A Comprehensive GED Science Study Guide In 2025

Do you want to ace your GED Science exam? Do you require effective exam preparation? As a result, this GED Science Study Guide 2025 is ideal for you! Get-TestPrep will go over what a GED Science Test is and what it entails. Then we’ll go over frequently asked questions about the Science Test, as well as some study tips and tricks to help you ace your exam!

What Is The GED Test?

The General Educational Development (GED) examination is a series of exams that test takers must complete in order to get a GED diploma (also known as a GED certificate). This certificate is equivalent to a standard high school diploma.

The GED Test, or General Educational Development Test, consists of four assessments. These examinations are intended to assess your performance in conventional high-school courses for anybody 16 and older who is not enrolled in high school. Rather than assessing your recall of specific facts, dates, or terminology, the GED Test asks you to demonstrate applicable knowledge and abilities connected to specific circumstances.

Individuals may be interested in obtaining a GED certificate since most employers need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Adults who did not complete high school can fulfill this criterion by completing the GED exam.

What’s On The GED Science Test?

The GED Science test consists of 50 questions in total, most of which are written in multiple-choice format. You will be given a total of 80 minutes for this section of the test, so you must plan your time wisely if you want to do well.

Like other GED exams, to get a passing score, you have to achieve a 145 or higher score. Questions are formatted in variety, multiple-choice, drop-down, and short answers are examples.

Due to so many areas of science, focusing on understanding science texts, tables, charts, and graphs; how science experiments and studies are designed; and scientific theories or processes. In addition, you should practice concluding data and evaluating other people’s conclusions. Moreover, comparing and evaluating multiple conclusions, sets of data, or theories.

Earth and Space Science 

Astronomy and geology are two special disciplines that come under space and Earth science. This subject’s questions will test your knowledge of Earth’s systems and structure, as well as the solar system, stars, and other important celestial bodies.

Physical Science 

Physical science translates into the discipline of physics. You will demonstrate your knowledge of how motion works in relation to the gravitational pull of the Earth in this section. You will be asked to answer questions on determinable traits such as speed and velocity. As a result, Physical Science questions may require some mathematical calculation on this part. 

Life Science

Life science is in line with biology and its related subjects. You will be required to demonstrate your knowledge of Earth’s ecological systems and how living beings function and thrive within them. You may also be required to answer a few questions regarding human biology, particularly in relation to one of two supplementary subjects included in the test.

Energy and Related Systems

The ‘Energy and Related Systems’ section of the test covers the properties of energy, such as how various systems (both within the solar system and on Earth) use energy, how energy varies depending on how it is used, and where energy comes from. This subject will be reflected in questions in both Physical Science and Earth and Space Science.

Human Health and Living Systems

Questions under the ‘Human Health and Living Systems’ umbrella address the complex relationship that exists between humans and their environment. You will be required to understand a variety of biological subjects, including hereditary properties, DNA, evolution, and how illnesses develop and evolve. You’ll also need some anatomical knowledge, particularly about the human form and the various systems inside it that help our bodies function properly.

What Types Of Questions Are On The GED Test?

On the GED Science Test, there is a lot of confusion about short answers and lengthier responses. In 2012, the revised GED test featured an Extended Response essay in social studies and short answer questions in science. The scientific exam never included a full essay, known as an extended answer. The extended answer essay was removed from the GED social studies test in March 2016. There is only one extended response essay on the current GED test, and it is on the language arts test.

How about the science exam? According to certain reports, there are no longer any quick-answer questions… Because the essay was pulled from social studies, there may be some misunderstanding. The following scientific question types are listed in the 2018 GED Technical Manual:

• Multiple Choice. The majority of the questions are multiple-choice! If you study using multiple-choice questions, you should be OK. There are four answer options for multiple choice questions.
• Drop-Down: Drop-down questions will prompt you to select an item to complete a phrase or an equation. After multiple choice, this should be the most prevalent sort of question.
• Drag-and-Drop: This type of question will ask you to drag an item to its correct place, maybe in a diagram, an equation, or a matching exercise.
• Fill-in-the-Blank: You may be asked to complete a statement or an equation in these questions.
• Hot Spot: A hot spot inquiry requires you to select the right answer from a picture. For instance, you may need to click on a section of a diagram.
• Short Answer: The short answer is still included for a question type that you may encounter. Because this is not a long response, it is not as serious as a complete essay question. A brief response question may request that you summarize what you read, form a hypothesis, reach a conclusion, or offer evidence from what you read. But don’t get too worked up over it. If you have a short answer question on your version of the test, attempt to write the best response you can. Take no more than ten minutes, but don’t leave it blank. Simply respond to the question in a paragraph using whole sentences. Don’t write any more than is necessary to answer the question.

