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Praxis Practice Questions

Praxis 5442 Practice Questions

Middle School: Content Knowledge -- Science — Practice with sample questions covering all four Praxis 5442 content domains: physical sciences, life sciences, earth and space sciences, and science and engineering practices. Each question includes a detailed explanation.

125
Total Questions
2.5 hours
Time Limit
Varies by state (typically 150)
Passing Score
~$130
Registration Fee

Free Sample Questions

Here are 5 free sample questions from our full bank of 200+ Praxis 5442 practice questions. Try them out below — click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct response and explanation.

1

A student heats a beaker of water from 20 degrees C to 80 degrees C. Which of the following BEST explains what happens to the water molecules as the temperature increases?

AA) The molecules expand in size and take up more space individually
BB) The molecules move faster and the average distance between them increases
CC) The molecules gain mass as they absorb thermal energy
DD) The molecules bond together more tightly due to increased kinetic energy
2

In a food web, a population of rabbits is suddenly reduced by disease. What is the MOST likely short-term effect on the ecosystem?

AA) Predator populations such as foxes would immediately increase
BB) Plant populations that rabbits feed on would likely increase
CC) Decomposer populations would decrease because of less waste
DD) The entire food web would collapse without the rabbit population
3

A student notices that the same side of the Moon always faces Earth. Which of the following BEST explains this observation?

AA) The Moon does not rotate on its axis at all
BB) The Moon's rotation period is equal to its orbital period around Earth
CC) Earth's gravity prevents the Moon from spinning
DD) The Moon rotates much faster than it orbits, creating an illusion of one face
4

A student designs an experiment to determine whether the amount of sunlight affects plant growth. She places identical seedlings in four locations receiving different amounts of light but keeps soil type, water, and temperature the same. Which scientific practice is the student PRIMARILY demonstrating?

AA) Developing and using models to predict outcomes
BB) Controlling variables to isolate the effect of one factor
CC) Analyzing and interpreting previously collected data sets
DD) Engaging in argument from evidence gathered by others
5

Which of the following BEST describes how energy is transferred during the process of convection in Earth's atmosphere?

AA) Energy travels as electromagnetic waves directly through the air
BB) Warm air rises and cool air sinks, creating circulation patterns that transfer heat
CC) Heat moves through direct contact between air molecules without any bulk movement
DD) Energy is transferred when water changes from liquid to solid in clouds

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About the Praxis 5442

Format & Structure

Total Questions
125
Time Limit
2.5 hours
Format
Selected-response (multiple choice)

Scoring & Cost

Passing Score
Varies by state (typically 150)
Registration Fee
~$130

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Praxis 5442 cover?

The Praxis 5442 (Middle School: Content Knowledge -- Science) assesses your understanding of four main content domains: physical sciences, life sciences, earth and space sciences, and science and engineering practices. It's designed to evaluate whether you have the subject-matter knowledge needed to teach science at the middle school level.

How many questions are on the Praxis 5442?

The Praxis 5442 contains 125 selected-response (multiple-choice) questions. You'll have 2.5 hours to complete all of them, which works out to roughly one minute and twelve seconds per question. Some questions may be unscored pilot items being field-tested for future use, but you won't know which ones they are.

What score do I need to pass the Praxis 5442?

Passing scores vary by state, but a score of around 150 is a common benchmark. Some states set the bar slightly higher or lower. You should check the ETS Praxis website or contact your state's department of education for the exact passing score required in your state.

Who needs to take the Praxis 5442?

The Praxis 5442 is typically required for aspiring middle school science teachers seeking initial licensure or certification. If your state requires a content-knowledge assessment for middle school science endorsement, this is likely the one you'll need. Some states also accept it for adding a science endorsement to an existing teaching license.

What is the difference between the Praxis 5442 and the Praxis 5412?

The Praxis 5442 focuses specifically on middle school science content -- physical, life, earth, and space sciences at a level appropriate for grades 6-9. The Praxis 5412, on the other hand, covers middle school content across multiple subjects (math, science, social studies, English language arts). If you're seeking certification specifically in middle school science, the 5442 is the more targeted assessment.

What are the best ways to study for the Praxis 5442?

Start by reviewing the content domains and their approximate weights: physical sciences, life sciences, earth and space sciences, and science practices. Focus extra time on whichever area you're weakest in. Practice with realistic questions that include explanations, so you understand why each answer is correct. Reviewing middle school science textbooks and working through hands-on experiment scenarios can also help, since the assessment emphasizes applying knowledge rather than just recalling facts.

How much does the Praxis 5442 cost, and can I retake it?

The registration fee for the Praxis 5442 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, though the waiting period and cost can add up.

What content domains are weighted most heavily on the Praxis 5442?

The four content domains are weighted roughly evenly, though physical sciences and life sciences tend to carry slightly more weight than earth/space sciences and science practices. ETS publishes the approximate percentage breakdowns in the official study companion. Reviewing those percentages can help you allocate study time effectively rather than spending equal time on every topic.

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