Three awesome hacks to level up your STEM grades

Everyone has a chance to succeed in STEM subjects. In this blog post, we will look at three hacks that have been game-changers for my students.

1. Give the Question the Attention it Craves.

A common mistake that students make is rushing through questions without fully understanding them. This can result in mistakes or answering a different question entirely. To avoid this, take a moment to - carefully - read the question, identify, and highlight or circle the keywords. Jot down the given information and sketch out a quick diagram if it helps. Don’t rush it! Remember, the first step to nailing the answer is to fully understand the question.
This strategy is especially crucial when answering standardized tests and multiple-choice questions where accuracy is essential.

2. Step It Up - Literally.

Whether you're tackling a math problem or a scientific experiment, it is critical to write down the steps involved in your solution process. Writing slows you down and allows you to catch potential mistakes early on. When I tutor students, I frequently find that asking them to write down the steps enables them to identify and correct their own mistakes. Writing out the steps also makes it easier for you to walk through your reasoning and ensures you have a clear and logical approach to the problem. The possibility of receiving partial credit is another benefit of outlining your steps. By demonstrating your thought process, even if you make a small mistake, you will be able to receive credit for your understanding and methodology.

3. Embrace the Power of Units.

Units can seem like pesky extras, hanging around equations, but they just might be your greatest ally. Make it a habit to write down the units at each step of the problem rather than just the required unit in the final answer. By doing so, you ensure that the units are consistent throughout the solution and avoid unit conversion disasters (NASA, we feel for you!). Furthermore, units can help you deduce formulas if you happen to forget them. How, you ask? Well, by knowing what unit you're aiming for, you can make educated guesses on how to arrange the known values to find the unknowns. Think about it as deciphering a secret code to unlock the correct formula. Trust me, ever since my high school physics instructor taught it to me, this advice has been my best-kept secret.

By applying these three tips, you will be on the path to higher grades and a deeper grasp of STEM subjects. Which tip resonated with you the most?