Georgia Milestones · Grade 5 Science
Georgia Milestones Grade 5 Science Practice 2027
Grade 5 is one of only two grades where Georgia tests science on the Milestones — covering Earth, Physical, and Life Science — and in 2026, 44% of fifth graders reached Proficient.
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Try 5 Georgia Milestones Grade 5 Science Questions
Real Georgia Milestones format. Aligned to Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) for Science. Detailed explanations on every answer.
Which of these best describes a mixture?
Georgia Milestones Grade 5 Science sample questions with answers
Questions in the test's style, each with the answer and an explanation. Open the answer once your child has tried the question.
Question 1 · Grade 5 Science · Standard S5P1
Which of these best describes a mixture?
- A.Two substances chemically bonded
- B.Two or more substances combined but not chemically bonded
- C.A single pure substance
- D.A substance that cannot be separated
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B. Two or more substances combined but not chemically bonded
A mixture combines substances physically — they can be separated. Trail mix, salt water, and soil are all mixtures.
Question 2 · Grade 8 Science · Standard S8P2
If an object is moving at constant speed in a straight line, the net force acting on it is —
- A.Greater than zero
- B.Less than zero
- C.Equal to zero
- D.Unknown
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C. Equal to zero
Newton's First Law: constant speed + straight line = balanced forces = net force of zero. Unbalanced forces would cause acceleration.
About the Georgia Milestones Grade 5 Science Test
Science shows up on the Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade tests at only two grades — grade 5 and grade 8 — so fifth-grade science is one of just two times the state measures your child's science learning before high school.
Science is assessed against the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) for Science (the blueprint lists GSE codes such as S5E1, S5P1 and S5L1). GaDOE's July 2025 blueprint splits the 46 points into Life Science (about 19 points, 42%), Physical Science (about 16, 35%) and Earth Science (about 11, 23%). Content includes how Earth's surface changes, physical and chemical changes, electricity and magnetism, classifying organisms, inherited traits and learned behaviors, cells, and microorganisms.
In 2026, 44% of Georgia fifth graders reached Proficient Learner or above in science — the same as 2025 and up from 42% in 2024. That's under half, but well above grade-8 science (30%).
The grade-5 science test is given online (paper as an accommodation). It has no writing task, but it isn't only multiple choice: GaDOE's blueprint includes multiple-part, multiple-select, drag-and-drop and drop-down questions, 8 of them worth 2 points.
Same as 2025 (44%) and up from 42% in 2024. Well above grade-8 science (30%). Science is tested at only grades 5 and 8. Developing Learner (Level 2) is partial mastery and is not counted here.
Source: GaDOE, "Overview of the 2025-2026 Georgia Milestones Public Release" (Aug 2026): percent of students at Proficient Learner or above, 2019-2026
What's On The Georgia Milestones Grade 5 Science Test
Grade 5 science on the Milestones is assessed against the Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science. GaDOE's July 2025 blueprint gives Life Science about 42% of the 46 points, Physical Science about 35% and Earth Science about 23%.
| Reporting Category | % of Test | What's Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Life Science | ~19 of 46 points (42%) | The largest share. Classifying organisms, inherited traits vs. learned behaviors, cells, and the effects of microorganisms. Standards assessed: S5L1-S5L4. |
| Physical Science | ~16 points (35%) | Physical and chemical changes, electricity, and magnetism. Standards assessed: S5P1-S5P3. |
| Earth Science | ~11 points (23%) | Constructive and destructive processes that change Earth's surface. Standards assessed: S5E1. |
Test Format — What Your Child Will See
- ●Science is tested at only two grades in Georgia — grade 5 and grade 8.
- ●Science is still on the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE); math and ELA moved to new K-12 standards.
- ●No writing task — but 2-point technology-enhanced questions (multiple-part, multiple-select, drag-and-drop) are part of the test.
What Georgia Parents Should Know About Grade 5 Science
- 1
Don't overlook science just because it's not tested every year. Grade 5 is one of only two science Milestones (with grade 8), so it's easy to under-prepare. A little review of the year's science pays off.
- 2
Focus on Life Science — it's the biggest share (about 42%). Classification, inherited traits versus learned behaviors, cells and microorganisms carry the most weight at grade 5.
- 3
Practice telling physical changes from chemical changes. Real examples (melting ice vs. burning paper, mixing vs. reacting) make this Physical Science topic concrete.
- 4
Practice the two-point question types. Multiple-part, multiple-select and drag-and-drop questions are worth 2 points. Use GaDOE's free online practice tests (Experience Online Testing Georgia) so the interface isn't new on test day.
Georgia Milestones Grade 5 Science — Frequently Asked Questions
Does Georgia test science every year on the Milestones?
No. Georgia's End-of-Grade science tests are at grade 5 and grade 8 only. There's no science Milestones test in grades 3, 4, 6 or 7.
What is on the 5th grade Georgia Milestones science test?
It's assessed against the Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science. GaDOE's July 2025 blueprint: Life Science (about 42% — classification, inherited traits and learned behaviors, cells, microorganisms), Physical Science (about 35% — physical and chemical changes, electricity, magnetism) and Earth Science (about 23% — how Earth's surface changes).
How many Georgia fifth graders pass the Milestones science test?
In 2026, 44% of Georgia fifth graders scored Proficient Learner or above in science. That matched 2025 and is well above grade-8 science (30%).
What is a passing score on the grade 5 Milestones science test?
Georgia uses four achievement levels: Beginning, Developing, Proficient and Distinguished Learner. GaDOE describes Proficient Learners as showing full mastery of grade-level standards and Developing Learners as showing partial mastery, 'in progress toward full proficiency.' The state's headline number is the percent at Proficient Learner or above. For the grade 3 (reading) and grade 5 and 8 (reading and math) promotion rules, the question is whether a student 'achieves grade level' as the state defines it.
Is the 5th grade Georgia science test on the new standards like math?
No. Math and ELA moved to Georgia's new K-12 standards, but the grade 5 science blueprint is still built on the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) for Science.
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Georgia Milestones Grade 5 Science Practice
No credit card. Unlimited practice aligned to Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) for Science.