Student Science Hotline

Need homework help? Have a burning STEM question? Come up with a great idea for an invention? Tell us about it! Educators at the MOST will read your question and email a reply within 48 business hours. Plus, submissions we love have a chance to be featured on the MOST’s social media/Facebook (with your permission, of course!)

Please note: the Student Science Hotline provides encouragement, guidance, and basic science information — not homework answers or formal tutoring. If your student is struggling with science, technology, math, or engineering content, their teachers and school administrators are still your best resource.

Science-based Study Tips

Keep to a Schedule – Having structure and predictability is key. If you have Science, Math, and English at specific times, keep those times even if you are not in the building during the weekdays. It allows you to plan your time more efficiently. You can even plan in your breaks.
Find a Specific Study Space – Getting into the right atmosphere and yourself into the right mindset is very important. Do not use a place that is too comfortable, like your bed, or has a lot of distractions like a heavy traffic area in your house. If you don’t have a desk, try the dining room table or another similar location.
Take Study Breaks – Childhood development experts have found that a person’s attention span increases a few minutes every year. For children ages 4 – 8, attention span lasts about 10-20 minutes. Kids slightly older, from 8 to 12, last 20 – 30 minutes. Teenagers have attention spans from a half hour to an hour. Study breaks should be about 5-10 minutes and can be as simple as grabbing a snack, a walk around the house, or using the bathroom.
Actively and Passively Learn – Studies show that shifting focus and learning in multiple different ways helps you learn the material better! Do not just watch videos, listen to lectures, or highlight texts (physical or digital). Handwrite your notes to increase comprehension, relate things to your memory/experiences, actively look up your questions about certain topics (ask “Why?” or “How?), and try studying multiple related topics at once (such as for geography: rivers, mountains, and lakes). Find the perfect balance of the two types (active and passive) for your learning style.
Ask Questions – Having a study buddy is always a good idea. Use your connections to help you understand the material better! Your classmates are learning the same material and may have similar questions, confirm your thoughts, and or help you learn. Also, seeing your teachers less does not mean they are not there for you. Don’t forget you have teachers, friends, family, aides, tutors, and us! The MOST staff is here to help – ask us a question or tell us about your interests and ideas using the Homework Hotline above!

Who should you reach out to?

Carissa: Animal Science & Care, Biology, General Science
Matt: Astronomy, Earth Science, Meteorology, English/Language Arts
Juliette: History of Science, Environmental Science, NYS Science Standards, Museum Studies
Briana: Anthropology/Archaeology, Social Science, History/Social Studies