240's MTLE Middle Level Science (Grades 5–8): Subtest 2 Study Guide Is 91% Test-Aligned

240's MTLE Middle Level Science (Grades 5–8): Subtest 2 study guide is built around the official exam framework so you can study what is actually tested. This page shows exactly how the guide maps to the real exam — SMR by SMR and competency by competency — so you can see where coverage is strongest, where some depth gaps remain, and how each part of the guide supports your prep.

91%
test-aligned
47
Fully covered
6
Partially covered
2
Coverage gap
Based on a competency-by-competency review of the official framework and the lessons, practice questions, flashcards, videos, and study materials included in this guide.
1392
Practice Questions
646
Flashcards
140
Study Materials
30
Videos

Why Test Alignment Matters for Your MTLE Middle Level Science (Grades 5–8): Subtest 2 Study Guide

Certification test standards are broad, but the exam questions are very specific. Our team of curriculum experts uses the 240 Study Guide Creation Process to ensure the most aligned, specific content for your MTLE Middle Level Science (Grades 5–8): Subtest 2 (037) test — so you are not wasting time on broad subject review that may not show up on exam day.

Why 240 Is the Best Choice for the MTLE 037 Study Guide
  • Built around the official exam framework
  • Organized by the competencies actually used on the exam
  • Shows exactly what is covered and where depth is partial
  • Includes aligned questions, flashcards, study materials, and videos
  • Helps candidates study what is actually tested instead of broad generic content
Transparent coverage is a strength. We show where the guide is strong, where depth is partial, and where a gap has been identified so you can make an informed study decision.

