How to study science How to study science

How to study science

How to study science Studying for science involves several distinct areas: 1. The learning of a new language 2. Understanding theories – “the why” behind how things work 3. The solving of mathematical problems Given the variety of topics, you will need several different studying techniques

Vocabulary Cards • You will learn a lot of new words in science class • Make flash cards just as you would if you're studying another language • Print the term on one side of the card and its definition on the other • Flip through your flash cards every day, any time you have a few minutes to spare

Focus on the Big Ideas • Write out the key ideas or concepts that the teacher spent a lot of time on • Take a look at your Table of Contents to get an idea of what was done in class and how much time was spent on each topic • Make sure to focus on those key concepts when studying

Real Life Applications • Think of applications of the material and relate what you learn to real life • Science is a very practical subject with many areas of practical applications • Making such connections will make the material relevant to you and easier to remember

Read Actively • Don’t just read your notes or textbook! • The problem is that reading alone is too passive • If you want the information to stick, you need to be more active • Get out some paper and a pen and take summary notes as you read

Do the Practice Problems • Practice makes perfect! • Your teacher will assign practice problems throughout the unit – make sure you do them! • At the end of each chapter and unit in your textbook there is a self-quiz and review questions that you should try

Study in Groups • Put social learning to work for you • Get together with classmates to study • Many studies have shown that social learning increases student comprehension, especially in the sciences

Extra Help • Your teacher is there to help you learn, not just test you • Never say “I don’t understand anything!” • Bring specific questions, such as concepts you're not clear on or problems you (and your classmates) can’t solve

Final Word • You can be successful in science – but it requires a lot of time and effort • Do not wait until the last minute to study or complete an assignment • Time management skills are a must for successful students!