GED Science Test Notes
1. Scientific Method
- Observation: Collecting data using the senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste) or instruments (microscopes,
thermometers, etc.). For example, observing the color change in a chemical reaction.
- Hypothesis: A testable statement predicting the outcome of an experiment. Example: "If plants receive more sunlight,
then they will grow taller."
- Experimentation: Designing an experiment with variables (independent, dependent, and controlled). Example:
Testing how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth.
- Independent Variable: The factor you change (e.g., amount of sunlight).
- Dependent Variable: The factor you measure (e.g., plant height).
- Controlled Variables: Factors kept the same (e.g., type of plant, soil).
- Conclusion: Analyzing data to see if the hypothesis was supported. For example, concluding that plants with more
sunlight grew taller.
- Theory vs. Law:
- Theory: A well-supported explanation of phenomena (e.g., Theory of Evolution).
- Law: A statement describing a consistent natural phenomenon (e.g., Law of Gravity).
2. Life Science
- Cell Structure: Understanding the function of cell organelles:
- Nucleus: Contains DNA, controls the cell's activities.
- Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, produces energy.
- Ribosomes: Synthesizes proteins.
- Cell Membrane: Controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
- DNA and Genetics:
- DNA Structure: Double helix, composed of nucleotides (Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine).
- Genes: Segments of DNA that code for proteins.
- Chromosomes: Structures that contain DNA; humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs).
- Mendelian Genetics: Study of how traits are inherited through dominant and recessive alleles.
- Punnett Squares: A tool to predict the probability of inheriting certain traits.
- Evolution and Natural Selection:
- Charles Darwin's Theory: Species evolve over time through natural selection, where individuals with advantageous
traits survive and reproduce.
- Speciation: The formation of new species due to genetic changes and environmental factors.
- Human Body Systems:
- Circulatory System: Transports blood, nutrients, and gases throughout the body.
- Respiratory System: Involves the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment.
- Digestive System: Breaks down food into nutrients that the body can absorb.
- Nervous System: Controls body functions and responses to stimuli.
- Reproductive System: Produces offspring and involves organs like the ovaries and testes.
3. Physical Science
- Atoms and Molecules:
- Atomic Structure: Atoms consist of a nucleus (protons and neutrons) surrounded by electrons.
- Periodic Table: Elements are arranged by increasing atomic number, grouped by similar chemical properties.
- Molecules: Two or more atoms bonded together (e.g., H2O, CO2).
- Chemical Reactions:
- Types of Reactions: Synthesis (A + B -> AB), Decomposition (AB -> A + B), Combustion (fuel + O2 -> CO2 + H2O),
and Displacement (A + BC -> AC + B).
- Balancing Equations: Ensuring the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides of the equation (Law
of Conservation of Mass).
- Forces and Motion:
- Newton's Laws:
1. Law of Inertia: An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an
external force.
2. F=ma: Force equals mass times acceleration.
3. Action-Reaction: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
- Gravity: The force of attraction between objects with mass.
- Energy:
- Forms of Energy: Kinetic (energy of motion), Potential (stored energy), Thermal (heat), Chemical (stored in
chemical bonds), etc.
- Laws of Thermodynamics:
1. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed (Conservation of Energy).
2. Entropy of an isolated system always increases.
4. Earth and Space Science
- Geology:
- Rock Cycle: The process of rock formation, including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
- Plate Tectonics: The movement of Earth's lithospheric plates causes earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain
formation.
- Weather and Climate:
- Atmosphere: Layers include the troposphere (weather occurs here), stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and
exosphere.
- Climate Change: Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions, often
influenced by human activities.
- Astronomy:
- Solar System: Composed of the Sun, eight planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
- Stars: Life cycle includes stages such as nebula, main sequence, red giant, and white dwarf.
- Galaxies: Massive systems of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter bound together by gravity (e.g., Milky Way).
- Environmental Science:
- Ecosystems: Communities of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
- Human Impact: Activities such as deforestation, pollution, and fossil fuel consumption affect ecosystems and
contribute to global warming.
5. Data Representation and Interpretation
- Graphs and Tables: Ability to interpret data from various forms of graphical representation (e.g., bar graphs, line
graphs, pie charts, tables).
- Scientific Notation and Units: Converting measurements (e.g., meters to kilometers) and using scientific notation to
express large or small numbers (e.g., 3.0 x 10^8 m/s).
- Probability and Statistics: Understanding the basics of probability (likelihood of events) and statistical measures
(mean, median, mode).
6. Practice Critical Thinking
- Analyzing Scientific Arguments: Evaluate the validity of arguments, identify assumptions, and differentiate between
correlation and causation.
- Interpreting Experiments: Understanding experimental design, including the role of controls, variables, and
replicability.
Tips for Test Day
- Time Management: Practice pacing yourself to ensure you can complete the test within the allotted time.
- Answer All Questions: There's no penalty for guessing, so make sure to answer every question.
- Use Process of Elimination: Narrow down answer choices by eliminating clearly incorrect answers.
