240's OAE Earth and Space Science Study Guide Is 90% Test-Aligned
240's OAE Earth and Space Science 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 OAE Earth and Space Science 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 OAE Earth and Space Science (014) 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. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and processes for designing and carrying out scientific investigations. | S.Repeatability; S.Scientific Method; S.Background Research; S.Experimental Investigations; S.Scientific Lab Techniques | Covered | 69 | 5 | 22 | 2 | Covered by 5 topics (69 questions, 5 materials, 22 cards, 2 videos). |
| B. Apply methods and criteria for collecting, organizing, interpreting, analyzing, synthesizing, and presenting scientific data. | S.Best Chart for the Data; S.Proper Data Analysis; S.Trend Analysis of Scatterplots; S.Trend Analysis in Data - Natural Systems; S.Precision vs Accuracy; S.Error In Measurements | Covered | 43 | 6 | 25 | 0 | Covered by 6 topics (43 questions, 6 materials, 25 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Recognize the evidential basis of scientific claims. | S.Evidence, Models, and Explanation; S.Limits of Science; S.Observation vs Inference; S.Non-Experimental Investigations | Covered | 25 | 4 | 12 | 0 | Covered by 4 topics (25 questions, 4 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures and hazards associated with Earth and space science investigations and the materials, equipment, and technology used in Earth and space science. | S.Safety Rules; S.Emergency Procedures; S.Safety Icons; S.Maintaining Equipment; S.Proper Tool Use; S.Various Tools; S.Choose Appropriate Equipment - Advanced | Covered | 56 | 7 | 52 | 0 | Covered by 7 topics (56 questions, 7 materials, 52 cards, 0 videos). |
| E. Apply appropriate mathematical procedures, units, and scientific notation in reporting data and solving problems in Earth and space science. | S.Measures of Center and Range; M.Exponential and Scientific Notation; M.Measurement Principles; M.Choosing Appropriate Units; M.Converting Units - Proportional Reasoning; S.Significant Figures; S.Celestial Distance; S.Metric System; S.Converting Units - Dimensional Analysis | Covered | 107 | 9 | 22 | 5 | Covered by 9 topics (107 questions, 9 materials, 22 cards, 5 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of major scientific ideas. | S.Famous Experiments; S.Key History of Space Science | Covered | 15 | 2 | 50 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (15 questions, 2 materials, 50 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Demonstrate knowledge of major contemporary theories, models, and concepts in the other sciences, including physics, chemistry, and biology. | S.Interdisciplinary Connections; S.Key History of Science | Covered | 32 | 2 | 63 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (32 questions, 2 materials, 63 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Demonstrate knowledge of unifying themes, principles, and relationships that connect the different branches of the sciences and the uses and limitations of models. | S.Evidence, Models, and Explanation; S.Change, Constancy, and Measurements; S.Properties of Systems; S.Change In Systems; S.Form and Function; S.Variety of Methods Across Science | Covered | 65 | 6 | 15 | 0 | Covered by 6 topics (65 questions, 6 materials, 15 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Demonstrate knowledge of the major principles of the nature of science and its characteristics as a system of inquiry. | S.Evidence, Models, and Explanation; S.Limits of Science; S.Nature of Science; S.Prediction, Explanation, Theory, Fact | Covered | 32 | 4 | 10 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (32 questions, 4 materials, 10 cards, 1 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze the interrelationships of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the Earth and space sciences. | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| B. Evaluate scientific research and the validity of coverage of science in the media. | S.Read Scientific Publication; S.Ethics and Publishing | Partially covered | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Partial coverage by 2 topics (3 questions, 2 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| C. Analyze social, economic, and ethical issues associated with technological and scientific developments. | S.Careers in Science; S.Ethics; S.Ethics and Regulation; S.Decision Making; S.Healthy and Unhealthy Lifestyles; S.Human Populations Impact the Earth; S.Renewable vs Nonrenewable; S.Types of Power Sources | Covered | 89 | 8 | 11 | 1 | Covered by 8 topics (89 questions, 8 materials, 11 cards, 1 videos). |
