Lesson Plan
Chem Study Champions
Students will identify and apply effective study strategies tailored for college-level chemistry, including active recall, spaced repetition, and practice problem-solving, to improve their academic performance in a dual enrollment course.
Succeeding in a college-level chemistry course requires more than just attending lectures; it demands specific, effective study techniques. This lesson equips students with proven strategies to manage complex material, perform well on exams, and build a strong foundation for future STEM studies.
Audience
10th-12th Grade Dual Enrollment College Chemistry Students
Time
15 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and practical examples of study techniques.
Materials
- Chem Study Champions Slides, - Study Strategy Checklist, - Study Habits Reflection Journal, and - Whiteboard or projector
Prep
Review Materials
5 minutes
Review the Chem Study Champions Slides and the Study Strategy Checklist to familiarize yourself with the content and discussion points. Ensure the projector or whiteboard is ready for display.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Study Habits Check-in
3 minutes
Begin by asking students to briefly share (verbally or using a quick show of hands) one study habit they currently use for chemistry. Acknowledge a few responses and transition by explaining that today's lesson will introduce even more effective strategies.
Refer to Chem Study Champions Slides - Slide 1-2
Step 2
Introduction to Effective Study Strategies
5 minutes
Present the core study strategies: Active Recall, Spaced Repetition, and Practice Problems. Briefly explain each concept with a chemistry-specific example. Emphasize why these methods are superior to passive review.
- Active Recall: Instead of rereading notes, try to explain a concept out loud or write down everything you remember about a topic without looking at your notes.
- Spaced Repetition: Reviewing material at increasing intervals over time. For example, review today's lecture notes tomorrow, then again in 3 days, then in a week.
- Practice Problems: The most crucial for chemistry. Work through as many textbook and past exam problems as possible without looking at solutions first.
Open the floor for one or two quick clarifying questions.
Refer to Chem Study Champions Slides - Slide 3-7
Step 3
Interactive Application & Discussion
5 minutes
Distribute the Study Strategy Checklist. Ask students to look at the checklist and think about how they could integrate one new strategy into their routine this week.
Lead a brief discussion:
- "Which of these strategies feels most challenging to implement, and why?"
- "Which one seems like it could make the biggest difference for you in chemistry?"
Encourage students to share their thoughts and provide quick tips for overcoming common challenges (e.g., 'start small' for spaced repetition, 'try concept mapping' for active recall).
Refer to Chem Study Champions Slides - Slide 8
Step 4
Cool-Down: One Takeaway
2 minutes
Ask students to write down one study strategy they commit to trying before the next chemistry class on an exit ticket or a small piece of paper. Collect these as they leave to gauge initial understanding and commitment. Conclude by reiterating the importance of active and consistent study for success in their dual enrollment course.
Refer to Chem Study Champions Slides - Slide 9-10
Slide Deck
Chem Study Champions
Unlock Your Potential in College Chemistry!
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Start with an engaging question to activate prior knowledge about study habits. Encourage a brief, informal share-out.
Why Are We Here?
College chemistry is a different beast!
- More complex concepts
- Faster pace
- Emphasis on application & problem-solving
- Higher stakes
Ask students to consider what makes college chemistry different and why their high school study methods might need an upgrade. Highlight the increased pace, depth, and problem-solving focus.
Strategy 1: Active Recall
Don't just reread! Test yourself!
- Flashcards: Define terms, draw structures, balance equations.
- Concept Mapping: Draw connections between topics without looking at your notes.
- Practice Explaining: Teach a concept to an imaginary friend or out loud to yourself.
- Blurting: Write down everything you remember about a topic after studying a section, then check your notes.
Introduce Active Recall as a powerful alternative to passive reading. Explain that actively retrieving information strengthens memory. Provide a simple chemistry example, like recalling definitions or reaction types.
Strategy 2: Spaced Repetition
Beat the forgetting curve!
- Review material at increasing intervals.
- Short, frequent review sessions are better than long, infrequent ones.
- Example: Review notes today, then tomorrow, then in 3 days, then a week.
Introduce Spaced Repetition and explain its biological basis (how it fights the 'forgetting curve'). Emphasize that consistent, spaced review is more effective than cramming.
Strategy 3: Practice Problems
The #1 rule for chemistry success!
- Work through all textbook problems, example problems, and past exam questions.
- Do not just read solutions! Try to solve them yourself first.
- Understand why each step is taken, not just what the answer is.
