SKIMMING AND SCANNING SCIENTIFIC MATERIAL
from Virginia tech Division of Student Affairs.
 

 Skimming involves searching for the main ideas by reading the first and last
 paragraphs, noting other organizational cues, such as summaries, used by the author.

 Scanning involves running your eyes down the page looking for specific facts or key
 words and phrases.

 Skimming and scanning are particularly valuable techniques for studying
 scientific textbooks. Science writers pack many facts and details closely
 together, and students react by shifting their reading speeds to the lowest gear
 and crawling through the material. Notwithstanding the fact that science
 textbooks are usually well-organized, with main points and sub-topics clearly
 delineated, the typical student ignores these clues and plods through the
 chapter word-by-word, trying to cram it all in.

 It is precisely these characteristics, organization and density of facts per page,
 that make it so vital that you employ skimming scanning techniques. To
 successfully master science test, you must understand thoroughly the major
 ideas and concepts presented. Without such a conceptual framework, you will
 find yourself faced with the impossible task of trying to cram hundreds of
 isolated facts into your memory. thus, a preliminary skimming for the main ideas
 by using the author's organization cues (Topic headings, italics, summaries,
 etc.) is a vital preliminary step to more intensive reading and maximum
 retentions. It will provide a logical framework in which to fit the details.

 Similarly, scanning skills are valuable for several purposes in studying science.
 First, they are an aid in locating new terms, which are introduced in the chapter.
 Unless you understand the new terms, it is impossible to follow the author's
 reasoning without dictionary or glossary. Thus a preliminary scanning of the
 chapters will alert you to the new terms and concepts and their sequence. when
 you locate a new term, try to find its definition. If you are not able to figure out
 the meaning, then look it up in the glossary or dictionary. (Note: usually new
 terms are defined as they are introduced in science texts. If your text does not
 have a glossary, it is a good idea to keep a glossary of your own in the front
 page of the book. Record the terms and their definition or the page number
 where the definition is located. This is an excellent aid to refer to when you are
 reviewing for an examination, as it provides a convenient outline of the course).

 Secondly, scanning is useful in locating statements, definitions, formulas, etc.
 which you must remember completely and precisely. Scan to find the exact and
 complete statement of a chemical law., the formula of a particular compound in
 chemistry, or the stages of cell division. Also, scan the charts and figures, for
 they usually summarize in graphic form the major ideas and facts of the
 chapter.

 If you practice these skimming and scanning techniques prior to reading a
 science chapter, you will find that not only will your intensive reading take much
 less time, but that your retention of the important course details will greatly
 improve.