| D. Demonstrate knowledge of maps, models, and other geospatial technologies used to present scientific information. | S.Models; S.Topographic Maps; S.Weather Tools | Covered | 31 | 3 | 15 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (31 questions, 3 materials, 15 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of relative dating and the use of technology in absolute dating to develop the geologic time scale. | S.Stratigraphy; S.Earth's History; S.Radioactivity; S.Half-life Calculations; S.Applications of Radioactivity | Covered | 54 | 5 | 26 | 0 | Covered by 5 topics (54 questions, 5 materials, 26 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Recognize causes and consequences of major events in Earth's geologic history. | S.Earth's History - Key Events; S.Earth's History - Physical Changes | Covered | 12 | 2 | 15 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (12 questions, 2 materials, 15 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Demonstrate knowledge of Earth's origin and the development of the atmosphere and hydrosphere. | S.Earth's History - Physical Changes | Partially covered | 4 | 1 | 6 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (4 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| D. Demonstrate knowledge of the origin and history of life, the fossil record, the process of fossil formation, and the theory of evolution. | S.Earth's History; S.Earth's History - Key Events; S.Formation of Fossils; S.Evolutionary History - Origin Theories; S.Earth's History - Evolutionary History; S.Macroevolution Evidence; Human Evolution | Covered | 74 | 7 | 36 | 0 | Covered by 7 topics (74 questions, 7 materials, 36 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze the landforms and geologic features that result from tectonic processes, and the evidence and methods used to establish the theory of plate tectonics. | S.Volcanoes; S.Earthquakes; S.Tectonic Plate Theory; S.Tectonics and Earthquake Patterns | Covered | 58 | 4 | 45 | 0 | Covered by 4 topics (58 questions, 4 materials, 45 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Demonstrate knowledge of the causes, characteristics, and impacts of different types of volcanic activity and the nature of erupted materials. | S.Volcanoes | Covered | 15 | 1 | 19 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (15 questions, 1 materials, 19 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Demonstrate knowledge of the causes, characteristics, and impacts of the geologic faulting and folding associated with earthquakes and mountain building. | S.Earthquakes; S.Tectonic Plate Theory; S.Advanced Earthquakes | Covered | 42 | 3 | 29 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (42 questions, 3 materials, 29 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Analyze the physical and chemical processes involved in the formation of metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks within the rock cycle. | S.Rock Cycle | Covered | 24 | 1 | 8 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (24 questions, 1 materials, 8 cards, 1 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the origin, characteristics, and classification of minerals, soil types, and rocks. | S.Properties of Rocks and Minerals; S.Soil; S.Types of Soil | Covered | 34 | 3 | 29 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (34 questions, 3 materials, 29 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Analyze the formation, extraction, and use of geologic resources. | S.Resource Extraction | Covered | 7 | 1 | 5 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Demonstrate knowledge of Earth's interior and the evidence and methods used to study Earth's internal structure. | S.Structures of Earth; S.Advanced Structures of Earth; S.Structures of Earth - Evidence | Covered | 23 | 3 | 17 | 1 | Covered by 3 topics (23 questions, 3 materials, 17 cards, 1 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze the processes and effects of physical and chemical weathering. | S.Constructive and Destructive Processes; S.Weathering and Erosion - Volcanic Islands and Glaciers | Covered | 41 | 2 | 26 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (41 questions, 2 materials, 26 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Analyze erosional processes and the impacts of erosion. | S.Constructive and Destructive Processes; S.Weathering and Erosion - Volcanic Islands and Glaciers | Covered | 41 | 2 | 26 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (41 questions, 2 materials, 26 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Demonstrate knowledge of the physical properties of alpine and continental glaciers and the ways in which they alter the landscape. | S.Weathering and Erosion - Volcanic Islands and Glaciers; S.Ice | Covered | 18 | 2 | 15 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (18 questions, 2 materials, 15 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Demonstrate knowledge of the processes of sediment transport and deposition in aquatic and terrestrial environments. | S.Constructive and Destructive Processes; S.River Features | Covered | 36 | 2 | 28 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (36 questions, 2 materials, 28 cards, 1 videos). |
