How to Own IB Chemistry
As the study of matter, Chemistry is a subject that matters a lot. At GIDE, we understand that though the subject is worthy of all the love and respect an accomplished teacher might feel, different students will approach the subject in different ways; some might find it completely dry and boring, while others might find it too difficult or unrelatable. Following is a brief description of each step of a systematic process that can make any and every subject yield itself to those who have the time to spend and patience to spare.
1. Identify Key Concepts
The first step is to identify the essential concepts or rules that a particular problem is testing. For example, in a chemistry problem, this could be recognizing that the question requires an understanding of the mole concept, stoichiometry, or the principles of chemical equilibrium.
2. Understand the Underlying Principles
Once the relevant concepts are identified, the next step is to delve into the underlying principles that govern these concepts. This involves more than just knowing a formula; it requires understanding why the formula works and how it relates to fundamental chemical theories. For instance, if the problem involves calculating reaction yields, it’s crucial to understand the law of conservation of mass and how it applies to the reaction in question.
3. Apply Concepts to New Problems
Understanding the underlying principles allows the student to apply the same principle to similar problems. It's not just about solving the problem at hand but about understanding a pattern or rule that can be generalized to other situations.
4. Practise Problem-Solving
The student should practise applying this newfound understanding to various problems. This practice helps to solidify the knowledge and improve problem-solving speed and accuracy. It's also a chance to identify any gaps in understanding that need further clarification.
5. Reflect and Adjust
Finally, reflection is an integral part of the learning process. After working through problems, take a moment to reflect on the strategies used, what worked, what didn’t, and how the approach can be improved.