Praxis Practice Questions

Praxis 5412 Practice Questions

General Science: Content KnowledgePractice with free sample questions covering all Praxis 5412 content areas: Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and Scientific Methodology. Each question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concepts.

135
Total Questions
2.5 hours
Time Limit
Varies by state (typically 155)
Passing Score
~$130
Registration Fee

Free Sample Questions

Here are 5 free sample questions from our full bank of 200+ Praxis 5412 practice questions. Try them out below — click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct response and explanation.

1

A ball is thrown vertically upward from the ground. At the highest point of its trajectory, which of the following is true?

AA) Both velocity and acceleration are zero
BB) Velocity is zero, but acceleration is equal to g downward
CC) Velocity is at its maximum, and acceleration is zero
DD) Both velocity and acceleration are at their maximum values
2

In a food web, what would MOST likely happen to a population of secondary consumers if a disease eliminated most of the primary consumers in the ecosystem?

AA) The secondary consumer population would increase due to less competition
BB) The secondary consumer population would decline because its food source is reduced
CC) The secondary consumer population would remain unchanged
DD) The secondary consumers would immediately switch to photosynthesis for energy
3

Which layer of Earth's interior is responsible for the convection currents that drive plate tectonics?

AA) Inner core
BB) Outer core
CC) Asthenosphere (upper mantle)
DD) Lithosphere
4

A student mixes baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with vinegar (acetic acid) in a beaker and observes bubbling. Which statement BEST explains what is happening?

AA) A physical change is occurring because the substances are simply dissolving
BB) A chemical reaction is producing carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate
CC) The vinegar is evaporating rapidly due to the addition of the solid
DD) The baking soda is sublimating from solid directly into a gas
5

A researcher is studying the effect of a new fertilizer on tomato plant growth. She sets up 20 identical pots with the same soil, sunlight, and watering schedule. Ten pots receive the fertilizer, and ten do not. Which part of this experimental design represents the control group?

AA) The ten pots that receive the fertilizer
BB) The ten pots that do not receive the fertilizer
CC) The type of soil used in all pots
DD) The amount of sunlight each pot receives

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About the Praxis 5412

Format & Structure

Total Questions
135
Time Limit
2.5 hours
Format
Selected-response (multiple choice)

Scoring & Cost

Passing Score
Varies by state (typically 155)
Registration Fee
~$130

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Praxis 5412 cover?

The Praxis 5412, officially titled 'General Science: Content Knowledge,' assesses your understanding across four broad content areas: Physical Science (physics and chemistry), Life Science (biology), Earth and Space Science (geology, meteorology, astronomy), and Science, Technology, and Society (scientific inquiry, methodology, and lab safety). It's designed to measure whether you have the foundational science knowledge needed to teach general science at the secondary level.

How many questions are on the Praxis 5412?

The Praxis 5412 contains 135 selected-response (multiple choice) questions, and you'll have 2.5 hours to complete them. That works out to roughly one minute per question, so pacing yourself is important. Not all questions are scored -- some are pre-test items being evaluated for future use, but you won't know which ones those are.

What score do I need to pass the Praxis 5412?

Passing scores vary by state, but most states require a score of around 155. Some states set their cutoff a bit higher or lower, so you'll want to check with your state's department of education or the ETS Praxis website for the exact requirement. Scores are reported on a scale of 100-200.

Who needs to take the Praxis 5412?

The Praxis 5412 is typically required for aspiring general science teachers seeking certification at the middle or secondary school level. If your state requires a content knowledge assessment for science teaching licensure and you're not specializing in a single discipline like biology or chemistry, this is likely the one you'll need. Check your state's certification requirements to confirm.

How are the content domains weighted on the Praxis 5412?

The approximate content breakdown is: Physical Science makes up about 36% of the questions, Life Science about 32%, Earth and Space Science roughly 20%, and Science, Technology, and Society around 12%. Physical and life science together account for about two-thirds of the assessment, so those areas deserve the most study time.

What's the best way to study for the Praxis 5412?

Start by taking a diagnostic practice session to figure out where your gaps are -- most people are stronger in some science areas than others. Then prioritize studying your weaker domains, especially physical and life science since they carry the most weight. Use practice questions with detailed explanations so you actually understand the concepts, not just memorize answers. Even 30-40 minutes of focused daily review is more effective than occasional cramming sessions.

How much does the Praxis 5412 cost, and can I retake it?

The registration fee is approximately $130. If you don't pass on your first attempt, you can retake it, but you'll need to wait at least 28 days between attempts and pay the full registration fee again. There's no limit on the total number of retakes. Because of the cost and waiting period, it's worth investing solid preparation time before your first attempt.

Can I use a calculator on the Praxis 5412?

Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided during the assessment. You won't need to bring your own, and you won't be allowed to use a personal calculator. The on-screen calculator handles basic arithmetic, so the questions focus more on your understanding of scientific concepts than on complex calculations.

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