How do you know that you know it??

Today we reflected on how students typically study for a test. We uncovered the fact that Dictionary.com is often used, and what students typically do is write the definition and simply memorize. While this may work for the short term, it doesn't work for the long term!

Now that 7th graders have final exams, the goal is to keep that information stored in their brains for the long haul. So, how do we do it? We talked about the fact that if you can clearly explain or teach the concept or term to a second grader or to someone else, then you know it! Other ideas that came up were pairing that definition with an image or another word. The ecosystem illustration that students drew for homework is a perfect example! The point is... you have to DO something with the material.... like sing a song, act it out, link the idea to a picture etc.

Memorizing is a great skill... but if you don't understand what you are memorizing, you will have a much harder time recalling information or making connections with new material! Your foundation of knowledge will be built out of paper rather than out of brick!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Check out Surfari.editme.com

HW: Make sure you know the difference between Observation and Inference. Go back and take a look at the Ecology Concepts and see if you can study to "understand" rather than just memorizing a dictionary.com definition.

SMART NOTES: Go through the smart notes which we downloaded in class. There is an additional SMART notes on Observation and Inference that was posted on First Class. I believe Science B and D did not get a chance to download it! Check it out.