How to study Science

(Prepared By Dr. Roman Ferede and Dr. Pierre Goueth)

Before you take a science Class you need to understand that the knowledge of most science courses is cumulative, new knowledge builds on old one. You therefore should understand “today’s” concepts before “tomorrow’s” class.

Before Class

• Get an overview of the material, by quickly reading sections of the chapter to be covered in class.
• Formulate possible questions for your instructor from your quick reading.

During Class

• Write the instructor’s explanations but try to learn directly from the lecture, as opposed to just taking notes and study later.
• If you miss something, write what you can (key words for example) and question your instructor right after class.
• Note any concepts, rules or problems that the instructor emphasizes during lectures.
• Ask questions during lecture for things you don’t understand.

After Class

• After every class (at school or at home), summarize, review and complete your notes using your textbook.
• Built relationships between concepts in the current chapter and the previous ones, show similarities and differences.
• Immediately solve problems related to the sections covered in class, do this by:
• Reading the whole problem
• Writing down the parameters given in the problem
• Remember and write down all formulas related to the parameters given and the unknown
• Use the most appropriate formula for your calculations
• Solve the problem and check if your answer makes sense.

· Use this strategy for your tests also.

Preparing for tests

· Quickly review your notes and locate what was stressed in class.

· Make a list of major concepts and formulas that will be covered on the test

· Review the problems you solved and draw similarities and differences between them

· Use practice tests to test yourself.

Taking the test

• Read instructions before you start
• Glance over the test to locate easy questions and solve them first to secure those points.
• Maximize partial credit by showing all steps
• Solve remaining problems by increasing difficulties
• If time permits, go over your test and check your answers