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GED Science Test — key terms, tricks & tips

Everything from the course in one searchable place: 200 entries. Use it to review before a practice test or look up a word you forgot.

200 results

Key term

Life Science

Study of living organisms, including biology, genetics, and ecology.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Key term

Physical Science

Study of non-living systems, encompassing chemistry and physics.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Key term

Earth and Space Science

Study of Earth's systems, geology, meteorology, and astronomy.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Key term

Multiple-choice

Question type where you select one correct answer from several options.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Key term

Drag-and-drop

Question type requiring you to move items to correct locations on screen.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Key term

Passing Score

Minimum score of 145 required to pass the GED Science Test.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Key term

GED College Ready

Score of 165 or higher, indicating readiness for college-level work.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Memory trick

GED Science Test Overview: Format and Scoring

To remember the three science areas: 'LPE' - Life, Physical, Earth. Think of a 'LPE' (leap) into science!

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Exam tip

GED Science Test Overview: Format and Scoring

On the GED Science Test, you will often encounter questions that require you to analyze experimental design. Be prepared to identify independent and dependent variables, control groups, and potential sources of error in a given experiment.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Common mistake

GED Science Test Overview: Format and Scoring

Underestimating the importance of data interpretation skills; many questions are not just about recalling facts.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Common mistake

GED Science Test Overview: Format and Scoring

Not managing time effectively during the 90-minute test, leading to rushed answers or incomplete sections.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Common mistake

GED Science Test Overview: Format and Scoring

Focusing only on one science area, neglecting the balanced coverage of Life, Physical, and Earth/Space Sciences.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Key term

Independent Variable

The factor intentionally changed in an experiment.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Key term

Dependent Variable

The factor measured or observed in an experiment.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Key term

Controlled Variables

Factors kept constant to ensure fair testing.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Key term

Data Analysis

The process of interpreting patterns in data.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Key term

Trend

A general direction or pattern in data.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Key term

Conclusion

A judgment or decision reached after analysis.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Key term

Inference

A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Memory trick

Strategies for Success: Reading & Data Analysis

To remember how to analyze data, think of 'READ IT': Read everything (title, labels, legend), Examine variables, Analyze trends, Draw inferences, Test conclusions.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Exam tip

Strategies for Success: Reading & Data Analysis

The GED Science Test often presents data in graphs or tables and asks you to interpret the information, identify trends, or draw conclusions. Keywords to spot include 'based on the data,' 'which statement is supported by the graph,' or 'what is the most likely conclusion.' Focus on what the data explicitly shows.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Common mistake

Strategies for Success: Reading & Data Analysis

Making assumptions not supported by the data.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Common mistake

Strategies for Success: Reading & Data Analysis

Ignoring axis labels or units on graphs.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Common mistake

Strategies for Success: Reading & Data Analysis

Confusing independent and dependent variables.

Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test

Key term

Organ System

Group of organs working together for a major body function.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Homeostasis

Maintenance of stable internal conditions in a living organism.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Circulatory System

Transports blood, oxygen, nutrients, and waste throughout the body.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Respiratory System

Responsible for gas exchange (oxygen intake, carbon dioxide release).

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Nervous System

Controls and coordinates all body activities through electrical signals.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Endocrine System

Produces and secretes hormones to regulate body processes.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Digestive System

Breaks down food into nutrients the body can absorb.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Skeletal System

Provides support, protection, and allows for movement.

Life Science Fundamentals

Memory trick

Human Body Systems and Health

To remember the major systems, think of 'CRiMeS NeRD': Circulatory, Respiratory, Muscular, Skeletal, Nervous, Endocrine, Reproductive, Digestive.

Life Science Fundamentals

Exam tip

Human Body Systems and Health

The GED Science Test often includes questions that require you to identify the primary function of a specific organ system or describe how two systems interact. Look for keywords like 'transport,' 'exchange,' 'control,' or 'support' to link systems to their roles. Memorize the main function of each major system.

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Human Body Systems and Health

Confusing the function of the circulatory system with the respiratory system (one transports, the other exchanges gases).

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Human Body Systems and Health

Underestimating the interconnectedness of systems; thinking they work in isolation.

