Sec. IV Science Ministry Exam: How to Prepare

This is a written exam that students take individually. The time limit is 3 hours and 15 minutes.

The examination consists of the following:

• A Question Booklet
• A Student Booklet
• A Reference Document, which includes a list of formulas and quantities, the periodic table of elements, and the diagrams of the technical object
• A scannable answer sheet (for the June examination)
• A visual aid (an animated video showing how a technical object works)

The exam is divided into three sections. The first section is made up of multiple-choice questions, the second is made up of constructed-response questions, and the third is made up of questions on the technological analysis of a technical object. To answer the questions in this last section, a video showing how the technical object works will be shown in class, and students will be provided with diagrams of the technical object.

The Science and Technology (ST) exam consists of three sections, which are described in the following table.

The Applied Science and Technology (AST) exam consists of three sections, which are described in the following table.

The questions relating to the students’ proficiency in knowledge and ability to use it may be multiple-choice or constructed-response questions and may involve one of the following:

• Identification or understanding of a concept
• Identification or formulation of examples pertaining to a concept
• Simple application of a formula or an idea related to a concept
• Understanding of a combination of concepts
• Application of a complex procedure
• Explanation or justification of one or more concepts that may require analysis

The Science examination (Science and Technology or Applied Science and Technology) requires the use of several skills. A grid is used to evaluate the student based on the following criteria:

• Proficiency in subject-specific knowledge targeted in the Progression of Learning
• Relevant use of scientific and technological knowledge
• Appropriate formulation of explanations or solutions

During the compulsory Science examination, your child will be allowed to use the following materials:

• A ruler
• A calculator with or without a graphic display (the data stored in the memory must be erased before the examination)

The following materials are not permitted during the exam period: 

• Any digital device (smartphone, wireless headset, smartwatch, etc.) that makes it possible to communicate, browse the web, translate text, or write, store, or retrieve data

A reference document including the list of the formulas and quantities and a periodic table of elements will be provided.

Students will need to apply many concepts for this exam. To help make sure your child doesn’t forget any of them, remind them to do the following:

• Review the Concepts Subject to Assessment – AST evaluation
• Review the Concepts Subject to Assessment – ST evaluation
• Use their time wisely
• Read the questions carefully
• Show their work when asked

To help your child prepare for the exam and ensure they have a good grasp of the various concepts learned in class, you can encourage them to review the following resources:

• Our Science and Technology and Applied Science and Technology review guides
• Live Reviews (French only)
• Crash Lessons
• Exercises to review basic AST knowledge 
• Exercises to review basic ST knowledge
• The simulated AST science examination
• The simulated ST science examination
• Our concept sheet summarizing the contents of the ministry exam
• All of our study tips