Science classes can be very challenging for many students. Science and technology exams usually focus on many materials, ranging from vocabulary, application of knowledge, and existing problems. These tests sometimes also contain a practical element, for example in the section on lab experiments or identification. While the material may vary, there are some useful tips for studying for the science and technology exam.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Part I: Preparing to Learn
Step 1. Learn the format of the test and the material to be tested
You have to start here, lest you learn things that won't be asked on the exam.
- This way, you'll get used to making an outline of your study, so you can gather all the relevant reading material, notes, materials, and practice exam results.
- It will also help you determine how much time you should allocate to studying for the exam.
- Knowing the exam format will help you learn the best techniques to prepare for the exam. For example, if the exam is a practical exam, you should be prepared to listen during an experimental practice in the lab. It is important that you understand the material.
- If the exam is a written exam, you should spend some time studying vocabulary, processes, and problems.
Step 2. Determine a specific place to study
Your study area should be quiet and free from distractions.
- Your study area should be bright, ventilated, comfortable (but not overly comfortable) seating, and a room large enough to place your materials.
- Avoid distracting areas. Your area should be free of telephones, stereo or television equipment, and friends/roommates.
Step 3. Take specific time to study
Do this by dividing your study plan into short-term goals.
- Try studying at one-hour intervals, taking short breaks in between.
- The average person can only concentrate for about 45 minutes, so spend that much time preparing for the test, and the remaining 15 minutes of the hour, reviewing what you've just learned.
Step 4. Make sure you get enough rest
You'll find it easier to remember the material if you get enough sleep.
- Seven to eight hours of sleep a day is the ideal time for adults.
- Although you may be tempted to do the SKS (Overnight Speeding System), you will be more efficient at remembering information if you plan for study time and get enough rest.
- Plan a bedtime and follow the schedule.
Method 2 of 3: Part II: Taking Notes and Repeating Lessons
Step 1. Use the Cornell System when taking notes
This system is a recording method with a "do it all at once" approach.
- Use a large notebook with thin paper. Write only on one side of the page, so you can put all your papers together to form a learning map later.
- Draw a 2.5 inch (12.5 cm) line from the left side of the paper. This area will be referred to as the reminder field, where you can add glossary and small notes for study purposes.
- When the teacher is speaking, jot down generalities, skip a few lines for concept explanations, use abbreviations to shorten the time, and write neatly.
- After class, review your notes and use the reminder field to write down ideas and key words that you can easily remember. While studying, use this column as your study guide.
Step 2. Think about the questions your teacher might ask
Teachers usually emphasize a lot of things they have discussed in class, and these things usually show up in exams.
- Pay attention to the big topics discussed in class.
- If the teacher has provided a study grid, you should repeat notes about each topic on the grid.
- Think about the types of questions that have come up on previous exams. What kinds of problems, essays or vocabulary questions are asked?
Step 3. Use your reminder field or subnotes to study
Both of these will help you remember important concepts and key words.
- Start with the material you most want to learn.
- Start with broader general ideas and classify them into more detailed aspects.
- When repeating lessons, pay attention to gaps in your notes or any questions you may have. Discuss these things with the teacher before the test.
Step 4. Use notes to create a flowchart or concept map
These two things can help show you the direction of steps or related concepts.
- Sometimes, visually organizing ideas can help.
- For questions that require you to describe a process, flowcharts are a good tool.
- If you think you might be asked a comparison question, use a Venn diagram to help you analyze the similarities and differences between the two concepts.
Step 5. Outline all the important vocabulary
You must know the meaning of words in science and technology to face the test.
- Use help cards to help you remember these words.
- Prepare a science and technology dictionary to look up words you don't remember and write them down.
- You can learn words using help cards or notes when you have some free time, such as waiting in line at the doctor's office, or waiting for a bus to arrive.
Step 6. Think about your application of study materials
Connect what you learn with everyday life and with what you already know.
- Science and technology is a field that places great emphasis on practice, with many application areas available.
- Connecting relevant study materials to everyday applications will make it easier for you to remember them.
- This can be your personal way of remembering study materials, if you can relate them to your personal interests.
Method 3 of 3: Part III: Reading and Learning from Printed Books
Step 1. Read your printed book or article using the survey method
This allows you to quickly analyze the most important content.
- Read the title first so your mind is ready for the next content
- Read the introduction or summary section. Focus on the author's statement of what is most important.
- Pay attention to all titles and subtitles written in bold. Things like this can help you break down information into important subtopics.
- Look at all the pictures. You can't miss it. Oftentimes, a picture or diagram can be copied into your notes and used as a good tool for remembering information.
- Pay attention to the elements of help in a passage. These elements include bold typefaces, italics, and questions at the end of a chapter. All of this will help you identify the points to be emphasized in a chapter, as well as identify key words and key concepts.
Step 2. Create questions in the reading section
Change the title of each section of a chapter to as many questions as you think will appear on the exam.
- The more difficult your questions are, the better your understanding of the material will be.
- When your mind is actively seeking answers to the questions at hand, you will try to understand and retain the information you are reading more effectively.
Step 3. Read each section carefully
Think about your questions as you study.
- Look for answers to questions in the text you read and make notes of the answers in a notebook.
- If you can't answer your questions, create a new one and read it again.
Step 4. Stop and recall your answers and questions
You should do this after you have finished rereading a chapter in your printed book.
- Remembering concepts, ideas, and answers to your questions can improve your understanding of the material.
- See if you can answer the questions you created from memory. If not, review your study text. Repeat until you can answer your study questions perfectly.
Step 5. Reread the chapter to be tested
See if you can answer all the questions you created for the chapter.
- If you can't remember all the answers to your questions, go back and look for the answers, then review the passage again.
- Check your questions several times after you finish a chapter. Do this to strengthen your understanding of a chapter.
Step 6. Complete all the practice questions in the chapters in your book
You may encounter math/science related questions on the exam.
- Printed books usually provide good practice questions to work on. Printed books also usually have an answer key at the end of the book, so you can check your answers.
- Usually there will be a detailed discussion of the questions and answers in the printed book. You are likely to encounter questions similar to these during the exam.
- Compare the questions with the questions the teacher gives on the worksheets or notes. See if there is a difference in the way the problem is described or written down in textbooks and other materials.
Step 7. Underline all important words
You may have to understand some key words to do well on the exam questions.
- Create a reminder card containing science and technology words and their definitions. You can study in this way if you have a short amount of free time.
- Make sure your notebooks and notebooks have the same definition and match certain words.
- Ask the teacher for clarification if you don't understand a term.
Warning
- Do not cheat! You will get in trouble and bad grades.
- Don't study with SKS (Overnight Speeding System). Study the first day you start a class, or read some of the material before your first class session.
- Don't keep learning the same thing. Make sure you take the time to study everything that is likely to come up on the exam.
- Make it a habit to check your notes every day after class, read before class starts, and reread printed books so you don't get confused.
- Ask the teacher for clarification if you are confused.
