4 answers
Layla
Student
East Palo Alto, California
3
Questions
Updated
229 views
what can I do to advance my knowledge in biology and chemistry so I can be prepared for AP Biology and chemistry and even now in my general chemistry class?
Hello! My names Layla and I'm in 10th grade taking general classes this year. In the future, I hope to work in the medical field! I want to get a head start and up my chances of getting into an excellent school. So with that, next year and the year after I want to take AP chemistry and AP biology. Last year and currently I'm struggling with understanding the fundamentals of biology and chemistry. I really, really, want to take AP chemistry and AP biology, but my skills are lower than average- so I'm wondering what can I do to advance my knowledge in biology and chemistry so I can be prepared for AP Biology and chemistry and even now in my general chemistry class? Thank you!
-Currently in 10th grade taking general chemistry
-Interested in sciences
-Interested in taking Advanced Placement courses
Login to comment
4 answers
Mbah Wai-Tanyi Aguh
Agronomist
49
Answers
New Rochelle, New York
Updated
Mbah Wai-Tanyi’s Answer
Hello Layla!
Congratulations on taking proactive steps to advance your knowledge in biology and chemistry! Given your goals, I've outlined a comprehensive plan to help you prepare for AP Biology and Chemistry:
Short-term goals (10th grade):
1. Review and reinforce general chemistry concepts:
- Use online resources like Khan Academy, Crash Course, and 3Blue1Brown.
- Watch video lectures and take notes.
- Practice problems on websites like Quizlet, Khan Academy, and Chemistry LibreTexts.
2. Focus on biology fundamentals:
- Review high school biology textbook chapters.
- Explore online resources like Biology LibreTexts, Crash Course Biology, and Khan Academy.
- Practice identifying biological concepts and processes.
3. Develop study habits:
- Create a study schedule and stick to it.
- Join a study group or find a study buddy.
- Use active learning techniques like summarizing notes, creating concept maps, and self-quizzing.
Long-term goals (11th and 12th grade):
1. Take online courses or tutorials:
- Khan Academy's AP Biology and AP Chemistry courses.
- Coursera's biology and chemistry specializations.
- edX's biology and chemistry courses.
2. Read advanced biology and chemistry texts:
- "Biology" by Campbell and Reece.
- "Chemistry: The Central Science" by Brown, LeMay, and Bursten.
- "AP Biology" and "AP Chemistry" study guides.
3. Participate in science competitions and events:
- Science fairs.
- Biology and chemistry Olympiads.
- Attend workshops and conferences.
4. Seek mentorship:
- Talk to your teachers, school counselors, or mentors about your goals.
- Ask for guidance and advice.
Additional resources:
1. Online communities:
- Reddit's r/Biology and r/Chemistry.
- Stack Exchange's Biology and Chemistry communities.
2. Mobile apps:
- Duolingo's Biology and Chemistry courses.
- Photomath's Chemistry and Biology problems.
3. Science magazines and journals:
- Scientific American.
- Nature.
- Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Tips and encouragement:
1. Be patient and persistent.
2. Celebrate small victories.
3. Stay organized and focused.
4. Seek help when needed.
5. Believe in yourself and your abilities.
You've taken the first step by recognizing your goals and seeking help. With dedication and hard work, you'll excel in AP Biology and Chemistry and set yourself up for success in the medical field!
Keep pushing forward, Layla!
Best of luck
Congratulations on taking proactive steps to advance your knowledge in biology and chemistry! Given your goals, I've outlined a comprehensive plan to help you prepare for AP Biology and Chemistry:
Short-term goals (10th grade):
1. Review and reinforce general chemistry concepts:
- Use online resources like Khan Academy, Crash Course, and 3Blue1Brown.
- Watch video lectures and take notes.
- Practice problems on websites like Quizlet, Khan Academy, and Chemistry LibreTexts.
2. Focus on biology fundamentals:
- Review high school biology textbook chapters.
- Explore online resources like Biology LibreTexts, Crash Course Biology, and Khan Academy.
- Practice identifying biological concepts and processes.
3. Develop study habits:
- Create a study schedule and stick to it.
- Join a study group or find a study buddy.
- Use active learning techniques like summarizing notes, creating concept maps, and self-quizzing.
Long-term goals (11th and 12th grade):
1. Take online courses or tutorials:
- Khan Academy's AP Biology and AP Chemistry courses.
- Coursera's biology and chemistry specializations.
- edX's biology and chemistry courses.
