Life Science
Study of living organisms, including biology, genetics, and ecology.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
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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.
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Study of living organisms, including biology, genetics, and ecology.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
Study of non-living systems, encompassing chemistry and physics.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
Study of Earth's systems, geology, meteorology, and astronomy.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
Question type where you select one correct answer from several options.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
Question type requiring you to move items to correct locations on screen.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
Minimum score of 145 required to pass the GED Science Test.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
Score of 165 or higher, indicating readiness for college-level work.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
To remember the three science areas: 'LPE' - Life, Physical, Earth. Think of a 'LPE' (leap) into science!
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
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
Underestimating the importance of data interpretation skills; many questions are not just about recalling facts.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
Not managing time effectively during the 90-minute test, leading to rushed answers or incomplete sections.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
Focusing only on one science area, neglecting the balanced coverage of Life, Physical, and Earth/Space Sciences.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
The factor intentionally changed in an experiment.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
The factor measured or observed in an experiment.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
Factors kept constant to ensure fair testing.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
The process of interpreting patterns in data.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
A general direction or pattern in data.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
A judgment or decision reached after analysis.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
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
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
Making assumptions not supported by the data.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
Ignoring axis labels or units on graphs.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
Confusing independent and dependent variables.
Getting Started: Understanding the GED Science Test
Group of organs working together for a major body function.
Life Science Fundamentals
Maintenance of stable internal conditions in a living organism.
Life Science Fundamentals
Transports blood, oxygen, nutrients, and waste throughout the body.
Life Science Fundamentals
Responsible for gas exchange (oxygen intake, carbon dioxide release).
Life Science Fundamentals
Controls and coordinates all body activities through electrical signals.
Life Science Fundamentals
Produces and secretes hormones to regulate body processes.
Life Science Fundamentals
Breaks down food into nutrients the body can absorb.
Life Science Fundamentals
Provides support, protection, and allows for movement.
Life Science Fundamentals
To remember the major systems, think of 'CRiMeS NeRD': Circulatory, Respiratory, Muscular, Skeletal, Nervous, Endocrine, Reproductive, Digestive.
Life Science Fundamentals
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
Confusing the function of the circulatory system with the respiratory system (one transports, the other exchanges gases).
Life Science Fundamentals
Underestimating the interconnectedness of systems; thinking they work in isolation.
Life Science Fundamentals
Not understanding that lifestyle choices directly impact the health and function of all body systems.
Life Science Fundamentals
The basic unit of structure and function in all known living organisms.
Life Science Fundamentals
Cells lacking a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Life Science Fundamentals
Cells possessing a true nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Life Science Fundamentals
An individual living thing.
Life Science Fundamentals
A community of living organisms interacting with their non-living environment.
Life Science Fundamentals
The living components of an ecosystem.
Life Science Fundamentals
The non-living physical and chemical components of an ecosystem.
Life Science Fundamentals
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
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
Confusing prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, especially regarding the presence of a nucleus.
Life Science Fundamentals
Mixing up the order of biological organization (e.g., thinking an organ system comes before an organ).
Life Science Fundamentals
Forgetting that abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem.
Life Science Fundamentals
Study of genes and heredity.
Life Science Fundamentals
Passing of traits from parents to offspring.
Life Science Fundamentals
Genetic material carrying instructions for life.
Life Science Fundamentals
Segment of DNA coding for a specific trait.
Life Science Fundamentals
Different versions of a gene.
Life Science Fundamentals
Allele expressed, masking recessive allele.
Life Science Fundamentals
Allele masked by a dominant allele.
Life Science Fundamentals
Structure of DNA and proteins, carries genes.
Life Science Fundamentals
DNA: 'D'ouble 'N'ucleic 'A'cid. Remember it's a double helix, like a twisted ladder!
Life Science Fundamentals
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
Confusing genotype (genetic makeup) with phenotype (observable traits).
Life Science Fundamentals
Assuming all traits are controlled by a single gene with simple dominant/recessive inheritance.
Life Science Fundamentals
Mixing up the definitions of sexual and asexual reproduction, especially regarding genetic diversity.
Life Science Fundamentals
Change in heritable characteristics of populations over generations.
