The Elements of Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity

The Elements of Chemistry and Chemical ReactivityChemistry and Chemical Reactivity is very important skills for anyone who has to work with chemicals. Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity has to be taught to people in a modern society, as we use chemicals on a daily basis in our everyday lives. Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity is a fascinating subject, but also very difficult to master, as the practical applications can be quite complicated.Chemicals in general are incredibly complex substances and some of the most complex things in the world are made of chemical elements. Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity is the study of the properties of these compounds. There are many different types of chemistry reactivity, so it's essential that you have a good grasp of all of the types of chemistry you will need to do this and other work.There are four categories of chemistry - Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Nanotechnology and the Physical Chemistry of the Earth. Some work on organic che mistry includes the examination of components within living things, however, such components are not generally considered to be inorganic. Generally, it's a good idea to examine all of your work in both inorganic and organic chemistry.Inorganic Chemistry, which often includes Mineralogy, is the study of the properties of elements, minerals and rocks. Inorganic Chemistry is the study of physical chemistry and is also known as the Physical Geology of the Earth. You will generally need to have the knowledge of more than one study before you have the knowledge of all four of the categories of Chemistry.In order to get a certificate in Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity, you will need to obtain an approved course in Applied Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry or Environmental Science. It's worth noting that the materials used in the certificate are the same as what you would obtain in a modern university. There are also a variety of laboratories, lab kits and other supplies available for c ourses like Applied and Environmental Chemistry.There are various elements of coursework for the practical application of Chemical Reactivity. The teaching tools are similar to other courses in the subject, but there are a few differences, particularly in the lab courses. You will generally need to know a bit of Molecular Biology and an understanding of the structure of different compounds.It can be challenging at first, but if you're dedicated to the work and you apply yourself, you will begin to enjoy the work and it will help you develop a good working knowledge of the subject. Chemicals react are used all the time in our everyday lives, and it's important that we have a good grasp of the different methods to learn about this. The study of Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity will help you get a better job and a more fulfilling career.

The First Animal To Survive In Space Part 1

The First Animal To Survive In Space Part 1 What animal can be found on the  highest mountains to the deepest oceans, from the hot and humid tropical rainforests to the freezing Antarctic? It is the tardigrade of course! The tardigrade is  one of the worlds strangest and toughest animals, and it is found everywhere on Earth. Have you heard of it before? If not, todays class will teach you everything you need to know about this weird little creature. Take a  look at this informative video about the water bear. No need to watch it all. For todays class, please watch up to 3:00 minutes, and well continue next time!English Listening Video:I hope you thought that video was cool. Below are some sentences from the video with missing words. Feel free to listen to the video again and fill in the correct words. Write your answers in the comment section to see if you are correct.English listening Gap Fill:I consider myself a _______________. Ive been called a ______________ in a classical sense.Basically, it is a little ____________-like creature, looks like a caterpillar with eight legs and it has _________ that look like bear ____________, thats why it is called a ________________.They have a ____________, they have a _____________ tract, they have ____________, they have a __________ system, so they are similar to us in that way.Their ability to withstand. as far as heat they can survive ___________ degrees Celsius, which is 240 Fahrenheit, 200 or 300 degrees below zero, vacuum of __________, a ____________ atmospheres of pressure, _________, ultraviolet radiation..Now if you are looking for tardigrades and you want to find a good habitat, trees like this, which have deep furrows in the ________ are best.English listening Vocabulary Builder:Now that you have completed the sentences, below are some keywords from the video. Most of them are science related, so if you are an aspiring scientist, these will be particularly useful for you. Can you match the vocabulary to the correct definition?Now we can practice our new vocabulary. Look at the sentences below. Can you place the correct word into the space to complete the sentence?The ___________  of penguins  is usually in colder areas, such as Antarctica.________________s are tiny creatures that live all over the planet.Astronauts must wear spacesuits when in the ____________ of space, otherwise the will die due to lack of oxygen.He is a very _____________ man. He never takes any credit for making his company so successful.Even a _____________ hole in a submarine would be disastrous!Im not sure if I know the answer to your question. I am a physicist not a ________________ !It is believed that humans _______________ from primates.We hope that you enjoyed the first part of our tardigrade class! We love reading your responses in the comments section. Next week, we will follow up with part 2. In the meantime,  sign up for a trial class with a native English speaker!

