Difference between revisions of "Do Well in Science Class"

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== Steps ==
 
== Steps ==
 
===Developing Effective Study Skills===
 
===Developing Effective Study Skills===
#Find a quiet place to study. You’ll need to have a place where you can study that is free of disruptions and interruptions. This might be in your bedroom, in a library, or in another room. You’ll have to be honest with yourself about what your own needs are.<ref>http://www.jccmi.edu/science/how-to-study-science/</ref>
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#Find a quiet place to study. You’ll need to have a place where you can study that is free of disruptions and interruptions. This might be in your bedroom, in a library, or in another room. You’ll have to be honest with yourself about what your own needs are.<ref name="rf1">http://www.jccmi.edu/science/how-to-study-science/</ref>
 
#*For example, if you’re distracted by looking out the window, move your work area so that you can’t see outside from where you work.
 
#*For example, if you’re distracted by looking out the window, move your work area so that you can’t see outside from where you work.
 
#*Wear headphones over your ears if you need to to keep you from being distracted by ambient sound.
 
#*Wear headphones over your ears if you need to to keep you from being distracted by ambient sound.
 
#*Some people benefit from using a fan facing the wall to generate white noise. This prevents distraction from random sounds.
 
#*Some people benefit from using a fan facing the wall to generate white noise. This prevents distraction from random sounds.
#Study in blocks of time. Sitting and studying for unlimited lengths of time will lead to boredom and distractibility. Instead, study in blocks, interrupted by short breaks where you stand up and move around away from your study area.<ref>http://www.jccmi.edu/science/how-to-study-science/</ref>
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#Study in blocks of time. Sitting and studying for unlimited lengths of time will lead to boredom and distractibility. Instead, study in blocks, interrupted by short breaks where you stand up and move around away from your study area.<ref name="rf1" />
 
#*You might set a timer to help you remember to take a break after 45-60 minutes.  
 
#*You might set a timer to help you remember to take a break after 45-60 minutes.  
 
#*Then, set another timer to remind you to return to your desk. Usually a break of 10 minutes is a good break.
 
#*Then, set another timer to remind you to return to your desk. Usually a break of 10 minutes is a good break.
#Take clear, organized notes. The notes you take in class will help you know what to study between classes. Don’t try to write down everything that the teacher says. Instead, pay careful attention to any information your teacher suggests is likely to be included on tests.<ref>http://www.jccmi.edu/science/how-to-study-science/</ref>
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#Take clear, organized notes. The notes you take in class will help you know what to study between classes. Don’t try to write down everything that the teacher says. Instead, pay careful attention to any information your teacher suggests is likely to be included on tests.<ref name="rf1" />
 
#*Having help with taking notes is an accommodation many schools are able to make for learning disabilities. If you need this accommodation, check with your school’s office of academic accessibility.
 
#*Having help with taking notes is an accommodation many schools are able to make for learning disabilities. If you need this accommodation, check with your school’s office of academic accessibility.
 
#*It may help you to record your lecture classes. Most smartphones have built-in voice recorders, or you can download a recording app. Recording a lecture will allow you to go back and hear it again.  
 
#*It may help you to record your lecture classes. Most smartphones have built-in voice recorders, or you can download a recording app. Recording a lecture will allow you to go back and hear it again.  
#Reread your notes after class. If there’s anything in your notes that confuses you, or which you feel might be wrong, check with your teacher or a classmate to ensure you have the right information.<ref>http://www.jccmi.edu/science/how-to-study-science/</ref>
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#Reread your notes after class. If there’s anything in your notes that confuses you, or which you feel might be wrong, check with your teacher or a classmate to ensure you have the right information.<ref name="rf1" />
 
#*If you wait too long to read your notes, you may not remember enough of the class to make sense of them
 
#*If you wait too long to read your notes, you may not remember enough of the class to make sense of them
 
#*It may help you to rewrite your notes in a more condensed way. This tests your comprehension of the material in a way that ensures you’ve really grasped the meaning.
 
#*It may help you to rewrite your notes in a more condensed way. This tests your comprehension of the material in a way that ensures you’ve really grasped the meaning.
#Refer to multiple sources. When you’re studying your notes, refer not only to the textbooks you’ve been given, but use internet searches to supplement your understanding. Sometimes your subject matter will be better explained by another source. For example, Khan Academy is a good source for many scientific topics.<ref>http://www.education.com/magazine/article/maximize--performance-science/</ref>
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#Refer to multiple sources. When you’re studying your notes, refer not only to the textbooks you’ve been given, but use internet searches to supplement your understanding. Sometimes your subject matter will be better explained by another source. For example, Khan Academy is a good source for many scientific topics.<ref name="rf2">http://www.education.com/magazine/article/maximize--performance-science/</ref>
 
#*You can use these sources to supplement your work.  
 