GED Science Topics With Example Questions

The GED exam includes the following scientific courses.

1. Life Science (40%, about 16 out of 40 questions)

Life science encompasses the following disciplines:

• Human health and the human body
• Life and energy (including food and calories, as well as photosynthesis)
• Ecosystem energy fluxes (such as food chains, predators, and prey)
• Life organization (such as cells, organs, and bodily systems)
• DNA and genetics are examples of molecular bases for inheritance.
• Evolution

As you can see, life science encompasses a wide range of topics! Don’t be concerned. You don’t have to be aware of every detail. You must be able to read the material, comprehend it, and respond to questions.

Example Question: 

Relevant skills include interpreting and drawing conclusions from data, charts, and graphs.

Over the course of ten years, a scientist gathered the following information about the trees growing in a forest.

Which of the following is the best conclusion the scientist can draw about the changes in the forest?

• In ten years, the number of pine and fir trees more than doubled.
• The environment of the woodland is shifting to become colder, causing oak trees to grow less successfully.
• The number of evergreen trees grew while oak tree numbers declined.
• The forest is receiving more rainfall, which is increasing the overall number of trees.

2. Physical Science (40%, about 16 out of 40 questions)

The physical science portion of the GED exam might include any of the following topics:

• Heat, temperature, and heat movement and transfer
• Heat-producing chemical reactions and biological processes
• Energy Types and energy transformation
• Energy sources, such as the sun or gasoline
• Light and waves
• Speed, velocity, acceleration, momentum, and collisions are all variables to consider.
• Gravity and force
• Work and basic machinery
• Matter’s structure, including atoms and molecules
• Matter properties such as states (liquid, gas) and density
• Chemical equations and chemistry
• Dissolving salt in water is an example of a solution.

Most of the time, you’ll need to understand big physics concepts like energy conservation and the fact that two sides of a chemical equation have the same amount of atoms. To answer questions, you’ll apply large concepts and science abilities.

Example Question: 

Relevant skills include using Science Symbols; using Science Theories and Processes

In a chemical equation, each side should have the same number of atoms. Select the right solution to complete the equation demonstrating that mixing methane and oxygen produces carbon dioxide and water.

CH₄ + ________O₂ → CO₂ + 2H₂O
Choices:

• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

3. Earth and Space Science (20%, about 16 out of 40 questions)

The Earth and Space Science questions might cover any of the following subjects:

• Interactions on Earth between living and nonliving entities, such as the carbon cycle, water cycle, or fossil fuel cycle
• Storms and earthquakes are examples of natural disasters.
• Water, fuel, land, and food are examples of natural resources.
• The waters and the atmosphere
• Erosion is one of the Earth’s systems.
• The Earth’s structure, including its core, mantle, and crust
• The cosmos is made up of galaxies, stars, and solar systems.
• The sun, planets, comets, asteroids, and moons, including the Earth, and the solar system’s movement
• The age of the Earth includes fossils, landscapes, and rock dating

You’ll be able to answer these questions if you know how to read about science and have a general understanding of how science works.

Example Question: 

Relevant skills: Understand Science Texts; Use Science Words and Phrases

What Is Mercury Like?

Mercury has virtually no atmosphere. It may get incredibly hot since it is so near to the sun. Mercury, for example, can reach a searing 800 degrees Fahrenheit on its sunny side. (However, Mercury is not the hottest planet in the solar system; Venus is.) Mercury’s dark side is that it gets exceedingly cold since it has practically no atmosphere to keep heat in and the surface heated. The temperature can fall below -300 degrees Fahrenheit. The sunlight never reaches the bottoms of several craters near Mercury’s poles, suggesting that ice may exist inside those craters, where it would be always frozen.

