Praxis II Chemistry, Physics, and General Science Exam

The Chemistry, Physics, and General Science exam of the Praxis II Series is taken by future junior and senior high school teachers who intend on teaching chemistry, physics, or general science. At the time of examination, individuals should have earned a bachelor’s degree or be approaching graduation from a bachelor’s degree program. This two hour exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions that are divided as follows among five categories:

• 36 questions covering Chemistry
• 36 questions covering Physics
• 24 questions covering Major Ideas of Chemistry and Physics
• 12 questions covering Earth and Space Science
• 12 questions covering Life Science

The questions in the category of Chemistry will examine knowledge of kinetics, the chemistry of acid and bases, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, biochemistry, and organic and inorganic chemistry. Also included in the area is oxidation, solutions, formulas, the mole, periodicity, and lab safety associated with chemistry.

The contents of the Physics category will include mechanics, which consists of fluid, kinematics, and dynamics. Also, magnetism and electricity which consists of fields, forces, and laws of magnetism and electricity; conductors; and circuitry will be questioned. In addition, optics and waves, modern physics, and the concerns of physics as related to the environment will be included in the Physics category.

The Major Ideas of Chemistry and Physics involve the scientific method and the gathering and interpreting of data, as well as subjects such as radioactivity and thermodynamics, and characteristics of atoms. Also in this category of questioning are properties and theories such as those associated to molecular kinetics, matter, and physical and chemical transformations.

The questions regarding Earth and Space Science will cover the subject of astronomy, geology, meteorology, and oceanography, as well as concerns of the environment linked to these sciences. The questions on astronomy may cover the solar system, galaxies, and the universe, and the investigation of space. Geology questions will be in areas such as rocks and minerals, weathering and erosion, topographic geology, and historical geology. The meteorology questions cover the basics, such as climate and weather systems, and the atmosphere. Oceanography consists of biological, geological, chemical and physical features of water.

The Life Science category consists of questions pertaining to topics of cells, ecology, and organisms, in addition to the questions on the relationship of life science to the environment.

Examinees should be aware that calculators are not allowed for this exam.