What distinguishes these individual sciences (bio, chem, phys) against year 10 science?
The main distinguishing feature is that year 10 science covers some biology, chemistry and physics-however, biology, chemistry and physics are explored in a much greater depth individually in each subject, and in many extent, becomes much more mathematical in year 11 and year 12 science than in year 10. The best thing to do is to grab a preliminary bio/chem/phys book and have a read-you will instantly realise how much more in-depth a particular area of science is investigated compared to year 10 science which basically gives you a really broad overview.
How can I improve my science skills/grades?
In year 11 and year 12-regardless of what science subjects you choose, you will be assessed based on three main types of assessments:
1)Practical assessments-make sure you know reliability, validity, accuracy, sources of error, possible areas for improvement, independent/dependent/controlled variables, risk assessment for all the experiments you have done in class, make sure you can master basic science skills such as drawing line of best fit, drawing experimental set up accurately, using numbered points in writing a logical procedure, understand the requirements of the exam(I.e. how much time, how many parts) and allocate your time accordingly, make sure you understand the chemical principle/theory behind why you did each experiment
2)Theory assessments and exams-make sure you PERSONALLY write a set of summarised notes according to each dot point of the syllabus in a concise but detailed manner-make sure you include appropriate diagrams as well, after you wrote the notes, make sure to start practising questions and CHECKING YOUR ANSWERS in textbooks-i.e. Roland Smith's Conquering Chemistry has an exam question section which is quite good, ask your teacher for practice questions and make links between dotpoints and across modules to reinforce your understanding. Throughout the year, you should be progressively cutting down your notes as you store more things into your long term memory-revise regularly. Before your final trial exam-you should try to get your hands on as many preliminary exams as possible to practice-and look at the marking guidelines, remember to practice under EXAM CONDITIONS. Make sure when you make notes you are at least referring to 3 different sources to synthesise your information. (colour-code and use mind-maps to make your notes engaging and easy to remember). In your notes, don't neglect to include all your experiments and second-hand investigations.
3)For other types of assessments such as group presentations, individual research assignments, second-hand investigations-you should strive to always include a comprehensive bibliography that indicates you have sourced your information not only from websites, but from journals/books as well, you should understand how to evaluate accuracy/reliability/validity in relation to the sources of information you are using, like other types of assessment, pay close attention to the marking criteria and make sure you fulfil it as much as possible, make sure your information is comprehensive, non-repetitive and answers the verb of the question: i.e. discuss, evaluate, compare, contrast, assess, examine (so for that matter, memorise what the main verbs used in your exam questions means, it is included in the link:
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au..._keywords.html)
Essentially, the best way to improve your science skills is by thorough preparation-read material ahead, try to understand concepts-not just rote learn them, and if you don't understand ANYTHING-ASK YOUR SCIENCE TEACHER IMMEDIATELY, and connect knowledge across your science subject and within and across the different modules of your science subjects-this will enhance your understanding and more importantly, make you ENJOY it much more, and as mentioned above, do practice questions/papers-check answers repeatedly-and do it under EXAM CONDITIONS where necessary.
One last advice-science isn't your best subject now, doesn't mean it can't be your best subject in the next two years-stop the negative self-talk-anything is possible if you believe and you make it so. Stop worrying and just start reading and studying. I hope you will ENJOY your science studies in your next two years, I hope this post helped and I wish that you will maximise your science potential-(always try your best and you will be the best)