How Has NASA Studied Mercury?

Mercury is challenging to observe from Earth due to its near proximity to the sun. Although no humans have ever visited Mercury, Mariner 10 was the first robotic spacecraft to do so. Mercury flew it in 1974 and 1975. Mariner 10 was only able to photograph around half of Mercury’s surface. No spacecraft reached Mercury for more than 30 years after Mariner 10. Then, in 2008 and 2009, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft sailed by Mercury. It began its orbit around Mercury on March 17, 2011. MESSENGER will map Mercury by photographing the planet’s surface, including previously unseen locations. It will also collect data on the composition of the surface rocks, as well as measure mountain heights and crater and valley depths. Scientists will be able to learn more about Mercury’s interior thanks to data obtained by MESSENGER. MESSENGER will teach people more about Mercury than they have ever known before. 

According to the article, which fact concerning Mercury do scientists NOT know?

• Whether asteroids or other cosmic objects have collided with Mercury’s surface
• Mercury’s atmosphere and its impact on its temperature
• The structure of Mercury’s core
• The temperature range on Mercury’s surface

GED Science Study Guide: What To Know To Pass The GED Science Test

To pass the GED scientific exam, you must grasp scientific concepts and demonstrate scientific abilities. Here’s what you’ll require:

Science Topics

• Life Science
  • You must understand the fundamentals of the human body and health, including bodily systems, diet, disease, and medication.
  • You must be able to read about and comprehend the interactions between life and energy, such as photosynthesis and fermentation.
  • You must be able to analyze data concerning energy in ecosystems, such as food chains and webs, symbiosis, and energy pyramids.
  • You must grasp knowledge about the structure of life, such as cells, cell division, and metabolism.
  • You must understand heredity, particularly how characteristics are inherited and how the environment influences them.
  • You must be able to read about and comprehend evolution, as well as adaptability and natural selection.
• Physical Science
  • You must comprehend energy, which includes heat, temperature, chemical processes, energy kinds, energy sources, and waves and light.
  • You must understand the concepts of work, motion, and forces, as well as speed, velocity, acceleration, force, gravity, work, and basic machines.
  • You must understand chemistry and biological systems, including matter structure (atoms and molecules), states of matter, density, balancing chemical equations, and solutions.
• Earth and Space Science
  • You must understand the Earth’s processes and how they interact with living things, such as the carbon cycle, water cycle, natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, and natural resources.
  • You must grasp the Earth and its components, such as the atmosphere, seas, processes such as erosion, and the earth’s structure (mantle, core, and crust).
  • You must be able to read and comprehend information on the structure and organization of the universe, including galaxies, stars, solar systems, the sun, planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and Earth’s history.

Science Skills

You can pass the GED science test if you focus on mastering these abilities!

• You must be able to read and use science books, charts, graphs, and data, as well as scientific symbols.
• You must be able to comprehend and evaluate scientific experiments and investigations.
• You must be able to reason from data, which includes citing evidence for findings and drawing conclusions or making forecasts.
• You must understand how to assess a data-driven conclusion or theory.
• You must be able to compare scientific results, conclusions, or ideas and determine how they are related to one another.
• To explain scientific knowledge, you must understand how to utilize words, phrases, and symbols.
• You must be able to comprehend and apply scientific models, ideas, procedures, and formulae.

Read more >> GED Language Arts Study Guide In 2025

 

GED Science Tips and Tricks

If you’re not used to reading about science and looking at data, the GED Science Test can be difficult. The best method for practicing GED Science is to find a science program that is suitable for each person. Applying a variety of science skills is more effective than learning details about life science, physical science, or Earth and space science. We will give some tips to get you started in the following.

Study Reading and Math

You have to apply both reading and math in Science tests. Having a good background in GED reading and math first will help you with many areas of the GED Science Test such as reading charts and graphs and interpreting data, using formulas, understanding evidence and logic, reading science texts, and understanding new vocabulary and reading and math are foundational skills for science. It’s best to have a good foundation first!

