Concentrate On Lsat Reading Passages

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The LSAT tests your ability to understand and analyze difficult reading passages.

The reading comprehension section is usually one of the most challenging sections on any standardized test, including the LSAT. Candidates need to read critically and actively to do well in this section. These lengthy passages are related to situations or cases that you will encounter in law school. Time is extremely limited -- you only have 35 minutes to finish all four reading sets. Thus, you need to focus and make good use of every second to understand the passage and answer the questions correctly.

Instructions

1. Think as you read and do not scan through the passages. Focus on the information that is given to you because each of the four reading sets consists of complex concepts from which you will need to make inferences. While most of the passages on the LSAT are persuasive writings, you do not need to agree or disagree with the argument. Some topics may be more complicated and dry than others. Read, pause and think. Re-read a paragraph if you are unclear of its main idea.

2. Ask yourself questions as you read. For instance, what is the tone of the passage? What is the main argument? Asking yourself questions will help you focus your thoughts and get a better understanding of the material you are reading.

3. Create a reading road map, especially if you are a visual learner. As you read the passage, write down the topic, main idea, relationships among people or things, causes and effects and any other information you think is relevant. Write down key details and try to relate them to the next paragraph.

4. Anticipate what the author will discuss next or what questions you may be asked about the passage. This keeps you awake and focused as you read through the passage.

5. Take a deep breath. Being nervous during the reading section will make your brain tire more quickly. When you find yourself breathing very hard, pause and take a deep breath. Re-focus on the reading passage.

6. Keep track of the time. If you find your mind wandering through difficult passages or find yourself spending too long a particular passage, move on to the next one and come back to the difficult piece. Finish the easier passages first or the ones you have some knowledge about, then come back to the difficult one.

7. Go through the questions during the last few minutes of the section and make educated guesses on the questions you have not answered. Make sure to answer all questions.

Tags: answer questions, back difficult, come back, come back difficult, deep breath, find yourself

Have Productive Teacher Student Conferences

If you teach adolescents or adults, you have likely engaged in teacher student conferences particularly if you teach writing. Require students to prepare for conferences with you to make them successful. Here are some ideas for having productive teacher student conferences.

Instructions

1. Tell students ahead of time what you will expect of them at conference. Give them questions to answer before the conference. Explain in class when conferences will be held, sign up, what to do to prepare for them, reschedule if necessary and remind them that conferences are required.

2. Let the student take the lead at the conference. The student should leave the conference feeling that her ideas were heard. If you do most of the talking, you won't hear her ideas.

3. Use the time at the conference to understand what points the student is trying to make in her assignment. Unclear writing does not mean bad ideas. Students often need help conveying their ideas clearly.

4. Keep in mind, however, the main two or three points you want the student to leave the conference with and be sure to convey those during the conference.

5. Individualize the conference. Although much of what you say to each student will be similar, keep the focus appropriate for where the student is with the assignment.

6. Be realistic in how much you can cover during the conference. Keep in mind your time constraints during a conference.

7. Plan ahead to make the most of your conference time with students. If you do, your students and you will get more out of them.

Tags: during conference, Keep mind, leave conference, student conferences, teacher student conferences

Fill Out A Government Grant Application

Filling out goverment grant applications.

Finding and applying for government grants can be time consuming. If you take time to apply for a grant you want to make sure you fill out your grant application correctly in order to be considered for grant money.

Instructions

1. First understand that if you are seeking a large amount of grant money or are seeking government grants for a non profit business you will also need to prepare a proposal and other documents as requested. If you are a individual seeking grant funds for personal use you may only have to fill out a application.

2. After you have found the government grant that you are qualified for print out the grant application from the computer if possible. If you the application is not internet based, make a copy of the form to create your draft on it.

3. Read over the directions and all the questions carefully on the government grant information. Check out the deadline for the grant application. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the application. Remember there is no penalty for turning in the application early. There is a penalty to turn it in late.

4. Government grants have high competition, the application must be filled out completely and correctly to receive any consideration. On the first copy of the grant application, you do not have to fill out everything. Just fill in the information that you had to search for. If you are having problems finding needed information, do not skip it you must find it. Depending on what your grant is for, is where you would go to help. A good place to start is with your local librarian. Local colleges and government assistant programs are also great in providing assistance in finding needed information for a grant.

5. After you have found all the information for your grant application, fill out your grant application that you will turn in. Make sure each question in complete. It is best to have someone else view the grant application to spot errors and places for improvement before you turn it in.

6. Time to turn in your grant application. It is best to have the government application completed and turned in a week or two before the deadline. Private grants will need to be filled out and turned in as soon as possible because private grants are sometimes fill as a first come, first qualify basis. Most grant applications can be sent via internet, but you should be able to find specific information on the grant's instructions.

7. If the grant application is sent by mail, make sure you do not fold the it and put plenty of postage on the envelope. If sent via internet by email make sure you keep your email account up to date and check for email confirmation. If you have not received a conformation within 48 hours of sending the grant application email the given email account to acquire that they received the email only. Do not check on the grant at this time. There will be no confirmation if application is sent through regular mail.

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Apply For Canadian Nursing Colleges

A nursing degree offers a variety of opportunities.

A nursing career opens many opportunities in the medical field. In addition to conventional patient care, nurses also have the opportunity to work in fields such as teaching, research, rehabilitation, poison control and hospices. Although a nursing diploma is the basic qualification, completing a bachelor's degree will open up more avenues.

Instructions

1. Decide if you want to obtain a degree or diploma in nursing. Diploma programs in Canada take three years to complete and degree courses generally take four years. Although you can finish a diploma course faster, a degree course may be more beneficial. Many Canadian provinces require a baccalaureate in nursing to gain entry into a nursing career.

2. Browse the website of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. Follow the links to individual nursing schools and check the courses. Read about the eligibility criteria and determine if you qualify for application. Although requirements can vary from one school to another, most require high school graduation with a study of senior English or French, along with math, physics, chemistry and biology.

3. Check the website of the nurses association of the province in which you are looking for a nursing school. Get the contact details of the person in charge and visit the association office to get more information.

4. Compare tuition fees from potential choices. Check availability of scholarships and other funding to help you meet the course expenses. Decide if you want to attend a small or large school. Smaller schools often mean more individual attention with hands-on training, while larger schools may be equipped with more advanced technology and provide job placement. Pay attention to the availability of trained faculty, since many nursing programs in Canada are said to experience a shortage of faculty.

5. Download the application form if it is available from the institution's website. Note dates for submitting your application and other supporting documents you will need to provide. Communicate with the nursing school to clarify any details that are not available on the website.

Tags: Decide want, nursing career, nursing school, programs Canada

Survive A Doctoral Dissertation

The dissertation is a watershed for the career academic. Requiring months, if not years, of intensive research and writing, the dissertation is both the final test and the crowning achievement of a doctoral degree. Such a major personal and professional investment is a challenge. Organize, communicate and focus to survive a doctoral dissertation and earn your degree.

Instructions

1. Educate yourself about your department's specific guidelines and requirements. Most doctoral programs have an established formal dissertation process. Determine proposal requirements, time frames, paperwork and rules, committee membership and other considerations.

