Electromagnets and Electromagnetism.

Electromagnets and Electromagnetism. What is an Electromagnet, and How Does it Work? ChaptersWhen Did We Discover the Electromagnet?Recap: What is Magnetism?What is Electromagnetism?How Do Electromagnets Work?What Do We Use Electromagnets for?An interesting question to pose would be the following: what would the world be like if we didn’t have electromagnets?Whilst magnets themselves â€" and the magnetic field in general â€" are naturally occurring phenomena, electromagnets really aren’t. They had to be invented. And, given that these things combine an electric current with a magnetic material, they arrived in our lives actually relatively late in the history of things.Electromagnets are some of the most powerful magnets we have. And, because of this, they have become absolutely crucial to industry, technology, and all sorts of different everyday things that we have about our homes.And so, learning about electromagnets is not just wild, irrelevant theory, no. Rather, they are hugely useful â€" and can do things that only they can actually do. Not to mention the f act that the science of the electromagnet is pretty fascinating in itself.So back to that question: where would we be these days without the power of the electromagnet? The answer, honestly, is nowhere very much at all. We’d have no generators â€" and no possibility of power storage and power transmission â€" for example.But we’ll come back to that question later. Let’s take a little look at the theory of the electromagnet.Looking for a physics and maths tutor s1? Find one now on Superprof. PetarPhysics Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamPhysics Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhPhysics Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankPhysics Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JidePhysics Teacher 4.80 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DorothyPhysics Teacher 5.0 0 (5) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RahulPhysics Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhen Did We Discover the Electromagnet?Without the electromagnet, the chances are that we’d still be living in something a bit like the 1820s.This technology wasn’t invented until the 1820s, when two separate scientists â€" one in Denmark, and the other, William Sturgeon, in England â€" began playing with the interaction of electricity and magnetism. It was Hans Christian Ørsted (or Oersted) who first realised that an electrical current creates a magnetic field, whilst Sturgeon made the first, rudimentary, electromagnet.However, no-one knew quite how this coil of copper wire could produce a magnetic field for another century, almost, when in 1906 a French physicist started to tackle the problem. And with his theory of the magnetic domain, we came a step closer to knowing what on earth was actually happening in the middle of all that coiled wire.But this story mi sses two of the most important names in the history of electromagnetism. You might have heard of Michael Faraday â€" who discovered the principle of electromagnetic induction. Or of André-Marie Ampère, who showed that two parallel wires repel and attract each other depending on which way the current passes â€" and who gave his name to the amp (or ampere).Electromagnetism has, since then, been a technology that has gone from strength to strength, filling our world with things that we don’t even realise have such an importance.Let’s take a look at the science.Recap: What is Magnetism?The science of electromagnetism is based on the object of the magnet and all its related phenomena: the magnetic poles, magnetic force, and the charged particles which animate all this at a subatomic level.But do you remember what magnetism is precisely? We discuss it in detail in our article, What is Magnetism?, yet it is helpful to have a little recap here.Magnetism works because of unpaired elect rons. Whilst electrons are the particles that make up part of the atom, most materials have electron pairs with opposite charges. These charges are known as ‘spins’ and are conventionally known as ‘positive charge’ and ‘negative’.When electrons are paired, their respective magnetic moment is neutralised â€" meaning they have no magnetic force.However, when they are unpaired, they are not neutralised â€" and in properly magnetic materials, scientifically known as ferromagnetic materials, these electrons can all spontaneously point in the same direction, giving the material properly magnetic properties.This ferromagnetism is found in materials like iron and nickel. Electromagnets produce a strong magnetic field. PetarPhysics Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamPhysics Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhPhysics Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankPhysics Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JidePhysics Teacher 4.80 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DorothyPhysics Teacher 5.00 (5) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RahulPhysics Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is Electromagnetism?Whilst this is the way that magnetism works ‘naturally’, electromagnets work slightly differently. The discoveries of the likes of Ampère, Faraday, and Ørsted lay in precisely the realisation that this wasn’t the only way in which magnetism worked.Rather, they saw that electrical current flow also has a magnetic field. Ampère’s