Friday, April 3, 2020

Chemistry Tutor Psu - A Chemists Perspective

Chemistry Tutor Psu - A Chemist's PerspectiveA Chemistry Tutor Psu can give you an advantage in the career you choose and can help you see things in a different way. They help to expose your ignorance in a constructive way.In chemistry, one of the most common mistakes that people make is doing a lot of experiments without having any plans for the final results. Most students who are aware of this mistake do not like to do this because they realize that there is no way they can predict what will happen. This is a very dangerous situation because if you are just going to guess you are going to be doing it wrong most of the time.One way that you can avoid these problems is by hiring a tutor Psu to help you with your studies. They come with many resources which they have compiled over years of experience. They understand all the aspects of the course so that you know exactly what to expect every step of the way. They are able to find the answers to your problems and can show you how to s olve them in a different way.It doesn't matter whether you are a beginner or a professional, you will be able to learn everything that you need to know. They will show you the right path and the right way to get from one step to the next.They can also help you keep track of what you have learned so that you can see the pattern and what has been done before you. They are good at helping you pick up some of the most important facts and can expose you to new ideas. If you understand something then you will be able to apply it.By exposing you to new ideas and techniques you will also gain knowledge about those techniques. These are not things that you could have come across in school or found in a book.So, if you want to learn more about a good tutor Psu then please visit my website below. Please feel free to contact me through email if you would like to schedule a free consultation.

