GED Science Overview
GED Science is 90 minutes, 34 questions, no calculator needed. It's not about memorizing facts, but about reading comprehension, data analysis, and reasoning. Content: 40% Life Science, 40% Physical Science, 20% Earth & Space. You need 145/200 to pass.
1. Focus on Science Practices, Not Memorization
Every question tests a science practice: comprehending presentations, using the scientific method, reasoning from data, evaluating models. Practice reading graphs, tables, and short passages and answering 'What does the data show?' rather than recalling biology facts.
2. Life Science Key Topics
Human body systems (circulatory, respiratory, nervous), cell structure, genetics (Punnett squares, dominant/recessive), evolution (natural selection), ecosystems (food webs, energy flow). Know the difference between genotype/phenotype, and that DNA is in the nucleus, not cytoplasm.
3. Physical Science Key Topics
Chemistry: atoms, molecules, periodic table (groups vs periods), chemical reactions (balance equations), pH (0-14, 7 neutral). Physics: Newton's laws (F=ma), energy (kinetic vs potential, conservation), waves, simple machines. The test often shows a chemical equation and asks what is conserved (atoms).
4. Earth & Space
Plate tectonics, rock cycle, weather vs climate, water cycle, solar system (inner rocky vs outer gassy), Big Bang vs solar system formation. Know that weathering is breaking down rocks, erosion is moving them. Understand greenhouse effect: CO2 traps heat, not depletes ozone.
5. Data and Graphs
50% of questions include a graph or table. Practice: identify independent/dependent variables, estimate trends, and distinguish correlation vs causation. If a line goes up, describe as 'increases' not 'better'. Check units—test loves tricking with Celsius vs Fahrenheit or grams vs kilograms.
6. Short Answer (Extended Response)
Two short answer questions (not essays) require 2-3 sentences: one asks to design an experiment (identify hypothesis, independent variable, control), the other to explain data. Use CER: Claim, Evidence, Reasoning. Example: Claim: Plant A grew more. Evidence: At 20°C, Plant A was 5cm taller. Reasoning: Because temperature affects enzyme activity.
7. Study Resources and Practice
Don't buy thick textbooks. Use TestGru's GED Science practice tests—34 questions, timed, with explanations that teach the science practice, not just the answer. Do 20 questions a day, 3 days a week, for 4 weeks. Review the official GED Science formula sheet (you get it on test day).
Conclusion
GED Science is the most passable GED subject if you focus on reasoning, not memorization. Master data analysis, review life/physical/earth basics, and practice with TestGru. You don't need to be a scientist—you need to think like one.