What is the MISA and why do Maryland students have to take it?

The Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) is a state-required science assessment aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Maryland students must pass it to earn a high school diploma. It measures proficiency in physical science, life science, and Earth and space science, and tests NGSS science and engineering practices such as data analysis and evidence-based argumentation.

What grade do students take the MISA?

The MISA is administered at the high school level in Maryland. Students typically complete the assessment after completing their core high school science coursework. Check with your school counselor or the Maryland State Department of Education for the specific grade and testing window applicable to your cohort.

What types of questions are on the MISA?

The MISA includes multiple-choice questions, constructed-response items where students write explanations supported by evidence, and science investigation tasks that ask students to analyze experimental data. All item types are designed to assess the three NGSS dimensions: disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices.

How can this free MISA PDF help me prepare?

This free printable MISA practice test PDF contains questions across all three science domains tested on the assessment. Printing it and working through it on paper replicates the cognitive demand of reading and responding to science questions without a computer — a useful complement to online practice. Review your answers with the included answer key and use any wrong answers to identify which science topics need more study time.

MISA Maryland Integrated Science Assessment Practice Test PDF (Free Printable 2026 July)

Pass your MISA Maryland Integrated Science exam on the first attempt. ✍🏼 Practice questions with detailed answer explanations, hints, and instant scoring.

MISA - Maryland Integrated Science AssessmentJul 1, 20264 min read

MISA Practice Test PDF – Free Download for 2026

The Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) is a state graduation requirement for Maryland high school students. Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the MISA measures science proficiency across physical science, life science, and Earth and space science. This free printable MISA practice test PDF gives you a paper-based study tool you can work through anywhere — no internet connection required.

The assessment includes multiple-choice questions, constructed-response items, and science investigation tasks that require you to apply the NGSS science and engineering practices: asking questions, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, constructing explanations, and engaging in argument from evidence. Printing this PDF and working through it under timed conditions is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the actual assessment.

MISA Maryland Integrated Science Assessment Practice Test PDF (Free Printable 2026)

📄Free MISA Practice Test PDF

What the MISA Tests

Physical Science

Physical science questions cover matter and its interactions (atomic structure, chemical reactions, conservation of mass), motion and forces (Newton's laws, momentum), energy (types, conservation, transfer), and waves (properties, electromagnetic spectrum). Expect to interpret graphs of motion, balance chemical equations, and explain energy transformations.

Life Science

Life science spans heredity and genetics (DNA, Punnett squares, inheritance patterns), evolution (natural selection, adaptation, evidence for evolution), ecosystems (energy flow through food webs, matter cycling, biodiversity), and cells and organisms (cell structure and function, photosynthesis, cellular respiration). You will need to connect molecular-level processes to organism-level outcomes.

Earth and Space Science

This domain covers Earth's systems (rock cycle, plate tectonics, weather and climate), Earth's place in the universe (solar system, stars, Big Bang theory), and human impact on Earth systems (climate change, resource depletion). Many questions ask you to analyze data from real-world scenarios and evaluate claims about environmental change.

Science and Engineering Practices

NGSS practices are embedded in every domain. You will be asked to identify variables in an experimental design, interpret tables and graphs, evaluate the validity of a scientific argument, and construct written explanations supported by evidence. These skills are tested through both selected-response and constructed-response formats.

✓Review the Maryland MISA content specifications and NGSS disciplinary core ideas
✓Study atomic structure, chemical reactions, and conservation of mass for physical science
✓Practice interpreting motion graphs and applying Newton's laws to real-world scenarios
✓Review DNA structure, Punnett squares, and patterns of inheritance for genetics questions
✓Study natural selection and the multiple lines of evidence supporting evolutionary theory
✓Master ecosystem energy flow: food webs, trophic levels, matter cycling, and biodiversity
✓Review plate tectonics, the rock cycle, and Earth's internal and surface processes
✓Study climate change data, human impacts on Earth systems, and resource sustainability
✓Practice NGSS science practices: designing investigations, analyzing data, constructing arguments
✓Complete the free printable MISA PDF under timed conditions and review all incorrect answers

Free MISA Practice Tests Online

For interactive preparation, try our full online MISA practice test with instant feedback on every question. The online tests explain the reasoning behind each correct answer, helping you understand the underlying science concepts — not just memorize correct responses. Combining paper-based PDF review with online practice is the most effective strategy for Maryland high school students preparing for this graduation requirement.