Test Information Guide
Overview and Test Objectives
Field 12: Chemistry
Test Overview
| Format | Computer-based test (CBT); 100 multiple-choice questions, 2 open-response items |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions |
|
| Time | 4 hours (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial) |
| Passing Score | 240 |
The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are designed to measure a candidate's knowledge of the subject matter contained in the test objectives for each field. The MTEL are aligned with the Massachusetts educator licensure regulations and, as applicable, with the standards in the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.
The test objectives specify the content to be covered on the test and are organized by major content subareas. The chart below shows the approximate percentage of the total test score derived from each of the subareas.
The test assesses a candidate's proficiency and depth of understanding of the subject at the level required for a baccalaureate major according to Massachusetts standards. Candidates are typically nearing completion of or have completed their undergraduate work when they take the test.
Sub area I 20%, Sub area II 20%, Sub area III 20%, Sub area IV 20%, and Sub area V 20%.
Test Objectives
| Subareas | Range of Objectives | Approximate Test Weighting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple-Choice | |||
| I | Nature of Science and Properties of Matter | 01–05 | 20% |
| II | Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding | 06–12 | 20% |
| III | Chemical Reactions and Solutions | 13–15 | 20% |
| IV | Thermodynamics | 16–20 | 20% |
| 80% | |||
| Open-Response* | |||
| V | Integration of Knowledge and Understanding | 21 | 20% |
*The open-response items may relate to topics covered in any of the subareas.
Subarea I–Nature of Science and Properties of Matter
Objective 0001: Understand the processes of gathering, organizing, analyzing, and reporting scientific data.
For example:- Demonstrate knowledge of the formulation of scientific questions and the testing of hypotheses using appropriate methods for collecting data in chemistry investigations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of various methods of representing, organizing, and reporting experimental results.
- Apply mathematical concepts to measurement (accuracy vs. precision, significant figures, scientific notation, unit conversion) and the analysis and interpretation of data (statistical analysis, modeling).
- Demonstrate the ability to draw conclusions and make predictions from empirical data.
Objective 0002: Understand scientific tools, instruments, materials, and safety practices.
For example:- Demonstrate knowledge of the safe and proper use of laboratory equipment and materials used in chemistry investigations.
- Select appropriate scientific tools, instruments, and techniques for specified chemistry investigations.
- Recognize proper methods for storing, identifying, dispensing, and disposing of chemicals.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate protocols for maintaining safety and responding to emergencies in laboratory situations.
Objective 0003: Understand the relationships among science, technology, and society.
For example:- Identify the benefits, risks, and ethical concerns associated with research in chemistry and related technologies.
- Recognize how societal conditions support or inhibit scientific research and technological advances.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the integration and interdependence among scientific disciplines and between chemistry, engineering, and technology.
Objective 0004: Understand chemical and physical properties and changes in matter.
For example:- Demonstrate knowledge of the atomic nature of matter and the characteristics of elements, compounds, and mixtures.
- Demonstrate knowledge of different types of mixtures (e.g., solutions, colloidal dispersions, non-colloidal suspensions).
- Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate techniques to achieve a desired separation of a mixture.
- Distinguish between physical and chemical properties and between physical and chemical changes in matter.
- Apply knowledge of physical and chemical properties to identify unknown substances.
- Analyze the role of intermolecular forces in surface tension, capillary action, viscosity, and physical changes.
Objective 0005: Understand the kinetic molecular theory, the nature of phase changes, and the gas laws.
For example:- Describe the arrangements and movements of particles in solids, liquids, and gases.
- Recognize the basic principles of the kinetic molecular theory.
- Analyze heating and cooling curves qualitatively and quantitatively.
- Analyze phase diagrams.
- Solve problems involving gas law relationships.
Subarea II–Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding
Objective 0006: Understand atomic structure, the properties and interactions of subatomic particles, and the principles of quantum theory.
For example:- Recognize the major features of historical models of atomic structure and the supporting evidence for these models.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the properties of electrons, protons, and neutrons and their interactions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of quantum mechanics.
- Analyze the relationships among electron energy levels, photons, and atomic spectra.
- Analyze the electron configurations of atoms and ions.
Objective 0007: Understand the process of nuclear transformation.
For example:- Recognize the characteristics (e.g., composition, charge, mass, penetrating power) of the different types of emanations from the decay of radioactive elements.
- Analyze the processes of natural radioactivity and artificial transmutation.
- Solve problems involving nuclear decay.
Objective 0008: Understand the organization of the periodic table.
For example:- Analyze the organization of the periodic table in terms of atomic number and properties of the elements.
- Predict trends within periods and groups in the periodic table.
- Predict physical and chemical properties of given elements based on their positions in the periodic table.
- Compare the relative reactivity of elements based on electron configurations deduced from their positions in the periodic table.
- Predict oxidation numbers of elements using the periodic table.