discovery â€" that wires with currents flowing in opposite directions attract each other â€" proved this.In electromagnetism, the whole of the wire through which the electricity is flowing becomes magnetized. This, again, is due to the electrons. But rather than just directed in a certain way â€" or arranged ‘inline’ â€" in an electric current the electrons are untethered from their atoms and flow along the length of the material. This provides the magnetic strength.Fundamental Interactions.However, electromagnetism â€" this combination of magnetism and electricity â€" is quite a lot more important than just the electromagnet itself.In fact, electromagnetism is actually described as one of the fundamental interactions that motivates all physical laws (the others being gravitation, weak, and strong interactions). And so electromagnetism is actually the force that keeps atoms together, it is responsible for light, and it is responsible for the bonding of chemical compounds.It is really a very busy thing, electromagnetism. And its discovery â€" as well as our ability to harness its power â€" has been a hugely important part of human’s scientific development.Find out about magnetism and electromagnetism here!How Do Electromagnets Work?But how do these things work, these electromagnets precisely? We’ve heard enough about the background, but how does an electromagnet per se function.An electromagnet works in pretty much the same way as a simple bar magnet. It has, like such a normal permanent magnet, a north pole and a south pole, which tend to reject the identical poles of other magnets. Again, in the same way, it produces a magnetic field â€" the same that you would be able to see with iron filings.However, the difference between an electromagnet and a normal one is that an electromagnet has a much stronger magnetic field. And, of course, you can turn it off and on by switching off the current. Both of these things make it part icularly useful.The Structure of an Electromagnet.As we discussed above, the physical reason for the magnetic force differs between a normal ferromagnet and its electromagnetic cousin. In the former, the electrons are aligned â€" yet, in the latter, the current of electrons that is electricity produces the magnetic field.So, wires themselves are magnetic, as Ampère showed. But to make an electromagnet, we use a more sophisticated method.This method is based on coils of wire. Take a cylindrical piece of ferromagnetic metal such as iron and wrap the wire coiling â€" usually made of copper â€" around it. As soon as you switch the electricity on, the current will run through the wire and will magnetize the metal in the centre â€" just like a permanent magnet.Switch the electricity off and the metal will cease to be magnetic.It’s that simple really. And you don’t strictly need the iron core â€" as the magnetic field that coil produces is already centred on the hole through the middl e of the coil. However, that iron core, or ‘magnetic core’, makes the electromagnet even more powerful â€" thousands of times more powerful.You could make an electromagnet yourself, if you wanted to. But be careful â€" and do it under supervision.What Do We Use Electromagnets for?So, let’s return to that question, what would the world be like these days if we didn’t have electromagnets? It really is a fascinating question â€" and we could perhaps phrase it better as what things wouldn’t we have if we didn’t have electromagnets?The answer is potentially quite long. But we can answer this question with reference to some of the most powerful and ubiquitous technologies that use electromagnetism. They are honestly everywhere. These things are all using magnetic fields.Electric Motors and Generators.An electric motor â€" that you’ll find in cars and all sorts of other machines â€" relies on the interaction of a magnetic field with an electrical current.These are made from a stator â€" a magnet around the edge of the motor that remains static â€" and a rotor, a rotating electromagnet that is almost identical to the coil described above.As electricity is put into the coil, the coil becomes attracted to the stator, which is then flipped so that it repels it. Consequently, the coil continually spins and produces mechanical energy.These, motors, by the way, are in everything from your computer to your headphones, your oven to your hard drive.Generators are identical, mechanically; they just work in the opposite direction.Transformers.Given that electrical power lines carry hundreds of thousands of electrical volts, before that electricity enters your toaster (which only needs some two hundred volts), it needs to be reduced in voltage. That’s what a transformer does.It works through the placement of two coils. That huge electrical voltage passes through the first coil. If you put a coil with fewer turns in it alongside it, the electrical current will jump across to the next coil â€" but will have a lower voltage.Without this thing, you wouldn’t be able to use any electrical equipment in your house.Magnetic Levitation.One of the coolest things people have done with electromagnets is magnetic levitation, or maglev. This is a transport system in which trains levitate â€" and can go faster more efficiently due to the lack of friction.This requires to sets of very strong magnets. One lifts the train from the rails and the other propels it done the track. Some sophisticated trains now use magnetism to avoid friction.