2. Review examples of quality dissertations in your field. Ask your dissertation adviser for recommendations. Investigate your resources and options before making a final decision on a topic and approach. For example, if may not be feasible to have to travel to conduct your research if you lack have grants or other sources of funding.

3. Make a plan, set a budget and create a timeline. Include cushions to guard against the unexpected. For example, research may require additional research time or money, you might need to rewrite a chapter, or a personal or health issue could take time to resolve.

4. Start early. Almost every doctoral candidate benefits from maximum lead time. Talk to your adviser and dissertation committee early and often. Ask for meetings when you hit roadblocks, preferably before you lose too much time and momentum. Resist the temptation to procrastinate. Dissertations nearly always take more time than you expect, so discipline and checkpoints are important to survive and succeed.

5. Organize your project. Establish and follow a system that lets you easily research, compile notes, write, revise, attend meetings and perform other dissertation-related activities. Depending on your personal preferences and technical savvy, you may want to use a few different tools. Calendars, spreadsheets, soft and hard copy files, databases and personal organizers are all helpful.

6. Maintain a sharp focus on your topic while researching and writing. Your dissertation should answer a question or solve a problem. While you should definitely expect your research to lead you in new directions and often to unexpected conclusions, be sure that you stay on course.

7. Silence your internal critic. A major challenge in writing and defending a dissertation is overcoming one's self-doubt, fear and other negative emotions. An extended high-stakes project like a dissertation is a marathon, not a sprint. The dissertation takes time, energy, commitment and discipline, all of which can take a mental and emotional toll over time. Counter defeatist thoughts like "This will never be done" with positive thoughts like "I am halfway there."

8. Prepare for the defense. Organize your notes and mark up a hard copy for yourself. Rehearse with a coach, trusted peers or both. It is often helpful to adapt your written dissertation into a presentation, which can help you better present your ideas and answer questions. Get a good night's sleep the night before major meetings and especially the night before your dissertation defense.

9. Take care of yourself. Sleep, eat right, exercise and take breaks. Remember that exhaustion and illness compromise your productivity and harm the quality of your work. Keeping the dissertation in perspective can help you survive the stress. While the dissertation is unquestionably a major milestone, it is only one of many past and future achievements in your academic career.

Tags: hard copy, night before, Organize your, thoughts like, your research

Become A Java Programmer

Java is a popular programming language that James Gosling of Sun developed. Due to the increased availability of the Internet, you can learn to be a Java programmer a number of ways, many from the comfort of your own home. Read on to learn become a Java programmer.

Instructions

1. Install a Java programming software. The Java Development Kit is an excellent set of programming tools for writing, debugging and running Java for beginners. Java Development Kit is available to download from the Sun website for free.

2. Go through Sun's free Java tutorial on their website. These tutorials range from very basic to specialized trials and lessons.

3. Find a good Java programming book to read. "Sam's Teach Yourself Java 2 in 24 Hours, Third Edition" by Rogers Cadenhead is a good choice for those with no programming background. Follow the steps in this book to gain confidence to write your own Java programs.

4. Take a Java class. Classes are available online for your convenience, or contact your local university or technical school for available classes. A computer science degree is helpful but not necessary for understanding the programming concept. Also, many employers require specific educational qualifications for Java programming positions.

5. Practice writing code. Program every spare moment you have, just for fun. After you have learned the basics, start writing your own programs. Study code from other programmers and ask them questions about their coding strategy.

Tags: Java programming, Java Development, Java programmer

California Colleges With Phd Programs

California colleges and universities hold an array of PhD programs. There are two public university systems and many private universities. The majority of PhD students go through the University of California system or studies at a private university found through the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. California State University system offers doctoral programs that are most often joined with University of California schools or a private institution. It is important to focus on a particular field for a PhD to help narrow down the many choices available from California colleges and universities.

University of California

The University of California (UC) has nine campuses throughout the state with graduate programs, including Los Angeles, Davis, Irvine, Santa Barbara, Merced, Riverside, San Francisco, San Diego, Santa Cruz and Berkeley. UC Berkeley, for example, offers more than one hundred graduate programs, the majority includes PhD studies. Doctoral programs are available in the Sciences, Literature, History and Music. Specific programs include Anthropology, Applied Mathematics, Biophysics, Chemistry, Endocrinology, Performance Arts and many others. According to a placement survey conducted by Berkeley, nearly 90 percent of Berkeley doctoral students between 1995 and 2003 found specialized employment, either in academia or private industry. UCLA also offers a diverse selection of PhD programs such as Aerospace Engineering, Art History, Sociology, and Political Science, along with many others. Each University of California campus offers PhD programs in many fields.

California State University

The California State University (CSU) system offers PhD programs throughout the state that are part of a Joint Doctoral Program (JDP) with the University of California system. For example, San Diego State University offers a JDP in chemistry with UC San Diego. The doctorate in clinical psychology at San Diego State University is also part of the JDP program, joined with UC San Diego. California State University does offer a doctoral program in Education at seven of its campuses, including Sacramento, San Francisco, Long Beach, and Fresno. CSU also offers a Pre-Doctoral program that prepares students for applying to one of UC or a private university program. Students work with a CSU mentor and are given opportunities to travel to conferences in their chosen field or participate in research internships.

Independent Colleges and Universities

The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities has over 70 member institutions, all of which have their own concentrations of study. Not all offer PhD programs. Universities that do offer doctorates include the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Caltech offers PhD studies where a student chooses his subject area from all available programs, including Chemistry, Engineering, Biology, and Humanities and Social Sciences. Drexel University center for Graduate Studies offers only a doctoral program in Educational Leadership. Stanford University offers PhD programs in Medicine, Law, Education, Engineering and Humanities and Sciences.

Tags: University California, State University, California State, California State University, offers programs, also offers

Plan College Reunion Games

The old college reunion is rolling around and you are in charge of the games. It seemed like an easy thing to sign up for at the time, but now you're suddenly racking your brain trying to find things that won't seem lame! Take a deep breath and relax, because here are some time tested tips that will help your part of the reunion run smoothly! Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Be age appropriate. While it's great to relive the good old days where your worries were as little as the money you had in your pocket, there's a reason that time has passed. You're older now, act like it. Obviously you know how long it has been since you were in school, so begin to think about things that are age appropriate for your class.

2. Make the games reasonably simple, not insanely intricate. The reunion games should not be focused on beer bongs, ice luges, or suck and blow. The point of a college reunion is to catch up with the people you haven't seen in a number of years. You shouldn't be playing chess matches against each other. The games should be social, fun, interactive, and not require a lot of props or particulars in order to play.

3. Coordinate a schedule. There's nothing worse than having too much or too little to do when it comes to the way of games at a reunion. If your class was small, say 200 people, then one game will probably suffice for the evening. However, if your class had 5000 people, then you have a much bigger job and need to have games running continuously throughout the night. In that scenario, announce the games are happening and let classmates come to you when they are ready to play. Almost as if you were at a state fair and people mosey about and choose what they are doing and when.

4. Provide prizes! Nothing gets people motivated like giving away free stuff! Solicit local businesses or use extra money from ticket sales to go out and buy some really cool prizes. The level of participation will be much higher.