Take the GED Science Practice Test

The best method to begin practicing for the GED science test is taking a practice test. It not only gives you experience with the types of questions but also tells you what topics and how much you have to meet in a real test. You can take our free GED practice test 2025 for all GED topics on our website. Let’s start! 

Study More Quickly and Effectively

Indeed, you have to understand some science for the science test. Some parts of the test are reading and math (in particular is data), so how to get the science knowledge you need in the best way:

First, pay attention to scientific theories, formulas, how studies are designed, and how experiments were done. That will gradually give you the background for reading about science topics and texts.

Second, you should make and organize your own notes. The more you organize and revise notes in your own words, the better you’ll get information. Besides, you should also make your own diagrams of scientific processes and make your own outlines of the texts that you can read easily.

Third, you should make sure that you understand the vocabulary because the science test has a lot of unfamiliar words and phrases. So you have to study prefixes, suffixes, and roots that can help you take the test quickly. In addition, you can make flashcards or a vocabulary in your own words.

Last but not least, you must study every day preferably. You should learn a little bit every day better than studying for a large chunk once a week. You’ll remember the ideas better if you study before you go to sleep.

Learn Some GED Science Formulas

There are some helpful formulas and equations to be familiar with for the GED science test. You’ll need to work with data, like finding the mean, median, or range competently. Memorizing physics formulas is not obligatory, but it is useful to be familiar with the physics concepts. Besides, you also need to know how to use formulas to find unknown values. 

• Distance Travelled distance = rate × time
• Velocity (Speed) velocity = change in distance ÷ change in time
• Acceleration = change in velocity ÷ change in time
• Momentum momentum = mass × velocity
• Weight = mass × gravity

Learn about Science Studies and Experiments

Getting familiar with the ideas in scientific studies and experiments is a good method to improve your score. 

Read the Text, Examine the Graphics

In the GED Science Test, the science text is about applying your skills to the text and graphics on the text. The key to the answer is in the text and graphics most of the time. So let’s try the following strategies:

• First, read the question, and find the keywords you need to.
• Carefully read the text or examine the graphic and look for the relevant information to answer the questions.
• Before reading the text, read through the answer choices and find out the one that best reflects what you read about in the text or data.
• Go back to the text to check if you’re not sure.

Use Good Test-Taking Skills

First, you can remove wrong answers. If you’re not sure of an answer, eliminate all the wrong answers first then pick the last correct answer.

In addition, it is good if you have a system for guessing. It’s essential to select the answer to every question. If you have a system for whenever you need to guess, such as always selecting the first answer that you can’t eliminate, you will have better results than your intuition.

It’s very important to answer every question. If there is a short answer question, let’s attempt your best to write an answer. If there is a fill-in-the-blank, write something even if it is just a guess. Answer all multiple-choice questions. For guessing, you will never lose points.

Make Diagrams

The science test consists of many processes and physical structures. So attempt to make your own diagrams to know some important areas of science easily. You could make your diagrams to show or explain:

• Photosynthesis
• Cell Structure
• DNA
• The Water Cycle
• The Carbon Cycle
• The Structure of Planet Earth
• The Solar System
• Ecosystems (Energy Pyramid, Food Web, Food Chain)
• The Nitrogen Cycle
• The Oxygen Cycle
• Erosion

Learn Your Elements

In the GED Science test, the symbols can be unfamiliar. You will almost certainly come across symbols for elements or molecules in the text. Study what the symbols for common elements and molecules are and what those symbols imply. 

Focus on Evidence and Data

Evidence and data are a vital part of the GED Science Test. You should be able to:

• Read, interpret, and from charts, graphs, and tables of data draw conclusions 
• Compare ideas or sets of data and understand how they’re related
• Check whether the data supports an idea or hypothesis
• In charts, graphs, and tables, find out trends and relationships in the data

What Do You Need for GED Test Day?

To be successful on exam day, you must prepare the night before by eating well and sleeping sufficiently. It may be beneficial to get up early on the day of the exam, do something physical to get yourself in the appropriate frame of mind and go through your notes.

