It was already a mucky day outside when my teacher, Ms. Strayer announced that we'll be having a quiz tomorrow on the solar system.

"Now class, for the quiz tomorrow, you must be able to identify the planets of the solar system in the correct order. If you can do that, the rest of the quiz will be a piece of cake."

The bell rang. Everyone darted for the door to go home. "Ryan, can I speak with you before you leave?"

I came to a halt and turned around slowly.

"Ryan, I just wanted to check in with you. How are you feeling about this science quiz tomorrow?" asked Ms. Strayer.

"I don't know. Science has never been my strong suit," I said.

"Study. Think of a way to remember the order of the planets. You can do it. See you tomorrow," said Ms. Strayer.

"Thanks, Ms. Strayer. See you tomorrow," I said.

When I got home, my mom asked me why I look so defeated.

"Another science quiz," I said.

"On what?" asked mom.

"The order of the solar system," I answered.

"Need help?" asked mom.

"I just need to figure out a way that I can remember the order, that's all. The rest will be a piece of cake, according to Ms. Strayer," I said.

"Hmm," mom thought.

About an hour later, mom came barging in my room. "How about you use your own mnemonic to remember the order?"

"That's actually a good idea, something that I can remember and use," I said.

"Exactly," said mom.