5. Select games. Again make sure they are age appropriate for your group. One idea is a scavenger hunt. Create a list of 30 things people must find around campus. Break them into teams and give them one hour. They must take a picture of the item for proof. After the hour, the team with the most things wins a prize. Another game is the baby picture game. When the invitations go out, have people send in a baby picture of themselves. Then create a match game where people must guess who is who. The person or team who guesses the most wins! Another idea is a trivia game in the style of Jeopardy. It can be held as a tournament. Write questions and answers about the school's history and events that occurred while you attended! And of course for the hipper crowd that likes to get a little rowdy, there are always games like Twister, and "Strip Twister." Congratulations, you should now have a good idea on plan college reunion games!

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Business Lawyer Job Description

Business lawyers must be able to work well with others.

A business lawyer gives legal advice, reviews business documents, files briefs and other legal documents and negotiates business agreements, such as contracts. They assist business in understanding business laws in relation to licensing, security, taxes, bankruptcy, labor and other things. Business lawyers represent their clients in criminal and civil courts. Business attorneys guide company executives on legal proceedings on an assortment of things.

Skills

The skills required to become a business lawyer include strong negotiation skills, advising skills, reading comprehension skills, writing skills, decision-making skills, judgment skills, critical thinking skills, active listening skills, oral comprehension skills, problem sensitivity skills, and oral expression skills. A business lawyer should be able to communicate effectively with clients, co-workers, judges and members of the jury.

Duties

Business lawyers must interpret laws, rulings and regulations, examine legal data to determine advisability, negotiate settlements of civil disputes, conduct legal hearings, decide causes of legal action, use knowledge of legal procedural rules, use public speaking techniques, follow copyright laws, apply court rules or strategy, search legal records, review civil rights laws, use knowledge of the judicial system and follow confidentiality procedures. They must also use their knowledge of relevant laws, use the library or the Internet for research, use conflict resolution techniques and explain government laws or regulations.

Requirements

The requirements that must be met before you can become a business attorney include attending and successfully completing four years of college in addition to three years of law school. After education requirements are met, you must pass a written bar examination. These exams vary from state to state. Sometimes you are also required to pass a separate written ethics exam.

Knowledge

A business lawyer should be familiar with business transactions and corporate issues, contract administration, including compliance instrument drafting, contract negotiation, strategy development, and analytical processes. They must also have general knowledge of lender liability, trading practices, eCommerce, and fraud. They should have knowledge of contract breach and statutory violations. Business attorneys must have knowledge of employment law, criminal law, cyber law and contract law.

Work Environment

Business attorneys work out of their own offices, courtrooms, and law libraries. They may have to travel for meetings or to gather evidence. Business attorneys work very structured schedules, just as other lawyers do. Some work more than 50 hours per week. Some business attorneys work irregular hours when conducting research, preparing briefs or meeting with clients.

Additional Info

The average salary for a business lawyer is $80,487 per year as of 2010, according to CB Salary.com.

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Choose An Online University

Not all online universities are the same. Finding the right one for you will take time and lots of research, but the choice you end up making will further your career and make you happy that you decided to continue your education.

Instructions

1. Determine the type of degree you plan to pursue. Some online universities offer associates' degrees (2-year programs), while others confer bachelors' designations (4-year programs). Most offer degrees of several different types, so look for a school that features your program of choice. So many universities have online programs that it will take some time to explore them all and find out what is available. For a list of all online universities, visit eLearners.com.

2. Online universities can be just as expensive as traditional schools. Understanding how much you can afford to pay for tuition will help you narrow down your choices. For each university you consider, check out the tuition page, where you can learn how much the school charges per credit hour and per course. If you will not be able to cover expenses out of pocket, apply for federal financial aid. You will need a copy of your income tax return from the previous year. Additional information and the application can be found at fafsa.ed.gov.

3. Consider how much time you will need to devote to your courses. Some online universities only allow students to take one class at a time. If you choose one of these schools, your classes will only last a few weeks each. Other online schools allow you to take more than one class per session, with terms lasting as long as 10 to 18 weeks. Depending on the type of job you have and your other obligations, a school that only allows one class per session may be a better choice for you.

4. Request additional information. Most online universities provide a questionnaire that a prospective student can submit to be contacted by a representative, who will have more information about the university. You will generally find this request located on the university homepage.

5. Make sure the school is accredited by a national or regional organization. Information on accreditation can be found at online-education.net.

6. Research the university through student reviews. Many websites provide such reviews to enumerate the pros and cons of online universities like the one(s) you may be considering. Universityreviewsonline is one such source; in addition, check out social-networking sites like MySpace to find groups of students who attend these schools. You can learn a lot of useful information by asking current students.

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Business Accounting Degrees

Study for a degree in business accounting.

Whether they're tracking a company's income and revenue sheets, preparing taxes for family members or keeping track of household budgets, accountants work hard at wrestling numbers, spreadsheets and balance sheets. The United States is home to approximately 100,000 accounting firms taking in around $115 billion each year, according to the First Research industry profiling group. Becoming an accountant takes specialized education and training, available at colleges across the country. Degree programs range from associate programs all the way through master's degrees in the accounting field.

Associate Degree

Students just beginning their careers in business accounting may be interested in an associate degree. Associate degrees are usually two-year programs offered by community colleges and technical schools. Students have the opportunity to take general education courses and beginner topics in their majors at reduced rates, and in many cases transfer those credits to a traditional four-year bachelor's program in accounting. Associate degree programs such as the one at ITT Technical Institute include coursework such as introduction to business in a global society, fundamentals of tax preparation, accounting applicant to Internet technology, business and data networks, financial accounting and introduction to business in a global society.

Depending on your program, you may be able to take classes during the daytime, evening and even online; associate degrees may be completed part time as well as full time. For most associate degrees, a high school diploma or GED is required. Schools may also require standardized test scores, immunization records, a personal essay and an interview.

Bachelor's Degree

The traditional four-year bachelor's degree in business accounting usually starts with two years of general education coursework, such as English composition, world history, calculus and a foreign language. Students usually move into their accounting specialty courses during their junior and senior year, taking topics such as accounting principles, payroll accounting, managerial accounting, accounting systems, tax, audit, management accounting strategies, fiscal resources management and consolidations.

While enrolled in an accounting bachelor's program, students often have the opportunity to get involved with on-campus activities such as Beta Alpha Psi, the national accounting honor society and Beta Gamma Sigma, the national business scholastic honor society. Colleges and universities offering bachelor's programs require a high school diploma and may also request letters of reference, transcripts, personal essays and an interview.

Master's Degree in Business Accounting

After completing a bachelor's degree in business accounting, students may wish to enter a master's program. Master's programs vary in length (some are tailored specifically to the working adult who will attend part time on the weekends or evenings), others offer specializations such as government accounting. For example, the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School offers a one-year program with courses such as financial statement analysis, financial reporting, cost accounting, tax and business strategy, introduction to business taxation and ethical aspects of management. Students in the program may specialize in taxation or financial reporting and assurance. Some graduate schools such as UNC offer the opportunity for a two-week accounting study-abroad session, where students earn academic credit studying the financial sectors in Hong Kong, New Zealand, the Czech Republic and Korea.

