Keys to Success in Your Science Courses
1) Accept that being a good student requires effort and self-discipline.
2) Attend all classes. Classrooms are dynamic learning environments. Copying missed notes is not the same as being there for the extra examples provided, the questions other students might ask and the answers I provide.
3) Be an active participant. Come to class alert and expect to learn something. Ask yourself "What will I learn today" followed by "What did I learn today".
4) Ask questions. Question what you do not understand both during the lesson or after school. Do not allow yourself to become frustrated with the material. Seek help well in advance of test day.
5) Review the lesson for about 15 minutes each night. Then, if homework was assigned, complete the homework. Jot down any questions that occur to you as you review or complete the assignment and ask the next day.
6) Read for understanding. Reading science textbooks is not like reading novels. Keep a pen handy and make notes. Leave space beside your class notes to add notes from your reading.
7) Learn the vocabulary. In junior sciences particularly, there is a tremendous amount of scientific vocabulary that you must be able to use.
8) Practice. For senior students this means doing extra, unassigned problems if you are having difficulties. Answers to any questions from Hebden 11 and 12 can be found in the back of the text. In addition Chemistry 12 students can do old provincial exam questions. The more you become familiar with the format and types of questions the better you will do.
9) Keep track of your marks. When discrepancies arise between what I've recorded and what you think you received bring it to my attention immediately.
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