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. Practice with the free MISA - Maryland Integrated Science Assessment practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (11 questions with answer explanations).
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.
Interactive MISA - Maryland Integrated Science Assessment resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Try these questions from our free MISA - Maryland Integrated Science Assessment practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
A large area of rainforest is cleared and burned to make way for agriculture. Which of the following describes the most significant, direct impact of this action on the global climate?
Answer: C. A decrease in the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Forests, especially large rainforests, act as critical 'carbon sinks,' absorbing massive amounts of CO₂ from the atmosphere for photosynthesis. Deforestation not only releases the carbon stored in the trees back into the atmosphere but also permanently removes that area's ability to absorb CO₂, leading to a net increase in greenhouse gases.
Polar bears, majestic creatures of the Arctic, are facing a dire threat due to climate change. As temperatures rise, their sea ice habitat is melting away, forcing them to travel longer distances to hunt for food. Without action to combat climate change, these magnificent animals may face extinction. What is the main idea of the passage?
Answer: D. The impact of climate change on polar bears
Explanation: The passage discusses how climate change affects polar bears' habitat and survival, emphasizing the dire threat they face due to melting sea ice.
Which color of visible light has the longest wavelength?
Answer: D. Red
Red light has the longest wavelength (approximately 620–750 nm) of all colors in the visible spectrum, meaning it also has the lowest frequency among visible colors.
The large-scale removal of forests (deforestation) can lead to increased soil erosion. Without tree roots to hold the soil in place, wind and rain can wash it away more easily. This chain of events demonstrates how a change in the ______ can directly impact the ______.
Answer: D. biosphere; geosphere
The removal of trees and other plants, which are part of the biosphere, directly leads to the loss of soil, which is part of the geosphere. The living components are failing to protect the non-living, solid Earth component.
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