#*You can use these sources to supplement your work.  
 
#*Using visual information, graphics, videos or other media can help you understand the lectures.  
 
#*Using visual information, graphics, videos or other media can help you understand the lectures.  
 
#*If the resources that you find provide information that contradicts the science you’ve learned in class, make careful notes and ask your teacher. This might provide the basis for additional discussion.
 
#*If the resources that you find provide information that contradicts the science you’ve learned in class, make careful notes and ask your teacher. This might provide the basis for additional discussion.
#Learn the reasons behind the facts. Science might seem like a lot of facts, but each fact was found out by someone’s trying to answer the question “Why?” Learning how things fit together will help you make sense of the facts you’re learning in science class.<ref>http://www.education.com/magazine/article/maximize--performance-science/</ref>
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#Learn the reasons behind the facts. Science might seem like a lot of facts, but each fact was found out by someone’s trying to answer the question “Why?” Learning how things fit together will help you make sense of the facts you’re learning in science class.<ref name="rf2" />
 
#*For example, if you imagine a cannon firing, you may be able to better remember Newton’s Third Law: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” But what does this mean?
 
#*For example, if you imagine a cannon firing, you may be able to better remember Newton’s Third Law: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” But what does this mean?
 
#*A cannon, being larger than a cannonball, pushes the ball a great distance when it’s fired. But at the same time, the ball exerts its ''own'' force on the cannon, so the cannon will will also be pushed back few inches in the opposite direction. This is an example Newton’s Third Law.
 
#*A cannon, being larger than a cannonball, pushes the ball a great distance when it’s fired. But at the same time, the ball exerts its ''own'' force on the cannon, so the cannon will will also be pushed back few inches in the opposite direction. This is an example Newton’s Third Law.
#Become familiar with the metric system. A lot of science is done using the metric system, since this is the system most commonly used internationally. The metric system is based on units of 10, and is used to measure length, mass and time.<ref>https://www.mathsisfun.com/measure/metric-system.html</ref>
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#Become familiar with the metric system. A lot of science is done using the metric system, since this is the system most commonly used internationally. The metric system is based on units of 10, and is used to measure length, mass and time.<ref name="rf3">https://www.mathsisfun.com/measure/metric-system.html</ref>
 
#*For instance, 10 millimeters make a centimeter, 10 centimeters make a decimeter, 10 decimeters make a meter, which is the base unit of length in the metric system.
 
#*For instance, 10 millimeters make a centimeter, 10 centimeters make a decimeter, 10 decimeters make a meter, which is the base unit of length in the metric system.
 
#*The system that most Americans use is called the Imperial system, but even American scientists use the metric system at work.
 
#*The system that most Americans use is called the Imperial system, but even American scientists use the metric system at work.
#Think about teaching someone else. When you think you understand the material, try to explain it to someone else. Teaching another person is the best way of knowing for sure whether or not you really understand the material you’ve been studying. If you can test your knowledge on a friend or family member, this will help you assess your own knowledge.<ref>http://www.jccmi.edu/science/how-to-study-science/</ref>
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#Think about teaching someone else. When you think you understand the material, try to explain it to someone else. Teaching another person is the best way of knowing for sure whether or not you really understand the material you’ve been studying. If you can test your knowledge on a friend or family member, this will help you assess your own knowledge.<ref name="rf1" />
 
#*It can help to imagine the kinds of questions you might ask if you were the professor.  
 
#*It can help to imagine the kinds of questions you might ask if you were the professor.  
 
#*Try finding new examples for the information you’ve learned based in your own experience or knowledge.  
 
#*Try finding new examples for the information you’ve learned based in your own experience or knowledge.  
#Learn your own best study skills. Each person has slightly different techniques for effective studying. Your own study skills might include using (and creating) flash cards, or making stories out of the information you’ve been given. You might write your own songs to help you remember salient facts and details.<ref>http://www.jccmi.edu/science/how-to-study-science/</ref>
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#Learn your own best study skills. Each person has slightly different techniques for effective studying. Your own study skills might include using (and creating) flash cards, or making stories out of the information you’ve been given. You might write your own songs to help you remember salient facts and details.<ref name="rf1" />
 
#*If you study best with a group, form a study group with others in your class. Be careful not to use this group for socializing, but as an effective learning time.
 
#*If you study best with a group, form a study group with others in your class. Be careful not to use this group for socializing, but as an effective learning time.
 
#*If you study best alone, make sure that you’re able to remain focused on your work without getting distracted by other activities.  
 
