Posts Tagged ‘science curriculum’

The Science of Team Building

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

Danielle Steele

Did you ever watch William Wallace lead his army in Braveheart and sigh, thinking – if only it were that easy to inspire and generate passion in a group when swords, horses and face paint aren’t involved. It is an important question and one that any employer wanting their team to succeed should be asking…

How do you go about motivating a team to accomplish great things?

Sure, there may be no evil dictator to defeat or great land to conquer, but sometimes the tasks on your team’s agenda may seem as daunting as the Battle of Sterling.

The first factor that you must consider when thinking about the best way to motivate your troops is to determine the common goals. What does your company want, and what do your team members want, what you fighting for?

If you are developing your team from scratch, then establish common ground and common goals. Ensure that everyone is on the same page by finding out their expectations. Whether you have been brought together by business, sport, religion, the team work foundation must begin with a shared purpose. Unite your team and make sure that everyone is heading in the same direction, towards the same destination. Don’t take it as a given that this will be the case, sometimes even the best explorers need a map to plot out their journey.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that this bonding will come naturally, there is a science to successful team work that goes beyond pep talks and Friday night drinks after work.

Training the troops
Team building will only be as effective as the trainer, and while there is a plethora of motivational speakers out there, you need to make sure your trainer has more than just a big voice and fancy phrases. Managers and team builders must be inclined to help others and must also take into consideration the many variables of team managing. They must consider the unique mix of the individuals in any given group, the goals they share and the subject matter at hand. There is no “one” way to successfully manage a team. Becoming a good trainer involves adapting to the circumstances.
The training curriculum of team building involves many different methodologies, teaching activities and psychological concepts. Even philosophy and spirituality play an important role in team building.

Motivating the Masses
Consider science in motivating team members to action. Human beings, even the compassionate ones, are instinctively self-involved. Knowing this, an effective trainer will involve team members in the designing and managing process and ensure that each person is included. Ideas must always be considered and discussed, and individual opinion valued.
A trainer should concentrate on developing each team member’s potential. Assembling a group and taking them away from their work or weekends for irrelevant activities could be a waste of time and even insulting. Proper preparation is strongly recommended for a trainer or manager who is serious about building a strong and progressive team.

Updating your methods
With careful planning, you can master the science of team building and help your workers excel. Tailor your approach to each group and update your methodology according to new advances in society and culture. Consider what the team has done before and try to deviate from anything similar. If your team has spent the past team building weekend locked up in a conference room, they will quickly loose interest in repeating such an activity and many may not even turn up. In this case try to appeal to their adventurous side with team building adventures such as white water rafting, abseiling and treasure hunts. Alternatively if they have been on previous adventure reward weekends then maybe they will benefit from more from a challenging theory based weekend. The decision is yours, but it is an important one.

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Astrology (vs) Science

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

CAN FUTURE BE PREDICTED?

When the great Julius Caesar entered his palace on the fateful day of his murder by his own beloved friend, he had ignored the warning of the cobbler, “Beware the Ides of March “

The sage Mihira predicted that King Vikramaditya’s son would be killed by a pariah (pig) at the age of eighteen, so accurately that he was then after called Varahamihira.

We have numerous instances where predictions of seers, sages and astrologers have come true. There are various methods of prediction. Here are some.

1.Inspired predictions: Some persons invoke (or, are possessed by) Divine Souls and offer predictions. They employ certain ‘mantras’ which when chanted with reverence as prescribed in the scriptures, help them to invoke the spirits. But they do not remember the predictions once the spirits leave them.

2.Intuitions: Every man is endowed with this power. It will simply strike in your mind that something is going to happen and it will!

3. Dreams: It is a common experience of all of us that we dream events of the past and the future.

4.Omens: Belief in the omens is widespread in most countries.

5.Numerology: Numbers represent planets. Predictions are offered based on the date of birth etc

There is also a technique called” Astro Numerology” which employs not only numbers but also the positions of planets.

Some fore-tellers also use playing cards, marbles etc.

6.Palmistry: The palm of a man is said to reveal his future. Lord Christ has said in the Bible, “And God made marks upon the hands of man that he may know”.

7.Physiognomy: There is also a system of prediction, which is based on the physical characteristics of a person.