Stress the critical importance of practice problems in chemistry. Explain that chemistry is a 'doing' subject and understanding concepts isn't enough; students must be able to apply them. Encourage working through problems before looking at solutions.
Bonus Tips!
- Study Environment: Find a quiet, dedicated space.
- Minimize Distractions: Put your phone away!
- Study Groups: Explain concepts to each other (active recall!)
- Get Help Early: Don't wait until you're completely lost.
Briefly mention other helpful tips like creating a dedicated study space, minimizing distractions, and forming study groups. Keep it concise given the time constraint.
Your Chemistry Study Toolkit
Let's put these strategies into action!
We'll use our Study Strategy Checklist to plan how you can incorporate these tools into your routine.
Transition to the checklist activity. Explain that the checklist is a tool to help them implement these strategies. Encourage them to choose one to focus on.
Discussion: What Will You Try?
- Which strategy feels most challenging to implement?
- Which one seems like it could make the biggest difference?
- What's one small step you can take this week?
Facilitate a brief discussion. Ask students to share which strategy they found most challenging or most impactful. Address any questions or concerns. Reinforce the idea of starting small.
Your Next Step:
Commit to one study strategy you will use this week for chemistry.
Write it down! Make it happen!
Conclude by having students commit to one strategy. This serves as an immediate application and assessment of their engagement. Remind them of the value of these skills.
You've Got This!
Effective study habits are your secret weapon for success in college chemistry and beyond.
Keep practicing, keep improving, and you will excel!
Thank them and reinforce that these skills are not just for chemistry but for all their future academic endeavors.
Activity
Chemistry Study Strategy Checklist
Name: ____________________________
Welcome, Chem Study Champion! This checklist is designed to help you try out powerful study techniques for your college chemistry course. Tick off each strategy as you try it this week.
Core Strategies
1. Active Recall (Test Yourself!)
- Flashcards: Have I used flashcards to define key terms, formulas, or reaction types?
[ ] Yes [ ] No - Concept Mapping/Diagramming: Have I drawn out a concept map or diagram to explain a complex topic without looking at my notes first?
[ ] Yes [ ] No - Explain it Out Loud: Have I tried explaining a chemistry concept to myself, a friend, or even a pet, as if I were teaching it?
[ ] Yes [ ] No - Blurting: After reading a section, have I tried writing down everything I remember about it before checking my notes for gaps?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
2. Spaced Repetition (Review Smart, Not Just Hard!)
- Daily Quick Review: Have I spent 5-10 minutes reviewing notes from the previous day's chemistry lecture?
[ ] Yes [ ] No - Weekly Review Session: Have I scheduled and completed a longer review session (30-60 minutes) covering all chemistry material from the past week?
[ ] Yes [ ] No - Future Planning: Have I noted down topics to revisit in 3 days, 1 week, or before the next quiz/exam?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
3. Practice Problems (Do Chemistry!)
- Textbook Problems: Have I attempted practice problems from my textbook without looking at the answers first?
[ ] Yes [ ] No - Example Problems (Redo): Have I worked through example problems from lectures or the textbook again, ensuring I understand each step?
[ ] Yes [ ] No - Past Exam Questions: If available, have I tried solving past exam or quiz questions under timed conditions?
[ ] Yes [ ] No - Identify Weaknesses: After doing problems, have I identified specific topics or problem types I struggled with to focus my further study?
[ ] Yes [ ] No
Reflect and Commit
-
Which new study strategy did you find most helpful this week?
-
What is one specific chemistry topic you will apply these strategies to next?
My commitment for next week: I will use ______________________________________ to study for chemistry.
Journal
Study Habits Reflection Journal
Name: ____________________________
Take a moment to reflect on your current study habits for chemistry and how you might incorporate new strategies to improve your learning journey. This is for your personal reflection and growth!
Part 1: Your Current Chemistry Study Routine
-
Describe how you typically study for your college chemistry course. What steps do you usually take when preparing for a quiz or exam?
-
What aspects of your current study routine do you think are most effective? Why?
-
What aspects of your current study routine do you think are least effective or most challenging? Why?
Part 2: Looking Ahead with New Strategies
-
From the strategies discussed today (Active Recall, Spaced Repetition, Practice Problems), which one do you think would be the most difficult for you to implement into your routine? What makes it challenging?
-
Which new strategy are you most excited to try, and how do you imagine it will help you in your chemistry studies?
-
Imagine it's the end of the semester and you've successfully applied these new study strategies. What does your success look like in terms of your understanding of chemistry and your performance in the course?