3 Ways to Effectively Communicate With Your Childs Teacher

3 Ways to Effectively Communicate With Your Child’s Teacher The new school year brings with it many challenges: a new classroom environment, new, often more challenging, subjects, and most importantlya new teacher. When approaching your students new teacher, it is very important to foster a healthy line of communication. Effective ways to communicate with your childs teacher include making the teacher aware that you are interested and invested in your childs education, finding out and utilizing the best ways to contact your students teacher, and giving the teacher information on your student that will help him or her better get to know your child. The start of a new school year is an excellent time to begin effective communication with your students new teacher. Here are three ways to effectively communicate with your childs teacher this school year: Communication strategy #1: Let the teacher know that you are keen to be involved When the school year begins, let your students teacher know that you are invested in your childs education and success this year. Show your interest in a positive and curious waymost teachers will appreciate your genuine involvement. Inquire about how grades are tracked, and how you can best keep on top of your student's schoolwork this year. For example, grades are often tracked online. You can ask how often these are updated, and use this as a way to monitor your childs success. There may also be a class syllabus online where you can stay up-to-date on any upcoming tests or projects. Inquiring early about coursework can streamline the communications process for the rest of the year. Another suggestion is to show appreciation for your childs teacher. He or she does a great deal of work in fostering your students educational future, and recognizing this can go a long way in promoting healthy communication between you and the teacher. [RELATED: How Parents Can Help with Elementary Homework Challenges] Communication strategy #2: Find the best way to contact the teacher, and use this to your advantage Often, the teacher has specific methods for contact with parents. This may be through email, phone calls, or a communications system put in place by the school (such as a mass messaging system). Whatever it may be, inquire with your students teacher to find the best way to contact him or her with any concerns or questions. The teacher will appreciate you taking the initiative to find out what way works best for you to reach out. It also helps you know how to get the most efficient response from your teacher. You may have questions in the evenings or on weekends, and it can be helpful to know how the teacher wishes to be reached during off hours. Emergency concerns do come up with students, and often occur at inopportune times. Therefore, knowing how to reach your teacher when issues like these arise can be key. [RELATED: Elementary School Parent-Teacher Conferences: What to Ask] Communication strategy #3: Provide information that will help the teacher better know your child Communicating information about your student to his or her new teacher can be instrumental to your childs success in the classroom. Discuss any: strengths weaknesses areas where you can see your child benefiting from improvement. Being open with your students teacher about these areas can not only help your child get the most out of his or her education this school year, but can also showcase to the teacher your willingness to be involved in the educational journey and to have an open line of communication. [RELATED: Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences: What to Ask] Its important to remember that if issues begin to arise with your student in class, dont assume the teacher is aware of the problem. Be open with any concerns you might be having regarding any aspect of your student's educational experience. Promoting effective communication with your childs teacher on all fronts can help make this school year a great one. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

A level Maths Help What to Expect How to Tackle Problems

A level Maths Help What to Expect How to Tackle Problems Taking the Leap to Maths A-Level Can Be Daunting! ChaptersA-Level Math Course  SyllabusHelp with Maths A-Level RevisionWhere to Find A Level Maths Past PapersHire an A  level Maths TutorMaths at A-level can be an extremely challenging subject, which takes quite a leap from what you will have been doing in your maths GCSE. A-levels are divided into two years: in year twelve you will take your AS levels, and in year thirteen you will do A2. MyriamMaths Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £200/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KamalMaths Teacher 5.00 (9) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PetarMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GowsikaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ConorMaths Teacher 4.75 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tuto rsA-Level Math Course  SyllabusMaths A-level, starting with AS level in year twelve, builds upon what you have been learning at GCSE. You will start cultivating the maths skills that you started learning throughout your GCSE, but you will develop this further and fine-tune subject knowledge on your way to handling much more complicated mathematics.So if you have no idea what to expect, you can check your syllabus according to the exam board your college will be using. But maths A-level, regardless of where you take it and the exam board you take it with, will consist of a fairly standard