How to Read This Alignment Review

2 domains · 55 competencies reviewed · 91% test-aligned
Covered— competency is comprehensively supported by the guide
Partially covered— core content is covered, but some depth gaps remain
Coverage gap identified— a content gap has been identified
This study guide is based on the current official exam framework
We review and update alignment whenever the official framework changes so candidates are always studying current, accurate material.
LIFE SCIENCE (DOMAIN I) Partially covered
SMR I.0008 Understand the structures and functions of living organisms.
233 Qs22 Materials127 Cards6 VideosCovered
Official CompetencyMatching 240 TopicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
a. demonstrating knowledge of the macroscopic structure of a given common organism S.Major Groups of Eukaryotic Life Covered 32 1 20 0 Covered by 1 topic (32 questions, 1 materials, 20 cards, 0 videos).
b. demonstrating knowledge of the structure of a plant or animal organ system and the functions of those organ systems S.Human Body Systems; S.Plant Systems Basics; S.Vascular vs Nonvascular Plants; S.Plant Transportation; S.Plant Reproduction; S.Internal Transport; S.Exchange; S.Digestion and Excretory; S.Nutrition; S.Movement and Support; S.Reproduction and Development; S.Immune Systems; S.Control Systems Covered 130 13 78 3 Covered by 13 topics (130 questions, 13 materials, 78 cards, 3 videos).
c. demonstrating knowledge of processes used by common organisms (e.g., flowering and nonflowering plants, bacteria, mammals, amphibians) to sustain life S.Requirements of Life; S.Carbon-Based Life; S.Metabolism Molecules; S.Macromolecules Covered 32 4 14 2 Covered by 4 topics (32 questions, 4 materials, 14 cards, 2 videos).
d. recognizing how the structure and function of the components of a living system (e.g., coral reef, estuary, forest, grassland) support the overall function of that system S.Ecological Organization Covered 10 1 6 1 Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 1 videos).
e. analyzing how and why the structures (e.g., skeletal system, respiratory system) for a given function are different in different species S.Major Groups of Eukaryotic Life Covered 32 1 20 0 Covered by 1 topic (32 questions, 1 materials, 20 cards, 0 videos).
f. recognizing the origins, transmission, prevention, management, or cures for human diseases (e.g., heart disease, malaria, common cold) S.Immune Systems; S.Infectious Agents; S.Common Human Mutations; S.Genetic Research Covered 37 4 16 0 Covered by 4 topics (37 questions, 4 materials, 16 cards, 0 videos).
g. demonstrating knowledge of how a given immunity is established and how a given active or passive immunity functions in a human S.Immune Systems Covered 8 1 4 0 Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos).
SMR I.0009 Understand molecular and cellular life processes.
247 Qs24 Materials135 Cards6 VideosCovered
Official CompetencyMatching 240 TopicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
a. demonstrating knowledge of the cellular structures and related functions of different types of plant and animal cells, including the structural and functional differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells S.Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic; S.Parts of the Cell; S.Types of Cells Covered 47 3 26 2 Covered by 3 topics (47 questions, 3 materials, 26 cards, 2 videos).
b. demonstrating knowledge of how plants transform energy from the sun into food through the process of photosynthesis and how energy stored in food molecules is released through cellular respiration S.Respiration; S.Photosynthesis; S.Photosynthesis Reactions Covered 27 3 15 1 Covered by 3 topics (27 questions, 3 materials, 15 cards, 1 videos).
c. demonstrating knowledge of the cellular processes of DNA replication and protein synthesis S.DNA Replication; S.Transcription; S.Translation Covered 25 3 18 0 Covered by 3 topics (25 questions, 3 materials, 18 cards, 0 videos).
d. recognizing how the structures of different types of cells relate to their functions in tissues and organ systems S.Cells, Tissues, Organs, Organ Systems; S.Types of Cells Covered 19 2 15 1 Covered by 2 topics (19 questions, 2 materials, 15 cards, 1 videos).
e. recognizing the stages of mitosis and meiosis and their roles in growth and reproduction S.Asexual Reproduction; S.Sexual Reproduction; S.Mitosis; S.Meiosis; S.Somatic vs Sex Cells Covered 54 5 41 0 Covered by 5 topics (54 questions, 5 materials, 41 cards, 0 videos).
f. analyzing the inheritance of genetic traits and how sex is determined in plants and animals S.Somatic vs Sex Cells; S.Dominant vs Recessive; S.Punnett Squares; S.Punnett Squares - Dihybrid Crosses; S.Relationship Between Genes and Traits; S.Environmental vs Genetic; S.Learned vs Inherited Covered 60 7 24 2 Covered by 7 topics (60 questions, 7 materials, 24 cards, 2 videos).
g. recognizing how genetic changes (i.e., mutations) are expressed as traits (i.e., phenotypes) and the role these changes play in biological evolution S.Mutations; S.Populations Change (Not Individuals); S.Macroevolution Methods Covered 30 3 13 0 Covered by 3 topics (30 questions, 3 materials, 13 cards, 0 videos).
SMR I.0010 Understand the diversity and biological evolution of life.
62 Qs7 Materials20 Cards2 VideosPartially covered
Official CompetencyMatching 240 TopicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
a. analyzing the physical and behavioral adaptations that can occur in a given common species in response to environmental stresses S.Adaptations; S.Natural Selection Covered 32 2 5 2 Covered by 2 topics (32 questions, 2 materials, 5 cards, 2 videos).
b. recognizing the factors (e.g., geographic location, climate, natural and human-caused disturbances, invasive species) that affect species diversity in different ecosystems S.Major Biomes; S.Natural Selection; S.Artificial Selection; S.Genetic Isolation and Speciation Covered 35 4 13 1 Covered by 4 topics (35 questions, 4 materials, 13 cards, 1 videos).
c. demonstrating knowledge of the niches and habitats of common species in different ecosystems in the world's major biomes S.Habitats and Niches Partially covered 7 1 3 0 Partial coverage by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
