Last updated on March 27th, 2023 at 05:49 pm
Your body is quite a special thing. It’s set up in a very organized fashion which makes exploring it lots of fun.
From studying how hair continuously grows on your head, to learning how your body recovers from a cold, health science helps you to understand how your body is made up and gives you a glimpse into what is needed to keep your body functioning at its optimum state.
Understanding that we all learn best in different ways, I’ve put together several different techniques to help you study Health Science. You certainly don’t have to use all of the techniques, but if you find one that works well for you, then feel free to use it.
Some of these tips are best for visual learners, some for kinesthetic learners and others for auditory learners. Either way, I hope you can use these tips to get the most out of this wonderful subject, the human body.
So continue reading below and learn how you can make the most of your BJC Health Science studies.
Tip # 1 – Sketch Everything
When studying the human body, you’ll encounter lots of diagrams representing various parts of the body. You not only need to identify the body part, but at times you’re also required to know its function.
To help you recall this information easier, pick up your sketch pad or notebook and allow the artist in you to flourish by sketching the diagrams yourself.
Once you’re done, give the drawing a title, and label the important parts of the diagram. You can take it further by writing the function of the part next to each label.
This tip is especially helpful for the visual learners. Below is an example of how you can do this. Click on the images for a larger view.
Here’s the text’s diagram…
Here’s my drawing…
Tip # 2 – Cut & Arrange
If you prefer a more manipulated approach, consider drawing your diagrams on cardstock paper, cut apart all the pieces and the labels then practice rearranging the labels in the correct place. This is especially useful if you are a hands on learner.
Tips # 3 – Color
Instead of hours and hours of memorization, try learning with a more interactive approach.
As a learning technique, coloring is a personalized experience which breaks down the complex human body so that you can understand it better. The simple physical act of coloring your diagrams will improve your studying ability by committing to memory the parts and processes of the body.
More importantly, it’s a relaxing way to take it all in.
I’ve put together a collection of human body coloring pages from different sources throughout the web for you to get started right away. You can download it by clicking the image below;
Tip # 4 – Voice Record
If visual and hands on learning is not really your style, try voice recording your lesson material. This can be a great hands free learning tool especially when you’re on the go.
You might want to record your notes in short segments ensuring that you give each topic a heading. As you record, you’ll get a better understanding of how each topic relates to each other. Express your new understanding on the recording as well.
As for diagrams, go ahead and explain to yourself how the body parts are laid out. Use lots of repetition, be as expressive as you can, and using as much detail as possible explain everything in a way that make sense for you. After all, this is for your listening pleasure only.
Take a look at this diagram below and then read the sample script illustrating how you may describe it for your recording.
‘In the diagram, the tooth is divided into 2 parts, part 1- the crown and part 2 – the root.
The crown is the upper part of the tooth which is visible when the mouth is open. The root is the lower part of the tooth which includes the gum and the jaw bone. Except for the gum, all the sections of the root are not visible when the mouth is open.
A tooth has 3 main layers; the enamel, the dentine and the pulp.
The enamel layer is located in the crown section. It is the off-white covering that we see when we look at a tooth. In the section image, the enamel is the outer most covering of the tooth. It extends down to the gum which is seen on both sides of the diagram.
Underneath the enamel is a much thicker layer called the dentine. The dentine layer extends down past the gums into the jaw bone. It is located in both the crown and root parts.
Underneath both the enamel and the dentine layers is the pulp layer. It is here where blood vessels and nerves are found. Just like the dentine, the pulp layer extends down into root section. The dentine is always covered by some material. It is covered by enamel where it lies in the crown section, but it is covered by cement and strong fibers where it lies in the root section.’
Do remember that although you’re describing the diagrams while you’re studying, the BJC Health Science exam is not really designed for auditory learners. You’ll be required to identify, label and draw diagrams. Because of this, it’s suggested that you follow tip #1 as well.
Being an auditory learner while studying health science can pose some challenges. However, as long as you truly know the material, there’s no need to worry.
