Science subjects are quite difficult for many students. The exams focus on a wide range of topics that require knowledge of specific terminology, the ability to solve problems and to apply theoretical concepts practically. The tests may also include a practical, laboratory or material identification section. While the topic may vary by school type, there are some helpful tips for studying for the science exam.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for the Study
Step 1. Find out about the exam topic and exam format
This is the best way to get started, as you don't have to study what's not required during the test.
- By doing this, you can structure the study and bring together all the texts, notes, handouts and useful laboratory reports.
- This technique also allows you to determine the time to devote to preparing for the exam.
- Knowing the test format helps you determine the best study method; for example, if there is a practice section, you know you will need to spend some time in the lab to make sure you know the material.
- If it is a written exam, it may focus on terminology, processes and problems; in this case, it is advisable to dedicate the time of study to acquire mastery of these aspects.
Step 2. Prepare the space to study
It should be a quiet, distraction-free room.
- It should be well lit, airy, have a comfortable (but not too much) chair and enough space to arrange all the equipment.
- Avoid environments where you are distracted; there should be no telephones, stereos, televisions, and no friends or companions in the room.
Step 3. Set a specific time to study and break the assignment into small achievable goals
- Try to stick to one-hour study sessions alternating with short breaks.
- The average person is able to pay attention for about 45 minutes, so spend this time preparing for the exam and 15 minutes reviewing what you just studied.
Step 4. Make sure you rest well
If you've got enough sleep, you are able to internalize more information.
- For adults, 7-8 hours of sleep per night is ideal.
- While it may be tempting to spend the night on books or to "slog" long before the exam, know that you can remember concepts more efficiently if you plan your time and get enough rest.
- Determine the time to go to bed, the time to get up and respect them.
Part 2 of 3: Taking and Studying Notes
Step 1. Use Cornell's method of taking notes
This technique aims to optimize time by taking notes only once.
- Use a large sheet of notebook. Write only on one side of the paper so you can expand your notes later.
- Draw a vertical line 7-8 cm from the left edge of the page. In this way, you define a review column, in which you can add terms and notes for the study.
- During the lesson, write down general concepts on the paper, skip a line to end the paragraph dedicated to a topic, use abbreviations to save time, but keep your handwriting legible.
- At the end of the lesson, reread your notes, use the review column to list the concepts and keywords that help you remember. When studying, use the list as a reference guide.
Step 2. Think about the questions the teacher might ask
Teachers are generally particularly careful to verify the learning of the concepts explained in class which often become the subject of the exam.
- Pay attention to the extensive information that was discussed during the lessons.
- If the professor has provided handouts, you should reread the notes on each topic in those handouts.
- Think about the types of questions that have been asked in previous exams. What types of problems, essays and terminology were requested?
Step 3. Use the review column or notes to study
This way, you can recall important concepts and keywords.
- Start with the topics you want to master best.
- Start with general information and then go into detail.
- As you review, identify any discrepancies you see in your notes and write down any doubts that arise. Remember to address these questions with the teacher before the exam date.
Step 4. Use your clipboard to create a concept map or flowchart
This technique allows you to identify the relationships between information and follow the linked steps.
- Sometimes, this step helps you organize ideas vividly.
- The flowchart is very useful for those topics where you need to define a process or chain of events.
- If you believe that during the exam you may be asked to compare or debate topics, Venn diagrams help you find the similarities and differences between two concepts.
Step 5. Underline all important words
You must know the meaning of scientific terminology to be prepared for the exam.
- Prepare flash cards to memorize the words.
- Have a science dictionary handy to read the definitions of words you don't remember or don't appear in your notes.
- You can study the terms with flash cards or thanks to the notes even when you have 15 minutes free; for example, you can take advantage of the waiting time at the doctor's office or at the bus stop.
Step 6. Think about the possible practical applications of the study topics
Relate what you learn to practical everyday life and to what you already know.
- Science is a very practical subject with a lot of applications in real life.
- By making these connections, you can make the topic important to you and at the same time easier to remember.
- If you can make connections between the subject and your personal interests, you are able to develop a highly personalized study method that allows you to remember information.
Part 3 of 3: Read and Study the Textbook
Step 1. Read the book or articles using the statistical method
This way, you can quickly determine which chapter or article contains the most important information.
- Read the title first, to help prepare your mind for the subject.
- Read the introduction or summary; focus on the author's statements to establish the key points.
- Take note of all titles and subtitles in bold; by doing so, you can break down the information into relevant subtopics.
- Pay attention to the graphs; you shouldn't neglect them, because pictures or tables can often be included in the clipboard and provide you with valuable tools for remembering information.
- Look at the details that help the reading; these are the words in bold, italics and the questions found at the end of the chapters. They highlight the chapter's highlights, helping you recognize key words and concepts.
Step 2. Write questions
Make the bold headings of each section into as many questions as you think will be addressed in that part of the chapter.
- The better the questions, the better your understanding of the text.
- When the mind actively seeks answers to these questions, you are able to understand and internalize information more efficiently.
Step 3. Read each section carefully
Keep the questions in mind as you scroll through the text.
- Search within the chapter for the answers to the questions you asked yourself previously and write them down in a notebook.
- If you realize that some of these have not been answered, ask new questions or reread the section again.
Step 4. Stop and try to bring to mind all the questions and all the answers
You should do this after each second reading of the section.
- Repeating concepts, ideas, and answers to your own questions improves understanding of the topic.
- Check if you can answer the questions by relying only on memory; repeat the exercise until you are able to do it.
Step 5. Review the chapter
Make sure you can answer all the questions you have prepared.
- If you can't remember all the answers, start reading again and try to locate them within the chapter.
- Answer the questions at the end of the chapter several times to reinforce your knowledge.
Step 6. Work through the practical problems that are present in the chapters of the book
During the exam, you may need to solve math or science problems.
- Textbooks often have great exercises you should do. Generally, there is also the solutions section, which allows you to check the work done.
- It is very likely that the book contains detailed problems and questions very similar to the ones you will encounter on the exam.
- Compare these exercises with those provided by the teacher with notes or handouts. Consider if there are any differences in the way they are written or worded from what is in the textbook.
Step 7. Underline any important terms
You need to know the keywords to pass the test.
- Make flashcards with scientific words and definitions; you can study them every time you have 15 free minutes.
- Check that the words used in the textbook and in your notes meet the correct definition.
- Explain any doubts you have to the teacher to clarify any terms you don't understand.
Warnings
- Do not copy! You would get in trouble and get a bad grade.
- Do not study the entire program the night before the exam; start from the first day of class or read some introductory text before the courses begin.
- Do not keep reviewing the same topic, but take time for all the concepts that will be tested during the exam.
- Get in the habit of rereading your notes every day at the end of the lessons, studying the assigned paragraphs in time and rereading the textbook to dispel any doubts.
- If some topics are unclear, ask the teacher to explain them to you better.