d. analyzing the process of speciation (e.g., geographic isolation, founder effect, adaptive radiation) in living populations and the fossil record S.Genetic Isolation and Speciation Partially covered 7 1 2 0 Partial coverage by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
e. identifying organisms using a classification key S.Dichotomous Keys Partially covered 6 1 1 0 Partial coverage by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
SMR I.0011 Understand the interdependence among living things and the flow of energy and matter through ecosystems.
101 Qs9 Materials41 Cards5 VideosPartially covered
Official CompetencyMatching 240 TopicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
a. demonstrating knowledge of factors that influence the diversity and number of species in a given ecosystem S.Environment as a Pressure; S.Wildlife Impact on Ecosystems; S.Human Impact on Ecosystems; S.Growth Factors Covered 28 4 10 1 Covered by 4 topics (28 questions, 4 materials, 10 cards, 1 videos).
b. analyzing species interactions and interdependence in ecosystems (e.g., coral reefs, grasslands, rain forests, estuaries) S.Roles In Food Chain; S.Food Webs; S.Types of Relationships; S.Competition; S.Advanced Animal Behavior; S.Wildlife Impact on Ecosystems Covered 79 6 33 4 Covered by 6 topics (79 questions, 6 materials, 33 cards, 4 videos).
c. demonstrating knowledge of the biotic and abiotic components of a given niche, habitat, ecosystem, or biome S.Growth Factors Covered 12 1 6 1 Covered by 1 topic (12 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 1 videos).
d. analyzing the cycling of matter and the flow of energy in a given ecosystem, and the structure of food webs in different ecosystems, including the roles of decomposers, producers, and consumers S.Roles In Food Chain; S.Food Webs Covered 41 2 15 2 Covered by 2 topics (41 questions, 2 materials, 15 cards, 2 videos).
e. recognizing how environmental changes in an organism's habitat can elicit a specific behavioral response in the organism S.Environment as a Pressure Partially covered 3 1 1 0 Partial coverage by 1 topic (3 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE (DOMAIN II) Partially covered
SMR II.0012 Understand linear motion and forces.
194 Qs18 Materials81 Cards5 VideosCovered
Official CompetencyMatching 240 TopicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
a. analyzing one-dimensional and two-dimensional linear motion (e.g., average speed, direction) using graphs, diagrams, vectors, and simple mathematical relationships S.Motion Terms; S.Motion Graphs; S.Momentum; S.Force Vectors and Diagrams Covered 62 4 19 2 Covered by 4 topics (62 questions, 4 materials, 19 cards, 2 videos).
b. applying Newton's laws to analyze the forces acting on an object represented in free-body vector diagrams, graphs, or descriptions of everyday phenomena S.Motion Graphs; S.Force and Newton's Laws; S.Newton's First Law; S.Newton's Second Law; S.Newton's Third Law; S.Force Vectors and Diagrams Covered 77 6 18 2 Covered by 6 topics (77 questions, 6 materials, 18 cards, 2 videos).
c. analyzing changes in the kinetic and potential energy of a system (e.g., pendulum, mass on a spring) and the transfer of energy into or out of a system of interacting objects (e.g., loss of heat due to friction) S.Types of Energy; S.Endothermic vs Exothermic; S.Conservation of Energy Calculations; S.Applications of Conservation of Energy; S.Types of Energy Transfers By Humans; S.Types of Energy Transfers in Ecology; S.Types of Energy Transfers in Space; S.Force and Newton's Laws; S.Work, Energy, Power - Calculations; S.Force Vectors and Diagrams; S.Efficiency; S.Periodic Motion Covered 128 12 65 3 Covered by 12 topics (128 questions, 12 materials, 65 cards, 3 videos).
d. analyzing the observed motion of an object in a system of interacting objects in terms of balanced and unbalanced forces and the conservation of energy S.Conservation of Energy Calculations; S.Force and Newton's Laws Covered 37 2 13 1 Covered by 2 topics (37 questions, 2 materials, 13 cards, 1 videos).
SMR II.0013 Understand vibrations, wave motion, and the behavior of light.
127 Qs13 Materials64 Cards0 VideosCovered
Official CompetencyMatching 240 TopicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
a. analyzing the wavelength, amplitude, period, and frequency of a given oscillating object or wave, including changes in the pitch or intensity of sound waves S.Properties of Waves; S.Sound Covered 50 2 20 0 Covered by 2 topics (50 questions, 2 materials, 20 cards, 0 videos).
b. analyzing the wave motion of a standing or traveling wave in a given medium S.Properties of Waves Covered 18 1 13 0 Covered by 1 topic (18 questions, 1 materials, 13 cards, 0 videos).
c. analyzing how sound waves are affected when the source of the sound is in motion S.Sound; S.Doppler Effect Covered 43 2 10 0 Covered by 2 topics (43 questions, 2 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos).
d. demonstrating knowledge of the chromatic composition of light and how humans perceive an object and its color S.Light; S.Electromagnetic Spectrum; S.Reflection and Refraction; S.Prisms; S.Diffraction and Dispersion; S.Absorption and Transmission; S.Interference, scattering, and polarization; S.Applications of Waves - Optical Technologies Covered 55 8 36 0 Covered by 8 topics (55 questions, 8 materials, 36 cards, 0 videos).
e. analyzing the reflection, refraction, transmission, and absorption of light when it encounters an object, plane or curved mirror, prism, or convex or concave lens S.Reflection and Refraction; S.Mirrors; S.Lenses; S.Prisms; S.Absorption and Transmission Covered 36 5 20 0 Covered by 5 topics (36 questions, 5 materials, 20 cards, 0 videos).
f. applying the laws of reflection and refraction to explain magnification and the production of virtual and real images in a pinhole system or in a simple system of lenses and mirrors S.Reflection and Refraction; S.Mirrors; S.Lenses; S.Applications of Waves - Optical Technologies Covered 29 4 18 0 Covered by 4 topics (29 questions, 4 materials, 18 cards, 0 videos).
SMR II.0014 Understand electricity and magnetism.
93 Qs11 Materials40 Cards1 VideosCovered
Official CompetencyMatching 240 TopicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