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Human Body Systems and Health

Not understanding that lifestyle choices directly impact the health and function of all body systems.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function in all known living organisms.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Prokaryotic

Cells lacking a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Eukaryotic

Cells possessing a true nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Organism

An individual living thing.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms interacting with their non-living environment.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Biotic factors

The living components of an ecosystem.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Abiotic factors

The non-living physical and chemical components of an ecosystem.

Life Science Fundamentals

Memory trick

Cells, Organisms, and Ecosystems

CELL-T-O-O-O-P-C-E-B: Cells, Tissues, Organs, Organ Systems, Organisms, Populations, Communities, Ecosystems, Biosphere. It's a mouthful, but it covers all the levels!

Life Science Fundamentals

Exam tip

Cells, Organisms, and Ecosystems

The GED Science Test often includes questions about the organization of living things, from cells to ecosystems. Pay close attention to the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and be able to identify biotic and abiotic components within an ecosystem.

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Cells, Organisms, and Ecosystems

Confusing prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, especially regarding the presence of a nucleus.

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Cells, Organisms, and Ecosystems

Mixing up the order of biological organization (e.g., thinking an organ system comes before an organ).

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Cells, Organisms, and Ecosystems

Forgetting that abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Genetics

Study of genes and heredity.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Heredity

Passing of traits from parents to offspring.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

DNA

Genetic material carrying instructions for life.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Gene

Segment of DNA coding for a specific trait.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Allele

Different versions of a gene.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Dominant

Allele expressed, masking recessive allele.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Recessive

Allele masked by a dominant allele.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Chromosome

Structure of DNA and proteins, carries genes.

Life Science Fundamentals

Memory trick

Genetics, Heredity, and Reproduction

DNA: 'D'ouble 'N'ucleic 'A'cid. Remember it's a double helix, like a twisted ladder!

Life Science Fundamentals

Exam tip

Genetics, Heredity, and Reproduction

The GED Science Test expects you to understand Mendelian genetics, including the concepts of dominant/recessive alleles and how to interpret simple Punnett squares. Look for keywords like 'genotype,' 'phenotype,' 'heterozygous,' and 'homozygous' in questions.

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Genetics, Heredity, and Reproduction

Confusing genotype (genetic makeup) with phenotype (observable traits).

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Genetics, Heredity, and Reproduction

Assuming all traits are controlled by a single gene with simple dominant/recessive inheritance.

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Genetics, Heredity, and Reproduction

Mixing up the definitions of sexual and asexual reproduction, especially regarding genetic diversity.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Evolution

Change in heritable characteristics of populations over generations.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Natural Selection

Mechanism where advantageous traits increase in a population.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Adaptation

Heritable trait increasing an organism's survival and reproduction.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Variation

Differences among individuals within a population.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Heritable Trait

Characteristic passed from parents to offspring.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Selective Pressure

Environmental factor favoring certain traits.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Fossil Record

Historical evidence of life preserved in rocks.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Common Ancestry

Idea that different species share a common evolutionary origin.

Life Science Fundamentals

Memory trick

Evolution and Natural Selection

Remember 'V.I.S.A.': Variation, Inheritance, Survival (differential), Adaptation. These are the core ideas!

Life Science Fundamentals

Exam tip

Evolution and Natural Selection

The GED Science Test expects you to understand that natural selection is the driving force of evolution, leading to adaptations. Look for keywords like 'survival,' 'reproduction,' 'environment,' and 'genetic variation' in questions.

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Evolution and Natural Selection

Confusing individual change with population change: Individuals don't evolve, populations do.

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Evolution and Natural Selection

Believing evolution has a 'goal' or is 'progressive': Evolution is not directed towards perfection, just adaptation to current conditions.

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Evolution and Natural Selection

Thinking natural selection creates new traits: It acts on existing variation; mutations create new traits.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Symbiosis

Close, long-term interaction between two different species.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Mutualism

Symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Commensalism

One organism benefits, other is neither helped nor harmed.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Parasitism

One organism benefits at the expense of the other.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Food Web

Interconnected food chains showing energy flow.

Life Science Fundamentals

Memory trick

Interactions: Life and the Environment

To remember the types of symbiosis, think: 'M' for Mutualism (Many benefits), 'C' for Commensalism (Carefree for one), 'P' for Parasitism (Pain for one).

