Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Science (8005) Test Alignment

Why Test Alignment Matters for Your Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: 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 Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Science (8005) 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 Praxis 8005 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

4Domains

76Competencies reviewed

84%Test-aligned

58Covered

11Partially covered

7Gaps

CoveredCompetency is comprehensively supported by the guide.
Partially coveredCore content is covered, but some depth gaps remain.
Coverage gap identifiedA 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.

Earth and Space Sciences (Domain I)Covered

SMR I.A · Physical and Historical Geology160 questions · 9 materials · 70 cards · 3 videosCovered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Qs	Mats	Cards	Vids	Notes
1. Knows the basic structure of Earth	S.Structures of Earth; S.Earth's Magnetic Field	Covered	20	2	11	1	Covered by 2 topics (20 questions, 2 materials, 11 cards, 1 videos).
2. Understands the processes involved in rock and mineral formation	S.Properties of Rocks and Minerals; S.Rock Cycle	Covered	50	2	22	1	Covered by 2 topics (50 questions, 2 materials, 22 cards, 1 videos).
3. Understands the processes and effects of weathering, erosion, and deposition, including wind, water, ice, and vegetation	S.Constructive and Destructive Processes	Covered	29	1	14	1	Covered by 1 topic (29 questions, 1 materials, 14 cards, 1 videos).
4. Understands the concepts of plate tectonics and the processes involved with earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building	S.Constructive and Destructive Processes; S.Earthquakes	Covered	37	2	24	1	Covered by 2 topics (37 questions, 2 materials, 24 cards, 1 videos).
5. Understands how geologic history can be learned by identifying patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers that relate to changes over time	S.Formation of Fossils	Covered	20	1	3	0	Covered by 1 topic (20 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos).
6. Understands the human impact on land, water, air, and living things, and how to reduce negative human impacts	S.Human Populations Impact the Earth; S.Environmental Stewardship	Covered	33	2	11	0	Covered by 2 topics (33 questions, 2 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos).

SMR I.B · Hydrosphere and Atmosphere168 questions · 16 materials · 114 cards · 5 videosCovered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Qs	Mats	Cards	Vids	Notes
1. Understands basic characteristics and processes in the ocean	S.Water Cycle; S.Salt Water; S.Ocean Zones - Elementary; S.Ocean Features	Covered	34	3	24	1	Covered by 4 topics (34 questions, 3 materials, 24 cards, 1 videos).
2. Knows the distribution and characteristics of freshwater and salt water on Earth, including rivers, streams, lakes, polar ice, glaciers, and groundwater	S.Surface Water vs Groundwater; S.Bodies of Water; S.Porosity and Permeability	Covered	29	3	20	0	Covered by 3 topics (29 questions, 3 materials, 20 cards, 0 videos).
3. Knows the basic structure and composition of Earth's atmosphere	S.Composition and Layers of the Atmosphere	Covered	20	1	12	1	Covered by 1 topic (20 questions, 1 materials, 12 cards, 1 videos).
4. Understands basic principles involved in weather conditions, including clouds, precipitation, storms, and tornadoes	S.Weather vs Climate; S.Clouds; S.Types of Precipitation; S.Predicting Severe Weather; S.Uneven Heating of Earth; S.Air Masses and Ocean Currents	Covered	56	6	53	2	Covered by 6 topics (56 questions, 6 materials, 53 cards, 2 videos).
5. Understands the basic distribution of climates in different regions of the world and variations due to seasons	S.Weather vs Climate	Covered	11	1	7	1	Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 7 cards, 1 videos).
6. Understands the effects of human use of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources	S.Renewable vs Nonrenewable; S.Effects of Technology; S.Types of Power Sources	Covered	29	3	6	1	Covered by 3 topics (29 questions, 3 materials, 6 cards, 1 videos).

