Science study skills

How to succeed in science (or at least pass)

Step 1: Be a scholar

• Need to accept the academic challenge of learning science

• Requires persistence, concentration, discipline, patience, and lots of practice

• Someday your high school knowledge will run out…then what?

• Accept the fact that you are wholly responsible for the learning adventure

Step 2: Know the course structure

• Know how the instructor structures the course (chapters, grading, office hours, problem sets, free help, etc)

• Are lecture notes provided or do you have to take notes?

• Is the text relied upon heavily?• Where do the in-class examples come from?

Step 3: Look over the forest before the trees from the start

• Look over:• Topics in course syllabus• Table of contents in your text• The preface of your book to see how chapters

are organized• The learning objectives—tables, graphs, word

lists, terminology, appendices, etc

Step 4: become a “mathaholic”

• All science is quantitative—we like to put numbers (and units) on things

• Review basic math and algebra before and during your class. Refresh ideas like:

• Addition, subtraction, mult., div., fractions, percent, exponents, algebra and logarithms

• Be honest with yourself about any math deficiencies—seek help…fast!

Step 5: Master the basics early

• Metric system (length, mass, volume, SI units)• Sig figs• Temperature (F, C, and K)• Scientific notation• Dimensional analysis• Chemical symbols and names of ~40 most

commonly used elements• Common ions and ionic/molecular substances

Example

• A one degree of temperature difference is smallest on the _______scale

Step 6: Learn and practice the terminology and symbols of chemistry• Write out definitions in your own words.

Recite them. Do same with symbols. Use index cards if this helps.

• Learn the names and formulas of the examples used frequently as examples as you go through each chapter. Build on these to create a personal “lexicon of familiarity”

Step 7: Memorize only what is needed

• “Never memorize anything you can look up”—Me

• Ask instructor what will be provided on an exam.

• Which formulas? Periodic table? Common ions? Enthalpies of formation?

• This does not override your duty to familiarize yourself with common stuff, etc.

Step 8: problem solving• Make problem solving part of every study

session. Work at least 10 problems/session.• Work assigned problems and the solved

problems in the chapter. Work problems everyday (or at least 5 days/week)

• Do the problem to the best of your ability. Familiarity with how to attack problems is critical to taking an exam like a champ.

• Know how to use your calculator!!!!

Step 9: launch the assault with purpose and a plan

• Don’t try to do 3 chapters of problems, then read the 3 chapters, then review 3 chapters of notes.

• Chip away at the iceberg of knowledge• Pick a section of a chapter, 2.1-2.3, then read

your notes, then the text, then do the corresponding problems

Step 10: use outside resources• Your friends.• The internet• The Study Table• Peer tutoring through Ms. Hilton• Another science text—it hasn’t changed much

in 20 years.• Paid tutoring is also an option at times.

Step 11: do not fear the “hairy equation”—look for the concept

• D = m/V, PV = nRT, E = mC2: not so bad• Hairy:

2218

if

111018.2ν

if nnJxhEEE

A= Her age at time of marriageE=Current combined years of post-high-school educationK= Number of kids from this marriageR= How religious is the couple (1-10 with 10 being “the Pope”)D= Combined number of divorces of couple’s parentsP= Combined previous marriagesT= Years at which you are computing the chances

Step 12: Be an active reader

• Read each chapter slowly and actively.• This requires making notes in the margins and

looking at figures and tables.• Reading 20 pages of science is ≠ 20 pages of

poetry• Work the problems in the chapter and the

examples. Read, write, be active

Step 13: Come to class

• Despite all attempts to predict academic performace based on SAT scores, ACT, race, sex, etc…all have failed except ATTENDANCE.

• Come to class and be an active listener and notetaker. If that means waking up at 6:30 and going to bed at 10:30, then so be it.

• Do not fall behind. Missing class and not working problems will haunt you.

Step 14: Schedule your time• You are responsible for your education—it’s the

one thing people want to pay more for and get less of.

• Prioritize your studying. If science is the most difficult course for you, study it first.

• Pick a time when you are fresh and devote 20-30 mins to science before a break.

• Make a calendar of your studying. Stick to it. You may miss your favorite TV show, but you’ll still be a star at the end of the semester.

Step 15: Take the exam like a champ

• Get at least 6 hours of sleep the night before. Organize your studying so this is a reality (no cramming)

• Be confident, calm, clear, alert and positive on exams. Identify concepts and problems you can easily solve and move on.

• Remember: 1 exam does not a course or career make. You can recover from one bad day.

On average….• …We are all average in our own special way!• The grade you make in science does not

define your intellectual ability or you as a person.

• Do not think your teacher thinks less of you because you scored below average on the exam.

• Look over what you got wrong and make sure you can get it right…you’ll see it again on the final.