curriculum in the UK.Maths lessons during A-level can be quite a step up from GCSE. Photo credit: Vancouver Island University via Visual Hunt  AS and A2 maths consists of topics you will already be familiar with, as well as a few new concepts too. These are mainly outlined as:Algebra and functionsGeometrySequences and seriesTrigonometryExponentials and logarithmsDifferentiationIntegrationNumerical m ethodsVectorsStatistical samplingData presentation and interpretationProbabilityStatistical distribution and hypothesis testingQuantities and units in mechanicsKinematicsForces and Newton’s lawsMomentsSome of these will be built on in more detail and at a more difficult level if you opt for further maths.Further maths is an option offered by most A-level colleges, and it is also available if you take an international baccalaureate as your post-16 education path. If this is something that might interest you, make sure you check with your college to see if they can offer it.Further maths is a great opportunity to study sophisticated and challenging maths, whether you want to carry it through to university or you simply just can’t get enough of mathematics!You will probably be familiar with the majority of these standard A-level maths topics, and others might be completely new. You'll find that most of them will link back to topics you have seen at GCSE, and your teachers will show you how the maths you already know can be developed further.Help with Maths A-Level RevisionYou might find that some of these topics are quite challenging, and you could face a few hurdles during the transition from GCSE maths revision to AS level maths, and even further along in your A-level course as well.Perhaps you are finding A-level maths especially difficult? Have you fallen behind in class and feel like you can’t catch up? Or maybe it’s just a specific concept that you can’t get your head around?It’s completely normal to feel like you’re drowning in maths sometimes! There’s a lot to learn on an A-level course, and you are expected to acquire knowledge in great detail. This can sometimes be the biggest difference between GCSE and A-levels.The gap between GCSE and A-level can sometimes feel quite big, and you might feel as though you aren't finding your feet as quickly or as easily as you expected.The main difference between GCSE and A-level is that before you wer e given a clear structure of what you needed to know, whereas with A-level you are required to take a bit more initiative and do more study in your own time.And this is why it’s easy to fall a bit behind. It’s up to you to keep up at A-level, and if you have a lot going on and lots to learn across your subjects, you could face the problem of feeling like you don’t have enough time to learn everything you need to.With A-level maths - and all subjects for that matter - you will find that the biggest difference compared to GCSE is that you can't just get away with learning the content, you have to really understand  it too. This means putting in the extra hours of work outside of the classroom and trying not to fall behind.Keep Calm and PlanThe first step to take if you’re facing problems with your maths A-level is to keep calm and remember not to panic! Get hold of your course syllabus and sit down to make a detailed study plan. You can even find websites that will help you pu t together a revision timetable so that you prioritise the right stuff.Time management is crucial for any study period, and especially in your exams.Plan out how much time you need to spend on each topic, leaving the most time for whatever you find the most challenging.With maths, practise really does make perfect. So the best way to overcome hurdles and problem areas is by sitting down and practising the maths until it becomes second nature and you can solve problem with ease and confidence.Going over your notes and doing past papers is a great way to revise! Photo credit: me_chris via Visual hunt  Online Maths Resources for A LevelOther great ways of tackling maths A-level problems is by finding websites that offer lessons, tutorials and guidance on the course content and the upcoming exams. There is slightly less available than there was at GCSE, but there is still a plethora of sites and resources that you can utilise to help you study and to clarify any issues you have.At A-lev el, the maths you will be studying is naturally a lot more complicated and demanding, but there are still lots of great websites to help you out when you're struggling. RevisionWorld  is brilliant for course content support, exam technique and past papers, so you can tackle any problems at home!Maths Genie is another wonderful site completely dedicated to maths. You can find EdExcel past papers and notes on individual topics to help you out at any point in your course.Where to Find A Level Maths Past PapersThe best way to prepare for your exams and test your knowledge so far is by doing some past exam papers. You can get hold of these from you school or online, depending on which exam board you are with. Make sure you get a copy of the mark scheme too so that you can mark you own work and see how you did.Doing past papers will help to familiarise you with the format of the exam, the style of the questions, the length of the paper and the command words that are frequently used. So si t somewhere quiet with no distractions â€" try to recreate exam conditions if you can.Once you’ve read through and completed the past paper, you’ll get a clear idea of where you need to put more work in and how much time you will need for each sort of question. It will become clear where your strengths and