FTCE Middle Grades Science (5-9) Exam 2026 | Verified Q&A
FTCE Middle Grades Science (5-9)
Certification Exam 2026
Complete Exam with Verified Questions and Answers
Already Graded A+ | 100% Verified
Comprehensive Q&A Across 4 Competencies
52 Questions with Detailed Rationales
May 2026
Page 1
, FTCE Middle Grades Science (5-9) Exam 2026 | Verified Q&A
Table of Contents
Competency 1: Nature of Science
Competency 2: Physical Sciences
Competency 3: Life Sciences
Competency 4: Earth & Space Sciences
Competency Questions Focus Areas
Competency 1 8 Scientific Method, Variables, Lab Safety, SDS, SI Units, Significant Figures,
Graphing, Statistics
Competency 2 15 Matter, Atomic Structure, Periodic Table, Bonding, Reactions, Acids/Bases, Newton's
Laws, Energy, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism
Competency 3 14 Cell Structure, Transport, Photosynthesis/Respiration, Genetics, DNA, Evolution,
Classification, Ecology, Biomes, Biogeochemical Cycles, Climate Change
Competency 4 15 Earth's Layers, Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes/Volcanoes, Rock Cycle, Geologic Time,
Atmosphere/Weather, Oceans, Solar System, Seasons/Eclipses, Stars, Big Bang
Note: Right-click Table of Contents in Word and select "Update Field" to refresh page numbers.
Page 2
, FTCE Middle Grades Science (5-9) Exam 2026 | Verified Q&A
Competency 1: Nature of Science
Question 1. A student designs an experiment to test whether the amount of sunlight affects plant growth.
She places three identical plants in windows receiving 2, 6, and 10 hours of sunlight daily while keeping
water, soil type, and temperature constant. In this experiment, which is the independent variable?
A. Plant height
B. Amount of sunlight
C. Type of soil
D. Amount of water
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The independent variable is the variable deliberately manipulated by the researcher. Here, the
amount of sunlight (2, 6, 10 hours) is intentionally changed. Plant height is the dependent variable (measured
outcome). Soil type and water are controlled variables (constants).
Question 2. Which of the following best describes the difference between a scientific law and a scientific
theory?
A. A law explains why phenomena occur; a theory describes what occurs
B. A law describes a consistent pattern in nature; a theory provides a comprehensive
explanation for why that pattern exists
C. A theory is proven with absolute certainty; a law is still being tested
D. Laws are used in chemistry; theories are used in biology only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A scientific law describes an observed, consistent pattern in nature (e.g., Newton's Law of
Universal Gravitation: F = Gm1m2/r2). A scientific theory provides a well-supported, comprehensive
explanation for why those patterns occur (e.g., the Theory of Plate Tectonics explains WHY continents move).
Both are well-supported by evidence; neither is 'proven' with absolute certainty.
Question 3. A student measures the mass of a rock as 15.42 g using a triple-beam balance. If the accepted
value is 15.50 g, what is the percent error?
A. 0.08%
B. 0.52%
C. 1.15%
D. 5.16%
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Percent error = |(Experimental - Accepted) / Accepted| x 100 = |(15.42 - 15.50) / 15.50| x 100 = |(-
0.08) / 15.50| x 100 = 0.516%, which rounds to 0.52%. This measures the accuracy of the measurement.
Page 3
FTCE Middle Grades Science (5-9)
Certification Exam 2026
Complete Exam with Verified Questions and Answers
Already Graded A+ | 100% Verified
Comprehensive Q&A Across 4 Competencies
52 Questions with Detailed Rationales
May 2026
Page 1
, FTCE Middle Grades Science (5-9) Exam 2026 | Verified Q&A
Table of Contents
Competency 1: Nature of Science
Competency 2: Physical Sciences
Competency 3: Life Sciences
Competency 4: Earth & Space Sciences
Competency Questions Focus Areas
Competency 1 8 Scientific Method, Variables, Lab Safety, SDS, SI Units, Significant Figures,
Graphing, Statistics
Competency 2 15 Matter, Atomic Structure, Periodic Table, Bonding, Reactions, Acids/Bases, Newton's
Laws, Energy, Waves, Electricity, Magnetism
Competency 3 14 Cell Structure, Transport, Photosynthesis/Respiration, Genetics, DNA, Evolution,
Classification, Ecology, Biomes, Biogeochemical Cycles, Climate Change
Competency 4 15 Earth's Layers, Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes/Volcanoes, Rock Cycle, Geologic Time,
Atmosphere/Weather, Oceans, Solar System, Seasons/Eclipses, Stars, Big Bang
Note: Right-click Table of Contents in Word and select "Update Field" to refresh page numbers.
Page 2
, FTCE Middle Grades Science (5-9) Exam 2026 | Verified Q&A
Competency 1: Nature of Science
Question 1. A student designs an experiment to test whether the amount of sunlight affects plant growth.
She places three identical plants in windows receiving 2, 6, and 10 hours of sunlight daily while keeping
water, soil type, and temperature constant. In this experiment, which is the independent variable?
A. Plant height
B. Amount of sunlight
C. Type of soil
D. Amount of water
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The independent variable is the variable deliberately manipulated by the researcher. Here, the
amount of sunlight (2, 6, 10 hours) is intentionally changed. Plant height is the dependent variable (measured
outcome). Soil type and water are controlled variables (constants).
Question 2. Which of the following best describes the difference between a scientific law and a scientific
theory?
A. A law explains why phenomena occur; a theory describes what occurs
B. A law describes a consistent pattern in nature; a theory provides a comprehensive
explanation for why that pattern exists
C. A theory is proven with absolute certainty; a law is still being tested
D. Laws are used in chemistry; theories are used in biology only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A scientific law describes an observed, consistent pattern in nature (e.g., Newton's Law of
Universal Gravitation: F = Gm1m2/r2). A scientific theory provides a well-supported, comprehensive
explanation for why those patterns occur (e.g., the Theory of Plate Tectonics explains WHY continents move).
Both are well-supported by evidence; neither is 'proven' with absolute certainty.
Question 3. A student measures the mass of a rock as 15.42 g using a triple-beam balance. If the accepted
value is 15.50 g, what is the percent error?
A. 0.08%
B. 0.52%
C. 1.15%
D. 5.16%
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Percent error = |(Experimental - Accepted) / Accepted| x 100 = |(15.42 - 15.50) / 15.50| x 100 = |(-
0.08) / 15.50| x 100 = 0.516%, which rounds to 0.52%. This measures the accuracy of the measurement.
Page 3