SMR I.C · Astronomy124 questions · 9 materials · 122 cards · 2 videosCovered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Qs	Mats	Cards	Vids	Notes
1. Understands the processes involved in solar eclipses, lunar eclipses, and phases of the Moon	S.Lunar Cycle; S.Eclipses	Covered	39	2	11	2	Covered by 2 topics (39 questions, 2 materials, 11 cards, 2 videos).
2. Understands the effects of the Moon and the Sun on tides, and how Earth’s tilt results in seasons	S.Tides; S.Seasons; S.Night/Day and Time Zones	Covered	41	3	28	0	Covered by 3 topics (41 questions, 3 materials, 28 cards, 0 videos).
3. Knows the basic properties of objects in the solar system, including the Sun, planets, asteroids, and comets	S.Components of the Solar System; S.The Sun	Covered	29	2	45	0	Covered by 2 topics (29 questions, 2 materials, 45 cards, 0 videos).
4. Knows the basic structure of the universe, including galaxies, stars, and black holes	S.Origin of the Universe; S.Properties of Celestial Bodies	Covered	15	2	46	0	Covered by 2 topics (15 questions, 2 materials, 46 cards, 0 videos).

Life Sciences (Domain II)Partially covered

SMR II.A · Cells and Organization99 questions · 8 materials · 66 cards · 4 videosCovered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Qs	Mats	Cards	Vids	Notes
1. Understands the general structure and function of a cell and the structure and function of basic cell organelles	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).
2. Understands the basic mechanisms of cell division	S.Mitosis; S.Asexual Reproduction	Covered	22	2	21	0	Covered by 2 topics (22 questions, 2 materials, 21 cards, 0 videos).
3. Understands the processes and purposes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration	S.Photosynthesis; S.Respiration	Covered	19	2	15	1	Covered by 2 topics (19 questions, 2 materials, 15 cards, 1 videos).
4. Understands the organization of the human body, including tissues, organs, and systems	S.Cells, Tissues, Organs, Organ Systems	Covered	11	1	6	1	Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 1 videos).

SMR II.B · Genetics and Evolution93 questions · 7 materials · 24 cards · 4 videosCovered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Qs	Mats	Cards	Vids	Notes
1. Understands basic patterns of inheritance, including genes, and understands that plants and animals have traits inherited from parents	S.Sexual Reproduction; S.Dominant vs Recessive; S.Genetic Research - Agriculture; S.Punnett Squares	Covered	51	4	15	2	Covered by 4 topics (51 questions, 4 materials, 15 cards, 2 videos).
2. Understands that variation of traits exists among individuals within a group of organisms and how variations provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing	S.Populations Change (Not Individuals)	Covered	10	1	6	0	Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos).
3. Understands the basic mechanisms of evolutionary theory, including natural selection	S.Natural Selection; S.Adaptations	Covered	32	2	5	2	Covered by 2 topics (32 questions, 2 materials, 5 cards, 2 videos).

SMR II.C · Classification and Characteristics of Organisms48 questions · 3 materials · 40 cards · 0 videosCovered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Qs	Mats	Cards	Vids	Notes
1. Knows that organisms are classified within different groups based on shared characteristics, from the largest and broadest (kingdom) to smaller, more specific groups such as phylum, genus, and species	S.Major Groups of Eukaryotic Life	Covered	32	1	20	0	Covered by 1 topic (32 questions, 1 materials, 20 cards, 0 videos).
2. Knows the general characteristics of various organisms such as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects, plants, and microscopic organisms, including bacteria	S.Classifying Animals; S.Classifying Plants	Covered	16	2	24	0	Covered by 2 topics (16 questions, 2 materials, 24 cards, 0 videos).