Monday, March 23, 2020

What is the Best Equipment for Wildlife Photography

What is the Best Equipment for Wildlife Photography Wildlife Photography: Essential Kit and then Some ChaptersEssential Camera EquipmentSupporting Your CameraExtras You Should Have in Your KitLet us suppose that you’ve moved beyond snapping pics of your garden, of the snails and the birds and even of your cat â€" that rapacious hunter!Let’s say that, for the first time, you’re planning a holiday around your passion for wildlife photography; you’re ready for a whole new set of challenges â€" in terrain, in subject matter and weather conditions.You’ve got your lenses and camera bodies, meters and your various supports... you just can’t wait to go!Wait! Those things we mentioned a moment ago â€" the weather and terrain, matter greatly â€" not just to you but to your kit.For instance, to photograph animals in the beautiful, unpredictable arctic wilderness, you would have to bring protective gear for your equipment as well as extra batteries because the cold will sap their energy much faster than you might be used to.Conversely, if you’re photographing in the Serengeti or th e Kalahari, your biggest worry, as far as your kit is concerned, is getting dust or sand in it.In fact, there are so many variables to consider when planning such an excursion, not the least of which is what equipment and photography accessories you should take with you.That is why your Superprof has compiled this list of essential, nice-to-have and optional kit that every wildlife photographer should have, no matter where the excursion takes place.Go get your camera bag; we’ll wait. It is a good idea to compare notes; we might have something on our list that you had not considered putting on yours.  And if you have something on your list we don’t have on ours, won’t you let us know?If you are brand new to wildlife photography, maybe wondering where and how to get started, this article is for you.  We aim to provide you with a bit of information about the gear you need before you head out on your first shoot.Do you have your list ready? Here we go! AllanPhotography Teacher 5. 00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPhotography Teacher 5.00 (7) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TimothyPhotography Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Anosh nadeemPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoPhotography Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RosiePhotography Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MattPhotography Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyPhotography Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsEssential Camera Equipment You don't need a lot of kit to photograph wildlife but there are a few must-have items. Image by Jan VaÅ¡ek from PixabayYou may have seen pictures of wildlife photographers on assignment, standing or squatting behind a tripod-mounted camera outfitted with a telephoto lens.Of the three pieces of kit mentioned in that sentence, only one is absolutely vital: the camera.Of course, a camera body would be worthless without a lens but it is understood that even a point and shoot camera comes with some sort of lens... we’ll talk more about lenses in a moment.Equally important are the components that permit your DSLR cameras to record and preserve images: batteries and memory cards. Running out of either is the sure end to your photography session.Making sure you have these two vital components in ample supply is the best way to not kick yourself for missing that perfect shot for want of them.LensesDepending on what your subject matter is, you may or may not need a long lens.For instance, i f macro photography is your speciality, a telephoto lens may hinder rather than help you achieve your best shot.On the other hand, if you’re out to get the temperamental hippo on film, the further you are away from their environment, the safer you will be.More than any other, this piece of kit underscores why it is a good idea to plan your shoots; that is the best way to not carry kit that you won’t need.Nevertheless, you will need some sort of lens and, depending on the environment you’re working in, some sort of protection or camouflage for it. In all cases, it is advisable to have a rain cover for your lenses and camera.If indeed you are after that hot-tempered hippo or maybe you’ve decided to head to Canada to snap off some shots of grizzly bears, having a teleconverter is an excellent idea.Also called lens extenders, these devices fit between your camera body and your lens to give you a more focused, tight-in image that appears as though you had gotten close enough to y our subject to touch it.Teleconverters magnify the centre portion of your frame but do not affect your lens’s minimum focus distance.There are arguments for and against using such extenders. Achieving tighter framing is definitely on the plus side, while the fact that they decrease the overall focus of your lens is certainly a drawback.In shopping for a lens extender, be sure that the model you select is compatible with your kit!Last word on lenses: you should have a bag that will accommodate