GED Science Chapter Structure
I've designed a 12-chapter structure covering all 200 concepts from the GED Science Assessment Targets.
Chapter List
| Chapter | Title | Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | Scientific Reasoning Foundations | 15 concepts |
| Chapter 2 | Comprehending Scientific Materials | 18 concepts |
| Chapter 3 | Designing and Conducting Scientific Investigations | 27 concepts |
| Chapter 4 | Reasoning from Data and Evidence | 12 concepts |
| Chapter 5 | Statistical Methods and Sampling | 8 concepts |
| Chapter 6 | Descriptive Statistics and Probability | 18 concepts |
| Chapter 7 | Evaluating Scientific Claims and Theories | 24 concepts |
| Chapter 8 | Scientific Models and Theories | 21 concepts |
| Chapter 9 | Expressing and Communicating Scientific Information | 15 concepts |
| Chapter 10 | Life Science: Human Body and Health | 14 concepts |
| Chapter 11 | Life Science: Energy Flow and Cellular Organization | 12 concepts |
| Chapter 12 | Life Science: Genetics, Heredity, and Evolution | 16 concepts |
Chapter Descriptions
Chapter 1: Scientific Reasoning Foundations (15 concepts)
Establishes the foundational concepts including Scientific Reasoning, the Scientific Method, Evidence-Based Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Scientific Literacy, and Scientific Inquiry. This chapter introduces the GED Assessment Targets framework and sets the stage for all subsequent learning.
Chapter 2: Comprehending Scientific Materials (18 concepts)
Covers reading and interpreting scientific texts, non-textual presentations, visual data representation, graphs, charts, tables, diagrams, and scientific vocabulary. Students learn to understand central ideas, identify trends, and use context clues in scientific communication.
Chapter 3: Designing and Conducting Scientific Investigations (27 concepts)
Comprehensive coverage of experimental design including hypothesis formation, variables (independent, dependent, controlled), sources of error, measurement tools, precision and accuracy, sample size, replication, experimental procedures, and comparing experimental designs.
Chapter 4: Reasoning from Data and Evidence (12 concepts)
Focuses on drawing evidence-based conclusions, citing textual evidence, numerical data analysis, data-driven reasoning, logical conclusions, scientific predictions, trend analysis and extrapolation, and understanding variable relationships.
Chapter 5: Statistical Methods and Sampling (8 concepts)
Introduces sampling techniques, random and systematic sampling, representative samples, sample bias, population vs sample distinctions, statistical inference, and sampling strategies essential for scientific research.
Chapter 6: Descriptive Statistics and Probability (18 concepts)
Covers descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, variance), data distributions (normal and skewed), counting principles, permutations, combinations, and probability concepts including simple, compound, independent, and dependent events.
Chapter 7: Evaluating Scientific Claims and Theories (24 concepts)
Teaches evaluation of scientific claims, evidence supporting and challenging conclusions, theory evaluation, hypothesis testing, model validation, conflicting evidence, reproducibility, peer review, scientific consensus, paradigm shifts, and theory modification.
Chapter 8: Scientific Models and Theories (21 concepts)
Explores scientific models, theory definitions, laws vs theories, theory application, conceptual/mathematical/physical models, model limitations, theory-based predictions, formula application, and established theories including Cell Theory, Atomic Theory, Conservation Laws, and Genetic Principles.
Chapter 9: Expressing and Communicating Scientific Information (15 concepts)
Covers visual communication, creating graphs/tables/diagrams, chart types, numerical expression, mathematical and scientific notation, units and conversions, verbal communication, scientific writing, technical writing, data presentation, and information translation.
Chapter 10: Life Science: Human Body and Health (14 concepts)
Introduces human body systems (muscular, endocrine, nervous), system integration, homeostasis, feedback mechanisms, external environment effects, nutrition and nutrients, disease transmission, pathogens, and disease prevention.
Chapter 11: Life Science: Energy Flow and Cellular Organization (12 concepts)
Covers photosynthesis, cellular respiration, fermentation, energy flow in ecosystems, food webs and chains, producer-consumer relationships, carrying capacity, ecosystem disruption, Cell Theory, cell structure and function, cellular organization, and mitosis/meiosis.
Chapter 12: Life Science: Genetics, Heredity, and Evolution (16 concepts)
Final chapter covering Punnett squares, genetic probability, DNA and inheritance, chromosomes, genotypes and phenotypes, alleles, mutations, natural selection, artificial selection, adaptation, speciation, common ancestry, cladograms, evolution evidence, variation in traits, differential survival, and selection pressure.