a. demonstrating knowledge of electrostatics and experiments, and measurements that demonstrate the charge of a given object S.Electrostatic Forces Covered 9 1 2 0 Covered by 1 topic (9 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos).
b. analyzing experiments and measurements that demonstrate the movement of electrons and changes in the charge of interacting objects S.Electricity and Magnetism; S.Electrical Charges; S.Types of Voltage Sources; S.Electrical Conductor vs Insulator Covered 35 4 20 1 Covered by 4 topics (35 questions, 4 materials, 20 cards, 1 videos).
c. demonstrating knowledge of the properties of magnets, and experiments that demonstrate those properties S.Electricity and Magnetism; S.Magnetic Materials; S.Magnetic Forces and Fields; S.Electromagnets Covered 44 4 18 0 Covered by 4 topics (44 questions, 4 materials, 18 cards, 0 videos).
d. analyzing the magnetic field of a straight current-carrying wire and a current-carrying solenoid S.Magnetic Forces and Fields; S.Electromagnets Covered 18 2 9 0 Covered by 2 topics (18 questions, 2 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos).
e. recognizing a circuit consisting of batteries, bulbs, and switches that meets a given design criteria for the brightness and control of the bulbs S.Circuits; S.Currents - DC vs AC; S.Power Covered 25 3 15 0 Covered by 3 topics (25 questions, 3 materials, 15 cards, 0 videos).
SMR II.0015 Understand the properties and structure of matter.
217 Qs24 Materials127 Cards4 VideosPartially covered
Official CompetencyMatching 240 TopicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
a. applying knowledge of the properties of matter, including mass, density, volume, concentration, melting and boiling points, and solubility limits of a given substance S.Phase Changes; S.Physical Properties; S.Physical Properties of Fluids; S.Mixtures and Solutions; S.Types of Solutions; S.Molarity; S.Solubility Covered 69 7 44 2 Covered by 7 topics (69 questions, 7 materials, 44 cards, 2 videos).
b. recognizing the differences between pure elements, compounds, solutions, suspensions, and colloids S.Elements and Compounds; S.Mixtures and Solutions Covered 24 2 10 1 Covered by 2 topics (24 questions, 2 materials, 10 cards, 1 videos).
c. demonstrating knowledge of the processes of distillation, precipitation, extraction, and chromatography S.Separating Mixtures Covered 5 1 6 0 Covered by 1 topic (5 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos).
d. demonstrating knowledge of the basic atomic and subatomic constituents of matter S.Parts of an Atom; S.Atomic Models; S.Atoms and Molecules Covered 24 3 15 1 Covered by 3 topics (24 questions, 3 materials, 15 cards, 1 videos).
e. analyzing the properties of a gas, liquid, or solid in terms of kinetic theory, intermolecular forces, and the arrangement and motion of atoms, ions, or molecules S.States of Matter; S.Phase Changes; S.Molecular Structure of Materials Affecting Physical Properties; S.Kinetic Molecular Theory of Matter; S.Gas Laws Covered 56 5 35 2 Covered by 5 topics (56 questions, 5 materials, 35 cards, 2 videos).
f. applying knowledge of the periodic table and the principles for filling the electron orbitals of atoms in order to explain periodic trends in electrical conductivity and ionization energy and the metallic character of a given set of elements S.Electron Arrangements; S.Periodic Table; S.Periodic Table and Physical Properties; S.Periodic Table and Chemical Properties Covered 48 4 30 0 Covered by 4 topics (48 questions, 4 materials, 30 cards, 0 videos).
g. applying knowledge of the periodic table to predict the covalent, ionic, or metallic nature of a bond in a given substance None Coverage gap identified 0 0 0 0 No matching topic found in the study guide.
h. analyzing the changes in matter and energy that occur in the nuclear processes of radioactive decay, fission, and fusion S.Fission; S.Fusion; S.Radioactivity; S.Applications of Radioactivity Covered 25 4 10 0 Covered by 4 topics (25 questions, 4 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos).
i. applying knowledge of the unique structure of carbon to explain how that structure results in the large variety of organic molecules None Coverage gap identified 0 0 0 0 No matching topic found in the study guide.
SMR II.0016 Understand chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics.
118 Qs12 Materials49 Cards1 VideosPartially covered
Official CompetencyMatching 240 TopicsAlignmentQsMatsCardsVidsNotes
a. demonstrating knowledge of chemical symbols, formulas, and the characteristics of different types of chemical bonds S.Types of Bonds; S.Chemical Formulas; S.Advanced Chemical Formulas Covered 36 3 14 0 Covered by 3 topics (36 questions, 3 materials, 14 cards, 0 videos).
b. recognizing the properties of acids and bases S.pH; S.pH to Molarity; S.Neutralization; S.Buffers Covered 37 4 11 1 Covered by 4 topics (37 questions, 4 materials, 11 cards, 1 videos).
c. demonstrating knowledge of balancing chemical equations, and the changes in the energy and arrangement of atoms for a given chemical reaction S.Chemical Equations; S.Balancing Chemical Reactions Covered 21 2 6 0 Covered by 2 topics (21 questions, 2 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos).
d. recognizing different types of chemical reactions (e.g., oxidation-reduction, acid-base, free radical, precipitation) S.Types of Reactions Covered 10 1 9 0 Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos).
e. demonstrating knowledge of the first and second laws of thermodynamics, and the changes in the enthalpy and entropy that occur during a given chemical reaction S.Laws of Thermodynamics Covered 8 1 9 0 Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos).
f. demonstrating knowledge of factors (e.g., effective particle collisions, temperature, concentration) that can affect the spontaneity and rate of a given chemical reaction S.Enzymes Partially covered 6 1 1 0 Partial coverage by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
g. recognizing how changes in the concentration of reactants and products, the introduction of a catalyst, or changes in temperature or pressure can be used to predict the change in the equilibrium state of a given chemical reaction S.Enzymes Partially covered 6 1 1 0 Partial coverage by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.

