Biology. You’ll take biology four years in a row at Biotech. The good thing is biology is pure memorization. This makes it relatively easy to study: all you have to do is put in the time, and there are no additional tricks or gimmicks. Here are two tips for memorization: try your best not to procrastinate, and draw. Specifically in biology, draw out visuals, diagrams, and graphs, then label them. Drawing is particularly helpful for units like cell biology (mitochondria and chloroplasts), biotechnology (the whole flow of the Sanger sequence or gel electrophoresis), and biochemistry (fatty acids, glucose, etc.). For pre-made drawings and mnemonics to copy, check out Bioninja.
Physics. Physics is a little crazier than biology. For sophomores, study with textbook problems. Almost all of your textbook’s problems are explained step-by-step on Youtube. Use these videos as your own free, personal tutor. For IB Physics, good luck. All in all, make sure to practice. Like with math, practice is critical to physics.
History. Like with biology, the bulk of history is memorization. Unlike with biology, there’s little logic in human behavior, and consequently, in history. For most people at Biotech, it’s tougher to memorize battle after battle after battle in the American Revolution than it is to memorize step-by-step the electron transport chain. You’ll remember the American Revolution and other historical events better if you take them for stories. This is simple. Just Google the event you’re studying, then read a few blogs and watch a few YouTube videos. Usually, you’ll find an energetic history buff telling a good story. Enjoy these stories, and you’ll have seen the event and remembered it solid.
Math. Practice is key for math. That said, math textbook problems are excessively repetitive. If you’re no longer challenged by a specific problem “type” (basically, same problem structure, different numbers), move on.
English. Enjoy what you’re reading. Everything worth knowing will follow.
Spanish. If you want to feel confident about every little detail before a test, do as much VHL as you can. In fact, try practice Señora didn’t even assign. For vocabulary and conjugation practice, play Conjuguemos. With each game, you’ll get five minutes of rapidfire practice and the support of a green cheering frog.
Chemistry. Mrs. R’s outlines work because they emphasize both generals and specifics. From the small things, know the big things. From the big things, know the small things. Before tests, redo Right Pages. Keep in mind, though, that because Mrs. R’s outlines are succinct and brief, they’re not the best source of practice problems. Look through your textbook or the internet instead.
Classes with labs. If you do a lab in class, it’ll be on the next test. Study these labs with a focus on background information. You’ll rarely be tested on the step-by-step specifics of procedures. It’s usually some obscure line or definition from the background information you need to know, and it’s usually in the multiple choice.
Take a break. Listen to a good song. If your neck’s cramping up from studying, listen to “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer. Take a walk. Do some yoga. Take it easy with the Corpse Pose, the Cat Pose, the Bridge Pose, and the Hero Pose, or challenge yourself with the Child’s Pose, the Cow Face Pose, the Chair Pose, or the Intense Side Stretch Pose. Eat some brain food: dark chocolate, berries, nuts, greek yogurt.
Request an NHS Tutor. You’ll get a nice buddy to study with at lunch.
Now you’re ready to take on the second half of the year! Don’t stress too much. It’ll be June before you know it.