2. Read advanced biology and chemistry texts:
- "Biology" by Campbell and Reece.
- "Chemistry: The Central Science" by Brown, LeMay, and Bursten.
- "AP Biology" and "AP Chemistry" study guides.
3. Participate in science competitions and events:
- Science fairs.
- Biology and chemistry Olympiads.
- Attend workshops and conferences.
4. Seek mentorship:
- Talk to your teachers, school counselors, or mentors about your goals.
- Ask for guidance and advice.
Additional resources:
1. Online communities:
- Reddit's r/Biology and r/Chemistry.
- Stack Exchange's Biology and Chemistry communities.
2. Mobile apps:
- Duolingo's Biology and Chemistry courses.
- Photomath's Chemistry and Biology problems.
3. Science magazines and journals:
- Scientific American.
- Nature.
- Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Tips and encouragement:
1. Be patient and persistent.
2. Celebrate small victories.
3. Stay organized and focused.
4. Seek help when needed.
5. Believe in yourself and your abilities.
You've taken the first step by recognizing your goals and seeking help. With dedication and hard work, you'll excel in AP Biology and Chemistry and set yourself up for success in the medical field!
Keep pushing forward, Layla!
Best of luck
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
549
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Layla,
That's a fantastic goal! It's great to see your enthusiasm for science and your ambition to excel in AP Biology and Chemistry. Here are some strategies to help you strengthen your foundation and prepare for these challenging courses:
1. Solidify Your Fundamentals:
Review Core Concepts: Dedicate time to review the fundamental principles of biology and chemistry, such as cell structure, chemical bonding, and stoichiometry. Khan Academy and Crash Course are excellent online resources for comprehensive explanations and practice problems.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Work through numerous practice problems and exercises to solidify your understanding. Websites like Khan Academy, Quizlet, and Chem LibreTexts offer a wealth of practice materials.
Seek Clarification: Don't hesitate to ask your teacher for help or clarification on any topic you find confusing. They can provide additional explanations and examples.
2. Develop Effective Study Habits:
Active Learning: Engage actively with the material by taking notes, creating flashcards, and summarizing key concepts in your own words.
Time Management: Create a study schedule that allocates specific time slots for each subject. Consistency is key!
Study Groups: Collaborate with classmates to discuss concepts, solve problems together, and quiz each other.
Regular Review: Regularly review past material to reinforce your understanding and prevent forgetting.
3. Explore Additional Resources:
Textbooks: Refer to your textbooks for in-depth explanations and examples.
Online Courses: Consider enrolling in online courses or tutorials to supplement your classroom learning.
Science Museums and Labs: Visit science museums and laboratories to experience hands-on learning and gain a deeper appreciation for scientific concepts.
4. Build Your Problem-Solving Skills:
Practice Problems: Regularly solve practice problems to hone your problem-solving skills.
Analyze Mistakes: When you make mistakes, analyze them to understand the underlying concepts you need to review.
Seek Alternative Approaches: Explore different problem-solving strategies to find the most efficient and effective methods.
5. Stay Curious and Motivated:
Read Science Articles: Stay updated with the latest scientific discoveries by reading articles in magazines like Scientific American or National Geographic.
Watch Science Documentaries: Watch documentaries on topics that interest you to spark your curiosity and learn about real-world applications of science.
Set Goals: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to stay motivated and track your progress.
Remember, consistent effort and a positive mindset are crucial for success. Don't be afraid to seek help when needed, and celebrate your achievements along the way. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goal of excelling in AP Biology and Chemistry!
Best wishes!
That's a fantastic goal! It's great to see your enthusiasm for science and your ambition to excel in AP Biology and Chemistry. Here are some strategies to help you strengthen your foundation and prepare for these challenging courses:
1. Solidify Your Fundamentals:
Review Core Concepts: Dedicate time to review the fundamental principles of biology and chemistry, such as cell structure, chemical bonding, and stoichiometry. Khan Academy and Crash Course are excellent online resources for comprehensive explanations and practice problems.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Work through numerous practice problems and exercises to solidify your understanding. Websites like Khan Academy, Quizlet, and Chem LibreTexts offer a wealth of practice materials.
Seek Clarification: Don't hesitate to ask your teacher for help or clarification on any topic you find confusing. They can provide additional explanations and examples.
2. Develop Effective Study Habits:
Active Learning: Engage actively with the material by taking notes, creating flashcards, and summarizing key concepts in your own words.