weaknesses are, if you weren’t sure before.Hire an A  level Maths TutorYou might want to consider hiring a private maths tutor for A-Level revision to help you through the challenges you are facing. A tutor with experience and expertise can sit with you and work through the problems at your own pace, to suit your particular way of learning.As we've already said, it's less of a jump from GCSE, and more of a leap. You need to be able to understand the maths content you are learning, not just be able to regurgitate stuff in an exam. A home tutor can be the best way to make sure you're putting in the extra study time, and that you can keep up and feel confident with your maths l earning.With online platforms such as Superprof you can also find online maths tutors who can give you lessons via video call, meaning that you can get maths help from the comfort of your own home! This can be a really great option if you have a busy lifestyle or can't get around too easily.Don't be afraid to ask for help and support with maths if you need it! Photo credit: University of the Fraser Valley via VisualHunt  One of the best things about sixth form or college studies is that classes are generally much smaller than they were at GCSE. This means your teachers will have a better chance of spending time with you on a more individual basis, and you will have more chances to speak up and receive attention on problem areas.You might find, though, that you need a bit more of this individual attention and teaching, which is where a private tutor would come in very handy indeed when faced with maths A-level problems.So whether you're struggling with a specific topic or type of exa m question, or you just need a bit of guidance with maths in general, there is always a solution to the problem! And keep in mind that past exam papers can be your best friend when you're facing problems with getting the hang of exam technique or applying your maths to certain questions.Remember too that the best thing you can do is to stay calm and confident, manage your time well, and make a detailed study plan for exam season. And don't be afraid to ask for help or look into private tuition, try whatever works best for you!Discover how useful maths can be in life and why you should consider studying it.

What is it Like to Attend Belmont University

What is it Like to Attend Belmont University Laura received her bachelors degree in musical theatre from Belmont University. Some of the tutoring subjects she specializes in are elementary math tutoringand SSAT tutoring. She participated in our College Experience QA series by sharing her experience at Belmont University below. Want to know her thoughts? Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Laura: Belmonts campus is quite small, compared to many universities. You can pretty much get anywhere you need to go within ten minutes on footand faster if you have a scooter or a skateboard. That being said, most people do have a car because, while Belmonts campus is easy to get around, Nashville isnt the sort of city where you can walk everywhere. I always felt safe at Belmont. The small size of the school means that by senior year, I knew a fairly large percentage of the people in my year by face if not by name. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Laura: I never felt like I couldnt talk to a professor after class. Classes are small, maybe 20-30 students, and everyone would be on first-name basis by the end of the third week. They do a really good job of making themselves available and approachable. I still keep in contact with several of my professors from my time there. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Laura: When I was a freshman, we slept three to a dorm that was 12 x 12. It was cramped, but livable. Three years later, they have since added some brand-new dorm buildings that are extremely nice, as well as a new, larger cafeteria that offers even more dining options than its previous counterpart. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Laura: Belmont is best known for being a music schoolthis being greatly aided by its location in downtown Nashville. I went there to study Musical Theatre, which was one of the most-beloved departments in the university. We had a growing reputation even then, and with each passing year I am told the school of music gets more famous. Belmont not only has its own PBS special (Christmas at Belmont) but in recent years several students have gone on to make big waves in the music industry, including some Country Music Award winners and a handful of American Idol finalists. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Laura: I didnt have trouble meeting people personally, because my focus of study was very specific and we had a very small department. In fact it was rather limiting as to who I could meet outside of that group. Several people I know did Greek lifehowever, there are only four or five sororities on campus to choose from. Most people consider the school of music to be its own society. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Laura: I never found them to be very useful, but that might be because I didnt require their services. I think they did do a Career Fair in the springtime, though. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Laura: The library was small, but there was generally enough space. Theres a nice caf on the first floor, too. Additionally, the music collection is extensive and thorough. When I was there, we actually didnt have a student union. It definitely was sometimes challenging to find places to hang out. In the springtime lots of people like to hang out in the gazebos in the quad. Describe the surrounding town. Laura: Nashville is an incredible city. Being there was hands down one of the best part of going to Belmont. The live music scene, in addition to the super hip culture of the Hillsboro area, is unbeatable. Most people see a lot of live showsplus there are a ton of professional-quality performances given by the school of music each semester. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Laura: The student body is fairly small, with class sizes varying from 15-30 students. I liked the smaller sizes, it made things more personal and I appreciated that. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Laura: My best experience at Belmont was with my voice teacher and academic advisor, Marjorie Halbert. She was not only a one-on-one professor but also an incredible leader and role model. Mrs. Halbert was the head of the musical theatre department, and took a personal interest in the development of each of her fifty-odd students. We were her pride and joy, and she treated us as her own children: hosting home-cooked dinners for us, rejoicing at individual progress made in class, and giving us no-nonsense life lessons when we needed them. She was, without doubt, the best teacher I ever had. Check out Laura'stutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Six Skills Your Teen Needs for College Readiness

Six Skills Your Teen Needs for College Readiness If your teen is headed to college soon, its important to make sure he or she is prepared. College classes are a big step up from high school classes in terms of rigor and expectations, and your teen must have a range of aptitudes and habits to do well. What exactly does it take? Here are six essential skills your teen must have to be successful in college: Independence By high school, teens should be keeping track of homework and upcoming projects and tests all on their own. They should be in tune with their needs in the classroom so they can advocate for themselves. Your support in school remains important in high school but make sure your teen understands that school is his or her responsibility and that he or she is taking initiative to complete homework, study and manage all of his or her responsibilities. Time management The college workload can take many freshmen by surprise, and those who lack a good time management system tend to struggle. Teens must be adept at prioritizing their studying and planning ahead when they have big projects. If your teen doesnt use the planner faithfully, now is the time to start. Adaptability In college, there are times students get a lot of direction from professors and times they do not. A class projects scope or timeline might change. Its important to be able to adjust and pivot when a situation changes, new information is acquired or when faced with uncertainty. Encourage your teen to problem solve and stay calm in high-pressure situations. These skills go hand in hand with adaptability. Resourcefulness College students do a whole lot of research. They are frequently expected to develop written arguments on texts they read and other topics and must be able to supply evidence and support for those interpretations. And outside the classroom, students should be comfortable asking for help and identifying and taking advantage of the different resources available to them. Suggest that your teen do the same as a high school student. Study skills Good academic habits are essential in college, including studying smart, notetaking and planning out the study and homework schedule. Students are expected to be responsible and on top of all of their classes and responsibilities. Make sure your teen nurtures the study habits so that by the time he or she is in college, they are second nature. Critical thinking skills College professors want students to participate in class and articulate their ideas clearly. They expect that they are able to analyze new information, make connections about that which they learn and draw conclusions. As often as possible, encourage your teen to express opinions and the reasons for them and think through arguments. College success requires a combination of academic and other skills, and these final years of high school are your teens opportunity to strengthen them. Help your teen acquire the skills and knowledge he or she will need so that by the time graduation comes, your teen is ready to make the college years the best ones yet.

Learn English Vocabulary Words connected with Shrove Tuesday

Learn English Vocabulary Words connected with Shrove Tuesday Pancake Tuesday is also known as Shrove Tuesday in the UK. Pancake (Shrove) Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent (40 days leading up to Easter). The name ‘Shrove’ derives from  old English word ‘shrive’ which means ‘confess all sins’. Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday, for this reason people went to confessions on the day before. This day eventually became referred to as ‘Shriven Tuesday’ and later on ‘Shrove Tuesday’.Here are some  common English expressions and words connected with that period. Pancake Tuesday is the more modern term for the day that the Christians commonly refer to as Shrove Tuesday.  It is the day when Christians start  their preparation  for the period of Lent (usually give up or stop doing something they like as a form of penance).  