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Physical Science |
Test Preparation |
Email_Me | TEST DESCRIPTION: Each test will contain multiple choice, matching, short essay, and problems to solve. Questions will be selected from your notes, homework, labs, and textbook. Each test is worth 100 points. You will be notified of an upcoming test one week in advance.
UNIT NOTEBOOK: You are required to organized a notebook packet for each unit. It will contain your lecture notes and assignments. You will be given a cover sheet and a list of contents. The packet must be turned in before you take the test. It must be in the order assigned and you must grade the notebook prior to turning it in. I will check your grading and return the packet to you. Keep all the packets because they will be extremely valuable for your preparation for the semester final.
STUDY TIPS: It is best to start preparing a few days before the test. Study in a quiet area. You must do more than look over your notes, assignments, readings, and labs. See below for study tips.
- The multiple choice and matching questions will be focused on terms and big concepts. Many students find the use of note cards very helpful. Save them in an organized fashion to be used again to study for the semester final.
- To prepare for problems, you must practice them. Look through your packet and find assignments and quizzes containing problems. Cover up your work with a piece of paper, re-work the problem, and check to see how you did. Look for a variety of problems so that you don't have to do them all. Make note of any that you are troublesome and set up a time to see me before/after school for some extra help.
- The short essay questions will ask you to apply what you have learned from the chapter. They are focused on the concepts and the "why" of what we have learned. these are the hardest in which to prepare. The question may discuss something new and your first reaction may be, "I didn't study that." However, each question will relate to something covered in the class. Take time to think and make a connection to something we covered in class. I will give examples of these types of questions during class.
LEARNING STYLES: Some researches identify three learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Visual means that you learn best by seeing things in a diagram or in words. Auditory means you learn best by listening to a description or discussion. Kinesthetic means that you learn best by action, by moving your body while learning the content.
What learning style are you? Think about when you are trying to learn the words to a new song that your really like. If you can just listen and pick up the words, you are probably auditory. You should be sure to study by hearing. You can do this by studying with someone or talking to yourself while studying. Using note cards will be more effective if you say the word and definition out loud when you practice. If you have to pull out the CD jacket and look at the words, you are probably a visual learner. This means you should see what you are studying in print or in diagram. Using note cards, diagrams, or writing things as you study will be effective. If neither auditory or visual seems to fit you, you might be kinesthetic. This means you should be active when you study. Create some movement that fits what you are trying to study.
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