• A government-issued picture ID
• A TI-30XS portable calculator
• A calculator reference sheet

On the day of the test, make sure you perform the following:

• Eat before the exam because you won’t be able to once it begins.
• Consider going for a run, performing yoga, or meditating to settle your anxieties.
• Go through your notes again.
• Examine your materials and double-check the exam time.

Keep in mind that you need to check into the testing center at least 15 minutes early. Avoid drinking alcohol the night before and get plenty of rest. If you’re more than 15 minutes late, you might not get to take the test.

GED Science Vocabulary List 2025

Below are the most frequently appearing words in the GED Science Section:

1. acceleration: an increase in the rate of change
2. acid: a sour, water-soluble substance that is less than pH 7
3. acid rain: water and hazardous chemical releases together with precipitation
4. activation energy: the energy required by an atomic system before a process (like emission or reaction) can occur
5. adaptation: the process of adapting or complying with new circumstances
6. adequacy: the quality of being able to meet a need satisfactorily
7. air mass: a large body of air with uniform characteristics horizontally
8. alimentary canal: tubular mucous membrane and muscle passage reaching approximately 8.3 meters from mouth to anus; functions in digesting and evacuation
9. alveolus: a small sac for holding air in the lungs
10. amplitude: the greatness of magnitude
11. antibody: a protein that generates an immune response
12. aorta: the large artery carrying blood from the heart to the body
13. artery: a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body
14. assess: estimate the nature, quality, ability, or significance of
15. asteroid: a small celestial body composed of rock and metal
16. atmosphere: the envelope of gases surrounding any celestial body
17. atom: the smallest component of an element
18. atomic mass: the property of an atom that causes it to have weight
19. atomic number: quantity of protons in the nucleus of an atom of an element
20. atrium: a chamber connected to other chambers or passageways
21. base: the lowest support of a structure
22. big bang: (cosmology) the cosmic explosion that is hypothesized to have marked the origin of the universe
23. biomass: the total amount of living matter in a given unit area
24. boiling point: the temperature at which a liquid boils at sea level
25. boson: any particle that obeys Bose-Einstein statistics
26. bronchus: either of the two main branches of the trachea
27. bronchiole: any of the smallest bronchial ducts; ending in alveoli
28. capillary: a minute blood vessel connecting arterioles with venules
29. Carbohydrates: an essential component of living cells and a source of energy
30. carbon cycle: the organic circulation of carbon from the atmosphere into organisms and back again
31. carnivore: a terrestrial or aquatic flesh-eating mammal
32. cause: events that provide the generative force of something
33. cell: the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms
34. cellular respiration: the processes of metabolism by which certain organisms gain energy from organic molecules; processes that occur in cells and tissues during which energy is released and
35. carbon dioxide is generated and absorbed by the blood for delivery to the lungs
36. cerebellum: a major division of the vertebrate brain
37. cerebrum: anterior part of the brain consisting of two hemispheres
38. chemical formula: a representation of a substance using symbols for its constituent elements
39. chemical reaction: a process in which substances are changed into others
40. chromatin: the easily stainable component of a cell nucleus composed of DNA, RNA, and other proteins; it condenses into chromosomes during mitotic division.
41. chromosome: a threadlike strand of DNA that carries genes
42. circulatory system: the organs and tissues involved in circulating blood and lymph through the body
43. climate: the weather in some locations averaged over a period of time
44. coal: fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter
45. colloid: a mixture with properties between those of a solution and fine suspension
46. compound: a whole formed by a union of two or more elements or parts
47. conclusion: a position or opinion reached after consideration
48. condensation: the process of changing from a gas to a liquid or solid state
49. condense: cause a gas or vapor to change into a liquid
50. conductor: the person who leads a musical group
51. consumer: a person who uses goods or services
52. context: the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation
53. convection: transfer of heat caused by molecular motion in liquid or gas
54. covalent bond: a chemical bond that involves sharing a pair of electrons between atoms in a molecule
55. crest: the top or extreme point of something
56. crust: a hard outer layer that covers something
57. cytoplasm: the substance inside a cell, not including the nucleus
58. decompose: break down
59. denitrify: remove nitrogen from
60. density: the amount per unit size
61. diffusion: the act of dispersing something
62. digestive system: the system that makes food absorbable into the body
63. DNA: material that carries genetic information in a cell
64. dominant gene: a gene that produces the same phenotype in the organism whether or not its allele identical
65. drag: pull, as against a resistance
66. earthquake: vibration from underground movement along a fault plane
67. ecology: the environment as it relates to living organisms
68. ecosystem: organisms interacting with their physical environment
69. effect: a phenomenon that is caused by some previous phenomenon
70. effort: use of physical or mental energy; hard work
71. egg cell: the female reproductive cell; the female gamete
72. electric circuit: an electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flow
73. electric current: a flow of electricity through a conductor
74. electric field: a field of force surrounding a charged particle
75. electromagnetic radiation: radiation made up of energy waves connected with electric and magnetic fields caused by the acceleration of an electric charge
76. electromagnetic spectrum: the entire frequency range of electromagnetic waves
77. electromagnetism: magnetism is produced by an electric current
78. electron: an elementary particle with a negative charge
79. endocrine system: the system of glands that secrete endocrine secretions that aid in the regulation of physiological metabolic activity
80. endothermic reaction: a chemical reaction accompanied by the absorption of heat
81. energy: forceful exertion
82. enzyme: a complex protein produced by cells that acts as a catalyst
83. epicenter: a point on the Earth’s surface directly above an earthquake
84. erosion: the process of wearing or grinding something down
85. evaluate: estimate the nature, quality, ability, or significance of
86. evaporate: change into gas or steam
87. evolution: sequence of events involved in the development of a species
88. exothermic reaction: a chemical reaction accompanied by the evolution of heat
89. fact: a piece of information about events that have occurred
90. fault: an imperfection in an object or machine
91. faulty: having a defect
92. fermentation: breaking down an organic substance, such as sugar into alcohol
93. focus: the concentration of attention or energy on something
94. food chain: a community of organisms where each member is eaten by another
95. food web: a community of organisms with several interrelated food chains
96. force: the influence that results in motion, stress, etc. when applied
97. fossil: the remains of a plant or animal from a past geological age
98. fossil fuel: energy-producing substance derived from preserved organisms
99. freezing point: the temperature below which a liquid turns into a solid
100. frequency: the number of occurrences within a given time period