8.Astrology: It is the most popular method of prediction, based on the horoscope cast for the moment of birth or enquiry.

In this article we are concerned with astrology.

ASTROLOGY vs SCIENCE

From time immemorial, man has been observing the objects of the sky and correlating their movement to the events in his life. Great men, Philosophers and sages have asserted their belief in astrology. But there is a lobby in some quarters that astrology has no scientific basis. According to them, it is superstition to believe that the planets have any say in human activities.

What is science? According to “Encyclopedia Americana” , it is “a systematized positive knowledge”. Our sages and seers have observed the movement of celestial bodies, and with their knowledge, wisdom and inspiration put forward many theories proved “positive” by experience. It has become a fancy for some to scorn astrology as superstition. These men include scientists, rationalists and politicians. Those in power secretly consult astrologers for their personal and political fortunes but do not have the courage to include the subject in the curriculum. In ancient times great astrologers adorned the royal courts and the kings consulted them on all matters. We have instances where our sages had offered astounding predictions. Belief in astrology is a part of our culture.

Let us discuss the reservations of scientists for not recognizing astrology as an exact science.

KNOWLEDGE IS TRANSFERABLE

A scientist is able to split water into two gases namely oxygen and hydrogen. He can teach the technique to anybody, and the latter can obtain the two gases from the given quantity of water. Suppose an astrologer says by studying a horoscope that the native would marry an educated girl, he should be able to tell us what combination of planets made him come to that conclusion. And anybody who knows that particular combination should make the same inference in any chart. But, the astrologer miserably fails to transfer his knowledge and escapes by saying that ‘intuition’ also plays a vital role in predicting events. Unfortunately, astrology lacks clear-cut theories, which help us make definite inferences.

TEST OF PROBABILITY

Modern Science, like Chemistry or Physics, is based on theories, which stand the test of probability. Imagine that you toss a coin. The Probability that you get a head is 50%. It may vary from 40% to 60% by mere chance. But only an event with 70% probability is considered a significant event by Scientists. They accept that some factor is influencing the event. If 100 persons suffering from throat cancer are examined and at least 70 are found to be smokers, then we can conclude that smoking causes the disease. “Are the dictums of astrology universally true?” Let us take the statement – “Persons born with the Moon in Aries are short-tempered”. To know the truth of this statement, we have to study 100 persons having the luminary in Aries at the time of birth. If at least 70 of them are short-tempered, then we can make confident predictions.

FREE WILL

Another argument against astrology is that man has a free will. He can plan, endeavor and achieve his ends. Success depends on his will power, self-confidence hard work and knowledge. There are two schools of thought. According to Dr.B.V.Raman, the eminent astrologer, “Planets impel us, but they do not compel”. Knowledge of astrology helps us know in advance any impending danger. We can resist, modify or even overcome the impulsions of the planets. But, there are others, like the elite astrologer late professor K.S.Krishnamoorthy, who say that fate is inevitable. Man has a free will but how freely he can exercise his will is already destined. You know the rules of the road and are an able driver. But if the other man comes on the wrong way and dashes against you, it is fate! According to the Karma theory of Hinduism, man’s life in this birth is the result of his past deeds in the previous birth. Unless the scientific basis of astrology is established, we cannot know the truth.

RELIGION AND ATHEISM

Astrology has long been associated with religion. The religious colour has kept the elite of the society away from the subject. While rationalists tar the image of astrology, quakes and clairvoyants exploit the public. There has been neither a serious study nor research. It is not an exaggeration if one says that the veterans, who held the field of Indian Astrology for the past few decades, did not encourage new findings. Krishnamurthy System based on the constellation and sub- theories is scientific and has been found very accurate in experience by many astrologers. But these theories have found a place only recently in the astrological arena.

VEXED QUESTIONS

There is a lot of disputes among astrologers regarding Ayanamsa and house system. This is also a reason why the subject remains unattractive. “Which is the correct time of birth?”, “Which ayanamsa is correct?”, “Is the cusp the beginning or the midpoint of a house?” are some of the vexed questions hitherto unanswered. For a beginner, the theories are too many to comprehend and apply.

It is high time that astrologers not only quote the old books but also do their own research and publish their findings.

