Biology, chemistry, physics – science can be one of the most interesting and wonderful subjects to study. Unfortunately, it can also be difficult and ridiculously complicated. If you’re struggling with science, then hopefully this guide can help you get better grades and understand the concepts you’re being taught.
- Read beforehand
- Understand concepts
- Use flashcards for memorisation
- Learn your practicals
- Do practice questions
- Learn the mark scheme
Read beforehand
Science can be difficult, so it’s important to have some knowledge of the topic you’re learning before hand. Pre-reading can be incredibly helpful. The day before your class, you can read your textbook’s summary of the topic that you will learn. This is extra helpful, since it’ll both improve your understanding of the topic when you learn it, and you’ll remember it for longer!
Understand concepts
One of the most important things you can do while studying science is to make sure that you understand the concepts. You have to understand the mechanics and reasoning for why things are the way they are, since exam boards love to ask you about that. I like to make summary sheets to help me with this, as putting concepts into my own words helps with my comprehension. If you don’t want to do that, then you can always try explaining the topics to someone else.
Use flashcards for memorisation
Unfortunately, when it comes to science, there’s a lot of stuff to memorise. I’ve found that one of the best ways to do this is to use flashcards. This is because they’re a method of active recall, meaning that they stick in your brain for longer. Both Anki and Quizlet are fantastic online resources, but paper flashcards can work just the same.
Learn your practicals
Practicals are an important part of the GCSE, A-level, or any curriculum. Make sure that you have a well-written and clear method, and that you can explain any part of the practical, since examiners love asking about this. Also, learn how to show your results in both a table and graph!
Do practice questions
Practice questions and past papers are the best way to revise for an exam, especially a science exam. This is because they incorporate active recall, and they can help you decrease your exam stress. Past papers can also help you make sure that you know everything that you might be asked about, since past papers will include all the topics on the exam.
Learn the mark scheme
Science exam answers often have extremely specific wording. The best way to figure out what the examiner wants you to write is by going through the mark schemes of past papers. One of my friends likes to answer the questions in his head, then look at the mark scheme to see if he was right. This can help you save time and learn exactly what the examiner wants you to write.