Pancake Tuesday originates from an ancient English tradition of using up most of the fattening ingredients at home before Lent. Pancakes are made from simple products, flour water and eggs. An easy recipe to get rid of  all these stocks was to mix all of them with a bit of flour to make pancakes. They are flat and made on a pan. It was to signify  the last of the dairy products that would be eaten before Easter. The tradition has been handed down  from generation to generation. The making of pancakes is simple and those with enough skill will flip  the pancake from the pan and catch it before it falls. This flipping or tossing the pancakes is not only fun but also ensures the pancakes are cooked evenly on both sides.The panc akes are eaten plain often (in my home) with a sprinkling  of sugar and a squeeze  of lemon juice. Don’t keep this to yourself. Tell the world. In many towns the old tradition was to hold pancake races. The chef (cook) would gather in the town square and race along the street constantly tossing and flipping their pancakes.Overseas  Shrove Tuesday is known as ‘Mardi Gras’, which means ‘Fat Tuesday’ in French and it also originates from the idea of using up  all the stocks before Lent.A lot of countries around the world have Mardi Gras festivities  and also carnivals. Some of the most well-known are in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Venice in Italy.The day after Pancake Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday) is referred to as Ash Wednesday  the beginning of lent. Incidentally  the Americans refer to Shrove Tuesday as Mardi Gras. When I was a young boy we were encouraged to give up  for the 40 days of lent. This was often sweet things like cakes biscuits and sweets. A real tragedy (problem) for a young kid. Some people still stick to  this ritual. The exact date of Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday varies  from year to year as it is alw ays 47 days before Easter Sunday and as that feast varies then so do the dates of these 2 days. So it’s a moveable feast in every way.We have an expression in English a moveable feast. This refers to something that is not certain or the date is not fixed.For example: Is your friend getting married soon? I am not sure it’s a bit of a moveable feast.They do not seem to be able to make their minds up on the right day.The beginning of lent also signifies to me that winter is coming to an end and spring is not so far away. Here’s hoping! Online English Course Learn over 40 English Phrasal Verbs and English Idioms in context for FREE ENROL IN COURSE NOW FREE Learn New Vocabulary Words and Phrases to derive from   to come from, to originate fromto fast   to stop taking certain food or drink for a period of timeto get rid of   to dispose ofto toss   to tumble, to move back and forthoverseas   abroadto use up   to empty, to reducefestivities   celebrationto start preparation   to get readyto signify   to acknowledgeto hand down   to pass onto flip   to turn over by throwing it up in the airsprinkling   light dustingsqueeze (noun) small dropincidentally   as it happensto give up   to sacrifice somethingto stick to something   to follow somethingto vary   to change

Secret of Happiness is Freedom, the Secret of Freedom is Courage

Secret of Happiness is Freedom, the Secret of Freedom is Courage The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is courage Carrie Jones Carrie Jones is an American writer who became famous thanks to the work in the genre of young adult fiction. Jones has received several awards and her books filled the shelves of bookstores in New York, becoming bestsellers. Carrie Jones grew up in Bedford, New Hampshire. She moved to Lewiston, Maine to attend Bates College. Initially, Jones did not want to be a writer, she was much more interested in the prospect of becoming a lawyer. But life turned out differently. And it has led to the success of working as a reporter and editor of the newspaper. Subsequently, the author has received awards and eventually she was awarded the prize for non-fiction literary.

6 Simple Ways to Make Learning Fun this Summer

6 Simple Ways to Make Learning Fun this Summer 6 Simple Ways to Make Learning Fun this Summer Visits to the local zoo, scavenger hunts at the museum and weekly game nights are just a few ways to keep your children’s minds active Sun-filled days at the pool, adventurous family vacations, no alarm clocks and extended bedtimes. These are just a few visions that many students have as they long for the carefree days of summer. Children across the country are rejoicing as June 21st officially marks the first day of summer! As parents plan family vacations and activities to keep their children busy, it’s important to remember that learning can and should still continue in the summer months. And parents, you are in luck! We have some very simple summer learning tips that are so much fun your children won’t even realize they are being asked to continue to learn on their summer vacation! Visit Your Local Zoo. Summer is the perfect time to make a fun list of attractions to see. Many children love visiting animals at the zoo. Deepen your child’s knowledge of the animals by having them read the different exhibits. If giraffes are your childrens’ favorite animal, spend more time at this exhibit, ask them additional questions and encourage them to continue researching giraffes once they return home. Young children may enjoy drawing a picture with all of the information they learned and older children may want to check-out a book from the local library. Have a Scavenger Hunt at the Museum. Visits to the museum are a perfect educational activity for the dog days of summer. Make the visit not only educational, but also fun by turning it into a scavenger hunt. If you’re going to an art museum, your list can include things you might see in paintings or sculptures. If