all of your lenses including the longest ones.Tell us, please: how did you get started photographing wild animals? Tripods are an essential piece of wildlife photography kit Image by Günther Schneider from PixabaySupporting Your CameraNeedless to say, the idea of standing still for hours on end, in all weather conditions, while holding several pounds of gear to your eye and your finger on the shutter button is enough to deter even the hardiest of photographers.To say nothing of the shots they would have to discard because of camera shake.In spite of the romance accorded to wildlife photography, it really boils down to a bit of setting up and a whole lot of waiting around.Even after all of your studying â€" of your subjects’ habits and habitat, and your planning (what kit to bring and when best to go), it is quite unfortunate that animals won’t perform on cue... and you shouldn’t try to make them.That means that you end up setting up your shot and waiting for your target to make an appearance and/or do something picture-worthy.To make setting up easier, there is a range of stabilising and p ropping equipment you should have with you.As its name implies, a tripod has three height-adjustable legs that can securely support your camera.Tripods are great if you intend to take panoramic shots â€" maybe of a herd in the distance or one of the bigger animals, perhaps an elephant or a giraffe.As wildlife photography does involve a lot of waiting, you may choose to frame your shot, retreat (and sit down), and activate your camera remotely once your quarry appears in your field of focus.If you are not after big game â€" if photographing birds punches your ticket, then you’ll surely want to be more mobile. In that case, a monopod is more suitable.Just like the tripod implies three legs, monopods only have one. Their function is to keep your camera steady while you shoot with a standard-sized lens - it would be hard to balance with a telephoto lens.The advantage of a monopod is speed; if you need to reposition yourself, it is much easier to do so using a monopod.Both of these cam era supports are well suited for photographing subjects that have a bit of height and will generally follow a slow and predictable trajectory. Adding a gimbal tripod head can be a game-changer.A gimbal permits you to effortlessly move your camera both vertically and horizontally, as needed.Thus, with a gimbal on your tripod, you could point your camera to the ground and photograph smaller animals, like a weasel or an iguana.On the other hand, if you anticipate ground-level work, why not get a ground pod? You got it: these pods hold the camera steady at just above ground level.The ultimate solution to camera support and photographer’s comfort is a bean bag.Let’s say that you are of the intrepid sort; you don’t mind climbing a tree to get that perfect shot.In those types of situations, tripods are decidedly inconvenient but a bean bag can straddle a branch and cradle your camera with ease, keeping it perfectly still while you squeeze off frame after frame.Now, let’s imagine yo u at ground level, waiting for the squirrels or other urban wildlife to come out and play. You could use a ground pod but a bean bag will give you so much more flexibility in aiming your shots.Finally, let us take the car door example. It is almost a shame that wildlife has grown accustomed to the smell and sound of cars but humans are still scented as predators.Many wildlife photographers have clued into that reality and have taken some amazing shots while sitting in their car.That is a nifty trick for capturing the best wildlife photos; there are a few more to add to your repertoire. Consider adding such a headlamp to your kit; it really helps! Image by WikimediaImages from PixabayExtras You Should Have in Your KitTaking photographs of animals requires patience, good equipment and a willingness to meet them in their environment.Doing so poses certain risks, especially the bigger the animal and the time or season you set out â€" say, just after birthing.Images of animals with their young are particularly evocative and highly sought after.  They are also particularly dangerous to capture; that is why many such nature photographers install a camera trap near their quarry’s den.A camera trap is a device that is activated by motion sensors or by an infrared sensor. When the subject moves, the camera is activated; it takes the shot while you remain at a safe distance.Camera traps come with a variety of features and a correspondingly wide range of prices; if your goal is making money from wildlife photos, investing in such a device would be a good idea.Other good acce ssories to have in your kit are:binocularsheadlightglovesfiltersextra batteries and memory cardsa camera cleaning kita maintenance kitBy no means are these few items all there is to have; camera shops are full of equipment made specifically for outdoor photography.But, with these essential items in your kit, you’re at least ready to get started taking pictures. In time you will add to your kit those items you find helpful.Perhaps one of them might be a guide to the most amazing places for wildlife photography...