Depending on the graduate school, applicants may have to submit a resume, essays, recommendations and GMAT or GRE test scores. Master's degree programs in accounting require a bachelor's degree, but some schools do not require the undergraduate major to have been in accounting. For most programs, students must have had some coursework in statistics and finance to be considered for acceptance.

Tags: degree business, degree business accounting, introduction business, associate degrees, bachelor degree, bachelor degree business

Broadcast Journalism Scholarships

Students interested in pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism have several scholarship options.

Scholarships are available for students planning to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. Awards range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Eligibility is based on academic achievement, journalism-related extra-curricular activities, and financial need. As part of the application process, students are asked to provide a portfolio of their work and provide academic or personal references. Application dates vary depending on the award.

The Associated Press Television and Radio Association

The Associated Press Television and Radio Association (APTRA) offers two $1,500 scholarships for students pursuing a career in broadcast journalism. The Clete Roberts Memorial Journalism

Scholarship and the Kathryn Dettman Memorial Journalism Scholarship are awarded annually to two college or university students based on academic record, career aspirations and financial need. Applicants must submit samples of their work and a type-written copy of the scholarship application form. The deadline for submission is Dec. 31 of each calendar year.

National Association of Black Journalists

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) offers scholarships that range from $1,250 to $2,500. Applicants must attend, or plan to attend, a four-year accredited university or college, major in journalism or pursue a career in the field, and have a NABJ student membership. The NABJ website provides a listing of available scholarships. Applicants must include samples of their work, official academic records, an essay describing career aspirations and past journalism-related experience, references and a resume. The deadline for applications is April 4 of each calendar year.

Phillip Merrill College of Journalism

The Phillip Merrill College of Journalism awards scholarships to incoming and enrolled students planning to pursue a journalism degree at the college. Awards range from $500 to $2,500 and are awarded based on academic achievement, extra-curricular involvement and journalism experience. Scholarships specific to broadcast journalism include the Entravision Communications Broadcast Journalism Scholarship of $2,500, the Steven C. Affens Broadcast Journalism Scholarship of $750, and the The Phyllis and Frank Kopen Broadcast Journalism Scholarship of $500. Applications are due by March 26 of each calendar year.

Radio Television Digital News Association

The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) offers scholarships to full-time college sophomores, juniors and graduate students majoring in broadcast journalism. To apply for the scholarship, students must have the endorsement of a faculty sponsor. The faculty sponsor must sign the applicant's application form and provide a letter of reference for her. Applicants must also submit copies of their official academic records, resume, work samples and a letter describing their career interests and past achievements. Broadcast journalism scholarships include the Lou and Carole Prato Sports Reporting Scholarship of $1,000, the George Foreman Tribute to Lyndon B. Johnson Scholarship of $6,000, and the Ed Bradley Scholarship of $10,000. Scholarship recipients also receive full funding to attend the RTDNA International Conference and a one-year RTDNA membership. Applications are due by May 10 of each calendar year.

Tags: broadcast journalism, Journalism Scholarship, Applicants must, calendar year, each calendar

Science Projects On Gelatin Enzymes

Gelatin is a popular dessert.

Enzymes are biological assistants, also known as catalysts. Gelatin is a processed protein found in humans and many animals. Several enzymes break down this protein. This protein is called collagen and is found in many foods, such as textured candy, marshmallows and some cream cheeses. At room temperature, gelatin protein is in the form of a triple helix. Learn about gelatin by conducting different science projects about enzymes at home or in the classroom with adult supervision.

Prepare gelatin

Prepare a fruit gelatin dessert according to package directions.

When the powder gelatin dissolves in boiling water, the protein structure changes. The water breaks helical bonds, so the polypeptide chains detach. Once cold water is added to the solution and it chills for a few hours, the polypeptide chains reform imperfectly into a tight helix structure. Water is trapped inside the chains' pockets and gaps. This is why the dessert jiggles and is so much fun to eat.

Enzymes in Fruit Juices

Gather fresh fruit juices, such as pineapple, papaya, kiwi and apple juices. Label bowls with the names of each juice and one "water." Dissolve gelatin in boiling water and divide mixture among the small bowls. Add a small amount of cold water and juice to the designated bowl. Stir each bowl well with clean utensils and chill overnight.

Observe the bowls that congeal. Some juices, including pineapple, papaya and kiwi, contain an enzyme that digests protein, so they do not congeal.

Temperature and Juice Enzymes

Temperature can destroy the enzyme in pineapple juice that breaks down protein. Label two small bowls "heated juice" and "fresh juice." Heat some pineapple juice in a pot over medium-high heat for five minutes. Remove from heat and cool in refrigerator until cold. Chill the fresh juice in a separate container. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water and divide equally into the two bowls. Add the juices to the designated bowls. Stir well with clean utensils and chill overnight.

Observe the bowl that congeals and the one that doesn't. By heating the pineapple juice, it's protein-digesting enzyme is destroyed, allowing the gelatin desert to congeal.

Salt and Gelatin

Salt changes the freezing point of water. See how salt changes the rate that gelatin congeals. Label three bowls "no salt", "1 tablespoon" and "3 tablespoons." Dissolve gelatin in boiling water and divide into the three bowls. Add 1 tbsp. and 3 tbsp. of salt to the designated bowls. Add cold water to each bowl and chill. Observe the state of the three bowls every four hours for 16 hours. Salt slows the rate that gelatin congeals.

Tags: boiling water, boiling water divide, cold water, Dissolve gelatin, Dissolve gelatin boiling, gelatin boiling, gelatin boiling water

Earn A Phd In Public Administration

A doctorate in Public Administration prepares you to manage city, state or federal government agencies, hold political office or teach at a university. Some people with PhDs in Public Administration elect to direct think tanks, public policy or non-profit organizations. Career prospects for PhD holders recently become even brighter and more flexible since many major corporations recognized the value of the rigorous research training that these degrees require.

Instructions

1. Visit the American Society for Public Administration's website to get information about public service careers, including an international affairs concentration. Get resources to help you decide if this career is a good fit for you. Use the website's library and links to find additional resources about this field.

2. Sign up for an account at Gradschools to investigate schools with PhD programs. Create your own profile to have your selections stored for later retrieval. Use additional site links to find fellowships, workshops and training opportunities in Public Administration. Compare off-campus and on campus degree programs here too.

3. Register at Educational Testing Service for the Graduate Record Exam. Unless otherwise stated, most universities require scores from this exam as part of the application for admission to their PhD programs. Download exam preparation materials and study guides for the GRE at ETS or get them at your local library.

4. Select 3 to 5 schools, based on your geographical preferences and career interests. Request admissions applications and fellowship applications.

5. Complete the applications, send your undergraduate transcripts and GRE test scores to at least three schools. Start this process early. Many schools allocate their graduate fellowships on a first-come basis, instead of need or merit.

6. Enroll and complete the PhD degree courses at your chosen institution. Depending on your concentration and the school's requirements, expect to finish classes in less than three years. Some schools require a management internship placement.