it’s a natural history museum, you can include dinosaurs and animals. Weekly Game Night. Pick a night of the week and host a family friendly weekly game night. For younger kids, you can play a card game like Go Fish, which works with numbers, attention and concentration, and memorization skills. For older kids, Scrabble is a great game for language skills and Monopoly is great for counting currency and thinking strategically. Visit the Library. The most important way to build and sustain reading proficiency is for kids to read daily. Reading each day goes a long way towards developing valuable vocabulary and comprehension skills. Most libraries have summer reading programs for children. Turn Daily Routines into Practical Learning Opportunities. Children are naturally motivated to learn about topics that interest them. If your children like to be in the kitchen, ask them to join you for some cooking fun. Have them be in charge of measurements when mixing ingredients. This could be a good time to discuss fractions and conversions. If your children like sports, think about how you can deepen their math understanding while watching their favorite game. What’s the score of the game? Can you calculate batting averages? Let them be your Travel Agents. Many families use the summer months to take a family vacation. Before you set off on your adventure, let your children get involved in the planning process. Have them research the area you are visiting and see if there’s any nearby attractions they would like to visit. Many cities have walking or biking historical tours you can participate in. The entire process serves as a finance, geography, history and social studies lesson all wrapped in one. You might also be interested in: 5 Creative Summer Reading Tips What Could Your Kids Gain (or Lose) This Summer? Soar Past the Summer Slide with Kumon’s Summer Learning Roundup Four Easy Ways to Make Summer Break Fun and Educational 6 Simple Ways to Make Learning Fun this Summer 6 Simple Ways to Make Learning Fun this Summer Visits to the local zoo, scavenger hunts at the museum and weekly game nights are just a few ways to keep your children’s minds active Sun-filled days at the pool, adventurous family vacations, no alarm clocks and extended bedtimes. These are just a few visions that many students have as they long for the carefree days of summer. Children across the country are rejoicing as June 21st officially marks the first day of summer! As parents plan family vacations and activities to keep their children busy, it’s important to remember that learning can and should still continue in the summer months. And parents, you are in luck! We have some very simple summer learning tips that are so much fun your children won’t even realize they are being asked to continue to learn on their summer vacation! Visit Your Local Zoo. Summer is the perfect time to make a fun list of attractions to see. Many children love visiting animals at the zoo. Deepen your child’s knowledge of the animals by having them read the different exhibits. If giraffes are your childrens’ favorite animal, spend more time at this exhibit, ask them additional questions and encourage them to continue researching giraffes once they return home. Young children may enjoy drawing a picture with all of the information they learned and older children may want to check-out a book from the local library. Have a Scavenger Hunt at the Museum. Visits to the museum are a perfect educational activity for the dog days of summer. Make the visit not only educational, but also fun by turning it into a scavenger hunt. If you’re going to an art museum, your list can include things you might see in paintings or sculptures. If it’s a natural history museum, you can include dinosaurs and animals. Weekly Game Night. Pick a night of the week and host a family friendly weekly game night. For younger kids, you can play a card game like Go Fish, which works with numbers, attention and concentration, and memorization skills. For older kids, Scrabble is a great game for language skills and Monopoly is great for counting currency and thinking strategically. Visit the Library. The most important way to build and sustain reading proficiency is for kids to read daily. Reading each day goes a long way towards developing valuable vocabulary and comprehension skills. Most libraries have summer reading programs for children. Turn Daily Routines into Practical Learning Opportunities. Children are naturally motivated to learn about topics that interest them. If your children like to be in the kitchen, ask them to join you for some cooking fun. Have them be in charge of measurements when mixing ingredients. This could be a good time to discuss fractions and conversions. If your children like sports, think about how you can deepen their math understanding while watching their favorite game. What’s the score of the game? Can you calculate batting averages? Let them be your Travel Agents. Many families use the summer months to take a family vacation. Before you set off on your adventure, let your children get involved in the planning process. Have them research the area you are visiting and see if there’s any nearby attractions they would like to visit. Many cities have walking or biking historical tours you can participate in. The entire process serves as a finance, geography, history and social studies lesson all wrapped in one. You might also be interested in: 5 Creative Summer Reading Tips What Could Your Kids Gain (or Lose) This Summer? Soar Past the Summer Slide with Kumon’s Summer Learning Roundup Four Easy Ways to Make Summer Break Fun and Educational