Friday, March 6, 2020

TakeLessons Rock Star Teacher of the Week Kasey M.

TakeLessons Rock Star Teacher of the Week Kasey M. ksurmacewicz Our latest Rock Star Teacher of the Week is a wonderful example of    a teacher who goes above and beyond for her students and truly wants them to get the most out of their lessons and the fact that she has 12 continuing students certainly shows how much they enjoy taking lessons with her!   Meet Kasey M. from Richardson, TX, who specializes in classical piano and vocal lessons, as well as beginner and intermediate music theory.   Kaseys experience in music began at the age of five in her mothers private piano studio and continued through college at Angelo State University where she studied Music Education.   Throughout her college years she participated in numerous praise and worship bands, and after completing her first CD, she was able to use the money from sales to travel to Washington State to do mission work for a summer. Kasey describes herself as patient, fun and imaginative, and loves passing on the gift of music to anyone wanting to learn!   When teaching she believes that the student and teacher are a team and should work together to tailor lesson curriculum to fit each individual student’s needs and goals.   She also has a very impressive introductory video which gives potential students a feel for what lessons with her will be like.   Congratulations on all your accomplishments Kasey, and thanks for being such a great example for our TakeLessons teachers!

Thursday, March 5, 2020

A Quiet Power The Introverts Guide to Leadership - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / A Quiet Power The Introvert’s Guide to Leadership - Introvert Whisperer A Quiet Power: The Introvert’s Guide to Leadership Your hands are shaking and clammy. You feel hot and cold at the same time. You want to run, but your legs are like rubber, and it feels as if your stomach is going to betray you at any moment. No, you’re not going before a firing squad. No, you’re not getting your taxes audited. You’re just preparing to deliver a business presentation. And you’re an introvert. If you are one of the nearly 40% of the US population belonging to this personality type, then you well know that the feelings described above are not an exaggeration. This is the daily experience for anyone who faces chronic shyness, particularly for those whose introversion has grown into full-fledged social anxiety. Given the scenario above, it may seem that the introvert personality type is wholly incompatible with business leadership. It may feel that your natural shyness will forever exclude you from the seat of professional power, no matter how passionate or talented you are. It doesn’t have to be this way, however. In fact, introverts can be great leadersâ€"not despite their naturally solitary personality type, but because of it. Indeed, when it comes to introversion and professional leadership, what seems like your greatest weakness can become your greatest strength. The Power of Mindfulness Perhaps the greatest attribute of the introvert personality type is the power of mindfulness. Introverts are by nature deep and careful thinkers. They are not ones to make rash decisions or leap head-long into action without first weighing, often with uncanny accuracy, both the potential risks and the likely rewards. This is a vital skill in the increasingly volatile world of business. A company’s survival often depends on the ability of leadership to make thoughtful, effective decisions. This is especially true if you are leading a small business, where the ability to accurately size up the market and your competitors is paramount to securing the competitive advantage in today’s crowded marketplace. If you are an introvert, your inherently deliberate and discerning nature can help you give your company the strategic edge it needs to thrive. The Power of Empathy It’s not accurate to associate introversion with reclusiveness. Introverts maybe reluctant to assert themselves in crowds, but that doesn’t mean they avoid them as a rule. What it does mean, however, is that introverts spend a great deal of their time people-watching. And if you are an introvert who aspires to lead in business, this can be an incredible asset to draw upon. The fact is that introverts can be extraordinary mediators. Workplace conflict is, unfortunately, inevitable. It is simply the price of doing business. When you lead, you have to be prepared to find unity in difference. You have to have the skills to help your team find, or build, bridges, despite potentially competing interests or clashing personality types. That process begins with empathy, the ability to understand your team members as individuals first and employees second. Fortunately, introverts tend to have empathy in spades. This is one reason why introverts make such great teachers and university leaders. They excel at finding common ground and uniting groups in a shared vision of success, while at the same time ensuring that every member of the group feels heard, respected, valued, and well-served. The Power of Understanding Introverts are habitually deep thinkers. Their go-to position is to think first and act later. That means they know how to analyze complex situations and formulate effective responses to achieve a desired goal. This involves far more than simply the ability to evaluate dense financial spreadsheets or assess market reports, though that is certainly important. But the introverts’ skills extend far beyond this because, as suggested above, introverts are also people-watchers. And the world of business, no matter what field you may be in, is also a world of people, not just numbers. The introvert personality type gives you the ability to understand not only empirical performance metrics but also what the subjective responses of the people who will use them means. That means that, as a leader, you are uniquely prepared to anticipate how the team will behave in specific circumstances and to devise leadership strategies to ensure your team thrives, even in the most challenging of environments. Owning Your Power As the discussion above shows, if you are an introvert, you don’t have to consign yourself to the professional sidelines. You can harness your natural strengths to become an effective, empowered, and empowering leader. It begins simply by taking the first step, such as by gradually taking on more responsibilities at work or volunteering to assist management in team lead projects. You might also consider exploring careers especially suited to the introvert personality type. For example, the field of epidemiology combines both science and sociology. Such a field both gratifies the introverts’ need to think deeply on complex topics while also capitalizing on the introvert’s rare talent for understanding how people think, feel, and behave. Image Source: Pixabay   By: Frankie Wallace Frankie Wallace is a recent graduate from the University of Montana. She now resides in Boise, Idaho as a freelance writer where she spends her time reading and gardening. Go to top Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.   Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

