[methic]

Like, what are the steps? From my homework problems, it
gives me a chart to look at. I count the number of charge
clouds, and the chart tells me the type of hybridization.

Something like this:

Charge Clouds: 2 = Hybridization: sp
Charge Clouds: 3 = Hybridization: sp²
...
...
Charge Clouds: 5 = Hybridization: sp³d

But how do I determine them without a chart? Do I need
to draw the Lewis Structure? What sort of information do
I need to memorize in order to determine the hybrid orbitals
of a central atom?

[Jorriss]

1) Draw the structure
2) Count groups
3)
4) Profit