7. Pass the comprehensive subject examination, usually required before Public Administration PhD students are admitted to final candidacy. Prepare your final project report or conduct research for your dissertation, depending on the school and your concentration.

Tags: Public Administration, links find, your concentration

What Courses Are Required For Practical Nursing

There are a number of courses you need to become a practical nurse

To engage in practical nursing, you must become an LPN, a licensed practical nurse. Licensed practical nurses also are called LVNs, licensed vocational nurses. LPNs are highly trained medical professionals, requiring a number of courses to complete.

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy and physiology are standard courses for practical nursing. More than one class in anatomy might be needed.

CPR

Almost all LPN programs requirestudents to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Chemistry

Prospective practical nurses might need at least one course in chemisty.

Practical Nursing Skills

LPNs must complete many courses in nursing skills. Students also might need classes for specialized skills, such as pediatrics or obstetrics.

Oncology

Oncology, which studies and treats cancer, is a growing area of the health-care industry. Aspiring nurses might have to take a course in oncology.

Tags: might need, number courses, nurses might, practical nurse, practical nurses, practical nursing, Practical Nursing

Teach An Online College Course

Your computer can be your office.

It can be both challenging and rewarding to teach an online college course. It enables you to teach subjects in which you have an interest and background, while affording you the luxury of a flexible schedule. Often you can teach online college courses as a secondary job for supplemental income. You need strong time management and organizational skills, though, to be successful at teaching online classes. You also need a working knowledge of one of the leading online teaching platforms: ANGEL, WebCT or Blackboard.

Instructions

1. Learn the basics of the top online teaching platforms. These are ANGEL, Blackboard, and WebCT. Many online institutions provide training on the platform they use after they hire you. Once you learn any of these platforms, you will increase your potential value to other online institutions.

2. Acquire the education to teach the course you want to teach. To teach any subject at the undergraduate level, you need 18 graduate hours in that subject in addition to a master's degree. For example, if you want to teach business classes, you need a master's, preferably in business, with at least 18 graduate credits in business courses. But even if you have a master's degree in psychology, if you also have 18 graduate credits in business courses, you can teach undergraduate business classes.

3. Create a workable schedule. Once you secure your first online class, create a realistic schedule to help ensure you are meeting requirements for grading, student contact, and providing additional resources and teaching. Many online institutions require a minimum number of log-in's per week, as well as a minimum number of office hours. The online environment allows you flexibility in scheduling these duties, but you must perform them to meet your contractual obligations.

4. Time management is a key to success.

Use a calendar to plot out what days your students should turn in their work and what days you will do your grading each week. This helps ensure that you do not fall behind in your work and that your students get the feedback they need to fulfill upcoming assignments in a timely manner.

5. Create a clear syllabus. Often online courses will already be created for you by your online institution and will come with a standard syllabus. Edit this syllabus to establish policies for things such as attendance, late work acceptance, and writing quality guidelines. This helps you enforce your own rules as well as those of your online institution in the event there is a grade dispute with a student. Also list all of the assignments and their due dates to help students stay on track from week to week.

6. Maintain professional communication with students and other faculty members. In an online environment, it can be easy to feel anonymous and forget there is a person receiving the email or message you are sending. Remember, if you would not say it to a person's face, do not send it in an email. Keep all communication polite and professional.

Tags: online institutions, business classes, business courses, credits business, credits business courses, graduate credits, graduate credits business

Raise Money For Scholarships

Scholarship money helps people succeed.

Scholarships benefit all types of students and can be given for a wide range of achievements or special needs. You may want to start a scholarship for students who volunteer. Maybe you want to recognize exceptional athletic ability or intelligence. It's also common to give scholarship money to students with financial needs or who need to overcome a disability. Whatever the reason, your first step is raising money.

Instructions

1. Approach corporations for donations. Companies are often willing to give to charities or scholarship funds in exchange for their names being somehow attached to the cause. This helps boost their public perception and increase customer loyalty. You can take advantage of this by asking companies to donate a portion of the scholarship you plan to give away.

2. Talk with friends and relatives about making small donations to the scholarship fund. Let them know how the scholarship will help change someone's life by giving them the opportunity to get an education that they may not get otherwise. If you already have a candidate in mind, show them her picture and tell them about her. People are more likely to donate if they know who the money will be going to.

3. Start a website for the scholarship fund. On the website, include information about scholarship candidates or past recipients, and explain that the more money you can raise, the more students you'll be able to help. Tell everyone you know to visit the website, and ask them to tell everyone they know to visit it.

4. Post information about the scholarship on social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter. These sites are powerful marketing tools and can help spread the word about your scholarship far and fast. Make sure you let people know that you need more donations, and stress that every little bit helps. Include a link to the scholarship website as well.

5. Follow up with past donors. If you've raised money for the scholarship in the past, ask companies and individuals who've already donated if they'd like to make another contribution. To do this, however, you'll need to have kept detailed records of past donors.

Tags: about scholarship, information about, information about scholarship, know visit, past donors

Get Your Psat Score

PSAT scores should arrive at your home in December.

The Preliminary Student Achievement Test or PSAT is a test administered by the College Board. Its purpose is to give students practice at the SAT as well as the chance to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. The PSAT checks aptitude in reading skills, math and writing. Your score should be mailed directly to your home or school.

Instructions

1. Wait for your score to come in the mail sometime in December. The PSAT is taken in October. Scores are mailed to students as soon as they become available in December.

2. Log in to your College Board account on the College Board website. If you registered for your PSAT online, then your PSAT score will be available on the website between December of the year you took it and the following February.

3. Contact the College Board administration directly by either phone or email through the online contact form if you are having trouble logging into your account or you did not receive your score.

Tags: College Board, your home, your PSAT

Colorado Law Schools With Joint Degrees

As of February 2011, the state of Colorado has two law schools: the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) School of Law and the University of Denver (DU) Sturm College of Law. Each law school offers a joint or dual degree option, which involves getting a Juris Doctorate (JD) with an advanced degree from another academic department. The joint degree concept encourages students to enhance their legal studies with another discipline while reducing the amount of time that it would have taken to get both degrees separately.

Admissions Process and Requirements

Joint degree applicants to either the University of Colorado Law School or the University of Denver's Strum College of Law need to apply to the programs separately. Each applicant should have at least a bachelor's degree and scores from the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), among other requirements. The application package can be mailed to the schools or submitted through the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), which assembles all material to create a report steamlined for submission.

JD with Master's Programs

The majority of the joint degrees at Colorado law schools involve graduate degrees at the master's level. At CU, students can combine their law school study with subject areas such as business administration, public administration, and urban planning. At DU, the master's programs eligible for creating joint JD degrees include subjects such as economics, conflict resolution, international studies and mass communications. Normally a three-year program in full-time student mode, the JD degree can take up to four years to finish with a combined master's degree program. However, it can take up to six years if pursued separately.

JD with Doctoral Degrees

In addition, CU has two joint degrees that combines the JD with a doctoral program. Students can get a JD/Ph.D. in Environmental Studies (JD/ENVS) rather than the master's version. There is also an option, abbreviated as JD/MD, for people who wish to become medical doctors as well as lawyers; this track is partly sponsored by the university's School of Medicine at its campus in Aurora. The JD/ENVS takes five years to complete, while the JD/MD is a six-year program.