Preparing for the ICAO English Exam Questions

Preparing for the ICAO English Exam Questions When you are preparing for your ICAO English Proficiency Test for Aviation don’t get so caught up in the theory that would forget to prepare some topics about your own experiences in becoming a pilot. Your reasons for choosing this career, your family’s reaction to the decision etc. are common questions in the introductory part of the test.Take a live, 1 on 1 English class via Skype to prepare for the ICAO examLet’s look at some questions from past papers on these topics now and prepare some possible answers. How did your family react when you informed them you wanted to be a pilot?My family was delighted about the decision because I would have the opportunity to travel and have a well-respected career.My brothers were supportive because they too are pilots.My family’s reaction was ambivalent. They were pleased I had found something I was passionate about but expressed fears about the dangers of the profession.OrMy family reacted negatively to the decision. They had hoped I w ould choose an office-based profession.My mother particularly was a little concerned that I would have an accident.My wife/husband wasn’t at all  happy because of all the travelling involved in being a pilot.How did you feel when you earned your commercial pilot license?I felt overjoyed that I had fulfilled my dream.I was elated because I had finished my training.I was excited because it meant I could finally start looking for a full time job.OrI felt apprehensive about the responsibility of being a full time pilot.I was a little sad to be leaving behind the instructors and friends from the academy.I was worried that I might not get a job immediately.When you look at images like the one below, what emotions do they provoke in you?What  do you think is the best thing about being  a pilot?Did you find this blog helpful? Feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter.

Get down to Glasgow Science Centre

Get down to Glasgow Science Centre Are you north of the border with a bored brood on your hand? Well, we have a super science idea that's sure to entertain your troops. This week we focus on one of Scotland's most vibrant educational places - the impressive Glasgow Science Museum located, unsurprisingly, in Glasgow. A good mix of learning, fun and interactivity makes this a must-visit for Scottish families. Most of the activities in the museum are linked to the Curriculum for Excellence, which means that what your kids enjoy during their trip will reinforce what they've learned at school this year - or, better still, it will prepare them for what they're going to learn next year. There's a full programme of activities throughout the year including live science shows - which are guaranteed to go with a bang! There are also interactive workshops on hand so that the kids can do their own experiments and experience science first-hand. Very little ones are catered for as well with early years activities. Do check ahead of your visit to see what's on when you're planning to go. There is even an IMAX on site with a screen bigger than a five a side football pitch! A range of Hollywood blockbusters, including animated favourites like Under the Sea, are brought to you in amazing and massive 3D. You can even book your child's party at the museum, which is a great idea for a any summer birthdays. Find out more at www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

7 great ideas for outdoor learning

7 great ideas for outdoor learning All children can benefit greatly from spending time in the natural environment. Any learning that is done outdoors will support the development of healthy and active lifestyles whilst offering children the opportunity to express themselves freely and improve their physical state. Outdoor learning offers children the chance to have hands-on contact with the natural world whilst also having direct contact with the different kinds of weather. Learning outside will nurture a child's creativity and develop their imaginations as well as enhancing their personal and social skills, enhancing their mental and physical health and increasing their overall awareness. Here at First Tutors, we have come up with 7 great ideas for outdoor learning to inspire both you and your child and enjoy some quality time together: 1. Visit a zoo As a parent one of my favourite things is our family days out to a zoo with my children. Watching the amazement in their eyes as they encounter different animals and point things out is truly inspiring. There are countless benefits of taking children to a zoo aside from the obvious family bonding time. Children will enhance their language development by learning new words and concepts as well as become aware of the environment and environmental issues. They will also benefit from the physical exercise as zoos normally need a few good hours of walking about. Many zoos also offer hands-on experiences such as feeding a particular animal and there are also usually educational talks which will boost your child's curiosity and increase their knowledge. 2. Explore nature in the forest or garden Exploring nature is a fun and educational way to spend some time with your child. Whether it be in your back garden, a local park or in a nearby forest children can spend the time searching for different kinds of plants and shrubs or examining the different kinds of bugs they find along the way. Setting challenges such as how many different kinds of bugs they can find and talking about them, or how many butterflies they can catch in a net (making sure of course they are careful and always let the butterfly fly free). You can then get them to look up some interesting facts about the things they saw when they get home or make a dried flower book as a fun learning activity. 3. Chalk or sand art We all know the huge benefits children can reap from creating their own art. Aside from relieving stress it encourages creative thinking, boosts self-esteem and provides them with a sense of self-achievement. Simply taking some chalk and encouraging your child to draw on different surfaces outdoors or taking different instruments to the beach and watching them design different pictures in the sand are great ways of encouraging you child to express themselves through art. Taking photographs of their finished masterpieces and keeping a scrapbook is a great idea and will also keep your child stimulated, building their confidence as their skills improve. 4. Magnifying the natural world Allowing children to see the world through a magnifying glass can change the way they see things. Magnifying glasses are available for all ages and there are plenty of things to look at in a garden, on a beach or in a park. Whether it be examining the lines or fine hairs on leaves, the intricate flower parts or the detail of a bugs body, your child will have plenty to talk about, increasing their imagination and vocabulary. You could also have them try to catch different insects and place them in a container so that they can examine them more closely. There are many different kinds of bugs and insects in any garden and I'm sure your child will have plenty of fun both trying to find and catch them and then examine them. 5. Gardening Children can learn a great deal from growing things. Gardening is a fun, healthy activity for children that will see them develop new skills whilst learning about nature and science. Gardening has a large variety of different tasks that children can take on, from planting seeds to watering and weeding. Encourage your child to choose something they would like to plant and to make sure they keep track of it's progress and look after it. Keeping a diary of the progress their plant makes on a daily or weekly basis will see your child grow alongside their plant, developing their skills and enhancing their knowledge. They will learn to be responsible for the caring of their plants whilst learning to understand about cause and effect. 6. Den building Building a den with your child is a fantastic way for encouraging their imagination and creating their own space. Den building is a challenging and fun way of building children's physical and mental skills. A child's den is great for sharing with their friends or siblings and enhances their imaginations as they act out stories or fairy tales. Building a den in your garden using as many natural resources such as twigs, branches and rocks also enhances your child's interaction and understanding of the natural world. 7. Weather walks In the UK we are lucky enough to experience all of the different seasons at various times of the year. Whether it be rain, snow, sleet, sunshine, wind or just plain old cloudiness, the English weather is definitely unpredictable. A great idea for outdoor learning with your child is to explore the different weather and seasons. On a rainy day, put your wellies on and a mac and go for a walk in the forest, on the beach or through the high-street. Then on a sunny, windy or cloudy day do the same and ask your child to note differences they find in the different places you have visited. Visit windmills or look for the different bugs that come out on the different days. Encourage your child to take photographs and keep a diary of all the things they notice when out on the walks. Weather walking will encourage your child to collect evidence by making observations and improve their investigative skills. They will also learn to communicate their findings and build their confidence. To conclude Outdoor learning has a world of benefits including decreasing stress levels, increasing motivation and creativity, developing knowledge, long-term memory building, building social and communication skills and of course family bonding. With so many different activities for children to experience outdoors try to incorporate some learning at every available opportunity.