What is it Like to Attend The University of Texas at San Antonio

What is it Like to Attend The University of Texas at San Antonio The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Ian received his Bachelors degree in Biology from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 2000. He is currently a tutor in San Antonio specializing in Biology tutoring, Chemistry tutoring, Microbiology tutoring, and several other subjects. See what he had to say about his experience at The University of Texas at San Antonio: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Ian: The main campus of The University of Texas at San Antonio is on the northwest edge of the city, settled along the lip of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. While not near the center of town, it is nonetheless a very urban environment with numerous cafes, shopping centers, and plenty of activities nearby. Traffic is always a pain in any large city, so if you choose to live off-campus, you can pick from the large assortment of apartments that put you within walking or biking distance. Otherwise, you will need to plan your commute accordingly. The university runs frequent shuttles between major campus areas, distant parking lots, and satellite campuses. San Antonios public bus system also has several lines that run to the main and downtown campuses. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Ian:Very! In my experience, professors at The University of Texas at San Antonio regularly attend their office hours and are very approachable. Teaching assistants are as well. In addition, academic advisers at The University of Texas at San Antonio have shown a real dedication to helping students plan out their desired curricula in order to maximize their time. They can help you get all the classes you want while avoiding being overloaded. However, by the time you are a senior, it is all about letting go of the hand that is holding yours and learning to do it yourself! VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Ian:In the years since I graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio, I have visited often for lectures and science conferences. I have seen a huge amount of progress in their dorm structures. There are dorms all over campus, as well as a sprawling university-run apartment complex. There are also new restaurants, cafes, and cafeterias popping up everywhere. Students get chances to grab a bite, meet up with friends, and then head to class or the library. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Ian:The University of Texas at San Antonio has a very large range of high-quality programs. Their best-represented programs are probably the College of Business and the College of Sciences. Both of these programs receive tremendous funding from federal and state agencies, as well as large grants from patrons. They are both staffed by highly ranked and prestigious faculty. When I came to The University of Texas at San Antonio, I immediately majored in Biology, and I have never looked back. I come from a family of scientists, and I suppose it was in my blood. The faculty and staff of the College of Sciences, and the department of Biology in particular, were extremely supportive and helpful. Since my graduation, I have proudly watched as the department of Biology has reaped the benefits it worked so hard to earn. The faculty size has increased, the quality of graduates has improved, and the areas of post-graduate research have expanded significantly. There are also many diverse opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in several different research programs through work-study or independent study. These can help students see how an advanced, high-tech lab really operates. VT: 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? Ian:Oh, I made friends within an hour of being on campus... and I am a bit of an introvert! In fact, some of the students I met in my first semester are still, seventeen years later, among my best friends. Maybe it is something about that traditional Texas hospitality, but making friends on campus at The University of Texas at San Antonio is rarely a problem, and you can feel welcome just about anywhere. There is indeed a Greek presence on campus. While not as large or encompassing as on other campuses, it can nevertheless provide a source of friendship and camaraderie. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Ian:There is a great Career Center on campus that works diligently to help students find work upon graduation, and it is staffed with experienced people. That being said, you can also help yourself by attending one of the several recruitment events held throughout the school year. As a science enthusiast, I was particularly drawn to many of the biotechnology firms that attended these events, and it really gave me a chance to learn about advertising yourself and mastering interview skills. For those undergraduates interested in pursuing post-graduate education, there are also many events that host representatives from graduate programs at other universities, both local and distant. The representatives are usually extremely friendly, and they like to talk to undergraduates about not only the work at their universities, but also about how a student can best prepare themselves for entry. These events truly helped me to become better prepared for my own entry into graduate school. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Ian:One of the hallmarks of Texas is the wide-open spaces, and this pretty much holds true for the campus at The University of Texas at San Antonio. With a campus as large as the universitys, you will have plenty to choose from. If you like to huddle up in seclusion for an intense study session like I used to, you will not be disappointed. There is a plethora of quiet nooks and secluded desks all over campus for some good quiet time (including the occasional nap!) both indoors and out. You may have to hunt a little for a good spot during finals, but you will find one. If a raucous and talkative group study session is more your style, then you are also in luck. There is usually plenty of space at large tables all over campus and in the cafes. There are also decent group study rooms in the library. The libraries and student centers are best to find a quiet spot indoors, and, as you would expect, you can expect a little noise around the dorm lounges, especially on Friday and Saturday ni ghts. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Ian:San Antonio is a pretty fun town. As the seventh largest city in the United States, there is a pleasant hodge-podge of things to do and see. Off-campus, you will find the usual dining selections of any big city, from ritzy to franchise to some awesome little hole-in-the-wall joints. The food truck industry is booming too. You can find some high-quality eats from these trucks, and quite a few make stops near The University of Texas at San Antonio campus. The arts scene is also thriving, particularly on First Fridays in the Southtown area of the city not to mention some pretty terrific museums and small galleries. For theme park fun, there is both SeaWorld and Six Flags. If you prefer clubs, you will find a bunch scattered throughout the city, but most are centered in or near the downtown area. Students frequently head downtown for fun and games, and there is also a beautiful downtown campus where you can take classes. And do not ever forget to take a stroll along the Riverwalk in the downtown area. I am a San Antonio native, and I still get a thrill there. Getting away from town is also great, as the surrounding area is studded with state parks, and a drive through the Hill Country is unforgettable. Austin (with its famous music scene and very different atmosphere) is only an hour and a half away, and the Texas coast can be reached in a little over two hours. But be warned: San Antonio is huge. A highway trip across the city, even with zero traffic, could still take over an hour. Also, if you plan to be in town from mid-June to mid-September, be prepared for some intense heat and humidity. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Ian:The University of Texas at San Antonio has a student body of about 30,000, so it is pretty big. While a big university offers students a wide range of experiences and a huge selection of courses, freshmen can often expect their entry-level courses to be pretty big too. Some can be up to 200-250 students. This is not always the case, however, and many core or entry-level courses are much smaller. Generally, exams for the very large classes are multiple-choice and electronically scanned. While this may not be the best measure of a students knowledge, it is an unfortunate consequence of a large class size. But rest assured that as you progress through your field of study, class size shrinks dramatically. When that time comes, expect exams and assignments to be more in-depth and to really force you to stretch your brain a little. Do not worry, though this is a good thing. In addition, a professor will occasionally choose a teaching assistant to give one or two lectures, but this is mainly as an aid to help graduate students learn to teach, and the faculty member is frequently present. As a former teaching assistant, I found this to be extremely helpful. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Ian:Without a second thought it would be my mentor, Dr. Heidner. I took my first class with him pretty late in my undergraduate career, but he certainly had the biggest impact. As a wannabe microbiologist at the time, I took his class on viruses and immunity, and I visited him during his office hours with questions. These visits were illuminating, and they turned into regular visits simply for the sake of talking science. He then offered me a chance to study in his lab my senior year. As a mentor, he took the time to offer counseling and advice, he gave me opportunities to meet other scientists in the field, and he helped prepare me for my own entry into advanced academia. While I remember him most positively of all, he is one of a large number of talented and dedicated professors at The University of Texas at San Antonio who go the extra mile to help students. Check out Ians tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Human Lung Diagram