MY RESEARCH

I took interest in astrology sometime in the early seventies. For quite sometime I had been testing the dictums of Vedic and Western astrology with actual events in the lives of my relatives and friends. The post mortem revealed that the theories were not universally applicable. I started my own research with the profession of a person as the subject. My aim was to find out whether any particular combination existed in the horoscopes of persons engaged in any particular profession. I collected the birth particulars of a number of bank employees and teachers. I cast their horoscopes accurately and tested the various theories.

DISCOVERY ABOUT ASPECTS

By God’s grace a great discovery was made by me. I found that whenever the Moon signified the X house, the house of profession, it was invariably in aspect by the planet indicating the profession, Jupiter in the case of bank employees and Mercury in the case of teachers. Sometimes the aspects were harmonious and other times adverse. I tried to know how an adverse aspect could bring the native to the profession he was engaged in. The fact was that the aspects were not actually good or bad and the result depended on the aspecting planet and the aspected planet. So I termed the aspects (Western) as positive or negative.

SIGNIFICATION OF HOUSES BY PLANETS

Later I made another discovery more interesting than the previous one. Planets gain polarity by ruling or occupying a house.

AYANAMSA

There are a number of ‘panchangs’ in vogue owing to the different ayanamsas followed by different authors. This has resulted in lot of confusion as the ‘nakshatras’, ‘thithis’ etc differ on any particular day. The horoscopes cast by different followers are different, for one and the same person.

HOUSE DIVISION

There are various systems of house-division. The cusp of a house is taken as the beginning by westerners whereas Vedic astrologers take it as the midpoint.

TWIN BIRTHS

Children born with a few minutes’ difference have different characteristics. Sometimes one survives and the other dies though they have the same Rasi and Navamsa charts.

RECTIFICATION OF BIRTH TIME

Which is the actual time of birth? Even the sages have different opinions. One says that we have to take the cutting of the umbilical chord; another asks us to take the first cry of the baby and yet another advocates the method of pre-natal epoch. Again there are numerous ways of rectifying unknown birth times.

My technique sets all these disputes at rest!

A novel technique!

Visit my website http://www.astronewnet.com

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When Science Evolves

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

Cait

Recently, the intelligent design movement has vehemently become synonymous with creationism, so far as to provoke comparisons of the monumental Scopes Monkey Trial in 1925. Consequently, within the past few years, several states have turned upside down their school curriculums on more than one occasion in an attempt to decide what is appropriate to teach its students. Initially, several courts ruled in favor of intelligent design. Those rulings were overturned, though, claiming that evolution is scientific, while intelligent design is simply reworded creationism. But perhaps the facts of the issue should be reevaluated and examined one more time. Though sometimes the intelligent design theory is portrayed in a religious light, it is not religiously based at all; instead it staunchly follows sound scientific evidence, therefore giving it credence to be taught in the public education system.

Intelligent design is the theory that postulates that the universe has a design to it and therefore, also has a designer. Because of this claim, it is not surprising that cries of “Creationism in disguise!” resound off of courtroom walls. Many biology teachers have already balked at this idea, claiming that it threatens everything science stands for. These reactions, however, are simply a result of misinterpreted information.

To begin with, the scientists who proposed this theory, who include Michael Behe, the author of Darwin’s Black Box, do not hold to any kind of religion – especially not Christianity. Thus, they do not hold to what would be considered Biblical creation, nor are they looking to undermine science. These scientists have simply done what anyone in their profession would do: follow where the evidence leads.

This evidence comes in the form of irreducible complexity. An organism that is irreducibly complex is a “single system composed of several well-matched, interacting parts that contribute to the basic function, wherein the removal of any one of the parts causes the system to effectively cease functioning” (Behe 39). The evolutionary step-by-step process cannot build these types of organisms, because if they are not initially created with all of their “interacting parts” then they cannot exist at all.