FAQs

Where can I take the GED science practice test?

A great first step to see what’s on the test and what you need to study is taking a practice test! Let’s take a FREE GED Science Practice Test online today, you can find it HERE!

How many questions can you get wrong on the GED science test?

The good news is that you do not have to answer every question correctly on the GED Science exam! The scientific exam will consist of around 40 questions, and your score will range between 100 and 200. To pass, you simply need to score 145 (or 150 in New Jersey). That puts you around halfway across the scoring range! The actual amount of questions varies across versions of the test, however, you may miss up to 20 questions on a 40-question test. Aiming higher is a wonderful concept, but keep in mind that there is a lot of opportunity for error.

How long is the GED Science test?

The GED Science Exam lasts 90 minutes with no breaks. That’s an hour and a half and a little more than 2 minutes each question.

How can I pass my science test?

Passing the GED Science test depends on a number of skills. You need skills in reading, math, and of course science! It’s a good idea to study reading and math first, and then try the test. That way, you’ll have some starting skills.

You don’t need to focus on understanding everything about science. Focus on learning how to:

• Understand tables, charts, and graphs through reading about science.
• Read about and comprehend science experiments and research, including identifying errors in study design.
• Data may be used to draw conclusions and to compare data and evidence.

You should do well on the GED Science test if you can do these three things! Remember that it is not about memorizing a single piece of information that may or may not be on the test. It entails reading, assessing, and analyzing.

Where can I take the GED Science practice test 2025?

A practice exam is an excellent first step in determining what will be on the test and what you will need to prepare! Take a free online GED Science Practice Test today!

If you’ve previously taken a free exam and believe you’re ready to take the GED Ready, you should do so first. The GED Ready is a GED Testing Service-approved practice test that costs $6. It is available at GED.com.

Final Words

A good place to start studying is our free online GED Science practice test and our GED Study Guide! It will help you find out what you need to study first. Let’s practice now!