Human Lung Diagram The lungs are located in the thoracic chamber which is an air tight chamber which is formed dorsally by the vertebral column, ventrally by the sternum, laterally by the ribs, and on the lower side by the dome shaped diaphragm. Lungs are paired soft, spongy organ responsible for gas exchange between the atmosphere and the blood. Inhaled oxygen is supplied to the blood and carbon dioxide is removed from the blood and is exhaled out. Each of the lungs is s divided into lobes. The left lung has two lobes and the right has three lobes. The lobed lungs are enclosed in a double layered membrane called the Pleura. This membrane allows the lungs to move against the ribcage with minimal friction. Lying between two lungs is the mediastinum containing the heart, esophagus, trachea and major vessels and nerves. The positioning of these organs result in the left lung being smaller than the right, as the heart and its associated vessels require more space in the left side of the chest. The branching network of bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli constitute the lungs. Each of the two bronchi branches into secondary or lobar bronchi then into smaller bronchiole. The bronchioles end at the alveolus. The total number of alveoli in both lungs is estimated as 300 million. So the total alveolar surface, available for gas exchange far exceeds the general body surface. In adult man, the surface area of skin is around 1.6 m2 only, but the total alveolar space is nearly 100 m2.The bronchi are strengthened by cartilage while the bronchioles are entirely muscular.

Huntington Learning Center Shares Effective Summer Learning Strategies

Huntington Learning Center Shares Effective Summer Learning Strategies Your child has worked hard all school yearthe last thing you want is for him or her to lose ground over summer. Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center advises parents to keep their children learning over summer break to minimize regression and the loss of essential skills for next school year. Children deserve a break over summer, but there are many simple things parents can do to minimize learning loss and keep their childrens minds sharp while school is out, says Huntington. She offers several summer learning strategies: Blend enrichment with recreation. Few children want to sit at a desk all summer with the books open. Summer should be about relaxation and exploration, so try to find ways to combine learning and fun. Field trips and outings to library events and activities are two easy options, but get creative. Pick educational themes for each week of summer and read articles, plan activities and play games within that theme. Take a road trip somewhere historic and do some advance reading and research as a family. Do a little each day. Even as little as 15-20 minutes of daily academic practice can help children retain what they know in between school years. Check out workbooks that are designed to bridge learning between grades. Ask your childs teacher for recommendations for math and reading. Or enroll your child in a flexible, individualized tutoring program at Huntington. Work on projects. Project-based learning is an excellent way to apply knowledge and skills and keep the mind active over summer. There are many advantages of this student-centered method of learning: students learn to solve problems, explore topics thoroughly and find answers to questions through research. At home, you could pick a theme or topic and have your child come up with a list of things to investigate about that topic. Throughout the summer, encourage him or her to share what he or she learns. Let your child drive the work, but facilitate along the way. Read for fun. Summer is the perfect time for children to explore books they dont have the time to enjoy during the school year. Give your child the freedom to read whatever he or she likes this summer, and remember that magazines, blogs, comic books and child-appropriate websites are all fair game. Study after study shows that a daily summer reading habit prevents children from taking a step backward. As long as your child is reading, do not be too picky about the format or subject. Huntingtonsays that summer is a great time for children to continue learning in a more relaxed, self-directed way. Its important for children to recharge their batteries over summer break, but parents should nudge them off the couch and encourage them to explore their imaginations and engage in projects and learning opportunities with peers and siblings. A little structured work each day can make a tremendous difference in preventing brain drain too, and will make the start of next school that much easier. Huntington offers summer tutoring programs for all types of studentswhether a child has fallen behind in one or more subjects or simply wants to stay up on his or her skills during the school break. Call the City Huntington at 1-800-CAN-LEARN or visit www.huntingtonhelps.com to learn more. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader.Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. 2017 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.

