How can i UNDERSTAND science???

Question

I, being an English/history person rather than a math/Science person find it extremely difficult to make sense of all this jumbled nonsense about protons and neutrons and jimmy neutrons and all of those whatevers!! Soo I was wondering if any science lovin people out there could give me their secret...as in how can I stay awake while reading about all this CRAPPPP? Is there a special way I can think of it to make it easier to retain? Or make it more interesting?? My main problem is that since the words in these science textbooks are not part of my natural vocabulary...I have no idea how to go about remembering ANY OF IT! I could spend a long time reading and re-reading and re-reading and still not be able to tell you one single thing I read about. Is there something wrong with me? Any ideas?

Answer 1

I feel your pain.. I'm an English major doing pre-med and I found that the science thing is what you make it.. It is boring as hell unless you do a couple things:
Find people to study with- you can talk to them about how much this all sucks and they might help you pick up the info. Talking to people in your class brings it to a level that is more easy to understand.
Go to a tutor- if you find a good one (if you're in college they have free ones available in each department) they can really spark something or at least help you fake it for a little while.
Break it down- don't do too much at one time, but stay on top of your work. Don't leave it for the last minute.

Worst comes to worst.. change your major so you don't have to deal with this stuff. I've been there, just stick it out. Good luck.

Answer 2

I recommend that you draw pictures of everything.
Do you study other materials with outlines or concept maps?
Use those.

Use your knowledge of word roots to understand the science terms. As an English student, you probably feel comfortable with word roots.

So protons are pro- positive.
And neutrons are neutr - neutral.

Make up whatever system you need to use.

Answer 3

You're right, in science there is A LOT of vocabulary. I think the best way to learn is by doing. I believe that doing practice problems and learning the processes behind them lead to a better understanding of the material.