List of facts (to print and distribute) 1. Newton’s first law of motion states that an object in motion will stay in motion and every object at rest will stay at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. 2. When heat is transferred, work is done. 3. The units for SI unit for energy is called a Joule (J). 4. Energy can be noticed in many forms, for example chemical, thermal, and mechanical.

Activity In each pair, one person has a list of facts. Do NOT show it to your partner! The person with the list will tell/explain those facts to his or her partner.

NOTE-TAKING: COMBATING THE “LEAKING BRAIN” Some materials provided by Rutgers Learning Centers

Why should you take notes? According to National Training Laboratories in Bethel, Maine on average you retain information as follows:

Time to write down those facts! Do you remember all of them?

Where/when should you be taking notes?  In (ALL) classes  During lectures  When your classmates are answering/askin g questions  When the teacher is giving you directions

Where/when should you be taking notes?  At home  Before and after class

Step 1: Preview the material  This should happen at HOME!  Read through the upcoming chapter/section in your book before class  Pay attention to introduction, conclusion, figures/graphs/diagrams, and the section titles  Come up with a few questions about the material to be covered in lecture.

Try out Cornell Notes

Step 2: During Class  Write down what is important (previewing should help you determine what’s in your book and what’s not)  Homework solutions you did not do correctly  Assignments  Instructions  Important topics covered (summarized in your own words)

During Class  But write ONLY what is important  Do NOT write down everything that is said  Listen first then write

Identifying Important Information  Pay close attention when the instructor uses the following:  Repeated or emphasized concept  Same topic taught in different ways  Written information  Detailed answers to student questions  Large amount of time spent on one topic  Increased tone or change of speed in voice when addressing a particular topic  Change in posture or gestures  Explicit comment about paying attention

Do’s and Don’t’s  Don’ts:  Worry about how “beautiful” your notes or handwriting are  Write down EVERYTHING your instructor says  Do:  Organize your notes in the most efficient manner Ex. May want to leave a space along the side of your notes so during review you can take additional notes  ***Listen effectively and watch for body language and gestures  Use a few words to identify main concepts discussed

Shorthand Techniques

Step 3: After Class  Organize your notes from class and from the book into charts and diagrams that you can refer to later on

Venn Diagrams  To compare and contrast two or more concepts

Make Charts and Lists

Concept Mapping/ Tree Diagrams  To organize your thoughts and study! Add pictures!

Summary  You should be taking notes before, during, and after your classes to help you recall important information  Write in your own words (don’t copy!).  Organize your notes!  Be creative: use charts, diagrams, pictures, …

Questions?