Memorizing the periodic table of elements for chemistry, designing a way to drop an egg so it won’t crack for physics, and dissecting a small animal for biology are all classic ways students learn science in school. For some, science can be challenging and intimidating, as it requires strong reading and math skills and often relies on significant amounts of memorization and problem solving. Therefore, whether you end up pursuing a career in a scientific field or not, there are several important science skills that are worth developing not only to improve performance in your classes and prepare you for a scientific vocation, but also to instill core life skills that you can use at any age.
Step 1: Improve Reading and Writing Skills
It may come as a surprise to those whose first thoughts of science are of complicated, scribbled equations on a board or a maze of test tubes on a table, but it’s true: to be good at science means also being a good reader and writer.
As a science student, and potentially future scientist, you will have to be able to comprehend a range of complex texts, including research papers, textbooks, and lab reports. Within those texts, you will also need to rely on strong verbal skills to interpret visual representations of data and analyze scientific arguments that present evidence and draw conclusions based on that evidence. Good readers will be able to do all of the above by skillfully identifying key details and making connections from their reading.
Putting your own scientific knowledge, observations, analysis, and conclusions into words is also essential. Most science classes and professions will require that you complete scientific reports. You may need to write research papers that integrate findings from a variety of sources or lab reports that clearly articulate your methods and analysis.
The ideal way to develop your ability to comprehend and compose scientific texts is to get lots of practice. Younger students should be exposed to scientific texts such as books or articles to help build the vocabulary and background knowledge that will enable them to better understand what they will ultimately read in class. When a reading assignment is given, don’t blow it by merely skimming pages. Instead, read actively (e.g. highlight, make notes, create mind maps and flashcards).
Step 2: Make Progress in Math
Balancing chemical equations and scientific notations are just a few of the many math skills you will need to succeed in science. Science courses, especially advanced ones, will often ask students to complete certain math courses as prerequisites because of the strong link between math and science. As you read about experiments, or complete your own, you will record numerical data with which you will use to complete calculations and often generate tables, graphs, and charts.
Step 3: Ask Questions and Solve Problems
Science often begins by asking a question about why something is the way it is or how something works. So, in order to become better at science, you have to become better at asking questions. Be a curious and critical thinker in all areas of your life. You might ponder what makes a cake rise in the oven or why some leaves turn red while others turn yellow, and then seek out answers. You might also ask for evidence if someone makes a claim. For example, if someone says you can ripen your banana faster in a paper bag, do an experiment to see what happens. If someone sees you recycle a water bottle and tells you it’s pointless, research the resources needed to process the plastic bottle. You should ask questions in class, too. If you don’t understand something, or want to know more, raise your hand, email, or stop by after class. Another question you can ask is “How do I solve this problem?” The more you engage your creative thinking to address problems, the more you are developing a key scientific skill.
Step 4: Become a Better Communicator and Collaborator
Science is not solitary; you will struggle in science if you cannot work well as part of a team. Science students and scientists frequently work in groups to complete research or share ideas. For example, you might have to work with a lab partner or group in your chemistry or physics classes. Later, you might have to work with your fellow professionals (e.g. doctors, nurses) or researchers. Those on the extremes of saying or doing too little and saying or doing too much, plus those who are generally disagreeable, can have a hard time if they can’t balance their needs and the needs of their group to accomplish a common goal. Once the work is done, you will also often have to give presentations to explain or defend your work, requiring good public speaking skills.
Step 5: Hone Your Technical Science Skills
Reading, writing, math, and social skills are fundamental, yet there are a number of basic skills that are also worth developing if you’re going to do well in science.
- The Scientific Method: The scientific method is at the core of every scientific field. Its steps include making an observation, forming a hypothesis, testing that hypothesis, and making a conclusion. Hypotheses are often tested in experiments that have a control and an experimental variable. Knowing these steps and terms is key, so try to memorize them and apply them by designing your own experiments.
- Data Analysis: Charts, tables, and graphs can be found in almost all scientific texts, and you will definitely see them on both the ACT® and SAT. Get to know the different ways data is visualized and practice creating and reading graphics.
- Classification: Using logic, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to recognize patterns, scientists categorize and classify things from our natural world.
- Metric System: For a more universal and standard form of measurement, science ditches inches and gallons and favors centimeters and liters. Get to know the metric system and practice it by trying to convert familiar items (e.g. your commute to school from miles to kilometers) and memorizing some of the more common units and notations.
- Lab Equipment: Though some equipment may be hard to come by outside of the classroom, it’s worthwhile to familiarize yourself with items you’re likely to use, including rulers, thermometers, etc.
How A+ Can Help
Do you want to heal sick puppies as a veterinarian or create a new life-saving drug as a chemist? What about discovering lost civilizations as an archaeologist or designing new technologies as an engineer? Do you see yourself saving the life of a car accident victim as an ER doctor or the existence of an endangered whale as a marine biologist? What about just learning some useful skills or getting an A in your science classes so you can keep your GPA up? Regardless of your reasons, it’s wise to prepare yourself for future science success. A+ Test Prep and Tutoring offers science tutoring for students of all ages and skill levels. Our test prep tutors can also help you tackle the optional science section of the ACT® or the science-based passages on the SAT. In short, you don’t have to be scared of science. With the right knowledge and support, you can excel in it and enjoy it.
At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. We have an excellent team of tutors who can help you with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you want to find out more about our services, contact us here.
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