JDs with Other Law Degrees

CU also collaborates with Canada's University of Alberta University to provide the JD/Bachelor of Laws (JD/LLB) joint program. It is meant to prepare students to practice law in both the United States and Canada. Students of this program gain global skills in areas such as trade, immigration and border security. The JD/LLB at Colorado is designed as a four-year program.

Tags: joint degrees, areas such, Colorado schools, School Admissions, School University, School University Denver

Blackberry Tour 101

Research In Motion's BlackBerry Tour 9630, as of 2011, is the most recent version of the Tour line of smart phone and was released in July 2009. Features such as a 3.2-megapixel camera, GPS and Bluetooth connectivity have earned the device positive reviews from CNET, an electronics review website. After purchasing the Tour, you'll need to take a few steps to enable the phone to work as it was intended.

Inserting the Battery

Now that you've purchased the BlackBerry Tour 9630, you first need to provide it with power. Remove the battery cover by pressing the cover release button on the back of the phone. Making sure the battery aligns with the phone's connectors, insert the battery and replace the battery cover. If the battery is charged, the phone powers up and displays a dialog box to confirm the date and time. Incorrect time and date information can be changed by clicking "Edit," setting the correct information and clicking "OK." If the battery is not charged, connect the phone to a wall outlet using the battery charger.

Connecting to the Network

After the Tour is powered up, you need to connect to your service provider's wireless network. Assuming you have purchased a wireless data plan with a wireless provider, this can be done by clicking "Manage Connections" from the phone's home screen and then by selecting the "Mobile Network" check box. If you are within your provider's coverage area, you are able to connect wirelessly to the provider's network. If you are not within the coverage area or are in a poor reception area, you can still use the phone's applications that do not require network connection.

Setting Up Email

Your BlackBerry Tour 9630 is equipped to handle up to 10 email accounts, which you can set up either directly on the phone or from a computer.

To set up email from a computer, you need to contact your provider for specific instructions.

To do it from the phone, click "Setup Wizard" on the home screen and then "Email Setup." On the next screen, select the "I Want to Create or Add an Email Address" option, then click "Next" and then "Next" again on the following screen to open the email setup website. If you agree to the terms and conditions, click "I Agree." Choose your email service provider on the following screen, enter the email address information, click "Next" and then "OK." If you want to establish an email account on the phone, click "Create," complete the desired email address and password information, provide or choose a security question, answer the question, then click "Next" and "OK." Click "Close" to log out of the email setup website.

Specs

Now that you've powered up the BlackBerry Tour 9630 and set up your email, take a look at a few of the things it can do. With the phone's 256MB of internal memory, you can take full advantage of the phone's video-capturing capabilities, which include video recording. The phone syncs with Apple's iTunes or the Windows Media Player, enabling you to take your music with you. With built-in organizing tools, including a contact list, calendar and productivity applications, the Tour 9630 is designed to help create order in your life.

Tags: Tour 9630, BlackBerry Tour, BlackBerry Tour 9630, click Next, battery charged, battery cover, click Next then

Choose A Career In The Medical Field

The medical field offers a wide range of careers. Choosing the right career depends somewhat on your personality, learning abilities, and social skills. The main reason people go into the medical profession is the desire to help others. Any medical career you choose will lend itself to that goal.

Instructions

1. Decide if you want to do hands-on patient care or more academic work. If you are a people person, a career in the medical field that involves direct patient care would be a good choice. Professions such as doctor, nurse and physical therapist are very hands-on and would be good choices if you want to work directly with patients all the time. Another option for a person who wants to work directly with patients, but doesn't want to do physical medical care, is psychiatry. If you are very intellectual or empathetic, a career as a psychiatrist could be a good choice.

2. Pick a medical career that stimulates your mind. Research and medical business positions are great for people who like to study, lean more towards academic pursuits and are very organized. Medical billing, coding, insurance and research assistant positions are a few in this category.

3. Know your abilities. It takes a very intelligent and dedicated person to make it through medical school and become a doctor. If you don't have quite what it takes for the long hours and rigorous academics, study for a medical career that isn't as involved. There is no shame in knowing your limitations.

4. Look up a technical school in your area and see what degrees they offer in the medical profession. Some technical medical career studies include certified nurse assistants, nurse's aids, radiological technicians, phlebotomists and medical assistants. Being true to yourself is very important in a medical career because you wouldn't want resentment or stress to impact patient care.

5. Be prepared. Study up on whichever medical career you are interested in so you know what it entails. You can't be a doctor or an emergency room nurse if the sight of blood makes you pass out. Neither would you want to be a medical office assistant if you hate doing paperwork. Knowing what each profession requires will let you make the choice of what career in the medical field is best suited to your temperament, skills and personal taste.

Tags: medical career, medical field, patient care, career medical, career that, directly with

Apply For Agricultural Grants

A quality proposal will find solutions to problems commonly faced by farmers and ranchers.

Since the 1800s, with the passage of the Morrill Land Grant College Act and the Hatch Experiment Station Act, the government has provided financial support for research in the agricultural industry. Producers and researchers work together to find more profitable, healthier and environmentally-responsible ways of supplying the nation's food and fiber. A research program requires time and money in order to be successful. Most research programs begin as a simple proposal submitted written in response to a call for proposals.

Instructions

1. Find a grant. Grants are offered by government entities at the national and state levels, as well as private organizations and non-profits. Some organizations include the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Grants.gov, Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, and the Sustainable agriculture Research and Education (SARE). You will want to find the Call for Proposals, which is sometimes called the Request for Proposals (RFP) or the Notice of Funds Available (NOFA). The SARE recommends reviewing the proposal guidelines to be sure that your project matches the organizations overall focal areas and goals. Otherwise, a very well-designed study could be rejected just based on that criteria alone. Also, look at the deadline to be sure that you have enough time to develop a quality proposal.

2. Write a proposal. According to the Purdue Extension Center, a quality proposal should contain a problem relevant to agricultural producers that your research or project will solve. You should also identify the partnerships that you will form in order to ensure the success of your project. The proposal should also include your qualifications to complete the study, a budget, and letters of support. Review the proposal for specific information that the granting agency may have requested and include that as well.

3. Submit the proposal. Review your call for the proposal, looking for font, spacing and page length requirements. Be sure your proposal matches those requirements. Be sure to submit the proposal in the format required by the organizations. Some may request the proposal is submitted electronically, but the majority will be sent through the mail. Make sure that you allow enough time to ship the documents in time to arrive before the deadline. Consider your packaging also. You want it to arrive as neatly as it looked when you dropped it in the mail. You may even purchase a tracking number or delivery notification for assurance that it did arrive.

Tags: quality proposal, sure that, enough time, proposal should, proposal submitted, requirements sure

Fight Garnishment

fight garnishment

If you owe a government debt, such as a student loan, child support or government mortgage loan, the creditor can garnish your wages. The garnishment will be used to pay any debt that is owed. Creditors may not garnish your social security benefits or retirement plan. It is best to stop a garnishment before it is requested by the creditor but there are still options available to you to stop it after it's in affect.