Time Management: Create a study schedule that allocates specific time slots for each subject. Consistency is key!
Study Groups: Collaborate with classmates to discuss concepts, solve problems together, and quiz each other.
Regular Review: Regularly review past material to reinforce your understanding and prevent forgetting.
3. Explore Additional Resources:
Textbooks: Refer to your textbooks for in-depth explanations and examples.
Online Courses: Consider enrolling in online courses or tutorials to supplement your classroom learning.
Science Museums and Labs: Visit science museums and laboratories to experience hands-on learning and gain a deeper appreciation for scientific concepts.
4. Build Your Problem-Solving Skills:
Practice Problems: Regularly solve practice problems to hone your problem-solving skills.
Analyze Mistakes: When you make mistakes, analyze them to understand the underlying concepts you need to review.
Seek Alternative Approaches: Explore different problem-solving strategies to find the most efficient and effective methods.
5. Stay Curious and Motivated:
Read Science Articles: Stay updated with the latest scientific discoveries by reading articles in magazines like Scientific American or National Geographic.
Watch Science Documentaries: Watch documentaries on topics that interest you to spark your curiosity and learn about real-world applications of science.
Set Goals: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to stay motivated and track your progress.
Remember, consistent effort and a positive mindset are crucial for success. Don't be afraid to seek help when needed, and celebrate your achievements along the way. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goal of excelling in AP Biology and Chemistry!
Best wishes!
Tony Roig
Volunteer
45
Answers
New Hope, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi Layla,
Just wanted to add to Chinyere’s comprehensive reply to you and also give you credit to recognize that biology and chemistry are key courses to have in a career in the exciting and growing medical field and you need to prepare to do well in these critical areas, the sooner the better. To that end, I wanted to emphasize Chinyere's point on developing effective study habits. I think it was a Psychologist who first identifies the lack of such habits is a major factor in poor student performance and many a career plan, myself included has been derailed and changed because of it, and this includes test performance, often which decides the direction and course of our studies for the rest of your life. I remember I took a test to determine the effectiveness of my study habits and it confirmed I had none that were reliable effective regardless of the situation. Of course, I always did better in courses that were easier for me and I liked because I studied not longer but also with more intensity and desire, and in many causes doing things to "actively learn" as Chinyere had indicated. But there's more to it, so I encourage you to find out and master effective study habits, especially before you face AP courses in science or any subject matter for that matter. I can't guarantee it of course, but only tell you it's worth doing as it can change and alter the course your life will take. After all I have read and seen what humans can at my age of 65, I have great faith that the human brain and mind has the capacity to do anything it desires if given the appropriate treatment.
All the best,
Tony
Just wanted to add to Chinyere’s comprehensive reply to you and also give you credit to recognize that biology and chemistry are key courses to have in a career in the exciting and growing medical field and you need to prepare to do well in these critical areas, the sooner the better. To that end, I wanted to emphasize Chinyere's point on developing effective study habits. I think it was a Psychologist who first identifies the lack of such habits is a major factor in poor student performance and many a career plan, myself included has been derailed and changed because of it, and this includes test performance, often which decides the direction and course of our studies for the rest of your life. I remember I took a test to determine the effectiveness of my study habits and it confirmed I had none that were reliable effective regardless of the situation. Of course, I always did better in courses that were easier for me and I liked because I studied not longer but also with more intensity and desire, and in many causes doing things to "actively learn" as Chinyere had indicated. But there's more to it, so I encourage you to find out and master effective study habits, especially before you face AP courses in science or any subject matter for that matter. I can't guarantee it of course, but only tell you it's worth doing as it can change and alter the course your life will take. After all I have read and seen what humans can at my age of 65, I have great faith that the human brain and mind has the capacity to do anything it desires if given the appropriate treatment.
All the best,
Tony
Rita Chuang
Physician
189
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I struggled with Biology but found Chemistry easier. It's ok to "fail" AP class. It's more important to do well in college if you want to be in medicine. I feel that it's the teacher that's most important. I would read the subject before going to class, record the lecture and listen to it again. If you don't understand, ask the teacher for help or hire a tutor. If that doesn't help, there are so many Utube videos. Even in college, I would take a class in the community college during the summer so that during the school year, the subject was easier.
If you are still struggling, I would suggest that you find a different field. God gives each person different gifts and perhaps you are better suited for another field.
If you are still struggling, I would suggest that you find a different field. God gives each person different gifts and perhaps you are better suited for another field.