But do such organisms exist? It’s a question that has endured countless hours of heated debate. Opponents of the theory acknowledge that if irreducible complexity does exist, then evolution is instantaneously null and void; however, they feel that it is more myth than fact (Dawkins 125). Arguing that so-called “irreducible parts” can still function on their own with perhaps a different purpose, they conclude there are no valid examples of such simple complexity (Dawkins 123). Richard Dawkins, a published professor at Oxford University, uses the example of a bird wing, explaining that it cannot be deemed irreducibly complex because even half a wing could be put to some good use, such as lessening to blow of a fall if a bird lost his balance and toppled to the ground (Dawkins 123).

However, Behe takes the opposite stance. He proposes there are numerous examples that range from the human immune system to the bacterium flagellum (Behe 117 & 69). Dawkins retaliates by claiming those examples, such as the flagellum, are not legitimate, accusing Behe of regarding the flagellum as irreducibly complex without giving any evidence to back up the hypothesis. He argues that his opponent is very short-sided and fails to examine all of the other possibilities of how such a creature could have come into existence (Dawkins 131).

Behe acknowledges his contemporary’s criticism and shortly thereafter, continues into a refutation of it. He first approaches an irreducibly complex organism from Darwin’s standpoint and endures the evolutionary explanation. In the end, he points out that evolutionists always fail to say how exactly these organisms evolved. They can only merely speculate and produce guesswork, hoping that satisfies their intended audience. Behe goes onto give a rather in-depth explanation of the flagellum’s biological composition, pointing out that without all its parts working exactly as they are supposed to, the organism ceases to exist. The flagellum, thus, becomes an evolutionary mystery that biologists cannot explain. (Behe 66 & 72)

Though intelligent design explains irreducible complexity very scientifically by examining an organism’s structure and biological makeup, it is still rejected and deemed as “religious” by many. However, this theory does not identify a deity, nor is it tied to any type of organized religion. It also does not require faith and is grounded in fact. Not only that, but again, the scientists behind intelligent design do not hold to a young earth theory or anything else that is commonly associated with creationism. Their only goal of their theory is to investigate (in scientific terms) if, in fact, there is an inherent design to our universe. Thus, intelligent design does not violate the separation of church and state, since not only is it based in science, but it disregards religious affiliation as well, which in turn makes it a valid perspective to be expounded upon in a schoolroom setting.

It should certainly be noted that teaching this theory in schools doesn’t insinuate the outlawing of evolution. This decision shouldn’t be approached as having to choose between teaching one or the other. After all, isn’t the goal of schooling to teach students how to investigate theories and think for themselves? Teaching both theories would give a student the chance to examine his own scientific evaluations and give him the chance to learn how to defend them if he was ever questioned – he would know why he believed what he believed – whether it be intelligent design or evolution. Furthermore, he would be able to carry on an intellectual conversation about either topic in his daily life. But most importantly, he would be able to discuss the facts of the issue, rather than just spouting off his opinion on either matter.

Why is it that, only in science, contradicting theories are not permitted to be discussed, whereas in other courses, appropriate, scholarly debate is encouraged? For instance, in literature class, different ways of interpreting text are discussed and debated; the same also holds true for classes such as history and religion. Different perspectives and ideas are generally encouraged to be introduced and discussed in schools, mostly because it helps students learn and think effectively for themselves, rather than just regurgitating memorized facts back to a teacher on a test. But in science, discoveries that challenge controversial issues are often silenced and immediately discredited. Yet if we never critically and accurately examine different theories, scientific learning eventually stops and becomes stagnant.

So why then shy away from intelligent design? It is a scientific idea that offers a different perspective to another theory. Teaching it would not mean incorporating religion, upholding creationism, or abolishing evolution. Instead, it would be a commendable way to engage students in constructive thought and intelligent debate by examining scientific theories in an in-depth manner.

Sources:

Behe, Michael. Darwin’s Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution. New

York: Free Press, 2006.

Dawkins, Richard. The God Delusion. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006.

Delaware Valley College – Equine Science Degrees

Monday, September 15th, 2008

Ron Petracek

Delaware Valley College is located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and is a four-year private nonprofit college that offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in a variety different degree programs. Among the programs that are offered are Bachelor’s degrees in either Equine Science and Management or Equine Studies.

The Equine Science and Management degree program is perfect for students who have a passion for horses and enjoy working with broodmares, foals, yearlings, and stallions. Students who pursue this major will be able to find employment at different equine breeding and management facilities.