#*If you study best alone, make sure that you’re able to remain focused on your work without getting distracted by other activities.  
  
 
===Participating in Science Class===
 
===Participating in Science Class===
#Read the assigned material. When your teacher assigns reading from a textbook or website, take time to read it before you come to class. If you don’t have time to read it well, it’s a good idea to scan it so that you have an idea what it’s about.<ref>http://www.jccmi.edu/science/how-to-study-science/</ref>
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#Read the assigned material. When your teacher assigns reading from a textbook or website, take time to read it before you come to class. If you don’t have time to read it well, it’s a good idea to scan it so that you have an idea what it’s about.<ref name="rf1" />
 
#*Even if you don’t know exactly what the professor will talk about during the class, you can at least know the general discussion that’s likely to take place.
 
#*Even if you don’t know exactly what the professor will talk about during the class, you can at least know the general discussion that’s likely to take place.
 
#*Many teachers will go over the same material you were assigned as the discussion in class. This means if you’ve read the assignment, you’ll be prepared to answer questions and engage in discussion.
 
#*Many teachers will go over the same material you were assigned as the discussion in class. This means if you’ve read the assignment, you’ll be prepared to answer questions and engage in discussion.
#Join in to the best of your ability. It’s likely that your grade will be based partially on your ability to participate in class. This means that even if you are a quiet introvert, it will be important to find ways to participate in the overall class activity.<ref>http://www.education.com/magazine/article/maximize--performance-science/</ref>
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#Join in to the best of your ability. It’s likely that your grade will be based partially on your ability to participate in class. This means that even if you are a quiet introvert, it will be important to find ways to participate in the overall class activity.<ref name="rf2" />
 
#*Rephrase what other people are saying to make sure that you’ve understood their meaning.
 
#*Rephrase what other people are saying to make sure that you’ve understood their meaning.
 
#*Ask questions when you don’t understand what’s being said.
 
#*Ask questions when you don’t understand what’s being said.
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#*Always read these notes prior to class. Bring them to class with you when you come, and refer to them during class discussions.
 
#*Always read these notes prior to class. Bring them to class with you when you come, and refer to them during class discussions.
 
#*If your teacher uses a particular image multiple times, try to get a copy of that image and label it so that you can better understand it.  
 
#*If your teacher uses a particular image multiple times, try to get a copy of that image and label it so that you can better understand it.  
#Pay attention to demonstrations. Science classes often have demonstrations done by the teacher or other students which you’re expected to be able to replicate. If you’re going to do well in science, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to any demonstration that’s done in class.<ref>http://www.classroomscience.org/what-makes-for-an-effective-science-demonstration</ref>
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#Pay attention to demonstrations. Science classes often have demonstrations done by the teacher or other students which you’re expected to be able to replicate. If you’re going to do well in science, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to any demonstration that’s done in class.<ref name="rf4">http://www.classroomscience.org/what-makes-for-an-effective-science-demonstration</ref>
 
#*Make sure your view of the demonstration isn’t blocked by someone else. Adjust your seating if you can, in order to see. If you need to stand up or move to another seat, ask your teacher for permission.
 
#*Make sure your view of the demonstration isn’t blocked by someone else. Adjust your seating if you can, in order to see. If you need to stand up or move to another seat, ask your teacher for permission.
 
#*Sometimes demonstrations can provoke laughter or excitement. Be careful not to get carried away in the thrill of a good demonstration.
 
#*Sometimes demonstrations can provoke laughter or excitement. Be careful not to get carried away in the thrill of a good demonstration.
#Practice good test-taking skills. When you take a science test, you’ll want to make sure you’ve correctly interpreted each problem before solving it. Draw a picture or a diagram if you need to. Then, when you’ve answered the question, check to see if your answer makes sense given the parameters of the question. If not, reconsider your approach.<ref>http://www.ccsf.edu/dam/Organizational_Assets/Department/Learning_Assistance_Center/College_Success_PDF/Y4-Math_&_Science_Test_Taking_Tips.pdf</ref>
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#Practice good test-taking skills. When you take a science test, you’ll want to make sure you’ve correctly interpreted each problem before solving it. Draw a picture or a diagram if you need to. Then, when you’ve answered the question, check to see if your answer makes sense given the parameters of the question. If not, reconsider your approach.<ref name="rf5">http://www.ccsf.edu/dam/Organizational_Assets/Department/Learning_Assistance_Center/College_Success_PDF/Y4-Math_&_Science_Test_Taking_Tips.pdf</ref>
 
#*It can help to restate the problem in your own words so that you can be sure you really understand what’s being asked.   
 
