Terminology
Active Recall with Flashcards
Master definitions, equations, and key facts
What the Research Says
Flashcards force active recall — you see a prompt and must generate the answer from memory before flipping the card. This is far more effective than passively reading definitions. Science is terminology-heavy: you need precise definitions (osmosis, electrolysis, electromagnetic induction), equations (for Physics calculations), and factual knowledge (functions of organelles, properties of groups in the periodic table). Flashcards are the most efficient way to drill this material.
Evidence Base
| Study | Finding | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Kornell (2009) | Students who used flashcards with spacing scored significantly higher than those who studied notes | Flashcards + spacing is a powerful combination |
| Dunlosky et al. (2013) | Practice testing (including flashcards) rated HIGH utility for long-term retention | Works across all subjects and age groups |
Step-by-Step Method
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1
Create cards by topic — Group your flashcards by topic (e.g. “B1 Cell Biology”, “C5 Chemical Changes”, “P7 Electromagnetism”). Put a question or term on the front and the answer on the back. Keep answers concise — no more than 2–3 bullet points.
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2
Include different card types — Mix definitions (“What is osmosis?”), equations (“Write the equation for GPE”), processes (“Describe the stages of mitosis”), and application cards (“Why does ice float?”). Variety prevents rote memorisation without understanding.
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3
Say the answer out loud before flipping — This is crucial. Looking at the back too quickly turns flashcards into passive re-reading. Force yourself to produce an answer, even if it’s wrong.
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4
Sort into three piles — After each session, sort cards into Got It, Nearly, and Not Yet. Next session, start with Not Yet, then Nearly, then a quick run through Got It to maintain confidence.
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5
Use Anki or Quizlet for digital spacing — Apps like Anki automatically schedule cards using spaced repetition algorithms. Cards you get wrong appear more frequently; cards you know well appear less often.
When and How Often
Spend 15 minutes creating cards, then 15–20 minutes drilling. Do short flashcard sessions daily — 10 minutes on the bus, 15 minutes before bed. Little and often beats long marathon sessions.
Biology
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| Define osmosis | The diffusion of water from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution through a partially permeable membrane |
| Name 4 subcellular structures found only in plant cells | Cell wall, chloroplasts, permanent vacuole, (some have) plasmodesmata |
| What is the role of the mitochondria? | Site of aerobic respiration — where most energy is released from glucose |
Chemistry
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| What is an ionic bond? | Transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal, forming oppositely charged ions held by electrostatic attraction |
| Reactivity series: top 5 metals | Potassium, Sodium, Lithium, Calcium, Magnesium (Please Stop Licking Cold Magnets) |
| What is a catalyst? | A substance that increases the rate of a reaction without being used up; it provides an alternative reaction pathway with lower activation energy |
Physics
| Front | Back |
|---|---|
| Write the equation for kinetic energy | KE = ½ × m × v² |
| State Newton’s Second Law | Force = mass × acceleration (F = ma). The acceleration is proportional to the resultant force and inversely proportional to mass. |
| What is specific heat capacity? | The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1°C. Equation: ΔE = mcΔθ |
Common Mistakes
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Making cards too detailed — A card with a paragraph-long answer becomes passive reading. Keep answers to 1–3 key points.
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Only making definition cards — Definitions are useful, but you also need cards for equations, processes, practical methods, and application questions.
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Flipping too quickly — You must attempt an answer before flipping. The effort of retrieval is what builds the memory.