Life Science Fundamentals

Exam tip

Interactions: Life and the Environment

The GED Science Test often presents scenarios about environmental issues. Pay attention to keywords like 'deforestation,' 'pollution,' and 'climate change' and their specific ecological consequences. Remember that human actions can have both local and global impacts.

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Interactions: Life and the Environment

Confusing biotic (living) with abiotic (non-living) factors.

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Interactions: Life and the Environment

Mixing up the definitions of mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

Life Science Fundamentals

Common mistake

Interactions: Life and the Environment

Assuming energy flows only in simple food chains, not complex food webs.

Life Science Fundamentals

Key term

Matter

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Atom

The basic building block of all matter.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Nucleus

The central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Proton

A subatomic particle with a positive charge, found in the nucleus.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Electron

A subatomic particle with a negative charge, orbiting the nucleus.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Neutron

A subatomic particle with no charge, found in the nucleus.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Physical Property

A characteristic observed without changing the substance's identity.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Chemical Property

A characteristic describing a substance's ability to undergo chemical change.

Physical Science Essentials

Memory trick

Matter: Structure, States, and Properties

For 'Proton' and 'Positive,' remember 'P-P.' For 'Neutron' and 'Neutral,' remember 'N-N.' For 'Electron' and 'Negative,' remember 'E-N' (like 'end').

Physical Science Essentials

Exam tip

Matter: Structure, States, and Properties

The GED Science Test often uses scenarios to test your understanding of matter. Look for keywords describing particle arrangement, definite/indefinite shape/volume, and whether a new substance is formed to distinguish between states and properties.

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Matter: Structure, States, and Properties

Confusing physical changes (like melting ice) with chemical changes (like burning wood). Remember, a new substance is formed in a chemical change.

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Matter: Structure, States, and Properties

Incorrectly identifying subatomic particle charges or locations. Protons are positive and in the nucleus; electrons are negative and orbit; neutrons are neutral and in the nucleus.

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Matter: Structure, States, and Properties

Mixing up the characteristics of states of matter, especially between liquids (definite volume, indefinite shape) and gases (indefinite volume, indefinite shape).

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Chemical Reaction

Process forming new substances.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Reactants

Starting materials in a reaction.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Products

Substances formed by a reaction.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Chemical Equation

Symbolic representation of a reaction.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Conservation of Mass

Mass is neither created nor destroyed.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Balancing Equation

Adjusting coefficients to conserve mass.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Synthesis Reaction

Two or more substances combine.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Decomposition Reaction

One substance breaks down.

Physical Science Essentials

Memory trick

Chemical Reactions and Equations

Remember 'R-P' for Reactants on the left, Products on the right. And 'C-C-S-D-D' for Common Combustion, Combination (Synthesis), Single Displacement, Double Displacement, Decomposition reaction types!

Physical Science Essentials

Exam tip

Chemical Reactions and Equations

The GED Science Test often asks you to identify reactants and products in an equation, or to determine the type of reaction shown. Pay close attention to the arrow (→) separating reactants from products.

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Chemical Reactions and Equations

Confusing coefficients (for balancing) with subscripts (part of the chemical formula).

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Chemical Reactions and Equations

Forgetting that the Law of Conservation of Mass means atoms are rearranged, not lost or gained.

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Chemical Reactions and Equations

Misidentifying reactants and products, especially when the equation is written unconventionally.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Speed

Distance traveled per unit of time.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Velocity

Speed in a given direction.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Acceleration

Rate of change of velocity.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Force

A push or pull on an object.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Inertia

Resistance of an object to changes in its state of motion.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Mass

A measure of the amount of matter in an object.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Newton's First Law

Object in motion stays in motion, object at rest stays at rest, unless acted on by a force.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Newton's Third Law

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Physical Science Essentials

Memory trick

Motion, Forces, and Newton's Laws

F = ma: 'F'or 'M'ost 'A'nimals, 'F'orce 'M'akes 'A'cceleration!

Physical Science Essentials

Exam tip

Motion, Forces, and Newton's Laws

The GED Science Test often presents scenarios where you need to identify which of Newton's Laws applies. Look for keywords: 'resists change' for the First Law, 'force causes acceleration' for the Second Law, and 'pushes back' or 'acts on another object' for the Third Law. Memorize F=ma.

