Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) classes are challenging and often require a lot of study time to memorize the many formulas and concepts. But once you become familiar with them, the pieces fall into place. One method for remembering a large quantity of information is the use of mnemonic devices — memory tools that aid in creating shortcuts and recalling information easily. It could be anything from acronyms, a tune, or forming a silly yet memorable sentence where the the first letter of a word represents another idea. We put together a list of seven mnemonic devices from various STEM subjects you’re likely to encounter. And, of course, have fun creating your own!
••• ChrisGorgio/iStock/GettyImagesSince Pluto was demoted to a dwarf planet, there are only eight planets to remember: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. The first letter of each word in the mnemonic device represents the eight planets closest to the sun.
Mnemonic: My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos
We determine whether an organism is living or non-living by using these seven life processes: Movement, Respiration, Sensation, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, Nutrition.
Mnemonic: MRS GREN
••• Hey Darlin/iStock/GettyImagesThe five great lakes – located on the United States and Canadian border – make up the largest body of freshwater in the world. This acronym is a simple way to remember Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and Lake Superior.
Mnemonic: HOMES
In complex math equations, follow the order of operations – Parentheses, Exponents, Multiply, Divide, Add, Subtract – because if you forget or skip a step, you’ll arrive at the wrong answer. Use this mnemonic to remember which operation comes first.
Mnemonic: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally (PEMDAS)
••• plusphoto/iStock/GettyImagesThe colors of the visible light spectrum are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. It sounds like it could be someone’s first name, initial and last name.
Mnemonic: ROY G. BIV
The organization of living things is grouped into these main biological categories: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species. As you get further down the taxonomy, these groups branch out to more sub-groups.
Mnemonic: Dear King Phillip Come Over For Good Soup
••• vencavolrab/iStock/GettyImagesGeological time periods are used by scientists to describe the timing and relationship of events that occurred in Earth’s history. The geological periods include: Precambrian, Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, Paleocene, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, Pliocene, Pleistocene, Recent (Holocene).
Mnemonic: Pregnant Camels Often Sit Down Carefully, Perhaps Their Joints Creak? Possibly Early Oiling Might Prevent Permanent Rheumatism