Instructions

1. Negotiate with the creditor. You should receive a written notice of the creditor's intention to collect their debt. The notice usually advises you if the creditor plans to garnish your wages. In many cases, you may negotiate with the creditor to start submitting monthly payments to pay your debt, even if you are behind on the debt. If you owe a balance on a mortgage loan through a government agency, such as United States Department of Agriculture Rural development, you may apply for a debt reduction.

2. Submit a written request for garnish information. You will usually receive a written notice of all information regarding a garnishment. You may contact the creditor or your human resources department that received the garnishment request. The notice includes the amount of the garnishment and the agency that requested it. If you decide to hire a professional to help you dispute the garnishment, present this information to them as verification.

3. Consult a tax attorney. You may use the tax attorney to act on your behalf. The tax attorney may be able to negotiate with the creditor and stop the garnishment or even reduce the amount of debt that you owe. Be sure that the attorney that you choose has experiencing in negotiating garnishments. The attorney may also set up a payment plan for you to repay the creditor.

4. File bankruptcy. You may stop a garnishment by filing bankruptcy. The garnishment will be stopped for the year that you file. You are not able to discharge child support and student loan garnishments in a bankruptcy. Provide the bankruptcy lawyer with any lawsuit summons that you have received from the court.

Tags: garnish your, stop garnishment, with creditor, child support, debt that

Earn A Graduate Degree In Philosophy

If you want to further your philosophical studies or prepare for a career in law, humanities or politics, a gradate degree in philosophy will help you. After receiving your undergraduate degree, pursuing a master's degree is usually the next option for students who enjoy reading, studying and applying the tenets of philosophy to everyday life.

Instructions

1. Choose a specific area of study. You may want to isolate your focus to social activism, or study the works of past masters like Plato if you are more oriented to research and academia. You may want to eventually teach philosophy or humanities.

2. Delve further into subjects like epistemology, which is the study of knowledge, or existentialism which centers on the belief that the individual has full responsibility for his or her own life. There are dozens of other schools of philosophical thought to explore as you study for your masters or other advanced degree.

3. Become more involved in outside activities that incorporate what you've learned in class, including political debate and social activism. If you are interested in a career in public service, use some of what you've learned in philosophy in your part time job or other government-focused activities.

4. Earn a graduate degree in philosophy as an excellent foundation for law school. This advanced degree also affords students interested in theology or religion a basis for work in the ministry or other spiritual careers.

5. Work toward a thesis or non-thesis degree. Some schools offer this option to students, depending on their ultimate goal. Non-thesis students use their philosophy studies as a springboard to a career in law, government or another area. Thesis students are academically oriented and go on to pursue a doctorate in philosophy or other scholarly discipline.

Tags: advanced degree, degree philosophy, option students, social activism, what learned

Facts The Rising Cost Of College Tuition

The rising cost of college tuition has been an issue of concern in the United States for some time, but with estimates putting the lifetime income of college graduates at $800,000 more than those of high school diploma recipients, it's worth a closer look at some of the figures and how the tuition increases are being put to use.

Average College Costs

According to the College Board, the cost of attending a public 4-year college or university for the 2008-09 school year was just above $6,500, up 6.4 percent from the previous year. To attend a private 4-year college or university for 2008-09, students paid an average of more than $25,000, which was up almost 6 percent from the year prior. These figures take into account tuition as well as room and board, food and materials costs.

Public Schools

Global economic factors have decreased the amount of state funding that public schools have received since 2002, and the increased need for services other than those provided in the classroom has also added to the financial burden at these schools. According to a 2009 report by the Delta Cost Project, the amount of money spent on administrative costs and student services such as security, counseling and career advisement and maintenance has increased by as much as 23 percent since 2002, whereas spending on classroom instruction per student has topped out at 9 percent. Overall spending per student has kept pace with inflation since 2002, so the rise in tuition at public schools can be mostly attributed to the decreased state funding levels.

Private Schools

At private universities, tuition increases have been accompanied by an increase of 10 percent in per student spending. Increases at private schools are attributed to increased competition amongst the schools for highly prized faculty and incoming students. The increased level of competition has forced private schools to offer ever-increasing amounts of grant and scholarship money to attract students, and fewer students paying full tuition has led to tuition increases across the board in efforts to subsidize the scholarships.

The Rise Compared to Inflation

A comparison of inflation statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the College Board reveals that since 1978, the cost of attendance at community colleges and 4-year public and private colleges and universities has tripled, with tuition increases rising at an average of double the general inflation rate.

Financial Aid Options

For the 2008-09 school year, more than $143 billion was available to students attending colleges ranging from 2-year community to 4-year private university. Many schools award grants to students demonstrating high academic achievement and financial need. This is money that is simply subtracted from the overall cost of attendance. It never has to be paid back. There are also thousands of scholarships available for students, some of which are offered directly through the school, and others that are offered through various charitable and academic organizations. State and federal money are also available to students in the form of loan and work-study programs. Students wishing to obtain financial aid for school must fill out the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) before each year of school.

Tags: tuition increases, available students, more than, since 2002, 2008-09 school, 2008-09 school year

Create Folder Games For Children With Autism

Sight words folder game

Folder games are useful tools for educating children with autism in basic concepts and they allow for repetition of key concepts. Folder games are very versatile and many games can be created quickly, cheaply and easily. To illustrate the simplicity of creating a folder game, follow these steps to create a folder game for teaching sight words.

Instructions

1. Decide the focus of the game. The end goal should be to teach a new concept or skill. Folder games can be used to illustrate a variety of concepts. A game could be created to teach children about animal habitats, numbers, colors, holidays, capital and lowercase letters, or different food groups. The possibilities really are endless. In this example the goal will to be having the child match printed words with the images representing those words. Identifying sight words (words children can read by sight alone) are an important step in the reading process.

2. Gather the images or text needed for your game. In the example pictured clip art found online and text typed on Microsoft Word where used to create the necessary elements for the folder game. Alternatively images from magazines or newspapers could have been used to illustrate the concept.

3. Cut the images and text apart. Glue the appropriate images onto the file folder. For the sight words file folder game the images were glued on one side of the folder and an envelope used to hold the words was glued on the other site of the folder.

4. Cover exposed images with packing tape, laminate or clear contact paper. If you plan on using the game more than once then images will have to be protected from moisture and dirt. Heat set laminate is the best protection for folder games that will be used in a classroom setting or that will be handled by multiple children over a long period of time. Self adhesive laminate sheets or clear contact paper are an affordable option for games that will be handled less frequently. Clear packing tape is a nice way to protect smaller images in folder games and is relatively inexpensive.

5. Play the game. Children with autism often require repetition to learn a new skill or concept. Be patient and encouraging when playing folder games. Focus more attention on correct answers than incorrect ones and give frequent praise.

Tags: folder game, Folder games, that will, clear contact, clear contact paper, contact paper, file folder

Prepare For College Placement Tests

Prepare for College Placement Tests

Preparation for college placement tests such as the SAT and ACT begins years before you take the test. Here is a list of the things you can do depending on how much time you have. I have been an SAT tutor and I had a small business writing and selling work sheets for SAT preparation courses. My own son did very very well on the tests. I won't brag and tell you how well, but I will tell you several large universities offered him full scholarships.