The Equine Science and Management program curriculum gives students the chance to take a variety of different courses from departments like liberal arts, basic science, and many professional courses that include:

· Stable Management

· Equine Health Management

· Equine Breeding

· Equine Anatomy

· Equine Physiology

· Yearling Horse Management

· Mare and Foal Management

· Equine Business Management

The wide variety of courses that students are required to complete will ensure that graduates are well rounded and well educated professionals in the equine breeding and production field. Graduates of the Equine Science and Management program have many career options to choose from and 99% of graduates find employment within six months of completion of the program. Students have gone into agribusiness, education, equine production, and some have even found employment with the government.

Graduates are most sought after by the equine industry as stallion managers, foaling managers, farm managers, breed association representatives, livestock specialist, and nutritional consultants. Students will also be able to find employed with feed manufactures, pharmaceutical companies, and veterinary supply companies. There are also graduates who choose to be involved with FFA and 4-H program and also teach at high schools and vocational programs.

Students may also choose to pursue a four year degree in general Equine Studies. This program will prepare students for a variety of different management positions in different equestrian facilities and include:

· Breeding Facilities

· Horse Show Management

· Business Management and Marketing

· Riding

· Driving

· Teaching

· Training

· Sales and Distribution

Equine Studies majors will have to pay additional cost over the regular tuition to cover the operational costs of maintaining the schools 48 horses that are used by the program. Students are also provided the opportunity to participate in an internship. This will help to familiarize the student with the facility and the program to insure that the students are going to be successful.

Delaware Valley College has an excellent equine facility located on the campus the Equestrian Center consists of:

· 84 x 280 foot indoor arena with an elevated viewing area

· 48 stalls

· Hay barn

· Paddocks

· 120 x 90 foot outdoor show arena

· Round pen

· Cross county jumps

· Network of trails

· Breeding barn

· Breeding shed

· Laboratory

· Open pastures for turn out

The Equestrian Center is an Official Approved British Horse Society Establishment and meets international standards for safety, horse care and instruction.

Students may also join the Delaware Valley College Equestrian Team. The team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) and competes in Zone 3, Region 2. Students may compete in hunt seat and stock seat shows against other students from different universities in the same zone and region. The hunt seat team has earned High Point Team and has been Reserve Champions for the last three seasons. The hunt seat coach, Cory Kieschnick, has earned the Coach of the Year award in 2004, 2005, and 2006.

For more great information please visit and bookmark our reference links below so you will have them handy for future reference.

Thanks for taking the time to tell your friends about our sites.

HorseChitChat.com

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Homeschooling Curriculum and Your Record Keeping

Monday, September 15th, 2008

Record Keeping is a topic which is frequently bought up at homeschooling meetings and forums, and its importance in the homeschooling curriculum can not be overlooked. Record Keeping for homeschooling is not only legally required in various States, but also provides important goals in your child’s learning experience. An interest-initiated homeschooling approach means that the topic of studies is far ranging and diverse. It can become very confusing to write accurate homeschooling reports, due to the interest-initiated approach to learning being so difficult to classify and pigeon-hole.

Record keeping in homeschooling is vital not only for the sake of regulations, but is also an exciting way to record and document the learning process of the child. When most of the learning is done through play and there is no clear indication of topics that have to be covered, it becomes necessary for the parent to keep some sort of a log which records the child’s progress.

The method for your record keeping can be as simple as a piece of paper and and as complex as a computer pro gramme- it is completely up to you to decide which method will be more effective. If you are participating in a support group, you most likely have set forms and requirements. However, staying on top of daily assignments and reports will make the process so much more efficient and easily achievable in the homeschooling environment.

The most popular record keeping methods used by various home schools are listed below.

Daily planner:

Lay out the plans and the assignments for the week in a teacher’s planning notebook. Check each item as it is covered, and make additional notes if issues arise which might be improved on in the next semester. Maintain a separate area where any additional things can be recorded. This may include educational trips, visits and videos, homeschooling online materials etc. Any extra topics that were covered should also be recorded in this area. Make sure you make a summary at least once every quarter.