How 240 Creates The MTLE Middle Level Science (Grades 5–8): Subtest 2 (037) Study Guide

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Every 240 study guide starts with the official exam framework. From there, we organize lessons, practice, and study tools around the categories the exam uses to measure candidate knowledge.

1
Review the official exam framework
We begin with the standards, domains, competencies, objectives, or content categories published by the testing authority.
2
Map the tested categories
We map every major area the exam is designed to cover so the guide reflects the real structure of the test.
3
Build lessons around tested content
We create study materials to support the official blueprint, not broad filler content.
4
Cross-check practice against exam expectations
We review practice content against the framework and real exam patterns so preparation stays targeted.
5
Review and update as standards change
When official frameworks change, we review guides and update alignment as needed.

Reviewed by subject-matter experts and maintained to reflect current standards.

Built By Teachers for Teachers

You're not on this journey alone. Our 240 teachers have firsthand experience with these exams. Real teachers with real experience are behind the scenes to help guide you into the classroom where YOU belong.

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Curriculum Specialist for 240

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Former Illinois Teacher

Curriculum Coordinator for 240

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Former Texas Teacher

Curriculum Specialist for 240

Abigail

Former Arizona & Illinois Teacher

Curriculum Coordinator for 240

Katy

Former Texas Teacher

Curriculum Writer for 240

Blair

Former Texas Teacher

Curriculum Writer for 240

Brooke

Former Idaho teacher

Curriculum Writer for 240

Hannah

Former Minnesota Teacher

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Why 240 Is Better Than Other Generic Study Guides

Not all study guides are built the same way. Here is what separates a test-aligned guide from a generic one — and why it matters when you are preparing for the MTLE Middle Level Science (Grades 5–8): Subtest 2.

Generic
Generic Prep
Covers broad subject areas without structure
No clear connection to the official exam framework
Practice questions may not reflect the real test format
May not update when official standards change
~Can be helpful for quick, broad review
Test-aligned
240 Test-Aligned MTLE 037 Prep
Every lesson maps to an official domain or competency
Built directly from the official exam framework
Practice questions aligned to what the exam actually measures
A clear study path by tested category
Study smarter and enter test day more prepared

FAQs About the MTLE Middle Level Science (Grades 5–8): Subtest 2 Study Guide

The questions teacher candidates ask us most often about the MTLE Middle Level Science (Grades 5–8): Subtest 2 study guide.

1
Is 240 a good study guide for MTLE Middle Level Science (Grades 5–8): Subtest 2?
240 is a strong option because the guide is built around the official exam framework and shows detailed alignment by SMR and competency.
2
How closely does 240 align to the MTLE 037 exam?
This guide is 91% aligned based on a competency-by-competency review of the official framework and the study resources included in the guide.
3
Does 240 cover every competency?
This page shows coverage transparently across covered, partially covered, and identified gaps so candidates can see exactly how the guide maps to the exam.
4
What does “partially covered” mean?
Partially covered means the guide addresses the core parts of a competency, but some depth or subtopics may still be limited.

Study What's Actually on the MTLE 037 Exam

Start with a study guide built around the real exam. 240's guide maps lessons and study tools to official competencies so you can prepare more efficiently and more confidently.