Life Science Fundamentals
Mechanism where advantageous traits increase in a population.
Life Science Fundamentals
Heritable trait increasing an organism's survival and reproduction.
Life Science Fundamentals
Differences among individuals within a population.
Life Science Fundamentals
Characteristic passed from parents to offspring.
Life Science Fundamentals
Environmental factor favoring certain traits.
Life Science Fundamentals
Historical evidence of life preserved in rocks.
Life Science Fundamentals
Idea that different species share a common evolutionary origin.
Life Science Fundamentals
Remember 'V.I.S.A.': Variation, Inheritance, Survival (differential), Adaptation. These are the core ideas!
Life Science Fundamentals
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
Confusing individual change with population change: Individuals don't evolve, populations do.
Life Science Fundamentals
Believing evolution has a 'goal' or is 'progressive': Evolution is not directed towards perfection, just adaptation to current conditions.
Life Science Fundamentals
Thinking natural selection creates new traits: It acts on existing variation; mutations create new traits.
Life Science Fundamentals
Close, long-term interaction between two different species.
Life Science Fundamentals
Symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.
Life Science Fundamentals
One organism benefits, other is neither helped nor harmed.
Life Science Fundamentals
One organism benefits at the expense of the other.
Life Science Fundamentals
Interconnected food chains showing energy flow.
Life Science Fundamentals
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
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
Confusing biotic (living) with abiotic (non-living) factors.
Life Science Fundamentals
Mixing up the definitions of mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.
Life Science Fundamentals
Assuming energy flows only in simple food chains, not complex food webs.
Life Science Fundamentals
Anything that has mass and takes up space.
Physical Science Essentials
The basic building block of all matter.
Physical Science Essentials
The central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.
Physical Science Essentials
A subatomic particle with a positive charge, found in the nucleus.
Physical Science Essentials
A subatomic particle with a negative charge, orbiting the nucleus.
Physical Science Essentials
A subatomic particle with no charge, found in the nucleus.
Physical Science Essentials
A characteristic observed without changing the substance's identity.
Physical Science Essentials
A characteristic describing a substance's ability to undergo chemical change.
Physical Science Essentials
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
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
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
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
Mixing up the characteristics of states of matter, especially between liquids (definite volume, indefinite shape) and gases (indefinite volume, indefinite shape).
Physical Science Essentials
Process forming new substances.
Physical Science Essentials
Starting materials in a reaction.
Physical Science Essentials
Substances formed by a reaction.
Physical Science Essentials
Symbolic representation of a reaction.
Physical Science Essentials
Mass is neither created nor destroyed.
Physical Science Essentials
Adjusting coefficients to conserve mass.
Physical Science Essentials
Two or more substances combine.
Physical Science Essentials
One substance breaks down.
Physical Science Essentials
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
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
Confusing coefficients (for balancing) with subscripts (part of the chemical formula).
Physical Science Essentials
Forgetting that the Law of Conservation of Mass means atoms are rearranged, not lost or gained.
Physical Science Essentials
Misidentifying reactants and products, especially when the equation is written unconventionally.
Physical Science Essentials
Distance traveled per unit of time.
Physical Science Essentials
Speed in a given direction.
Physical Science Essentials
Rate of change of velocity.
Physical Science Essentials
A push or pull on an object.
Physical Science Essentials
Resistance of an object to changes in its state of motion.
Physical Science Essentials
A measure of the amount of matter in an object.
Physical Science Essentials
Object in motion stays in motion, object at rest stays at rest, unless acted on by a force.
Physical Science Essentials
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Physical Science Essentials
F = ma: 'F'or 'M'ost 'A'nimals, 'F'orce 'M'akes 'A'cceleration!
Physical Science Essentials
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
Confusing speed with velocity; remember velocity includes direction.
Physical Science Essentials
Thinking action-reaction forces cancel out; they act on different objects.
Physical Science Essentials
Forgetting that acceleration can be a change in speed OR direction.
Physical Science Essentials
Force applied over a distance in the direction of the force; measured in joules (J).
Physical Science Essentials
The ability to do work; exists in many forms, measured in joules (J).
Physical Science Essentials
Energy of motion; depends on an object's mass and velocity (KE = ½mv²).