Objective 0009: Understand the nomenclature and structure of inorganic and organic compounds.
For example:- Identify the symbolic notation for given elements.
- Apply the IUPAC rules of nomenclature to name given inorganic and organic compounds from their formulas.
- Analyze the chemical composition and basic structure of organic compounds (e.g., alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, common functional groups).
- Identify the chemical structures of biomolecules (e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids).
- Distinguish among structural, geometric, and optical isomers.
Objective 0010: Understand the mass relationships in chemical compounds.
For example:- Solve problems involving molecular and formula masses.
- Solve percent-composition problems.
- Determine empirical and molecular formulas.
Objective 0011: Understand chemical bonding and the effect of bond type on the properties of substances.
For example:- Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of various types of chemical bonding.
- Analyze electron behavior in the formation of bonds between atoms.
- Analyze factors that affect bond strength (e.g., electronegativity, electron affinity).
- Predict and interpret Lewis structures.
- Use the VSEPR and valence-bond theory to predict molecular geometry and molecular polarity.
- Predict properties of a substance based on type of atomic bond.
Objective 0012: Understand the connection between intramolecular bonding and intermolecular forces.
For example:- Recognize the characteristics of different types of intermolecular forces (e.g., dispersion, dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding, ion-dipole).
- Predict the kind of intermolecular force present between molecules of a given structure.
- Analyze factors that affect solubility.
Subarea III–Chemical Reactions and Solutions
Objective 0013: Understand the types and characteristics of chemical reactions.
For example:- Identify common types of inorganic and organic chemical reactions.
- Recognize chemical reactions in the home, in industrial processes, and in the environment (e.g., fermentation, leavening, acid rain, eutrophication).
- Predict the products of common types of inorganic and organic reactions (e.g., acid-base, precipitation, redox, substitution, elimination).
- Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and applications of acid-base titration and buffer systems.
Objective 0014: Understand the quantitative relationships expressed in chemical equations.
For example:- Balance chemical reactions, including redox equations.
- Solve stoichiometric problems involving moles, mass, and volume, including problems with limiting reagents.
- Calculate the percent yield for given chemical reactions.
- Solve problems involving concentrations of solutions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the mole concept and its use in chemical calculations.
- Determine the hydronium ion concentration and the pH and pOH for various acid, base, and salt solutions.
Objective 0015: Understand the factors that affect reaction rates and methods of measuring reaction rates.
For example:- Identify factors that influence reaction rates for inorganic, organic, and biochemical reactions.
- Relate experimental measurements to reaction rates and rate laws.
- Demonstrate knowledge of reaction mechanisms for simple reactions.
- Determine order of reactions and rate constants.
Subarea IV–Thermodynamics
Objective 0016: Understand the principles of thermodynamics and calorimetry.
For example:- Demonstrate knowledge of the three laws of thermodynamics and their applications to chemical and biochemical systems.
- Differentiate among different forms of energy and between heat and temperature.
- Solve problems involving specific heat.
- Analyze the results of calorimetry experiments.
Objective 0017: Understand the energy relationships in chemical bonding and chemical reactions.
For example:- Analyze energy changes due to the formation of or breaking of chemical bonds.
- Solve problems involving energy changes during chemical reactions.
- Predict the spontaneity of a given reaction based on the free energy change and analyze the effect of enthalpy changes, entropy changes, or temperature changes on spontaneity.
- Interpret potential energy diagrams of chemical reactions.
Objective 0018: Understand the principles of chemical equilibrium.
For example:- Recognize the dynamic nature of equilibrium and how it relates to concentration, pressure, temperature, and catalysts.
- Apply Le Chatelier's principle to chemical systems.
- Solve problems involving equilibrium constants.
- Compare equilibrium constant values with reaction quotient values to predict the direction a reaction will proceed to reach equilibrium.
- Recognize how the extent of a reaction relates to the equilibrium constant.
- Analyze buffer problems qualitatively and quantitatively.
Objective 0019: Understand the properties of solutions as they relate to equilibrium.
For example:- Analyze the colligative properties of solutions.
- Analyze how temperature and pressure affect solubility.
- Interpret solubility curves.
Objective 0020: Understand electrochemistry.
For example:- Predict whether a given redox reaction will occur based on standard reduction potentials.
- Calculate voltage under nonstandard conditions.
- Analyze the components (e.g., anode, cathode) and operating principles of voltaic and electrolytic cells.
- Demonstrate qualitative and quantitative understanding of the relationships between the equilibrium constant, Gibbs free energy, and voltage.
Subarea V–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding
Objective 0021: Prepare an organized, developed analysis on a topic related to one or more of the following subareas: Nature of Science and Properties of Matter, Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding, Chemical Reactions and Solutions, and Thermodynamics.
(Refer to objectives 0001 through 0020 and associated descriptive statements.)