Five Things Your Students Learn from Field Trips

Five Things Your Students Learn from Field Trips If youre all about allowing your students to learn by doing, keep in mind how beneficial field trips can be for them. Designed well, these outside-the-classroom experiences get students engaged and excited and not just to get out of the classroom. Here are five things your students will learn from field trips: How class teachings translate to everyday life: The topics your students read about in textbooks are brought to life when they have the opportunity to see those concepts in action, as they will on certain types of field trips. What kinds of jobs exist: Theres nothing quite like taking students on a field trip to expose them to the many types of careers out there and fields that they could work in one day. Before any field trip, you should take the time to share more about the people who work in those areas and why their jobs are important. How things really work in the real world: It can be hard for some students to fully grasp ideas just by hearing you discuss them. Reading about the railroad is interesting, but going to a museum to see how locomotives work and the behind-the-scenes details of the construction of railway systems puts it all into perspective. The importance of different cultural institutions: Whether you take your students to a historic place or a nature and science museum, this type of exposure to objects, artifacts, history, and other learning opportunities can have a major impact on your students. How they learn best: By their very nature, field trips are different from standard school days. Students get a lot of hands-on learning and absorb information visually, aurally, and kinesthetically. The trips might open students eyes to the learning styles that suit them well. Field trips immerse students in new settings, which can be a lot of fun. Most importantly, they boost students critical thinking skills, stimulate their learning, and help them retain knowledge.