Physical Science Essentials
Stored energy due to position or state, e.g., gravitational potential energy (GPE = mgh).
Physical Science Essentials
The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred; measured in watts (W).
Physical Science Essentials
The standard unit of work and energy.
Physical Science Essentials
The standard unit of power, equal to one joule per second.
Physical Science Essentials
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.
Physical Science Essentials
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
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
Confusing the everyday meaning of 'work' with its scientific definition (e.g., being tired doesn't mean work was done).
Physical Science Essentials
Forgetting that force and distance must be in the same direction for work to be done.
Physical Science Essentials
Mixing up the units for work/energy (joules) and power (watts).
Physical Science Essentials
A disturbance that transfers energy without transferring matter.
Physical Science Essentials
Maximum displacement from the equilibrium position of a wave.
Physical Science Essentials
Distance between two consecutive corresponding points on a wave.
Physical Science Essentials
Number of complete wave cycles passing a point per unit time.
Physical Science Essentials
Particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.
Physical Science Essentials
Particles oscillate parallel to the direction of wave travel.
Physical Science Essentials
Range of all types of electromagnetic radiation.
Physical Science Essentials
A space entirely devoid of matter.
Physical Science Essentials
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
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
Confusing transverse and longitudinal waves: Remember 'T' for Transverse and 'Top-to-bottom' (perpendicular movement).
Physical Science Essentials
Believing sound can travel in space: Sound needs a medium; light does not.
Physical Science Essentials
Mixing up wavelength and frequency: Longer wavelength means lower frequency and lower energy (for EM waves).
Physical Science Essentials
Outermost, thinnest layer of Earth.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Thick layer of hot, semi-solid rock.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Innermost layer, liquid outer and solid inner.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Forms from cooling molten rock (magma/lava).
Earth and Space Science Basics
Forms from compacted sediments.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Forms from heat/pressure on existing rocks.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Continuous process of rock transformation.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Natural, inorganic solid with definite composition.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Imagine a 'CRuMby' Earth: CRust, Mantle, Core. For rocks, remember 'ISM': Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic.
Earth and Space Science Basics
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
Confusing the outer core (liquid) with the inner core (solid).
Earth and Space Science Basics
Mixing up the formation processes of the three rock types.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Forgetting that the rock cycle is continuous and has no fixed start or end point.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Continuous movement of water on, above, and below Earth's surface.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Process where liquid water changes into water vapor.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Process where water vapor cools and changes into liquid water droplets.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Water released from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific location.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Long-term average weather patterns in a region.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Gases that trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, like CO2.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Continuous, directed movement of ocean water.
Earth and Space Science Basics
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
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
Confusing weather (short-term) with climate (long-term average).
Earth and Space Science Basics
Underestimating the impact of human activities on global cycles.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Forgetting that solar energy is the primary driver of the water cycle and global wind patterns.
Earth and Space Science Basics
The Sun and all the objects orbiting it.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Celestial body orbiting a star, spherical, cleared its orbit.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Massive celestial body that generates light and heat.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Natural satellite orbiting a planet.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Rocky, airless body orbiting the Sun, smaller than a planet.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Icy, rocky body that develops a tail near the Sun.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Orbits Sun, spherical, but hasn't cleared its orbit.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Vast system of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter.
Earth and Space Science Basics
My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Noodles: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
Earth and Space Science Basics
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
Confusing stars (like our Sun) with planets (which orbit stars).
Earth and Space Science Basics
Mixing up the characteristics of inner (rocky) and outer (gas giant) planets.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Believing that 'shooting stars' are actual stars, instead of meteors.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Clearing forests for other land uses.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Resource that replenishes naturally over time.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Resource existing in fixed amounts, consumed faster than formed.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Meeting present needs without compromising future generations.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Actions to reduce causes of climate change.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Remember '3 R's for Earth's Health': Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! It helps to remember sustainable practices.
Earth and Space Science Basics
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
Confusing weather (short-term) with climate (long-term patterns).
Earth and Space Science Basics
Attributing all environmental changes solely to natural cycles, ignoring human contributions.
Earth and Space Science Basics
Believing that renewable resources are unlimited and don't require careful management.
Earth and Space Science Basics