| E. Demonstrate knowledge of how climatic and geographic conditions affect the landscape. | S.Watershed Ecology | Covered | 7 | 1 | 5 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Analyze the physical properties of water, including energy changes that occur in the hydrologic cycle. | S.Water Cycle; S.Water Cycle - Physical Processes Driving; S.Properties of Water; S.Hydrologic Analysis | Covered | 41 | 4 | 30 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (41 questions, 4 materials, 30 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Demonstrate knowledge of the chemical properties of water and how water chemistry changes during the hydrologic cycle. | S.Water Cycle; S.Properties of Water; S.Measuring Water Quality; S.Acid Rain | Covered | 43 | 4 | 29 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (43 questions, 4 materials, 29 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Analyze the interrelationship of the hydrosphere and other Earth systems. | S.Clouds; S.Weather vs Climate - El Nino and Jet Stream; S.Air Masses and Ocean Currents | Covered | 30 | 3 | 33 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (30 questions, 3 materials, 33 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the origins and physical structures of ocean basins and different types of coastlines. | S.Bodies of Water; S.Ocean Features; S.Ocean Zones; S.Shoreline Features; S.Island Features | Covered | 34 | 5 | 47 | 0 | Covered by 5 topics (34 questions, 5 materials, 47 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of ocean water. | S.Salt Water | Partially covered | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| C. Demonstrate knowledge of the causes and characteristics of ocean currents, waves, and tides. | S.Tides; S.Ocean Waves | Covered | 14 | 2 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (14 questions, 2 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Analyze the characteristics, formation, management, and use of geologic and biological marine resources. | 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. Demonstrate knowledge of the properties of surface water, factors affecting stream flow, the dynamics of drainage systems, and the functions of watersheds. | S.Surface Water vs Groundwater | Covered | 9 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (9 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Demonstrate knowledge of the properties of groundwater, including factors affecting the movement, infiltration, extraction, and quality of groundwater resources. | S.Runoff and Infiltration; S.Surface Water vs Groundwater; S.Porosity and Permeability | Covered | 25 | 3 | 12 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (25 questions, 3 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Analyze geologic factors affecting the availability, use, and management of freshwater resources. | S.Porosity and Permeability | Covered | 10 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Recognize the characteristics of the different layers and components of the atmosphere, and the role of gases and particulates in regulating conditions on Earth. | S.Composition and Layers of the Atmosphere; S.Effects of Atmosphere on Life; S.Global Warming; S.Ozone Depletion | Covered | 51 | 4 | 19 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (51 questions, 4 materials, 19 cards, 1 videos). |
| B. Analyze global wind patterns in relation to the Coriolis effect and the differential heating of Earth's surface by the sun. | S.Weather vs Climate - El Nino and Jet Stream; S.Air Masses and Ocean Currents; S.Uneven Heating of Earth; S.Global Winds | Covered | 28 | 4 | 17 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (28 questions, 4 materials, 17 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Demonstrate knowledge of the causes and effects of changes to the atmosphere due to human or natural activities. | S.Global Warming; S.Ozone Depletion; S.Effects of Natural Phenomena on Climate; S.Human Influences on Climate | Covered | 50 | 4 | 10 | 0 | Covered by 4 topics (50 questions, 4 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of high- and low-pressure systems, air masses, and fronts and the conditions under which these weather phenomena typically form. | S.Air Masses and Ocean Currents; S.Weather Charts | Covered | 28 | 2 | 17 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (28 questions, 2 materials, 17 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Analyze the conditions that produce different types of clouds, precipitation, and weather, including the effects of the subtropical and polar front jet streams. | S.Clouds; S.Weather vs Climate - El Nino and Jet Stream; S.Composition and Layers of the Atmosphere; S.Types of Precipitation | Covered | 42 | 4 | 40 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (42 questions, 4 materials, 40 cards, 1 videos). |
