Praxis II Biology and General Science Exam

The Biology and General Science exam assesses the knowledge and the ability of future high school teacher to teach biology and general sciences. The exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions, with 60% of the questions concentrating on biology and the remaining 40% focusing on general science topics. The questions are divided into eight categories as follows:

• 20 questions covering Diversity of Life, Plant, and Animals
• 18 questions covering Molecular and Cellular Biology
• 18 questions covering Evolution and Classical Genetics
• 16 questions covering Ecology
• 12 questions covering History/Philosophy/Methodology of Science; Technology
• 12 questions covering Chemistry
• 12 questions covering Physics
• 12 questions covering Earth and Space Science

The category of Diversity of Life, Plants, and Animals encompasses the scientific classifications, evolution, reproduction, anatomy and physiology of plants, the main organ systems such as circulatory and digestive in animals, and the behavior of animals.

The area of Molecular and Cellular Biology includes the structure and workings of cells and chemicals as the foundation of life forms. The molecular components of genetics and the human genome map are also questioned under this category.

For the category of Evolution and Classical Genetics, some of the questions regarding evolution will include proof of evolution and extinction of species, and the questions pertaining to genetics will include topics such as inheritance and genetic disorders.

The category of Ecology will contain questions on populations, such as growth and competition; question on communities, such as the variance of species and niches; and questions about ecosystems.

The questions in the category of History, Philosophy, and Methodology of Science; Science, Technology, and Society will cover scientific perspectives and investigation, and the influence of technology and science on nature and society.

The Chemistry questions will cover the features of matter, including structure and properties; chemical reactions and states of equilibrium; safety rules and methods for testing in laboratories; and concerns associated with chemistry and the environment.

The questions in Physics will focus on mechanics, energy, electricity and magnetism, optics, atomic and nuclear physics, and the concerns of the environment related to physics.

The category of Earth and Space Science will include questioning of astronomy, oceanography, meteorology, geology, and concerns related to the environment.

In addition to covering these topics, the questions will also assess the examinee’s skill of recognizing and using principles of science to describe scientific occurrences.