecules
2. Cells as the basic structure of living things
3. How cells carry out life processes

For domain five:

1. The structures and functions of nucleic acids
2. The continuity and variations of traits from one generation to the next
3. The theory of biological evolution

For domain six:

1. Similarities and differences between living organisms
2. The processes by which organisms maintain homeostasis
3. The relationship between biology and behavior

For domain seven:

1. Abiotic and biotic factors of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
2. Interdependence and interactions of living things
3. Carrying capacity and changes in populations

For domain eight:

1. The structure and function of the geosphere
2. The processes of plate tectonics, weathering, erosion and deposition that change Earth’s surfaces
3. The formation and history of Earth

For domain nine:

1. The implications of Earth’s placement and orientation in the solar system
2. The role of the sun in the solar system
3. Composition, history and properties of the universe

For domain ten:

1. Research-based theoretical and practical knowledge about teaching science
2. How to monitor and assess science learning

How Can I Get A Passing Score On The TExES Science (7-12) Exam?

When preparing for the TExES Science (7-12) exam, it is recommended that candidates utilize a study guide and flashcards. Mometrix provides a tailor-made study guide specifically for the TExES Science (7-12) exam, as well as a set of flashcards made specifically for the test. Use of these items can make the difference between passing and failing the assessment.