#*It can help to restate the problem in your own words so that you can be sure you really understand what’s being asked.   
 
#*Double-check your work for accuracy before you turn it in, and make sure your writing is legible.  
 
#*Double-check your work for accuracy before you turn it in, and make sure your writing is legible.  
 
===Doing a Good Job in Labs===
 
===Doing a Good Job in Labs===
#Be prepared for the lab. Many science classes include labs, which are demonstrations of techniques you’ve learned about in your textbook or lectures. Your teacher will expect you to show up ready to start your lab.<ref>http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/98AEE332/What-Are-College-Labs-Like/</ref>
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#Be prepared for the lab. Many science classes include labs, which are demonstrations of techniques you’ve learned about in your textbook or lectures. Your teacher will expect you to show up ready to start your lab.<ref name="rf6">http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/98AEE332/What-Are-College-Labs-Like/</ref>
 
#*Labs are usually scheduled at a separate time from the course. They may be in a different room or building from the lecture portion of the course.
 
#*Labs are usually scheduled at a separate time from the course. They may be in a different room or building from the lecture portion of the course.
 
#*In the labs, you’ll be expected to do hands-on work to practice the material you’re expected to learn.
 
#*In the labs, you’ll be expected to do hands-on work to practice the material you’re expected to learn.
#Learn to [[Do a Lab Write-Up|write a report]]. Labs taught at the college level will usually require written reports. While the specific method of presentation may vary according to your teacher’s methodology, you can expect your report to include: title, abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, references and literature cited.<ref>http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/98AEE332/What-Are-College-Labs-Like/</ref>
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#Learn to [[Do a Lab Write-Up|write a report]]. Labs taught at the college level will usually require written reports. While the specific method of presentation may vary according to your teacher’s methodology, you can expect your report to include: title, abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, references and literature cited.<ref name="rf6" />
 
#*The report must be typed, using the citation format that your instructor requires.
 
#*The report must be typed, using the citation format that your instructor requires.
 
#*The purpose of the report is to persuade others to accept or reject your own hypothesis. Your report will do this by showing the data you found through your research, and your interpretation of the data.
 
#*The purpose of the report is to persuade others to accept or reject your own hypothesis. Your report will do this by showing the data you found through your research, and your interpretation of the data.
#Keep a laboratory notebook. This notebook should be a bound journal, not looseleaf, with numbered pages that are never removed or torn out. It is a permanent record of the observations you make in your lab. You’ll write your lab report based on records you’ve kept in your notebook.<ref>https://www.dartmouth.edu/~chemlab/info/notebooks/how_to.html</ref>
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#Keep a laboratory notebook. This notebook should be a bound journal, not looseleaf, with numbered pages that are never removed or torn out. It is a permanent record of the observations you make in your lab. You’ll write your lab report based on records you’ve kept in your notebook.<ref name="rf7">https://www.dartmouth.edu/~chemlab/info/notebooks/how_to.html</ref>
 
#*Don’t use your lab notebook to keep notes of your classwork, lectures, or other study materials.  
 
#*Don’t use your lab notebook to keep notes of your classwork, lectures, or other study materials.  
 
#*Your lab notebook should be marked with your name, phone number, email address or other contact information in case it’s ever lost. Make sure to mark this information on the front cover in permanent ink.
 
#*Your lab notebook should be marked with your name, phone number, email address or other contact information in case it’s ever lost. Make sure to mark this information on the front cover in permanent ink.
#Bring all necessary materials to your lab. In addition to your lab notebook, you’ll need sharp pencils, a blank pen, a calculator, and other materials as your instructor requests. Dressing appropriately will also be important for your success in labs. Wear clean, comfortable clothes. Because you’ll be standing during a lot of your lab class, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes.<ref>http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/98AEE332/What-Are-College-Labs-Like/</ref>
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#Bring all necessary materials to your lab. In addition to your lab notebook, you’ll need sharp pencils, a blank pen, a calculator, and other materials as your instructor requests. Dressing appropriately will also be important for your success in labs. Wear clean, comfortable clothes. Because you’ll be standing during a lot of your lab class, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes.<ref name="rf6" />
 
#*Your lab may require safety goggles, gloves to cover your hands, acid-proof aprons or other safety clothing.
 
#*Your lab may require safety goggles, gloves to cover your hands, acid-proof aprons or other safety clothing.
 
#*Closed-toe shoes might be required for certain labs. It’s usually a good idea to avoid sandals, flip-flops, and other open-toe shoes.
 
#*Closed-toe shoes might be required for certain labs. It’s usually a good idea to avoid sandals, flip-flops, and other open-toe shoes.