Bases, alkalis

Do you know the difference between a base and an alkali?

An alkali is simply a base that can dissolve in water
Bases are oxides or hydroxides of metals .  They react with acids to form a salt and water only.

A base can also be defined as a proton acceptor.

Interpreting essay and structured exam questions - Career & Education - JamaicaObserver.com

Interpreting essay and structured exam questions - Career & Education - JamaicaObserver.com

Diffusion, osmosis, active transport

Diffusion, osmosis and active transport are all means by which particles move from one area to the next.

Diffusion is a form of passive transport and involves movement down a concentration gradient.   This means that particle move from an area of high concentration to low concentration.  Think of how the scent of perfume travels..........this is diffusion.

Osmosis is also a form of passive transport but refers to movement of water particles from high to low concentration but through a partially permeable membrane.

Active transport as the name suggests is "active".  It requires energy and this is where particles are moved against a concentration gradient, form low concentration to high concentration. This is the way glucose is absorbed by the body.

Complete Chemistry Revision Workbook

Coming In April, just in time for last minute revision.

All fourth and fifth formers, get your copy

of Complete Chemistry Revision workbook coming out in April.

This book is a comprehensive review of all topics on your CSEC syllabus.

Do your best

The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.
 H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Have you completed your syllabi?

By now, most teachers should be finished or just about finished their syllabus.
Students....you must assess the situation yourself.  If there are many topics left to be completed, do not trivialize them.  I have seen many topics ignored by teachers that have come on the CSEC exams.
All topics are important.
Therefore, take heed.......if the teachers do not cover a topic then you must ensure that you do so either though extras or by yourself.  You can do it!

How to properly prepare for an exam

Check out my article in the Jamaica observer about preparing for your exams.
Several useful tips are discussed.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/career/How-to-properly-prepare-for-an-exam-_52272

Are you confused about classes of carbohydrates?

There are three classes of carbohydrates:

Monosaccharides, Disaccharides and Polysaccharides


Monosaccharides are the simplest unit of carbohydrates eg. glucose, fructose and galactose.

Disaccharides are two monosaccharides chemically combined eg. sucrose (glucose + fructose), lactose (glucose + galactose), maltose (glucose + glucose)

Polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides chemically combined eg. starch, glycogen and cellulose.

Are you studying or cramming?

Studying begins on Day 1.  Ensure that you are reading and rereading your notes.  Make additional notes using your textbook or reliable internet sources.

Cramming begins a few days or a couple weeks before your exam.  It involves memorizing material in a short period of time.  This is ineffective and will not be beneficial. You will be very stressed on the day of your exam.

Its not too late...so start preparing now.

Jamaica Observer Feature

Check out the article in the Sunday Observer re: Bio & Chem Tutoring.

http://m.jamaicaobserver.com/mobile/career/The-case-for-private-tutoring_52254

Exam Dates 2016

I hope by now everyone knows their CSEC examination dates. These are crucial dates:

Biology Paper 2                      May 23
Biology Paper 1                      June 8

Chemistry Paper 2                  May 31
Chemistry Paper 1                  June 3

Take note and study well.  Before you know it, they are here.

Good Luck!