GED® Science Study Guide

How to Prepare for the GED Science Test

What makes it tricky to study for GED science is it has a lot of branches. You have biology, physics, and many other branches. Given these various topics, just deciding where to start might already prove to be difficult. Thankfully, our GED science practice tests and online classes include the most important topics that you will encounter in the actual exam. Our GED guide will help you study all the topics you need to know to ace the GED science test.

Do you have trouble remembering science facts? Think science is a fascinating subject, but find it difficult to understand? Science doesn’t only require you to memorize information, but it also needs you to analyze and understand concepts. At times, you may even need to calculate.
If you’re looking for the easiest way to study for the GED science test, you’ve come to the right place!

What’s on the GED® Science Test?

What Does the GED Science Test Cover?

The GED Science test has three major components:
1. Life Science (40%)
2. Physical Science (40%)
3. Earth and Space Science (20%)

The two focusing themes of the GED science test are Human Health and Living Systems and Energy and Related Systems. Human Health and Living Systems involves concepts that are important to the health and safety of all living things. On the other hand, Energy and Related Systems discusses the most important parts of the universe. This theme includes energy sources, uses, and transformations.

NOTE: The GED science extended response has been removed since 2018.

Using a Calculator During the Test

For some parts of the GED science test, you will be allowed to use an on-screen calculator. Alternatively, you can also use a handheld TI-30XS Multiview Scientific Calculator. If you want to use the handheld type, make sure to bring it on the day you’re taking the test. You need to bring your own calculator. Otherwise, a calculator will automatically appear on your screen for questions that allow you to use one.

Other Tips for Studying for the GED Science Test

1. Don’t delay studying for the test. It’s tempting to delay your study time for GED science test, especially if science is not your favorite subject. With lots of topics to study, waiting until the last minute to study will not be able to help you memorize and understand the facts that you need to know.Our GED practice tests for science are designed to be complete yet short enough to let you study easily anytime. Even if you’re busy, you can allow 10 minutes at a time to study by answering our practice tests and watching our online lessons.
2. Learn to appreciate science. The key to remembering science facts is to enjoy the subject. When you’re having fun, it’s easier to retain information in your mind. Visit science museums. Watch science shows. Explore nature. These simple things will help build your interest in the subject.
3. Practice writing arguments and evidence. It takes a lot of practice to be able to master writing a convincing argument. Read science passages and try to formulate arguments on your own. Gather facts to support your argument.

Complete GED Science Guide Checklist

Get to know the exact topics that you need to study for each test component. Here is a checklist of science topics included in the exam.

Use this list as a guide when studying for the GED science test. Answer our GED science practice test once you have studied all these topics:

1. Physical Science
   • Do you know and understand conservation, transformation, and flow of energy?
   • Do you know and understand work, motion, and forces?
   • Do you know and understand chemical properties and reactions related to living systems?
2. Life Science
   • Do you know how the human body works?
   • Do you understand the relationship between life functions and energy intake?
   • Do understand how energy flows in ecologic networks?
   • Do you know the structure and function of life?
   • Do you know and understand the molecular basis of heredity?
   • Do you know and understand the concept of evolution?
3. Earth and Space Science
   • Do you know and understand the interactions between earth’s systems and living things?
   • Do you know the earth and its systems components and interactions?
   • Do you know and understand the structure and organization of the Cosmos?

For the Short Answer Questions where you will be asked to write your answer in paragraph form, these guide questions for learning how to better interpret scientific data, formulate your hypothesis, and gather your evidence will help:

• Can I understand and explain textual presentations?
• Can I determine the meaning of terms, symbols, and phrases that are used throughout the presentations?
• Can I understand and explain a non-textual scientific presentation?

Investigation Design: Observational and Experimental

• Can I identify possible sources of error? Can I change the design of an investigation to correct the error?
• Can I identify the strength and weaknesses of an investigation?
• Can I design a scientific investigation?
• Can I identify and interpret independent and dependent variables in scientific investigations?

Reasoning From Data

• Can I cite specific evidence to support findings and/or conclusions?
• Can I read from data or evidence to make a conclusion?
• Can I make predictions based on data or evidence?
• Can I use sampling techniques to answer scientific questions?

Evaluating Conclusions with Evidence

• Can I evaluate whether a conclusion or theory is supported or challenged by particular evidence or data?

Working with Findings

• Can I reconcile multiple findings, conclusions or theories?

Expressing Scientific Information

• Can I express scientific information or findings visually?
• Can I express scientific information or findings numerically or symbolically?
• Can I express scientific information or findings verbally?

Scientific Theories

• Can I understand and apply scientific models, theories, and processes?
• Can I apply formulas from scientific theories?

Probability and Statistics

• Can I describe a data set statistically?
• Can I use counting and permutations to solve scientific problems?
• Can I determine the probability of events?