6 answers
Angie
Student
National Harbor, MD
2
Questions
Updated
451 views
How to get better at chemistry?
Hello! I’m thinking of going into the medical Field when I’m older but during 10th grade I had a hard time with chemistry. I wanted to know how to get better in chem and if this is a common thing or if I’m just slow.
Login to comment
6 answers
Martin Schoen
APRN
282
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Chemistry can indeed be a challenging subject for many, with inorganic chemistry often requiring a strong grasp of mathematics. If math isn't your forte, don't hesitate to seek help from a tutor, be it a person or a resourceful book. Organic chemistry, on the other hand, is largely a game of memory. It can be tough initially, but once you get the hang of it, things start to fall into place.
Even as a chemistry teacher, I wasn't completely at ease with the subject. It took me years of hands-on experience with various chemical elements to truly understand and appreciate the subject. Remember, chemistry is a diverse field; while some may find it a breeze, others might struggle initially. The key is to persevere, seek help when needed, and continue to work through the courses. Over time, the subject will likely become more manageable.
In many academic institutions, organic chemistry is often seen as a 'weed-out' course. It is primarily designed for pre-med students and is intentionally rigorous to encourage students to consider other fields. My college roommate, who took the course after me, found this to be true. I took the course during the day and found it overwhelming and confusing. However, I suggested my roommate take the course at night, where the teaching approach was more straightforward, focusing on the core material. This strategy worked wonders for him, making the course significantly easier. He was incredibly thankful for this advice.
So, don't be disheartened if you find chemistry challenging. With persistence, assistance, and the right approach, you can certainly master it!
Even as a chemistry teacher, I wasn't completely at ease with the subject. It took me years of hands-on experience with various chemical elements to truly understand and appreciate the subject. Remember, chemistry is a diverse field; while some may find it a breeze, others might struggle initially. The key is to persevere, seek help when needed, and continue to work through the courses. Over time, the subject will likely become more manageable.
In many academic institutions, organic chemistry is often seen as a 'weed-out' course. It is primarily designed for pre-med students and is intentionally rigorous to encourage students to consider other fields. My college roommate, who took the course after me, found this to be true. I took the course during the day and found it overwhelming and confusing. However, I suggested my roommate take the course at night, where the teaching approach was more straightforward, focusing on the core material. This strategy worked wonders for him, making the course significantly easier. He was incredibly thankful for this advice.
So, don't be disheartened if you find chemistry challenging. With persistence, assistance, and the right approach, you can certainly master it!
Perry Zuckerman
Psychiatrist
16
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Perry’s Answer
First: Math. Stay in top of your math. Get help in math if it's not one of your strengths. In college chemistry class they will give you lots of equations. For example: PV=nRT. Don't worry about what that means now, just understand that math equations are where it's at. Solving a test problem more often than not will come down to knowing which equations to use and when and where. Before I started freshman chemistry, the chemistry department required a half-day exam to determine placement in the chemistry class of appropriate level of difficulty.
So, I took a chemistry department test for placement in chemistry class. What was the content of the test questions? Well, the test was all ..... math ! Math and math alone was their gauge of which chemistry class they wanted to place me in. Good luck.
So, I took a chemistry department test for placement in chemistry class. What was the content of the test questions? Well, the test was all ..... math ! Math and math alone was their gauge of which chemistry class they wanted to place me in. Good luck.
Wow, I wish I had this advice when I first took chemistry! I didn't realize how interconnected math and chemistry was and so as someone who struggled in math, chem was also a HUGE struggle
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
We are a very complex species and what comes easy for some takes work for others. I think it is normal :)
I would start with participating in any study groups or before/after school support the teacher offers. Your teacher is there to support you, so if you let them know, you are looking for help, I am sure they will try.
Outside of that, there may be programs in your local community geared at helping individuals like you need a little assistance with a specific subject. I would do a quick Google search.
I would start with participating in any study groups or before/after school support the teacher offers. Your teacher is there to support you, so if you let them know, you are looking for help, I am sure they will try.
Outside of that, there may be programs in your local community geared at helping individuals like you need a little assistance with a specific subject. I would do a quick Google search.
Thank you so much, sir!