SMR II.D · Plants44 questions · 4 materials · 26 cards · 2 videosPartially covered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Qs	Mats	Cards	Vids	Notes
1. Understands the basic structure and function of plant structures, such as leaves, roots, stems, and flowers	S.Plant Systems Basics	Covered	17	1	4	1	Covered by 1 topic (17 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 1 videos).
2. Understands the fundamentals of plant reproduction and development, including the basic processes of pollination and seed dispersal	S.Plant Reproduction	Covered	15	1	16	0	Covered by 1 topic (15 questions, 1 materials, 16 cards, 0 videos).
3. Understands the basic requirements for plant growth, including air, water, light, and nutrients	S.Plant Growth	Partially covered	2	1	2	0	Partial coverage by 1 topic (2 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
4. Understands the basic processes involved in the uptake and transport of nutrients and water	S.Plant Transportation	Covered	10	1	6	1	Covered by 1 topic (10 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 1 videos).

SMR II.E · Animal and Human Anatomy and Physiology48 questions · 3 materials · 14 cards · 1 videosCovered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Qs	Mats	Cards	Vids	Notes
1. Understands the basic structures and functions of the circulatory, respiratory, excretory, and digestive systems	S.Human Body Systems	Covered	25	1	11	1	Covered by 1 topic (25 questions, 1 materials, 11 cards, 1 videos).
2. Understands the basic structures and functions of the skeletal and muscular systems	S.Human Body Systems	Covered	25	1	11	1	Covered by 1 topic (25 questions, 1 materials, 11 cards, 1 videos).
3. Understands the basic structures and processes involved in reproduction, development, and growth	S.Reproduction and Development	Covered	8	1	2	0	Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos).
4. Understands the basic structures and functions of the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems	S.Human Body Systems; S.Homeostasis	Covered	40	2	12	1	Covered by 2 topics (40 questions, 2 materials, 12 cards, 1 videos).

SMR II.F · Ecology97 questions · 8 materials · 44 cards · 5 videosCovered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Qs	Mats	Cards	Vids	Notes
1. Understands interspecies and intraspecies relationships such as parasitism, mutualism, competition, and predation	S.Types of Relationships; S.Competition; S.Ecological Organization	Covered	38	3	19	3	Covered by 3 topics (38 questions, 3 materials, 19 cards, 3 videos).
2. Knows the general characteristics of biomes such as tundras, coniferous forests, rainforests, grasslands, and deserts	S.Major Biomes	Covered	6	1	8	0	Covered by 1 topic (6 questions, 1 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos).
3. Understands energy pyramids, food webs, and energy flow and nutrient cycling involving plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment	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).
4. Understands the effects of human and natural environmental changes, including climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, and invasive species	S.Human Impact on Ecosystems; S.Impact of Global Climate Change	Covered	12	2	3	0	Covered by 2 topics (12 questions, 2 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos).

Physical Sciences (Domain III)Partially covered

SMR III.A · Structure and Properties of Matter82 questions · 9 materials · 57 cards · 2 videosPartially covered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Qs	Mats	Cards	Vids	Notes
1. Knows properties of solids, liquids, and gases	S.States of Matter	Covered	11	1	3	1	Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 1 videos).
2. Understands physical and chemical properties such as mass, density, volume, solubility, and conductivity	S.Physical Properties; S.Chemical Properties; S.Solubility	Covered	29	3	38	0	Covered by 3 topics (29 questions, 3 materials, 38 cards, 0 videos).
3. Knows the Celsius temperature scale	S.Temp Conversions	Partially covered	4	1	0	0	Partial coverage by 1 topic (4 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
4. Understands that various materials have different melting points and boiling points	S.Applications of Physical and Chemical Properties	Covered	8	1	6	0	Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos).
5. Distinguishes between elements, atoms, molecules, compounds, and mixtures	S.Elements and Compounds; S.Ions; S.Mixtures and Solutions	Covered	30	3	14	1	Covered by 3 topics (30 questions, 3 materials, 14 cards, 1 videos).