Tip # 5 – Get to know your Curriculum
This tip is not so much geared towards exploring the human body, as it is for preparing for the actual exam. As was mentioned in the BJC & BGCSE Math study tips, it’s important to know what is expected of you in the exam. The examiner have put together a curriculum outlining all the topics students are expected to cover in the BJC Health Science exam. Review the curriculum, make a checklist and check off each topic as you complete it. To download the curriculum click on this link below;
Tip # 6 – Definitions
It’s important that you pick up on the meaning of a words very quickly. Studying the human body involves learning new terms and definitions and being able to apply it to your learning.
If you struggle with learning new words and definitions, try the flash card approach. Create flash cards with the new word on one side and the definition on the other. To learn how to quickly use the flash card method read this article here.
To get you started I’ve put together a “BJC Health Science Flash Cards Starter Kit” for you. The cards are fully editable and you can download and print them by clicking on the image below.
Tip # 7 – Make a table of all body systems
An approach taken by many students when studying the human body is to divide the body up into systems. This is useful if you’re the type of person who works best only once everything is organized.
Create a table and fill in the details as you learn it. You can include headings such as; body system, organs involved, terms to know, importance of system, diagram, extra notes etc. Click on one of the links below to download a template.
Here’s a PDF table of human body systems already started for you; And here’s an Excel spreadsheet which you can edit;
Tip # 8 – Explore Diseases
For some students, learning about the human body in segmented parts and systems can be a little confusing. Instead of studying parts to whole, consider a whole to parts approach which will help you make sense of the overarching concept.
Studying diseases is one such approach. It’s an effective way to be gently introduced to the human body. You could start by learning about common diseases affecting your community. This may include hypertension, cancer or diabetes.
Read as much as you can about these diseases because the more you read, the more you’ll begin to understand the parts of the body, its function, its importance, and how the parts of the body interact with other parts. By the end of your study you will have a broader understanding of new scientific terms as well.
Tip # 9 – Write and Reword
This tip is a pretty basic one and if you enjoy writing, you’re probably doing this already.
As you study using your notebook, textbook, or research book, make a note of everything you feel is important. If there’s something you want to do more research on, make a side note of that as well.
Once you’ve understood a concept, re-write it in your own words. The act of writing down your notes uses your visual, physical and mental capacities. As such, you have a better chance of remembering what you’ve read.
Tip # 10 -Teach Someone
Do you have a knack for giving presentations or teaching? If so, gather an audience, maybe a sibling or friend and ask him/her to allow you to share what you’ve learnt. Hey, who wouldn’t be interested in learning more about how his/her body works?
In the process of preparing for your lesson, you will involuntarily learn the content in ways that works best with your learning style.
Put your mini lesson together and share it. Remember to allow your student time to ask questions.
Tip # 11 – Make a Model
Feeling bored of all the reading? Then mix it up a bit and make a physical model of the different parts of the body. You can model cells, blood plasma, the human heart, the brain, anything really.
With sufficient creativity, and some additional research it can be a fun learning experience.
Tip # 12 – Extra Classes
If you’re still not understanding the topic well or if you feel you need help in one particular area, get extra help. Private tutoring is great for covering one specific topic you’re struggling with.
But if you find yourself needing help with more than one topic, consider getting extra help with BJC Health Science Classes. That way you’ll be able to cover a selection of topics.
Once you’re done exploring the human body, and if you plan to sit the BJC health science exam, then remember to get a hold of health science past papers. You can download these papers for free right here on this website.
As you can see there are a myriad of ways to explore the human body. You are not restricted to simply reading from a textbook.
The human body is a real living being and as you’re sitting there your cells, tissues, organs and body systems are hard at work to make sure you’re able to complete this article. So good job!
How about you, what helpful techniques do you use to study health science? Share in the comments below.
Wow thank you very much it was very helful
Thank you soooo much!!!
You’re most welcome Sophia.