How to Study for Science Classes

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How to Study for Science Classes
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What is Science?

• Science is a way of acquiring knowledge. To do
  science, one must follow a specific universal
  methodology. The central theme in this
  methodology is the testing of hypotheses and the
  ability to make predictions. The overall goal of
  science is to better understand nature and our
  Universe.

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Scientific Method6 step process

• Gather Data
• Make observations
• Form Hypothesis
• Test Hypothesis
• Analyze
• Conclusion

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Sequential Thinking

• Learn to organize your study and thinking into
  sequential steps.
• Read one sentence at a time until you understand
  it. Then, and only then, go on to the next
  sentence.
• Break problems down into steps and look at and do
  only one step at a time.

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Making Mountains out of Molehills

• Learn to listen to exactly what is being said and
  read exactly what is written.
• Students often read into things that which is
  just are not there.
• Most concepts are simple but are made difficult
  by plugged communication filters or inability to
  listen or read with precision.

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Studying for a TestIdentify the Important Things

• Anything mentioned n lecture or lab has a very
  high priority
• The more time spent on one topic the time you
  should spend studying it.
• Review vocabulary

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NO Brainers to Success

• Attend each class
• Before each class consider reading each chapter
  of the book as an assignment
• Take complete notes over 80 of test are based
  on material covered in class
• Write definitions on index cards and study them
  often

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Adopt a Study MethodSQ3RP
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"S" Survey

• Before you actually read a chapter, or go over a
  particular section of notes, take five minutes to
  survey the material.
• Briefly check headings and subheadings in order
  to understand the author's organizational pattern
  of ideas to be discussed.
• Scan all visual material. Read introductory and
  summary paragraphs. This preview will enable you
  to anticipate what the chapter is about.

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"Q" Question

• Create interest in the material by asking What
  are the main points of the chapter? As you read,
  keep the question in mind and figure out the most
  important points. It gives you a clearly defined
  purpose for reading, and helps you maintain
  interest in the material.

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1st R Read

• Read the chapter actively for meaning. Go through
  the paragraph before underlining, then underline
  key words and phrases to help you recall the main
  points.
• Be selective, you don't want to highlight
  non-important points or miss anything that can
  help your comprehension.
• Summarize main concepts in your own words in the
  margins. The more active you are in the reading
  process, the more you will retain.

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2nd R Recite

• After every few pages, close your book and recite
  aloud the main points to the questions you posed
  in step 2.
• Try to recall basic details as to the author's
  intent by putting them in your own words. Verify
  your answer by checking the text.
• If you can't remember the text, read through it
  again. If you don't get it now, you won't
  remember it for a test. Take as much time as you
  need to answer your questions.

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3rd R Review

• Finally, review the chapter every so often to fix
  the material in your mind. Keep rereading your
  margin notes and underlinings.
• Verbalize the sequence of main ideas and
  supporting facts to aid retention. Numerous
  reviews are a lot more effective than one
  cramming session the night before an exam. Review
  once right after you've finished reading and then
  every couple of days.

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P Practice

• Practice what you have learned by explaining what
  you have learned to other students, study groups,
  etc.

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SQ3RP

• The SQ3RP is time consuming at first, expect it
  to take ten to fifteen percent longer to read a
  given chapter when you first begin.
• Research indicates a 70 increase in retention
  after two months of using the system and,
  eventually, a reduction in time spent preparing
  for exams.

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Learning Pyramid

• A person tends to learn relatively little from
  listening to lectures and reading books Typically
  we forget over 50 of what we hear in lecture.
• A person tends to learn more using and teaching
  the information. Allows them to demonstrate what
  they have learned.
• Some things must be memorized
• Form study groups

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Study Tips

• Decide what to study (reasonable task) and how
  long or how many (chapters, pages, problems,
  etc.). Set and stick to deadlines.
• Do difficult tasks first. For procrastination,
  start off with an easy, interesting aspect of the
  project.
• Have special places to study. Take into
  consideration lighting, temperature, and
  availability of materials. .

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Study Tips Continued

• Study 50 minutes, and then take a 10 minute
  break. Stretch, relax, have an energy snack.
• Allow longer, "massed" time periods for
  organizing relationships and concepts, outlining,
  and writing papers. Use shorter, "spaced" time
  intervals for rote memorization, review, and
  self-testing. Use odd moments for recall/review.

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Study Tips Continued

• you get tired or bored, switch task/activity,
  subject, or environment. Stop studying when you
  are no longer being productive.
• Do memory tasks and review, especially details,
  just before you fall asleep.
• Study with a friend. Quiz each other, compare
  notes and predicted test questions.

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Make Index Card

• Carry your cards with you everywhere.Take
  advantage of little pockets of time. Test
  yourself in between classes, before you go to
  sleep, free time, etc.

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Getting Help

• Get help if you need it.
• The best source is the instructor. Attend study
  sessions. Arrange to meet with the instructor
  during office hours.
• Work with others. Two heads are better than one.
• Do not rely too much on others. If you do you,
  will grow weak and not learn how to solve
  problems yourself.

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Two Weeks Before the Exam

• Make up a set of study sheets.
• Study sheets should summarize the reading, your
  class notes, and any handouts.
• Type the study sheets so they are easily
  readable. Use plenty of bold type and white space
  to accentuate important ideas.
• For the next two weeks, read through your study
  sheets three times each day. Do not try hard to
  memorize the information. Just read the notes
  once, three times per day.

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The Night Before the Exam

• Read your study sheets as usual.
• Go to bed early and get a good night's sleep.

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Exam Preparation

• Successful science students have told us they
  study a minimum of 2 to 3 hours per day, seven
  days a week, throughout the semester.
• Write up summary sheets of biology terminology
  and concepts and review often. The more you
  review the more you will remember.

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During the Exam

• If you feel tense, relax, take a deep breath, and
  remember that you know the material because
  you've been reviewing for two weeks.
• Keep your eye on the clock while taking the exam.
  Allow enough time to finish the entire test.
  Avoid focusing on one question and running out of
  time on others.
• Read the entire exam before beginning to write.
  Know your enemy, in other words.

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During the Exam

• Look over the entire test, READ THE DIRECTIONS,
  plan your approach, and schedule your time.
• Start with the easiest question first.
• If you don't know an answer, mark the question.
• Suggest to yourself that you probably studied it
  and the answer will come to you when you get back
  to it.
• If you start to feel anxious, practice your
  relaxation techniques. Use anxiety as a cue to
  relax. Close your eyes, take three deep breaths
  and then back to the task.

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Conclusion

• Remember to attend all class
• Complete all assignments
• Talk to you teacher
• Get tutoring