SMR III.B · Relationship Between Energy and Matter117 questions · 6 materials · 29 cards · 4 videosCovered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Qs	Mats	Cards	Vids	Notes
1. Understands conservation of energy and matter	S.Conservation of Matter and Energy	Covered	12	1	2	0	Covered by 1 topic (12 questions, 1 materials, 2 cards, 0 videos).
2. Understands forms of energy such as potential and kinetic energy and howenergy can be converted from one form to another	S.Types of Energy	Covered	29	1	8	1	Covered by 1 topic (29 questions, 1 materials, 8 cards, 1 videos).
3. Knows chemical and physical properties of matter and that the total mass of matter stays the same when undergoing a physical or chemical change	S.Conservation of Matter and Energy; S.Chemical vs Physical Changes	Covered	30	2	6	1	Covered by 2 topics (30 questions, 2 materials, 6 cards, 1 videos).
4. Knows how heat is transferred by convection, radiation, and conduction, and understands aspects of the greenhouse effect	S.Conduction, Convection, and Radiation; S.Global Warming	Covered	38	2	8	1	Covered by 2 topics (38 questions, 2 materials, 8 cards, 1 videos).
5. Understands phase changes, such as melting, freezing, sublimation, evaporation, and condensation	S.Conservation of Matter and Energy; S.Phase Changes	Covered	32	2	9	1	Covered by 2 topics (32 questions, 2 materials, 9 cards, 1 videos).

SMR III.C · Chemical Reactions95 questions · 8 materials · 31 cards · 2 videosCovered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Qs	Mats	Cards	Vids	Notes
1. Understands covalent and ionic bonding	S.Types of Bonds	Covered	18	1	8	0	Covered by 1 topic (18 questions, 1 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos).
2. Understands simple chemical formulas	S.Chemical Formulas; S.Balancing Chemical Reactions	Covered	23	2	3	0	Covered by 2 topics (23 questions, 2 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos).
3. Understands the energy changes that take place in chemical reactions	S.Endothermic vs Exothermic	Covered	12	1	3	1	Covered by 1 topic (12 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 1 videos).
4. Understands basic properties of acids and bases and their relationship to the pH scale	S.pH	Covered	18	1	4	1	Covered by 1 topic (18 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 1 videos).
5. Understands the basic concepts involving neutralization, oxidation, and combustion reactions	S.Types of Reactions; S.Redox Reactions; S.Redox Reactions - Applications	Covered	24	3	13	0	Covered by 3 topics (24 questions, 3 materials, 13 cards, 0 videos).

SMR III.D · Mechanics95 questions · 7 materials · 38 cards · 4 videosPartially covered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Qs	Mats	Cards	Vids	Notes
1. Understands the relationships between distance, speed, velocity, and acceleration	S.Motion Terms; S.Motion Graphs	Covered	38	2	11	2	Covered by 2 topics (38 questions, 2 materials, 11 cards, 2 videos).
2. Understands the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces, including collisions, friction, and air resistance	S.Force and Motion; S.Force and Newton's Laws	Covered	34	2	23	1	Covered by 2 topics (34 questions, 2 materials, 23 cards, 1 videos).
3. Understands the concepts and effects of gravity, weight, and mass	S.Mass vs Weight; S.Gravity	Covered	20	2	4	1	Covered by 2 topics (20 questions, 2 materials, 4 cards, 1 videos).
4. Understands the tendency of an object to float or rise in a fluid when submerged (known as buoyancy)	S.Physical Properties of Fluids	Partially covered	3	1	4	0	Partial coverage by 1 topic (3 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.

SMR III.E · Electricity, Magnetism, Waves, and Optics127 questions · 9 materials · 63 cards · 1 videosCovered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Qs	Mats	Cards	Vids	Notes
1. Understands basic principles involving magnets, including poles, attraction, and repulsion	S.Electricity and Magnetism	Covered	20	1	12	0	Covered by 1 topic (20 questions, 1 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos).
2. Understands electrostatic attraction and repulsion	S.Static Electricity	Covered	7	1	9	0	Covered by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos).
3. Understands basic principles of electricity involving simple circuits, batteries, and generators	S.Circuits	Covered	14	1	11	0	Covered by 1 topic (14 questions, 1 materials, 11 cards, 0 videos).
4. Understands basic concepts and phenomena involving light, including wave properties such as wavelength, frequency, amplitude, energy, and observations involving reflection, spectra, mirrors, and prisms	S.Light; S.Properties of Waves; S.Reflection and Refraction; S.Prisms	Covered	43	4	27	1	Covered by 4 topics (43 questions, 4 materials, 27 cards, 1 videos).
5. Understands basic models involving sound, such as waves, pitch, loudness, and the Doppler effect	S.Sound; S.Doppler Effect	Covered	43	2	10	0	Covered by 2 topics (43 questions, 2 materials, 10 cards, 0 videos).