Journal:

This can be maintained by either the teacher or the student. This basically aims to keep a log of what was learned and what was done in the homeschooling sessions. No only is keeping a journal of your homeschooling a fantastic way to reminisce in the future, it is also a means to monitor the effectiveness of your teaching and your child’s interpretations of the homeschooling process.

Portfolios:

This consists of a collection of diverse materials that display what the child has achieved and done during the course of his/her homeschooling study. Portfolio assessment is a very effective way to chart the child’s progress. It gives structure to the otherwise loose and flexible form of schooling called homeschooling. A drawing portfolio will consist of some paintings or sketches that are considered the best in that quarter. A language portfolio may consist of essays, stories, reading-logs, spelling samples or letters. Progress in subjects such as mathematics, fine arts, history, science and social studies can all be recorded in this manner. The biggest advantage is that portfolio assessment places control in the hands of the home schooled child. Having a tangible record of what they have achieved in their homeschooling will only serve to motivate them to achieve more and more.

Conclusion

Other than the above-mentioned systems, there are also purchased record-keeping systems that lay out a great checklist and help to automate the homeschooling process. There is now an abundance of homeschooling organizers and planners available online- do use due diligence when considering homeschooling products- preferable use a recommendation where you can see how effective the product is going to be. Whichever method of record keeping you decide on for your homeschooling, it is an essential part of the homeschooling process and will be beneficial to initiate from the start. You never know, your child’s future may depend on this system of record-keeping.

The Jason Project Takes Math and Science Education Out of the Classroom

Monday, September 15th, 2008

What It Is

The JASON Project is headquartered in Ashburn, VA. Its mission is to inspire in students a life-long passion for learning in science, math, and technology through hands-on, real-world scientific discovery. It is named in the spirit of the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts.

For middle-grade students, JASON’s real-time, interdisciplinary science expeditions offer a unique opportunity to participate in real, standards-based, multidisciplinary research directed by leading scientists.

For educators, JASON provides the content and tools to effectively teach middle-grade science. The JASON Professional Development program offers accredited online professional development courses in science, math, and non-fiction literacy instruction as well as on-site workshops and coaching to help teachers become highly qualified and make the best use of JASON programs in the classroom. In addition to the award-winning JASON Science curricula, the JASON Professional Development offers educators a full array of online courses and onsite workshops to increase content knowledge. JASON Professional Development, supported by the National Science Teachers Association, enhances teachers’ content backgrounds and provides them with the tools to help students learn more effectively. JASON Professional Development offerings provide numerous classroom applications with demonstrations and hands-on learning activities.

JASON Math

Some of the many math expeditions led by the JASON project include the Mysteries of Each and Mars, From Shore to Sea, and Rainforests at the Crossroads. Each of these expeditions integrate mathematics concepts and skills with scientific themes. In addition the Math Adventures curriculum includes such activities as Geometry and Return to Titanic, and Proportional Reasoning and Disappearing Wetlands. These programs can be stand alone classroom projects or used to complement a corresponding JASON Expedition. Students will be introduced to real researchers and their work and have an opportunity to conduct similar engaging activities in the classroom and outdoors.

JASON is committed to giving educators exciting new ways to teach standards-based mathematics. As students use our hands-on approach to solving real scientific problems, the activities challenge them to learn important mathematics skills and concepts too.

JASON Science
Both JASON Expeditions and JASON Science Adventures provide teachers with a vehicle to implement new content and instructional practice in the classroom, and:
Make science real and relevant
Allow students to get to know and identify with real scientists
Introduce hands-on, technology-rich learning experiences
Help students ask better questions, and inspire an interest in science and a lifelong passion for learning

JASON’s award-winning supplementary curricula are designed by the world’s leading scientists and educators. The curricula provide rich learning experiences using a hands-on inquiry based approach that mirrors the work of real scientists. The flexible instructional design allows for cross-curricular integration or single-subject implementation across disciplines. Not only are JASON Curricula based on national model standards for science, math, social studies, language arts, and technology; but they are also correlated to each state’s standards for science. JASON is proven to enhance middle-grade student learning outcomes.
Participating Schools

Currently the JASON project includes:
26 Primary Interactive Network Sites (PINS) in the U.S., Bermuda, Mexico, and Panama
22 regional networks
Over 1 million students reached annually
12 Student Argonauts
4 Teacher Argonauts
6 host researchers
3 student hosts
3 guest researchers

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The Biology 30 Curriculum

Monday, September 15th, 2008

In Science students learn about the physical world, ecology and technology. Studying science also helps develop an understanding of the many applications of science in daily life. The major ideas developed in this course are change, diversity, equilibrium and systems. Biology 30 consists of four units of study that include Systems Regulation and Development, Reproduction and Development, Cells, Chromosomes and DNA, as well as Change in Populations and Communities.

