Share with your teen these tips on how to read a science book:

• Preview the content. Look at the headings and subheads. Take a quick glance at the questions at the end.
• Ask questions before reading. Then read to find the answers to those questions.
• Look up any symbols you don’t understand.
• Translate. Once you read a formula, write it in your own words.

Science books often include sample problems. These can be a great way to understand the content. Here are ways to look at a sample problem:

• What concepts, formulas or rules were applied?
• What methods were used to solve the problem? Why were these the methods chosen?
• What was the first step?
• Have any steps been combined?
• What is the difference between this sample problem and the homework? How is the problem like the ones assigned?

After reading the problem, have your teen explain each step in his own words. Write the explanation on paper. Then draw a diagram to illustrate or explain the problem. Finally, close the book and try to work the problem.

Teens who follow these steps will find that they understand more of what they read. As a result, they’ll be better prepared for science class.

Copyright © Parent Institute