Learning Tips

Chemical Symbols are Confusing

Why can’t the chemical symbol for Sodium be So instead of Na? Wouldn’t that make science a lot easier?

Turns out, many chemical symbols are based on their Latin names. Latin used to be an international language like English is today.The Latin name for Sodium is Natrium so Na . The latin name for Potassium is Kalium so K on the table; Silver is Argentum so Ag; Lead is Plumbum so Pb etc etc.

These chemical symbols can be confusing and difficult to grasp. Don't worry! you will learn them gradually - don't try to memorise everything at once as this which creates an additional barrier to learning Science.

Science uses Maths

For those mathematically challenged, another barrier in science is the use of math in Science. Whether is it calculating the number of moles or in balancing chemical equations, you just can’t run from math. Sometimes students use their calculator and get 3.8 x 10^-3 as their answer, which might be correct but they interpret it as 0.00038 (it should be 0.0038). While it seems like these students find science tough, it is actually their weak foundation in maths that hinders them from excelling in science.

Science uses both memory and problem solving skills

There are people who excel in subjects that depend on memory work. Another group of people tends to excel in subjects that relies on logical thinking and problem solving skills. Science is a unique subject that sits in between these 2 skills. There is memory work involved, yet students also have to apply their problem solving skills to answer questions. This is why students often struggle in science, as one who has either skill set would do well in certain subjects but not science. One needs to be equally adept at both!

It’s hard because everyone else says it’s hard!

Students can be easily influenced and sometimes they get influenced by their friends who find it tough. So before they even try to engage the subject, they already have the preconceived notion that it will be a subject they struggle in. Don’t be negatively influenced by peers. Instead, it helps to have an open mind when approaching science. Once the basic concepts are fully grasped, it can be a wonderfully interesting subject.

To conclude, science is indeed a challenging subject that uses both memory and problem solving skills but it every student can excel given support, advice and skills

Tip #1: Don't memorise, understand the concepts

Tip #2: Clarify your doubts as soon as possible = Ask questions

Tip #3: Familiarise yourself with important keywords = learn your definitions

Tip #4: Expose yourself to as many questions as possible = complete loads of past paper questions