The systems and regulations unit focuses on chemical and electrical systems that control body processes to maintain balance. This unit uses the human organism as a model for studying the equilibrium between an organism’s internal and external environment can be sustained by metabolic or behavioral means. These human systems maintain a level of balance through hormone production. Studying the relationship between the neural and endocrine systems helps student to understand the way in which the central and peripheral nervous systems work and how they are able to sense the environment and respond to it. They will learn that this ability is essential in maintaining equilibrium.

The reproductions and development systems unit focuses on the processes of reproduction and development. This unit studies the concept that species must reproduce themselves to ensure their survival. The processes associated with reproduction and development such as sexual and asexual reproduction are reviewed here. Humans will be used as an example. Students will learn that change can occur in the reproduction by different hormones, gamete production and the fusing of the zygote.

The cells, chromosomes and DNA unit focuses on the mechanisms for passing on genetic information and causing variation. In this unit, students examine the cell and molecular biology of mitosis and how it has limits on producing variety. They will also study meiosis; a way which organisms can have diversity in their offspring. The timing and location of meiosis is discussed. The studies of classical genetics are reviewed to show how phenotypes can change from generation to generation. DNA, RNA, and protein productions is reviewed.

The change in populations and communities looks at change as illustrated by the genetics of populations, equilibrium in populations, and at the community systems in which populations exist. This unit introduces students to genetic principles that are used to analyze population systems. As an example, students will study the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium chart. Population growth and growth strategies are talked about. Populations of different organisms exist in communities that change over time as a result of natural or artificial events.

These are the four basic topics that will be covered in Biology 30. The student will be expected to fully understand and beable to demontrate their understanding through a series of labs, tests and projects. A diploma exam will be completed at the end of the course.

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Preschool Curriculum That Allows Children to Play and Learn at the Same Time

Monday, September 15th, 2008

Muna wa Wanjiru

Learning is apart of our lives and this education helps us to achieve the various dreams and goals that we have set our sights on. This learning process begins from the time that we are babies. The solid foundations for social interaction and education start during the preschool days. At these places children follow a preschool curriculum that allows them to play and learn at the same time.

In the various preschools that can be found there are different activities for children. These activities are designed to stimulate the mental and creative abilities of children. It is at these places that your child will have the beginnings of their formative education.

The social interaction that takes place between teachers and children at this stage also helps the children to understand the role of their parents and of their teachers. From these two sets of adults the child learns of the social barriers that define right and wrong.

The preschool curriculum also sets out the various subject matters that your child will explore first. These subjects will be learning the alphabet and some basic maths. Additionally your child will be introduced to the science subjects by letting them see how the various objects in nature interact with each other.

To help your child develop their creative talents there are numerous crafts and musical instruments that they can use. The instruments are made of sturdy plastic and they are colored in bright colors like reds, yellows and blues that draw the attention of children. The artistic implements that your child will use are of the non-toxic variety and they have easy to open containers.

By learning to open these containers your child’s manual dexterity will become improved. The selections that are made with the artistic implements will develop their decision making abilities not to mention their artistic talents. These creative subjects are one of the fun aspects of any preschool curriculum.

To ensure that your child receives the highest possible education and that the standard is kept high, the various state educational boards will make sure that the preschool curriculum is based on accepted lines. These various guidelines are implemented to make sure that all preschoolers have the necessary foundations of their education started from the very beginning.

While many people never really think about it our school education really begins the first time that we go to preschool. Here we learn the very first lessons that will shape our dreams for the future. For this reason having access to a first rate education will definitely point us in the right direction. The preschool curriculum is the stepping stone for all of our children’s future education.

