Introduction
The science section assesses your comprehension of scientific concepts and principles. It covers human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, and scientific reasoning. The section also assesses your ability to comprehend facts, apply scientific knowledge, and establish connections between various scientific events.
By the end of this guide, you will thoroughly understand the topics included in the TEAS science test. You will acquire insight into the question types you might expect and practical advice to help maximize your performance.
Understand the TEAS Science Section
If you always feel overwhelmed with the TEAS test science section, worry no more; this part will answer most of your questions. This science section tests students in different areas, including biology, chemistry, scientific reasoning, physiology, and human anatomy. Some subtopics you could encounter include human biological systems, scientific research methods, cell biology, chemical reactions, and genetics.
1. Questions Format and Breakdown
The TEAS test science section covers a total of 50 questions. There are 44 scored questions and 6 unscored questions. Below is the breakdown of the questions:
- Biology scored questions – 9
- Anatomy and physiology scored questions – 18
- Scientific method scored questions – 9
- Chemistry scored questions – 8
The 6 unscored multiple-choice questions will not count in the final result nor be identified by test-takers. Remember, the paper version will give you a question stem and four answer options. Other question types are available in the online edition, such as drag-and-drop, typing your response, and clicking on the proper image.
Your objective will be to select the best answer based on your knowledge and understanding of the subject. You can use the proctor’s simple calculator or a drop-down calculator that will display on the screen. Scientific calculators with specific functions are not permitted, but scratch paper can be used to take notes. Manage your time effectively during the test to attempt all questions in the allocated time.
2. Length of the TEAS Test
Like the other test sections, the TEAS science section is timed. It should take 60 minutes. However, the science section accounts for only a portion of the total test period. The time limit for completing all four sections is 209 minutes.
Consequently, you should plan your time strategically to ensure that you cover all of the questions. Understanding the question types and becoming accustomed to the topics presented will allow you to establish effective strategies for approaching the TEAS test science section. This will allow you to organize your time better, focus on the most relevant key areas, and increase your chances of success.
3. Consider the Following Topics When Creating Your Study Guide
When creating your TEAS science study guide, ensure you cover the right type of questions. This section offers topics to consider when revising for the science section.
A. Physiology and Anatomy TEAS Science Topics (18 scored questions)
- Organs, tissues, and cells in the human body
- Body basics & organizations – cavities and planes
- Respiratory system – structures and functions
- Gastrointestinal system – digestion & absorption, hormones and enzymes, structures
- Cardiovascular system – cells & pathology, circulation
- Endocrine system – organs, hormones & communication
- Reproductive system – hormones, key differences, structures
- Immune system – cells and types of immunity
- Genitourinary system – urine production and kidney anatomy
- Non-infectious disease
- Skeletal system – bones, cells & structures
- Neuromuscular system – muscles, nerves, and signaling
B. Chemistry TEAS Science Topics (9 scored questions)
- Reaction types
- Acids and bases
- Phase changes
- Chemical bonds
- Catalysts and enzymes
- Periodic table of elements
- Water and solutions
- Concentration
C. Biology TEAS Science Topics (9 scored questions)
- Infectious diseases
- Cellular biology – organelles and differentiation
- Macromolecules
- Genetics & Inheritance
- DNA & chromosomes
- Meiosis and mitosis
D. Scientific Method TEAS Science Topics (9 scored questions)
- Experimental design & analysis
- Scientific reasoning & logic
- Scientific relationships & sequences
- Scientific measurement & tools
Effective Study Strategies for Success
Preparing for the TEAS test science section necessitates a deliberate approach to developing knowledge and skills in various scientific concepts. Here are some useful recommendations to help you study and prepare:
1. Understand the Topics
Familiarize yourself with the topics covered in the TEAS science section. This encompasses life sciences, physics, and scientific reasoning. Review the ATI topic outline to ensure you understand the major ideas in each section.
2. Take TEAS Science Practice Tests
Taking TEAS science practice tests can help you examine your knowledge and become familiar with the format and style of questions in the TEAS science section. These assessments can reveal significant information about your skills and limitations, allowing you to focus your study efforts.
Review your answers after taking the practice tests and ensure you understand the explanations provided. Identify any points where you struggled or made mistakes. This will allow you to identify your deficiencies and prioritize those areas. Concentrate on improving your comprehension of concepts you find difficult to grasp.
3. Use Science Study Materials
In addition to practice tests, employ TEAS study resources to solidify your knowledge. Look into alternative resources like credible science textbooks, educational websites, and instructional YouTube videos.
This broad approach can help you gain fresh perspectives and improve your comprehension. Ensure you only use materials from reliable sources, such as the online platform. These well-structured materials touch on all examinable aspects of the test. Take as many practice tests as possible. These will help you familiarize yourself with the test format and timing. You will also pinpoint your weak areas and address them appropriately.
4. Emphasize Key Scientific Concepts
Science is a broad subject and requires some level of commitment to grasp all concepts. To ace your TEAS test science section, consider looking at some of these key scientific concepts in science. By understanding these topics, you are one step ahead as far as passing the test is concerned:
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
- Human biological systems
- Kinetic and potential energy
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Scientific reasoning
- States of Matter
- Energy transfer and conservation
- Photosynthesis
- Chemical properties of water
- Digestive system
- Nervous system
- Tissue types and functions
- Immune system
Test-taking Tips and Strategies for the TEAS Science Section
1. Manage Your Time
Time management is crucial when handling any TEAS test, especially the science section. Here are some tips to help you manage time effectively during the exam:
- Plan time accordingly – allocate different time limits for every section in the science test. For example, you can look at the total number of questions to handle and the time allocated and then divide to get the time required to answer each question.
- Prioritize questions – avoid spending too much time on one question. If you encounter a challenging question, put a mark on it and handle the easier ones first. That way, you will answer more than wasting time on a single question. If time allows, you can return to the challenging questions after tackling the simple ones.
- Avoid overthinking. You can always trust your instinct and write the first response that comes to mind. Do not overthink a question, as this will only waste time that could be used to tackle other questions.
2. Think Critically
Critical thinking is an important skill in handling science questions for the TEAS test. It will enable you to analyze, evaluate, and make decisions based on the evidence provided. Critical thinking will help you comprehend complex concepts by breaking them into manageable parts. Critical thinking also helps in problem-solving, allowing you to devise strategic ways to tackle challenging questions. It also helps to avoid misinterpretation and, hence, more accurate answers.
Application of Critical Thinking in Answering TEAS Test Science Section
- Read carefully – pay close attention when reading and identify key variables and terms and how they relate.
- Evaluate options – critically analyze every answer and eliminate any obvious incorrect answers.
- Use prior knowledge – using your knowledge of scientific principles, assess the validity of every answer, and choose one that aligns with what you know.
- Predict outcomes—before picking an answer, you could predict the outcome and eliminate answers that lead to improbable conclusions based on your knowledge.
Honing your critical and reasoning thinking will make your work easier when sitting for the TEAS test. Apply these TEAS science tips to pass the exam.
Conclusion
The TEAS test science section is not complicated in the exam. All you have to do is prepare adequately, and you will pass. Ensure you use reputable online resources such as tutorials and TEAS prep courses. Some students even prefer to look for a personal tutor to help them understand the concepts better, which is also a great option. Apply the tips and strategies in this guide to pass your TEAS science test.
