GED Science Cheat Sheet
🧬 Life Science
Cells: Basic unit of life. Know the differences between plant and animal cells (e.g. cell wall,
chloroplast).
Genetics: DNA, genes, heredity, Punnett squares (dominant vs. recessive traits).
Natural Selection: Theory of evolution, survival of the fittest, adaptation over time.
Human Body Systems: Digestive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, muscular—know their functions
and major organs.
🌎 Earth & Space Science
Layers of Earth: Crust, mantle, core; tectonic plates cause earthquakes & volcanoes.
Weather & Climate: Water cycle, cloud types, air pressure, climate change basics.
Space Science: Solar system, phases of the Moon, gravity, Earth’s rotation and revolution.
⚛️Physical Science
Atoms & Molecules: Structure of atoms (protons, neutrons, electrons), periodic table basics.
Chemical Reactions: Reactants → Products, signs of a reaction (color change, temperature change, gas,
precipitate).
Forces & Motion: Newton’s Laws, speed = distance ÷ time, gravity, friction.
Energy: Types (kinetic, potential), heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), renewable vs. non-
renewable energy.
🧪 Scientific Practices & Reasoning
Scientific Method:
o Ask a question
o Make a hypothesis
o Conduct an experiment
o Analyze data
o Draw conclusions
Data Interpretation: Understand graphs, charts, variables, and trends.
Cause & Effect: Predict outcomes from experiments or observations.
🔍 Bonus Tips
Use process of elimination on multiple choice questions.
Look for context clues in reading passages.
Practice reading data tables and graphs, which show up a lot.
Time management: Don’t linger too long on one question—mark and move on if unsure.
GED Science Quiz
🧬 Life Science
1. Which organelle is responsible for energy production in animal cells?
A. Nucleus B. Mitochondria C. Ribosome D. Golgi apparatus
2. What is the term for the passing of traits from parents to offspring?
A. Evolution B. Heredity C. Mutation D. Adaptation
🌎 Earth & Space Science
3. What layer of Earth is composed of tectonic plates?
A. Core B. Mantle C. Crust D. Outer core
4. Which process is responsible for the formation of clouds in the water cycle?
A. Evaporation B. Condensation C. Precipitation D. Transpiration
5. What force keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?
A. Magnetism B. Friction C. Gravity D. Inertia
⚛️Physical Science
6. What is the smallest unit of matter? A. Molecule B. Atom C. Electron D. Proton
7. Which of the following is a sign of a chemical reaction?
A. Change in state B. Change in color C. Change in size D. Change in shape
8. What is Newton's First Law of Motion also known as?
A. Law of Gravity B. Law of Inertia C. Law of Acceleration D. Law of Action and Reaction
9. What type of energy is stored in an object due to its position?
A. Kinetic energy B. Thermal energy C. Potential energy D. Chemical energy
10. Which method of heat transfer occurs through direct contact?
1. Conduction B. Convection C. Radiation D. Evaporation
🧪 Scientific Practices
11. What is the first step in the scientific method?
A. Conduct an experiment B. Analyze data C. Ask a question D. Draw conclusions
12. What is the dependent variable in an experiment?
A. The variable that is changed B. The variable that is measured
C. The variable that remains constant D. The variable that is hypothesized
13. What is the term for a graph showing the relationship between two variables?
A. Bar graph B. Pie chart C. Line graph D. Scatter plot
14. What is the main cause of global warming?
A. Deforestation B. Greenhouse gases C. Volcanic eruptions D. Solar flares
15. What is the term for the ability to predict outcomes based on observations?
A. Hypothesis B. Inference C. Prediction D. Conclusion
✅ Answer Key
1. B. Mitochondria
2. B. Heredity
3. C. Crust
4. B. Condensation
5. C. Gravity
6. B. Atom
7. B. Change in color
8. B. Law of Inertia
9. C. Potential energy
10. A. Conduction
11. C. Ask a question
12. B. The variable that is measured
13. D. Scatter plot
14. B. Greenhouse gases
15. C. Prediction