How to Enhance your Childs Memory - ALOHA Mind Math

How to Enhance your Childs Memory Have you ever met someone who has a photographic memory? They may have similarities to Dustin Hoffman’s character Raymond Babbit in the movie “Rain Man”, who remembers every detail in his life and remembers statistics. Much of school is progressing upon previously learned concepts, skills, and memorization. In elementary school they learn the alphabet, counting, numerals, handwriting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, just to start. Perhaps as adults we do not appreciate our memory until we cannot remember something. Imagine your children remembering concepts and techniques with ease. In junior high school they are able to express themselves and perform well on tests, including essay tests. The key is expanding upon that knowledge and drawing upon it without thinking. These are some of our objectives at ALOHA. “I think some parents try to get their kids to memorize their work by repetitively doing the same work. We are not sure how much it helps memory in general, but at least they have the problems and answers memorized,” said Shweta of ALOHA Mind Math in Mason, Ohio. What can parents do? Parents can improve their childs memory by playing games, like the Memory card games, Concentration, Pass the Secret, or Solitaire. “There are many games we play in class during break time, where we show kids some random pictures and hide them, or arrange in a particular order. Later we take another break and we ask the kids either the order of those pictures or ask them to find the pictures. We ask our parents to do that same game at home,” stated Shweta. Between fourth and sixth grade the amount of new knowledge and homework requirements compound each year, equally increasing expectations on a child’s learning. Reading researcher Michael Pressley suggests that after your child reads a textbook chapter to think about, search, and then write down the main idea. The next step is to write the corresponding facts or ideas. If there is a time span, or many details, it can be helpful to create a timetable, or diagrams charting the supporting subordinate ideas or Remembering lists can be a challenge. One memory technique is to create an acronym. To memorize the colors of the rainbow we were taught ROYGBIV, which stands for R = red, O = orange, Y = yellow, G =green, B = blue, I = Indigo, V = violet. At ALOHA we strengthen the mind and memory. The brain is divided into a left hemisphere and a right hemisphere, performing different activities on each side. Our method and curriculum improves overall brain development. We enhance their ability to visualize, focus, calculate without a calculator, increase their analytical skills and thought processes, resulting in advanced overall academic performance, translating to better grades, happier child, and family. How do you challenge your child’s memory? To locate the nearest ALOHA Mind Math center near you visit www.alohamindmath.com/locations.

