Figure 10-1. Average scores of eighth-grade students in mathematics and science, by content domain and country: 2011
1 The number content domain includes understanding numbers, way of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems.
2 The algebra content domain includes recognizing and extending patterns, using algebraic symbols to represent mathematical situations, and developing fluency in producing equivalent expressions and solving linear equations.
3 The geometry content domain includes analyzing the properties and characteristics of a variety of two- and three-dimensional geometric figures, including lengths of sides and sizes of angles, and providing explanations based on geometric relationships.
4 The data and chance content domain includes knowing how to organize data that have been collected and how to display data in graphs and charts that will be useful in answering questions, as well as understanding issues related to misinterpretation of data.
5 The biology content domain includes students' understanding of the structure, life processes, diversity, and interdependence of living organisms.
6 The chemistry content domain includes classification and composition of matter, properties of matter, and chemical change.
7 The physics content domain includes students' understanding of concepts related to physical processes and energy.
8 The Earth science content domain includes the study of Earth and its place in the solar system and the universe.
NOTE: Shown are the scores for four TIMSS mathematics content domains (number, algebra, geometry, and data and chance) and four TIMSS science content domains (biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth science). Each TIMSS eighth-grade assessment
item is classified into one of these eight content domains.
SOURCE: International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), 2011.