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Motion, Forces, and Newton's Laws

Confusing speed with velocity; remember velocity includes direction.

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Motion, Forces, and Newton's Laws

Thinking action-reaction forces cancel out; they act on different objects.

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Motion, Forces, and Newton's Laws

Forgetting that acceleration can be a change in speed OR direction.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Work

Force applied over a distance in the direction of the force; measured in joules (J).

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Energy

The ability to do work; exists in many forms, measured in joules (J).

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Kinetic Energy

Energy of motion; depends on an object's mass and velocity (KE = ½mv²).

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Potential Energy

Stored energy due to position or state, e.g., gravitational potential energy (GPE = mgh).

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Power

The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred; measured in watts (W).

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Joule (J)

The standard unit of work and energy.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Watt (W)

The standard unit of power, equal to one joule per second.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Physical Science Essentials

Memory trick

Work, Energy, and Power

W-F-D (Work = Force × Distance) is like 'What's For Dinner?' to remember the work formula. KE-1/2-M-V-squared (Kinetic Energy = ½mv²) sounds like 'Key-Half-My-Vee-Squared' for kinetic energy. P-W-T (Power = Work ÷ Time) is like 'Pretty Warm Today?' for power.

Physical Science Essentials

Exam tip

Work, Energy, and Power

On the GED Science Test, be prepared to apply the formulas for work (W=Fd), kinetic energy (KE=½mv²), and potential energy (GPE=mgh) to solve problems. Look for keywords like 'force,' 'distance,' 'mass,' 'velocity,' and 'height.' Remember that 'work' in physics requires movement in the direction of the force.

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Work, Energy, and Power

Confusing the everyday meaning of 'work' with its scientific definition (e.g., being tired doesn't mean work was done).

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Work, Energy, and Power

Forgetting that force and distance must be in the same direction for work to be done.

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Work, Energy, and Power

Mixing up the units for work/energy (joules) and power (watts).

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Wave

A disturbance that transfers energy without transferring matter.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Amplitude

Maximum displacement from the equilibrium position of a wave.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Wavelength

Distance between two consecutive corresponding points on a wave.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Frequency

Number of complete wave cycles passing a point per unit time.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Transverse Wave

Particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Longitudinal Wave

Particles oscillate parallel to the direction of wave travel.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Range of all types of electromagnetic radiation.

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Vacuum

A space entirely devoid of matter.

Physical Science Essentials

Memory trick

Waves, Sound, and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Remember 'ROY G BIV' for the colors of visible light in order of increasing frequency/decreasing wavelength (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet).

Physical Science Essentials

Exam tip

Waves, Sound, and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

The GED Science Test often presents diagrams of waves or the electromagnetic spectrum. Be ready to identify parts of a wave (crest, trough, wavelength, amplitude) and order the EM spectrum by wavelength or energy. Keywords like 'medium,' 'vibration,' and 'radiation' are common.

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Waves, Sound, and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Confusing transverse and longitudinal waves: Remember 'T' for Transverse and 'Top-to-bottom' (perpendicular movement).

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Waves, Sound, and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Believing sound can travel in space: Sound needs a medium; light does not.

Physical Science Essentials

Common mistake

Waves, Sound, and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Mixing up wavelength and frequency: Longer wavelength means lower frequency and lower energy (for EM waves).

Physical Science Essentials

Key term

Crust

Outermost, thinnest layer of Earth.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Mantle

Thick layer of hot, semi-solid rock.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Core

Innermost layer, liquid outer and solid inner.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Igneous Rock

Forms from cooling molten rock (magma/lava).

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Sedimentary Rock

Forms from compacted sediments.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Metamorphic Rock

Forms from heat/pressure on existing rocks.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Rock Cycle

Continuous process of rock transformation.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Mineral

Natural, inorganic solid with definite composition.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Memory trick

Earth's Structure, Rocks, and Minerals

Imagine a 'CRuMby' Earth: CRust, Mantle, Core. For rocks, remember 'ISM': Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Exam tip

Earth's Structure, Rocks, and Minerals

The GED Science Test often features diagrams of the Earth's layers or the rock cycle. Be prepared to identify each layer or stage and describe its key characteristics or processes. Keywords to spot include 'composition,' 'state of matter,' 'cooling,' 'weathering,' and 'heat and pressure.'