The biggest mistakes schools make when hiring teachers internationally

The biggest mistakes schools make when hiring teachers internationally If you’re in charge of hiring for an international school, you know that the process of hiring teachers from overseas isn’t always necessarily a smooth one. Finding that perfect teaching candidate with the right mix of skills, qualifications and experience is critical to maximizing student achievement, growing enrolment and, ultimately, allowing your school to continue to thrive in the competitive landscape of international education. This means doing all you can throughout the hiring process to ensure teachers are being hired for the right reasons. Perhaps you frequently feel pressure to hire quickly - even though you feel like you haven't found the right person quite yet. As we all know from past experience, rushed decisions can often lead to bad hires and, consequently, poorer employee retention. So, whether you’re hiring for a single school or group, you should avoid the following common mistakes: Writing a vague job description It’s worth taking the time to write your job descriptions - the age of dry, generic descriptions is well and truly over. Candidates expect more from a job posting and will lose interest if it’s not well crafted enough to appeal to your ideal candidate. Weak job descriptions have been proven to result in poorer candidate pools and could very well put great candidates off working at your school. Instead, use a clear, concise title that’s optimized to be found online. Keep the job summary as short as possible and don’t forget to include critical information like salary, benefits and growth opportunities that are available to teachers at your school - this is important to international teaching candidates. A job description that brings engaged and informed applicants to you should also highlight your school’s culture, mission and values. Being too rigid in your requirements A lot of hiring schools are set on candidates having a specific set of skills and experience and turn a blind eye to any applications that fall outside the lines of their predetermined list of qualifications. Narrowing the pool of candidates to rigidly-specific qualifications, educational backgrounds, skills and experience levels, however, could mean letting a highly-effective teaching candidate slip through your fingers. Someone who’s qualified on paper might seem to have all the right attributes for the job could, for example, end up being a bad fit for your school’s culture. Consider extending an interview to someone different than you were initially envisioning. Hire for potential, not years of experience. Not casting a wide enough net It’s important to expand your recruiting efforts to reach the biggest pool of applicants. In today’s mobile-first job market, you need to be creative when it comes to expanding your search for the best international teaching talent. Posting your vacancies to your school website just isn’t going to cut it, anymore. An online job board that caters specifically to international education professionals, instead, is a great way to get your jobs seen by active, qualified job seekers. Many international education recruitment companies also have a strong social media presence that can also promote your job posting to their teacher followers, to ensure the widest audience possible can view and apply to your opening. Having an unreasonably drawn-out hiring process With demand for quality teaching candidates at an all-time high internationally, you can safely assume the candidates you’re interested in are also interviewing for other schools elsewhere. They’re not likely to stick around for weeks on end waiting for an offer. Even mapping out the process is exhausting - there’s resume screening, phone calls, interviews, background checks - a whole long list of things that need to happen before you even make that offer. This can have a huge impact on your talent pipeline. Consider using an applicant tracking system that can help cut down on some of the manual processes and paperwork traditionally involved in hiring. Candidate experience counts for everything these days, so make sure your shortlisted candidates know where they stand at all times throughout each milestone in the hiring process. Act quickly, where at all possible - great teaching candidates are not going to wait around for you. A protracted hiring process is a surefire way to lose great candidates. Coming up short on a backup plan You’ve spent a lot of precious time and effort to find the perfect candidate and the unthinkable happens. They either decline the offer or drop out just before their start date. This is why need to build your talent pipeline - it’s well worth having two (or more) candidates that are equally capable of doing the job during the offer phase. Which leads me to the final hiring mistake many international schools make... Not having a solid onboarding process Once you’ve spent the time, effort, and money to find top talent and your new hire is finally set up with a start date, you might think the hiring process has ended. This is not the case. To maximize candidate retention, it’s important to create a bond as early as possible with your new hire in order to bring them into the school effectively and set them up for long-term success. As the saying goes, there’s never a second chance to make a first impression. You need to set the right tone for their career at your school. Before your new teacher even sets foot in your school, you need to have the right onboarding and orientation process in place to help them learn more about the school, their compensation package and specifics about the job to get them comfortable in their new role. In short - make them feel that they made the right decision by joining your school! Not following background check best practices Don’t forget to conduct a thorough criminal background check on all of your new teacher hires, to help ensure a secure learning environment for your students and safeguard your school from future liability issues. Ensure background checks are up to date, are at the national level and that you have a police check from every country your candidate lived in prior to joining your school, where at all possible. By paying attention to these hiring risks, you can keep candidates engaged, spend less time sourcing new candidates and protect yourself against losing high-quality candidates through the process. This article originally appeared in ConneXions, the bi-annual newsletter of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA).