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.
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.
- 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
How to Read This Alignment Review
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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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