Science Instruction (Domain IV)Partially covered

SMR IV.A · Science and Engineering Practices0 questions · 0 materials · 0 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Notes
1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)	S.Science and Engineering Practices	Partially covered	Partial coverage by 1 topic (0 questions, 0 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
2. Developing and using models	None	Coverage gap identified	No matching topic found in the study guide.
3. Planning and carrying out investigations	None	Coverage gap identified	No matching topic found in the study guide.
4. Analyzing and interpreting data	None	Coverage gap identified	No matching topic found in the study guide.
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking	None	Coverage gap identified	No matching topic found in the study guide.
6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)	None	Coverage gap identified	No matching topic found in the study guide.
7. Engaging in argument from evidence	None	Coverage gap identified	No matching topic found in the study guide.
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information	None	Coverage gap identified	No matching topic found in the study guide.

SMR IV.B · Tasks of Teaching Science0 questions · 0 materials · 0 cards · 0 videosPartially covered

Official competency	Matching 240 topics	Alignment	Notes
1. Scientific Instructional Goals, Big Ideas, and Topics	S.Scientific Instructional Goals, Big Ideas, and Topics (ToT)	Partially covered	Partial coverage by 1 topic (0 questions, 0 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
2. Scientific Investigations and Demonstrations	S.Scientific Investigations and Demonstrations (ToT)	Partially covered	Partial coverage by 1 topic (0 questions, 0 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
3. Scientific Resources (texts, curriculum materials, journals, and other print and media-based resources)	S.Scientific Resources (ToT)	Partially covered	Partial coverage by 1 topic (0 questions, 0 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
4. Student Ideas (including common misconceptions, alternate conceptions, and partial conceptions)	S.Student Ideas (ToT)	Partially covered	Partial coverage by 1 topic (0 questions, 0 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
5. Scientific Language, Discourse, Vocabulary, and Definitions	S.Scientific Language, Discourse, Vocabulary, and Definitions (ToT)	Partially covered	Partial coverage by 1 topic (0 questions, 0 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
6. Scientific Explanations (includes claim, evidence, and reasoning)	S.Scientific Explanations (ToT)	Partially covered	Partial coverage by 1 topic (0 questions, 0 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.
7. Scientific Models and Representations (analogies, similes, metaphors, simulations, illustrations, diagrams, data tables, performances, videos, animations, graphs, and examples)	S.Scientific Models and Representations (ToT)	Partially covered	Partial coverage by 1 topic (0 questions, 0 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content.

How 240 Creates The Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Science (8005) Study Guide

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.

Review the official exam framework

We begin with the standards, domains, competencies, objectives, or content categories published by the testing authority.

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.

Build lessons around tested content

We create study materials to support the official blueprint, not broad filler content.

Cross-check practice against exam expectations

We review practice content against the framework and real exam patterns so preparation stays targeted.

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.

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 Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Science.

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

240 test-aligned Praxis 8005 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 Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Science Study Guide

The questions teacher candidates ask us most often about the Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Science study guide.

Is 240 a good study guide for Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Science?

240 is a strong option because the guide is built around the official exam framework and shows detailed alignment by SMR and competency.

How closely does 240 align to the Praxis 8005 exam?

This guide is 84% aligned based on a competency-by-competency review of the official framework and the study resources included in the guide.

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.

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.

240's Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals: Science Study Guide Is 84% Test-Aligned

Praxis 8005

Coverage by content domain

Honest about depth

Reviewed as exams change