Instructions

1. If you have seventeen years: Choose good parents ones who will read to you every day and give you piano lessons to improve your math skills.

2. If you are in elementary or middle school: Read every day especially classics. Be sure to include in your reading list lots of classics from the 19 th and early 20 th centuries such as Dickins, C.S. Lewis, Austin and Twain. These will introduce you to much of the vocabulary you will need on the college placement tests.

3. If you are starting high school: Choose challenging courses. Make sure you finish geometry before you take the SAT/ACT or at least finish the first half of the course. Keep reading. Read a variety of books, newspapers and magazines.

4. If you have six months to a year before you take the tests: Begin working through one of the test prep books. Make a schedule for finishing the workbook before you take the test, but don't try to go to fast. You will not retain what you have studied. Take timed practice tests at regular intervals; your improvement will encourage you and give you confidence.

5. You can also take a SAT or ACT preparation course. There are many advantages to learning in a class. First, it is more enjoyable to be with a group. Second a class will likely take less time than individual study. Lastly, if you don't have the self discipline to sit down and work on your own for several hours a week you should prepare with a class or a tutor. These course are based on the same information available in the test preparation books, so if you want to save money you will lose nothing working on your own.

6. If you have a month before the test: Hire an SAT tutor. They can test you to see what you already know and work efficiently to improve your weaknesses.

7. If its a few days before the test: Read the instructions and do a few timed practice tests so you have an idea of what to expect on the test day.

8. The test is tomorrow: Get a copy of the test instructions and read them before hand so you can save time when the test begins. Be sure you know get to the test site and how long it will take you to get there. Worrying about being late is stressful. Get home early. Lay out everything you will need the night before. Be sure to bring your ID, your admission ticket, a calculator, snacks, a sweater or sweatshirt in case the test site is cold, something to keep your hair out of your eyes if you have long hair and lots of sharp number two pencils with erasers. Eat a moderate dinner and go to bed early. Get up in plenty of time, dress comfortably and eat a good breakfast with protein.

9. At the test site. Good luck. If anything in the environment is bothering you ask the moderator if it can be fixed. You will probably be allowed to change seats if the person next to you is too noisy and they might be able to turn up the heat if it is freezing. If it can't be fixed try to relax and forget about it.

Tags: before take, test site, before take test, before test, college placement tests, College Placement Tests, improve your

Debatable Topics For A Senior Project

Make sure the debate topic has many areas to discuss.

Choosing a topic for a senior project is the most important step in the entire process because the topic itself will dictate the research you must do. It is better to change your topic than to try to make due with one that simply is not working out.

Policy Debate

Without a doubt, foreign affairs are debatable. For a foreign affairs topic to work best, it must be timely. Conduct some preliminary research to get a sense for what is going on in the world. Some topics work best when you leave room for multiple points of view, and others work best with a closed point of view. Ultimately that decision rests with you.

One way to frame a foreign affairs topic is exemplified by the National Forensics League: "The United States federal government should substantially reduce its military and/or police presence in one or more of the following: South Korea, Japan, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq, Turkey." This leaves you room to adjust your topic to reflect what is going on in current world affairs.

Timeless Issues

Another surefire way to get a debatable topic is to pick what is termed a "timeless issue." These are issues that have consistently been open to public forum debate for years. These issues include hot-button topics such as racism, abortion rights, workers' rights, immigration and gun control.

The secret to success with one of these topics is to eschew broad terms and research one specific case. Keeping your focus narrow allows for debate, but it keeps emotions in check, as these issues have a tendency to produce strong feelings.

Ought To or Not

Topics phrased in the "ought to/ought not to" fashion allow for a bit more freedom and flexibility with research. Because you are making statements such as "Juveniles convicted of violent crimes ought to be tried as adults" or "National security ought to take precedence over personal rights" the burden of proof lies in the quality of research done. When debating these topics it is important to remember that a mix of specific cases and generalizations is key. These debatable topics are more open to compromise between the two opposing sides as well.

Not Only, But Also

A debatable topic phrased in this manner allows the presenter to combine two related topics that might otherwise be too weak to stand on its own. For instance, saying "Not only should the death penalty be ruled unconstitutional, but all death row inmates who were convicted on circumstantial evidence should also be allowed a retrial" gives you two things to research and debate. These topics are also useful because even if one argument does not hold up to scrutiny during debate there is still another side to the coin, so to speak.

Tags: foreign affairs, work best, affairs topic, debatable topic, foreign affairs topic, these topics, what going

Cover Windows In A College Apartment

You can have privacy and good-looking windows in your college apartment without spending princely sums, or damaging walls. Here are some tips.

Instructions

1. Go with extra bedsheets or newspaper when you need privacy that first night or two. Mount sheets carefully, trying to hide thumbtack holes or pinholes; tape newspapers directly to the window glass and clean up gummy residue with a razor blade scraper.

2. Add a decorator touch to the basic blinds, shades or other window coverings that may be provided by the landlord. A lightweight, ready-made valance can put a spark of color in the room; you can hang it on a basic curtain rod with four screw holes that are easily patched with Spackle at move-out time.

3. Go with an inexpensive roller shade for both privacy and a thermal block if the windows are uncovered and/or leaky (take the shades and mounts with you when you move; most can be cut down and reused). Roller shades can mount inside or outside the window depending on the situation; you'll need to fill a few screw holes when you move out.

4. Use a spring-tension rod to hang curtains inside the window frame. These reusable, adjustable-width rods cause no damage and can support a lightweight curtain or valance.

5. Hang flat sheets (new, unwashed ones are best) by running rods through the opening at the top of the sheet. Add a ribbon tieback and the look can be quite fetching.

Tags: screw holes, when move

Put On A Drain Sponge For G Tube Site

G tubes, short for gastronomy tubes, are an essential part of life for many people who cannot get nutrition through normal swallowing. G tubes can be either temporary or permanent, although most patients fitted with a G tube have it for at least six months. Proper cleaning is necessary to prevent infection, and drain sponges are vital to keep the tube site clean and sterile. Applying a drain sponge is not difficult, although it needs to be done frequently for optimal health.

Instructions

1. Wash the G tube site with warm soap and water. Dip a section of clean gauze in soapy water and gently wash the tube site, rinsing the soap off with another section of gauze. Allow the site to air dry to prevent trapping moisture under the dressing.

2. Lift the end of the G tube gently and slide the drain sponge around the tube. The sponge has a large, square end and a split along its other end. The split section is designed to slide around the tube, and so slip the sponge along the tube until it rests between the forked ends of the sponge.

3. Trim the ends of the sponge if they are too long. A properly dressed G tube site has at least 1 inch of dressing around all sides of the tube. If the ends of the sponge stick out farther than that, cut them with scissors to make dressing the site easier.

4. Tape down the sponge. Run a line of medical tape around all four edges of the sponge to keep fluids from seeping out and to prevent foreign matter from invading the tube site. Use a good-quality medical tape to hold the sponge securely and to prevent skin irritation.

Tags: ends sponge, tube site, around tube, drain sponge, medical tape, tube site