In our sixth post on ICAS 2025, we look at how to prepare for the Science paper. Science is available for NZ students in years 3-13, with sitting dates between 17 and 22 August.
What’s involved in the assessment?
The Science assessment looks at a student’s ability to apply scientific knowledge, understanding, and inquiry skills to interpret data, solve problems, and evaluate evidence in real-world and experimental contexts.
The number of questions and test duration depends on the year level and paper.
Key skills and knowledge
The key skills assessed are:
- Interpreting and analyzing data
- Observing and classifying
- Identifying cause-and-effect relationships
- Understanding scientific concepts across Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space Sciences
- Applying logic to draw conclusions
- Evaluating and predicting scientific outcomes
Students are tested across a wide range of scientific disciplines and thinking processes. The assessment does not rely heavily on rote memorization but instead focuses on problem-solving, reasoning, and the ability to apply science in everyday contexts.
You can see more information on the Science paper on the ICAS website here.
Preparation tips
As with all ICAS assessments, the Science paper is completed online. Students should be comfortable navigating an online test environment. Practicing with sample questions or mock tests on a similar device is highly recommended. You can access online practice tools and past Science papers here.
For younger students, discuss observations during experiments, describe weather patterns, compare materials, or identify features of living things. Ask them questions like “Why do you think that happened?” or “What would happen if we changed this?” in order to build scientific thinking.
For older students, we suggest reviewing how to read graphs, understanding experimental design, predicting variables, and analyzing trends. Working on practice questions involving real-life scenarios will also help students prepare for the type of thinking required in the test.
ICAS Science at Focus Education
Focus Education offers ICAS preparation classes customized to our students’ needs. If you want to find out more about these, please contact us.
If you have registered your child for ICAS with us, keep an eye on your email for notifications, as well as instructions on the day.
We hold our ICAS Assessments in a BYOD (bring-your-own-device) format. Check the technical readiness of this device via the ICAS website here.
We wish all students registered for ICAS Science the best!
Look for our next post, ICAS Prep: Spelling Bee!
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