1. Reading & Writing for Understanding in Biology

2. Understanding the Syllabus

4. Reading for Understanding 1. Preview– skim the content, look at headings, pictures, and identify the “big idea” 2. Organize – set up an outline for what you are going to read & take notes on. – Some topics lend themselves better to linear or more free-flowing organization patterns. – Plan how you want to color-code your notes if that helps you – Plan where/how you will write your questions for later

5. 3. Read Thoughtfully – Take notes by hand for many reasons: – It has been shown to help you remember the information more – It reduces distractions! – Biology includes a lot of pictures/diagrams/drawings that you must be able to draw by hand for IB – Practice your handwriting & build hand muscle strength for your IB exams!

6. 2-columned approach Consider using the 2-columned approach for “note taking” and “note making.” – Note taking might be in the words of the text or teacher. – Note making is putting personal meanings & association with what you are learning. Link ideas to past things you’ve learned, or questions the ideas raise, or even summarize in a more simple form.

7. 4. Review- Go back through your reading notes + class notes/labs/activities and synthesize what you’ve learned into ONE set of notes. (re-write or type) – Remember to review at these time intervals for best retention: The SAME day The NEXT day 1 week later 1 month later

8. memory retention over time

9. Writing in Science Writing is crucial to demonstrate what you have learned. The writing process also helps you learn. Doing practice writing prompts and… – checking with mark schemes will help you see if you are getting the CONTENT right. – having a non-HL bio friend or parent re-read will help you see if you’re getting the CLARITY/STRUCTURE right.