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Computer Science Courses Online

Monday, September 15th, 2008

Everyone wants to have the best career so that he or she can climb the ladder of success. But once you are working it becomes difficult to re-join college or school. But now without leaving your job, you can easily do various computer science courses online and that too in short span of time. This means no need to go to college and spend long hours listening to the lecture. All you have to do is find one of the best computer science courses online and get enrolled.

American Sentinel University is one of the biggest American universities offering best computer courses online. All you have to do is to fill the online admission form and start your computer science course online. In short education was never so easy. The American Sentinel University’s general education curriculum provides courses in a variety of disciplines that provide a strong foundation for a well-rounded education. But its computer science courses online that attracts majority people.

American Sentinel University’s computer science courses online have been designed in such a way that students can maximize their return on learning and can easily climb the ladder of success. Giving due respect to the working professionals American Sentinel University makes sure that its computer science courses online are commenced frequently. This means, it’s you who have to decide when to begin with the course.

Moreover, American Sentinel University makes sure that it provides world-class education to the students and organizations, at any point of need. In short its computer science courses are highly flexible and can be started at any point of time. If you are determined to take your existing studies to higher level then the wisest step is to enroll yourself to any of the American Sentinel’s computer science courses online. This university provides a firm platform for serious education and academic support and that too at a reasonable cost. What else anyone can ever wish for.

Furthermore, the American Sentinel University’s general education curriculum offers computer science courses online online and that too in a variety of disciplines providing a firm foundation for a well-rounded education. Being leaders in providing online IT degree programs, American Sentinel University also provides the professional certifications employers and industry seek. In short it also provides Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, and Project Manager Professional certifications online in a self-paced format.

Thus, what you are waiting for, if you want to increase your computer science knowledge then simply enroll yourself to various computer science courses online offered by American Sentinel University. For more information on computer science courses online, online computer science degrees and MS in computer science please visit www.americansentinel.edu.

San Diego Schools Prep Girls for Science Careers

Monday, September 15th, 2008

In an information age, there is a huge gap in the number of San Diego Schools’ girls who pursue careers in math and science. According to Jeanne Ferrante, associate dean of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Jacobs School of Engineering, this is part of a national trend that occurs when girls lose their interest in these subjects between 6th and 9th grade. USCD and the San Diego Schools are trying to bridge that gap.

UCSD has received a 3-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to fund an Environmental Education Initiative aimed at middle school girls in the San Diego Schools. The grant is part of the larger Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) award program that uses money from H1-B visas to create funding for national programs. H1-B visas are given to professionals from other countries to fill technical needs in the United States.

The UCSD program uses the strengths of girls and their interests to get San Diego Schools’ middle school students excited about using science. Here’s how it works. The program, the USCD Information Technology-Engineering and Environmental Education Tools project (IT-E3 Tools), recruits undergraduates to create solutions to real world problems in the San Diego area. The recruits then create ways for San Diego Schools to carry out those solutions.

STUDENTS MONITOR AIR QUALITY TO DETERMINE FIRE RISK

Teachers know that a surefire way to reach San Diego Schools’ students is to connect learning to their own lives. Since these girls are old enough to remember the devastating fires in 2003, one program involves monitoring the air quality of San Diego Schools. Using devices designed by UCSD undergrads, San Diego Schools will teach girls to collect and interpret data like wind speed and makeup of air particles to help determine risk during fire season. San Diego Schools’ participants will also measure solar radiation, and learn about the risks and benefits of the sun’s power. Teachers in San Diego Schools will receive both summer workshops and on-going professional development in the 2007-2008 school year.

TEAMWORK AND TECHNOLOGY

Another way the IT-E3 Tools will benefits girls in San Diego Schools is by developing an on-line gaming community that supports the earth science curriculum standards. Diane Baxter, education director of the San Diego Supercomputer Center (a partner in the program), says that girls prefers to work as part of a team, so many of the solutions to challenges presented in the game will require the San Diego Schools’ girls to work together. It has also been well documented that girls do better with mentors, so another component provides opportunities for girls to ask questions of scientists, and to later become mentors them selves. The game is expected to be available to San Diego Schools by spring of 2008. San Diego Schools will also benefit from a variety of summer science camps and long-range assessments funded by UCSD.