Earth and Space Science Basics

Common mistake

Earth's Structure, Rocks, and Minerals

Confusing the outer core (liquid) with the inner core (solid).

Earth and Space Science Basics

Common mistake

Earth's Structure, Rocks, and Minerals

Mixing up the formation processes of the three rock types.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Common mistake

Earth's Structure, Rocks, and Minerals

Forgetting that the rock cycle is continuous and has no fixed start or end point.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Water Cycle

Continuous movement of water on, above, and below Earth's surface.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Evaporation

Process where liquid water changes into water vapor.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Condensation

Process where water vapor cools and changes into liquid water droplets.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Precipitation

Water released from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Weather

Short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific location.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Climate

Long-term average weather patterns in a region.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, like CO2.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Ocean Currents

Continuous, directed movement of ocean water.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Memory trick

Water, Weather, and Climate Cycles

To remember the difference between Weather and Climate: 'W' is for 'What you get' (today), 'C' is for 'What you can Count on' (long-term).

Earth and Space Science Basics

Exam tip

Water, Weather, and Climate Cycles

The GED Science Test often includes questions that require you to analyze graphs or data tables showing changes in temperature, precipitation, or greenhouse gas concentrations over time. Look for keywords like 'average over decades' for climate or 'daily forecast' for weather. Be prepared to identify cause-and-effect relationships between human activities and environmental changes.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Common mistake

Water, Weather, and Climate Cycles

Confusing weather (short-term) with climate (long-term average).

Earth and Space Science Basics

Common mistake

Water, Weather, and Climate Cycles

Underestimating the impact of human activities on global cycles.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Common mistake

Water, Weather, and Climate Cycles

Forgetting that solar energy is the primary driver of the water cycle and global wind patterns.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Solar System

The Sun and all the objects orbiting it.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Planet

Celestial body orbiting a star, spherical, cleared its orbit.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Star

Massive celestial body that generates light and heat.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Moon

Natural satellite orbiting a planet.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Asteroid

Rocky, airless body orbiting the Sun, smaller than a planet.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Comet

Icy, rocky body that develops a tail near the Sun.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Dwarf Planet

Orbits Sun, spherical, but hasn't cleared its orbit.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Galaxy

Vast system of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Memory trick

Our Solar System and Beyond

My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Noodles: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Exam tip

Our Solar System and Beyond

On the GED Science Test, be prepared to identify the order of planets from the Sun and distinguish between terrestrial and gas giant planets based on their properties. Keywords like 'rocky surface,' 'gaseous composition,' 'ring system,' and 'orbital path' are important clues.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Common mistake

Our Solar System and Beyond

Confusing stars (like our Sun) with planets (which orbit stars).

Earth and Space Science Basics

Common mistake

Our Solar System and Beyond

Mixing up the characteristics of inner (rocky) and outer (gas giant) planets.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Common mistake

Our Solar System and Beyond

Believing that 'shooting stars' are actual stars, instead of meteors.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Deforestation

Clearing forests for other land uses.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Renewable Resource

Resource that replenishes naturally over time.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Non-renewable Resource

Resource existing in fixed amounts, consumed faster than formed.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Climate Change

Long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Sustainability

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Key term

Mitigation

Actions to reduce causes of climate change.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Memory trick

Human Impact on Earth Systems

Remember '3 R's for Earth's Health': Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! It helps to remember sustainable practices.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Exam tip

Human Impact on Earth Systems

The GED Science Test often includes questions about human impact, specifically focusing on the causes and effects of climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. Look for keywords like 'greenhouse effect,' 'fossil fuels,' 'deforestation,' 'renewable energy,' and 'conservation.'

Earth and Space Science Basics

Common mistake

Human Impact on Earth Systems

Confusing weather (short-term) with climate (long-term patterns).

Earth and Space Science Basics

Common mistake

Human Impact on Earth Systems

Attributing all environmental changes solely to natural cycles, ignoring human contributions.

Earth and Space Science Basics

Common mistake

Human Impact on Earth Systems

Believing that renewable resources are unlimited and don't require careful management.

Earth and Space Science Basics