Learning and teaching science challenges many students and instructors. From four decades of helping students learn, ourselves teaching, and aiding educators teach chemistry, we have formulated some strategies that prove effective in improving learning and teaching. Specific teaching tactics such as establishing a contract for grading, and using humor and demonstrations in the classroom, work very well. Learning strategies include taking notes by hand, using homework to develop independent problem solving skills, and creating practice exams. Studies of cognition provide the rationale for the success of such strategies. We also discuss potential pitfalls of each. Finding your learning style, using metacognition, and the mentor/apprentice bond make for optimal learning and teaching.