| C. Analyze the effects of geography and/or bodies of water on weather formation, including severe weather. | S.Air Masses and Ocean Currents; S.Effects of Land on Climate | Covered | 22 | 2 | 15 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (22 questions, 2 materials, 15 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Apply knowledge of weather maps and symbols and the instruments used to measure and predict weather conditions. | S.Weather Charts; S.Weather Points | Covered | 17 | 2 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (17 questions, 2 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the biotic and abiotic characteristics of Earth's major climate regions. | S.Major Biomes; S.Major Biomes - Animal Adaptations; S.Major Biomes - Plant Adaptations | Covered | 16 | 3 | 8 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (16 questions, 3 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Analyze the geographic factors and conditions responsible for unique climate phenomena, such as monsoons and the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO). | S.Weather vs Climate - El Nino and Jet Stream | Partially covered | 3 | 1 | 5 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (3 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| C. Demonstrate knowledge of the causes and effects of current and past changes in global climate, including the interrelationships of ecosystems, the hydrologic cycle, and human society. | S.Global Warming; S.Human Influences on Climate | Covered | 30 | 2 | 6 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (30 questions, 2 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the sun's structure, life cycle, and energy production. | S.The Sun; S.The Sun - Advanced; S.Fusion | Covered | 21 | 3 | 32 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (21 questions, 3 materials, 32 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics and evolution of different types of stars, including the process of nucleosynthesis. | S.Fusion; S.Star Characteristics; S.Star Life Cycle | Covered | 32 | 3 | 29 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (32 questions, 3 materials, 29 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Recognize the characteristics of the Milky Way Galaxy and other types of galaxies. | S.Advanced Solar System Components; S.Types of Galaxies | Covered | 8 | 2 | 26 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (8 questions, 2 materials, 26 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Analyze theories of the origin and nature of the universe and the characteristics of black holes, dark matter, supernovas, and quasars. | S.Origin of the Universe; S.Advanced Origin of Universe | Covered | 13 | 2 | 28 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (13 questions, 2 materials, 28 cards, 0 videos). |
| E. Demonstrate knowledge of the technology used to explore, and the evidence used to understand, the solar system, stars, extrasolar planets, galaxies, and the universe. | S.Advanced Origin of Universe; S.Space Science Technology | Covered | 10 | 2 | 30 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (10 questions, 2 materials, 30 cards, 0 videos). |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the origin and structure of the solar system. | S.Advanced Solar System Components; S.Orbits of the Solar System; S.Origin of the Solar System | Covered | 14 | 3 | 25 | 0 | Covered by 3 topics (14 questions, 3 materials, 25 cards, 0 videos). |
| B. Recognize the position and characteristics of the planets and their satellites. | S.Components of the Solar System | Covered | 21 | 1 | 30 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (21 questions, 1 materials, 30 cards, 0 videos). |
| C. Recognize the origin and characteristics of comets, asteroids, and meteors. | S.Properties of Celestial Bodies | Covered | 6 | 1 | 21 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 21 cards, 0 videos). |
| D. Recognize the physical and mathematical models and laws that describe the motions of objects in the solar system. | S.Kepler's Laws of Orbit | Partially covered | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (2 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| Official Competency | Matching 240 Topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. Demonstrate knowledge of the physical characteristics of the moon and Earth, including theories on their origin and the evidence used to support those theories. | None | Coverage gap identified | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | No matching topic found in the study guide. |
| B. Analyze the interactions of the sun, moon, and Earth, including the effects of these interactions on Earth systems and the evolution of the sun-moon-Earth system. | S.Night/Day and Time Zones; S.Seasons; S.Lunar Cycle; S.Eclipses | Covered | 70 | 4 | 33 | 2 | Covered by 4 topics (70 questions, 4 materials, 33 cards, 2 videos). |
| C. Analyze the apparent motions of stars and planets relative to Earth, and the characteristics of the celestial sphere. | S.Constellations and Navigation | Partially covered | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (2 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
How 240 Creates The OAE Earth and Space Science (014) Study Guide
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