Angie
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
476
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Let's figure out which parts of Chemistry are giving you a tough time. Don't worry, there are plenty of people who can help you out. If your teacher can't, your school's guidance counselor or another Chemistry teacher can certainly lend a hand with the course material.
Also, did you know your school might offer a tutoring service? It could be free or paid. And don't forget about study groups! They're a great place to learn from your peers.
If you prefer learning at your own pace, YouTube videos and the Khan Academy website are fantastic resources to understand the basics of Chemistry.
And guess what? Depending on where you live, there are classes like Kumon or C2 Education. They offer tutoring in specific subjects or even multiple subjects, though there is a fee for these services. So, keep your chin up! There are lots of ways to tackle Chemistry.
Also, did you know your school might offer a tutoring service? It could be free or paid. And don't forget about study groups! They're a great place to learn from your peers.
If you prefer learning at your own pace, YouTube videos and the Khan Academy website are fantastic resources to understand the basics of Chemistry.
And guess what? Depending on where you live, there are classes like Kumon or C2 Education. They offer tutoring in specific subjects or even multiple subjects, though there is a fee for these services. So, keep your chin up! There are lots of ways to tackle Chemistry.
Jimmy Bellesis
Nutritionist
10
Answers
Napa, California
Updated
Jimmy’s Answer
Hello Angie!
Kudos to you for stepping out of your comfort zone and seeking help with this! Believe it or not, I've been in your shoes, both in high school and at university, grappling with subjects like math and chemistry. What I discovered later on was that the traditional teaching methods for Chemistry simply didn't click with me. I had to find a way to learn that resonated with my style of understanding. I encourage you to think about the way you learn best and start tailoring your approach to studying chemistry accordingly.
Don't hesitate to explore resources specifically designed to make learning chemistry fun and engaging for kids. The core concepts of chemistry remain the same, regardless of the audience, so don't worry about the information being too simplistic. Here are a few resources that I found incredibly helpful.
Also, consider taking a trip to your local library and browse through the chemistry section. You might stumble upon a book or two that could be a game-changer for you!
1. Bill Nye the Science Guy (Multiple episodes revolving around chemistry. You can stream these on YouTube or borrow DVDs from your local library)
2. Baron's Visual Learning Guide, Chemistry: An Illustrated Guide for All Ages
3. Chemistry Board Games, such as A Game of Elements, Chemistry Flux, and others that I've come across.
4. Create flash cards for study topics and key terms, even the minor concepts. Writing things down creates a link between your mind and body, helping you retain information far better than just listening or typing.
Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Keep going, Angie!
Kudos to you for stepping out of your comfort zone and seeking help with this! Believe it or not, I've been in your shoes, both in high school and at university, grappling with subjects like math and chemistry. What I discovered later on was that the traditional teaching methods for Chemistry simply didn't click with me. I had to find a way to learn that resonated with my style of understanding. I encourage you to think about the way you learn best and start tailoring your approach to studying chemistry accordingly.
Don't hesitate to explore resources specifically designed to make learning chemistry fun and engaging for kids. The core concepts of chemistry remain the same, regardless of the audience, so don't worry about the information being too simplistic. Here are a few resources that I found incredibly helpful.
Also, consider taking a trip to your local library and browse through the chemistry section. You might stumble upon a book or two that could be a game-changer for you!
1. Bill Nye the Science Guy (Multiple episodes revolving around chemistry. You can stream these on YouTube or borrow DVDs from your local library)
2. Baron's Visual Learning Guide, Chemistry: An Illustrated Guide for All Ages
3. Chemistry Board Games, such as A Game of Elements, Chemistry Flux, and others that I've come across.
4. Create flash cards for study topics and key terms, even the minor concepts. Writing things down creates a link between your mind and body, helping you retain information far better than just listening or typing.
Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Keep going, Angie!
Destinee Russell
Senior Client Representative
4
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Destinee’s Answer
Chemistry is not the easiest subject.. you're not slow at all. I would recommend reviewing the material you learned during 10th grade, chapter by chapter. Don't be afraid to take new notes this time around. Open up that book again and get a better understanding. It'll be like watching a movie you already watched once before and notice new parts of scenes you thought you knew already.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Ama