2013 Language Challenge has ended!

2013 Language Challenge has ended! After 90 gruelling days the italki Language Challenge has ended!  This was our biggest language challenge to date as we had hundreds of participants who completed over thousands of sessions! For those of you that participated in the language challenge and completed it, a super big congratulations on completing the Language Challenge! Doing 20 sessions (or more!) in 6 weeks is no small feat!  That amounts to at least 2-3 sessions per week and some serious commitment and persistence! We had tons of great feedback regarding this language challenge but we wanted to share one experience in particular. Daniel is one of our Language Challenge winners and after he finished his challenge, he wrote a Notebook Entry describing his experiences learning Chinese for the past 4 weeks. Whats particularly impressive is that he wrote the Notebook entry in Chinese, the language he is learning! Italki????? ??????italki?????. ?????????,????????? ??,?????? ???20??,italki???????? 300ITC. ??????????. ?????,????????,????100ITC? ???????,italki???????. ??????,?????????????,????????? ??????HSK6, ??????? ????????, ?????????????,????????????????????????,??????????????????????,??????30????????????????21??????????,????????????? (translated from above) The italki Language Challenge I recently took the September italki challenge. The purpose of this challenge is to have students take more lessons. So, if a student is able to complete 20 lessons, italki will give them a reward 300ITC. But you also need to take a risk. Before the challenge begins, any student who wants to participate in the challenge has to pay 100ITC. If you fail the challenge failed, then italki will not refund the money. The reason I participated in the challenge is because I felt that if I did not have pressure, I would not so many lessons. In December I am taking the HSK6 test (a test for Chinese proficiency), so I decided to participate. The challenge actually lasted six weeks, but I didnt find out about it until September (two weeks into the challenge), so for me, I only had a months time to complete the challenge. Of course, taking so many lessons was very tiring, but I still enjoyed the process. My teachers are very understanding and very hard working. On September 30th, I finished my last session. I had completed a total of 21 lessons (in one month!). Now I just want to take a break and review everything that I had learned from my teachers. Top 2013 italki Fall Language Challenge Quick Summary We had no idea what results to expect when we created the Fall Language Challenge. We just wanted to make sure the challenge would be difficult but achievable. After 6 weeks, the results are in and we wanted to share what weve learned. The Language Challenge is Completely  Achieveable. Out of the hundreds of Language Challenge participants, just under 50% (47%) completed the challenge! Out of the Language Challenge Winners 35% actually completed more than 30 sessions or more! Its  Fun! Out of all our Language Challenge participants 40% of  were learning 2 languages! We had one italki Language Challenger who completed over 70 sessions during this session!  Thats more than 1 session a day! Interesting Tidbits! The top 3 languages that our Challengers were trying to learn were English, Spanish and Chinese! Strong representation from lesser learned languages saw a big increase including    Croatian, Slovak, Polish, Vietnamese, Dutch, Swedish and Thai! We had the most challenge participants from the United States, but they also had the highest failure rate! Russia Rocks!  More than 80% of Russian Participants completed the challenge! Weve gotten tons of positive responses from our 2013 Fall Language Challenge.  If you enjoyed this challenge or would like to participate in future italki Language Challenges, please click on the link below. I want to receive more information about  future italki Language Challenges! 2013 Language Challenge has ended! After 90 gruelling days the italki Language Challenge has ended!  This was our biggest language challenge to date as we had hundreds of participants who completed over thousands of sessions! For those of you that participated in the language challenge and completed it, a super big congratulations on completing the Language Challenge! Doing 20 sessions (or more!) in 6 weeks is no small feat!  That amounts to at least 2-3 sessions per week and some serious commitment and persistence! We had tons of great feedback regarding this language challenge but we wanted to share one experience in particular. Daniel is one of our Language Challenge winners and after he finished his challenge, he wrote a Notebook Entry describing his experiences learning Chinese for the past 4 weeks. Whats particularly impressive is that he wrote the Notebook entry in Chinese, the language he is learning! Italki????? ??????italki?????. ?????????,????????? ??,?????? ???20??,italki???????? 300ITC. ??????????. ?????,????????,????100ITC? ???????,italki???????. ??????,?????????????,????????? ??????HSK6, ??????? ????????, ?????????????,????????????????????????,??????????????????????,??????30????????????????21??????????,????????????? (translated from above) The italki Language Challenge I recently took the September italki challenge. The purpose of this challenge is to have students take more lessons. So, if a student is able to complete 20 lessons, italki will give them a reward 300ITC. But you also need to take a risk. Before the challenge begins, any student who wants to participate in the challenge has to pay 100ITC. If you fail the challenge failed, then italki will not refund the money. The reason I participated in the challenge is because I felt that if I did not have pressure, I would not so many lessons. In December I am taking the HSK6 test (a test for Chinese proficiency), so I decided to participate. The challenge actually lasted six weeks, but I didnt find out about it until September (two weeks into the challenge), so for me, I only had a months time to complete the challenge. Of course, taking so many lessons was very tiring, but I still enjoyed the process. My teachers are very understanding and very hard working. On September 30th, I finished my last session. I had completed a total of 21 lessons (in one month!). Now I just want to take a break and review everything that I had learned from my teachers. Top 2013 italki Fall Language Challenge Quick Summary We had no idea what results to expect when we created the Fall Language Challenge. We just wanted to make sure the challenge would be difficult but achievable. After 6 weeks, the results are in and we wanted to share what weve learned. The Language Challenge is Completely  Achieveable. Out of the hundreds of Language Challenge participants, just under 50% (47%) completed the challenge! Out of the Language Challenge Winners 35% actually completed more than 30 sessions or more! Its  Fun! Out of all our Language Challenge participants 40% of  were learning 2 languages! We had one italki Language Challenger who completed over 70 sessions during this session!  Thats more than 1 session a day! Interesting Tidbits! The top 3 languages that our Challengers were trying to learn were English, Spanish and Chinese! Strong representation from lesser learned languages saw a big increase including    Croatian, Slovak, Polish, Vietnamese, Dutch, Swedish and Thai! We had the most challenge participants from the United States, but they also had the highest failure rate! Russia Rocks!  More than 80% of Russian Participants completed the challenge! Weve gotten tons of positive responses from our 2013 Fall Language Challenge.  If you enjoyed this challenge or would like to participate in future italki Language Challenges, please click on the link below. I want to receive more information about  future italki Language Challenges!