1st lesson free
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David
- Rate R653
- Response 1h
R653/h
Contact
1st lesson free
- Chemistry
- School science
- Natural Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Forensic Science
Ph.D. Scientist and Award-Winning Teacher Offers Expert Chemistry, Biology, and Life Science Lessons In-Person in Massachusetts and Online anywhere for High School and College Students
- Chemistry
- School science
- Natural Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Forensic Science
Lesson location
Recommended
David is a respected tutor in our community. He is highly recommended for his commitment and the quality of his lessons. A trusted partner on your learning journey.
About David
About Me
My name is David Novick, and I hold a Ph.D. in Biology from Tufts University as well as a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Union College. I am a Massachusetts-licensed Biology and Chemistry teacher with an SEI Endorsement, and I have spent more than 30 years teaching science at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels. Over the course of my career, I have worked with students at institutions including Tufts University, MCPHS University, Fisher College, Gann Academy, and several Massachusetts public high schools, graduating more than 1,000 students along the way.
Before moving into full-time teaching, I conducted research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the University of Vermont Medical School, where my work in molecular biology, immunology, and cancer cell biology resulted in three peer-reviewed publications in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. That scientific background is not just a credential — it informs every lesson I teach, allowing me to connect classroom content to the way science is practiced in the real world.
I was honored to receive the Lemelson-MIT Excite Teacher Award in recognition of an entrepreneurial science program I founded that guided high school students to develop intellectual property resulting in seven awarded U.S. patents. This achievement reflects the core of my teaching philosophy: when students are held to high expectations and given the right support, they are capable of truly extraordinary things.
As a private tutor, I currently hold a 4.9 out of 5 client rating through Varsity Tutors, where I work one-on-one with high school, college, and graduate students in chemistry, biology, and life sciences. I am known for my ability to explain complex concepts clearly, adapt to each student’s individual learning style, and build the kind of confidence that translates directly into better grades and deeper understanding.
Whether you are preparing for an exam, catching up on missed material, or simply determined to truly understand science rather than just get through it, I am here to help. I offer sessions in person throughout Massachusetts and online via Zoom or Google Meet for students anywhere in the world. I look forward to working with you.
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About the lesson
- Primary
- Secondary
- Matric/GCSE
- +7
levels :
Primary
Secondary
Matric/GCSE
AS Level
A Level
BTech
Adult education
Masters
Doctorate
MBA
- English
Languages in which the lesson is available :
English
My Teaching Method and Techniques
I teach science the way scientists actually think. Rather than asking students to memorize facts in isolation, I build understanding from the ground up — connecting each new concept to what the student already knows, then linking it to real-world applications in medicine, technology, and the environment. My approach is grounded in Universal Design for Learning and differentiated instruction, which means I adapt every session to the individual student’s learning style, pace, and goals. Some students need visual models and diagrams; others click with analogies or worked examples. I find what works for you and build from there.
I use Socratic questioning to develop critical thinking rather than just delivering answers — guiding students to reason through problems step by step so they can tackle unfamiliar questions independently on tests and exams. I also integrate reading, writing, and scientific vocabulary into every session, which strengthens both comprehension and performance on written assessments.
A Typical Lesson
Every session begins with a brief check-in: What did you cover in class this week? Where did you get stuck? What’s coming up on your next quiz or exam? This lets me target exactly what the student needs most rather than working through material they already understand.
From there, I use a three-step cycle: explain, apply, consolidate. First I explain the concept clearly, using diagrams, analogies, or models as needed. Then I walk the student through applying it to practice problems, decreasing my scaffolding as their confidence grows. Finally, we consolidate by connecting the concept to related topics and previewing how it will appear on assessments. Sessions close with a quick summary of key takeaways and a targeted homework plan to reinforce what we covered.
What Sets Me Apart
I am not just a tutor — I am a working scientist and a career educator. My Ph.D. in Biology from Tufts University and post-doctoral research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the UVM Medical School give me a depth of content knowledge that goes far beyond any textbook. When a student asks, “but why does this actually matter?” I can answer that question with real research, real data, and real excitement.
I was recognized with the Lemelson-MIT Excite Teacher Award for guiding high school students to develop intellectual property that resulted in seven awarded U.S. patents — a result of holding students to the highest expectations while giving them the tools and confidence to reach them. I have graduated more than 1,000 students across 30-plus years of teaching, and I currently hold a 4.9 out of 5 rating as a tutor through Varsity Tutors, working with students at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
Who These Lessons Are For
My sessions are open to students at all levels who want to build genuine understanding and improve their results:
High School Students
• Honors and standard Chemistry and Biology (grades 9–12)
• AP Chemistry and AP Biology
• MCAS Science preparation
• SAT/ACT Science sections
College and University Students
• General Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry
• General Biology, Microbiology, and Genetics
• Biochemistry and Immunology
• Biotechnology and Forensic Science
• Graduate-level life sciences and bioinformatics
I am equally effective with students who are struggling to pass and students who are pushing for top grades or preparing for competitive programs in medicine, research, or engineering. Sessions are available in person throughout Massachusetts and online via Zoom or Google Meet for students anywhere.
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Recommendations
Recommendations are written by the tutor's friends, family, and acquaintances.
3
Highly recommend David! My child said, "he was helpful, he helped me better understand than my own highschool teacher". David was great at communication and always on time for the tutoring sessions. The teaching method David used in the sessions helped my child pass his high school chemistry class!
David is my 10th grade honors chemistry tutor. I have been with him for 1 month and being able to have a source outside of class to go over things that are confusing is great. David knows how to give different perspectives and modifies his teaching to benefit the students needs.He is kind, positive, and takes advantage of limited time to get in as much information as needed. I would recommend David as a tutor for anyone in need of some extra guidance and help.
Great tutor really helped me with AP Bio
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Rates
Rate
- R653
Package rates
- 5h: R3263
- 10h: R6526
online
- R653/h
free lesson
The free first lesson with David allows you to get to know the tutor and discuss your needs and expectations.
- 1h
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