Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Preparing to Study Chemistry
• Method 2 of 4: Working with textbooks
• Method 3 of 4: Laboratory Experiments
• Method 4 of 4: Developing Study Skills
• Tips

Learning chemistry can be daunting, especially with the wrong approach. While there are no magical ways to learn this difficult science in one evening, the right study organization will make it easier to achieve the goal. Learning to learn how to make the best use of your time and how to prepare for upcoming classes will help you learn better and faster.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Preparing to Study Chemistry

1. 1 Review the math. As you study chemistry, you will come across many different formulas and equations. If you do not remember how to use logarithms or solve quadratic equations, it is advisable to repeat the math. When studying chemistry, you will probably need it.
2. 2 Learn periodic table. When studying chemistry, you need to know the chemical elements. Just as when mastering mathematics you need to know what numbers are, in order to understand chemistry you need to remember the various chemical elements that are collected in the periodic table.
   • You can learn the periodic table of the elements using a song.
3. 3 Learn basic concepts and learn to solve problems consistently. To get started, familiarize yourself with basic units of measurement, the principles of the scientific method, chemical notation, and atomic structure. Many people consider chemistry to be a difficult science due to the fact that they do not fully understand these basic concepts before starting to study more complex material.
   • Many basic concepts of chemistry can be found on websites dedicated to this science, where educational material is freely available.
   • You can also look for good textbooks and For Dummies at the bookstore.
   • Write down key concepts by hand. Research has shown that taking notes helps you remember new material.
4. 4 Make flash cards. Every time you come across a new word or concept, make a separate flash card for it. This is well suited for studying both the periodic table and many other concepts and principles. Review your flashcards several times a week to refresh your memory of what you have learned.
5. 5 Learn mnemonic memorization techniques. Try to associate each chemical element with something different, such as an apple or football. It can be anything that reminds you of this element. The associations may seem out of the ordinary - the main thing is that they help you remember new information more easily.
6. 6 Develop spatial imagination. When working with textbooks, study the illustrations to better understand what you read. Although the books provide 2D images of molecules, keep in mind that these molecules actually exist in 3D space. Use 3D models or develop your spatial imagination.
   • The University of Liverpool has created the ChemTube 3D website (in English) with interactive animations and illustrations of many chemical concepts. This site is accessible even from a mobile phone or tablet.

Method 2 of 4: Working with textbooks

1. 1 Choose a good tutorial that outlines all the basic concepts and concepts. That being said, don't try to find an easier textbook. To successfully study chemistry, you need to properly understand its basic principles. Visit several bookstores and search for a suitable textbook in the educational and scientific literature section.Search the internet for professional reviews of various textbooks.
2. 2 Solve problems as you read the textbook. Do not skip the tasks given in the text - their solution will help you to better assimilate the passed material. Solve the problem until you understand the course of its solution and get the correct answer.
3. 3 Don't skip material. It is necessary to properly master the basic concepts. If you do not understand something, try to understand this issue. Use the index at the end of the book to get answers to your questions.
   • If you are having trouble understanding something on your own, ask a teacher or friend who is well versed in chemistry for help.
4. 4 As you learn a new formula, ask yourself questions to make sure you understand the material. When memorizing formulas mechanically, it will be difficult for you to use them during the test or exam. Ask yourself the following questions:
   • What systems or transformations does this formula describe?
   • What do constants and variables mean and in what units are they measured?
   • When and how should this formula be used?
   • What is the meaning of this formula?

Method 3 of 4: Laboratory Experiments

1. 1 Put your knowledge into practice. Practical exercises on a topic will help you better understand it. Some people learn new material better if they do something themselves, rather than just reading a textbook.
2. 2 Try to connect the laboratory work with the theoretical material being studied. When studying at school or higher education institution, laboratory work is designed to reinforce what has been learned in lessons or lectures. Pay special attention to the preparation for laboratory work and the subsequent processing of the results obtained, as this may be useful for subsequent exams.
3. 3 Practice scientific approach. After all, chemistry is an experimental science that is done in laboratories. Try to learn the experimental methods well. This way you will better understand the principles of experimental measurements and chemical equations. Among other things, it's just fun.

Method 4 of 4: Developing Study Skills

1. 1 Study chemistry for at least one hour a day. Daily repetition of the material will help to consolidate knowledge. Short daily sessions throughout the week will yield better results than prolonged study of textbooks on the eve of a test or exam.
   • Just like athletes exercise every day, you should study chemistry regularly to get the best results.
2. 2 Take notes. Write down important information to help you remember it. If you are attending lectures, take a detailed note and write down all the key concepts and ideas in it. Also write out the basic information from the textbook. Even if you think you’ve learned a particular material well, taking notes will help you remember it better.
3. 3 Practice with your friends. One head it's good, but two better. Learning is much easier if you do it with someone else. If you do not understand something, friends can help you. Conversely, you will learn the material you have learned better if you explain it to someone else.
4. 4 Chat with your teacher. Teachers are usually given extra hours for extracurricular activities. Approach the teacher after class and ask him the questions you are interested in. As a rule, teachers are willing to help students and answer additional questions. However, do not ask all of your questions the night before the exam in order to get complete answers.
   • Among other things, the instructor can give you a sample of questions that were encountered in previous exams. This will allow you to find out a type questions that you may come across on the exam. However, don't expect to come across for sure. the same questions.

Tips

• Don't dwell on mistakes - they are an integral part of the learning process.Nobody is immune to mistakes.
• If you are taking a chemistry course, plan to do up to 15 hours a week.
• Have a rest! When studying chemistry, you need to think a lot. Get a good night's sleep so that you can continue your activities with renewed vigor.