Archive for November, 2011
Handheld Technology For Science Education – Graphical Datalogger Probeware and Sensors
Posted by admin in Science Education on November 28, 2011
Data collection using modern data logging systems is revolutionizing the face of school science labs around the world. Information that was previously tedious to collect, subject to much guess work and often difficult for many students to visualize or draw any actual learning value from, can now be displayed in a clear, graphical and easy to understand fashion with graphical data logger technology, also referred to as probeware with sensors, designed specifically for science education.
Using probeware technology and interfacing directly with the computer, these data logging devices collect information from a wide array of sensor types and assimilate it into easy to interpret, graphical representations. This information can be monitored while it is being collected or stored for future use. This makes the compilation of reports and presentations much easier.
The real-time nature of the displayed data is also a great plus for these devices as information can be monitored as they are picked up by the sensors. This allows for a far more immediate view of the results of any experiment and a more accurate understanding of the implications and causes of the data that is being collected.
One of the data logging devices that offers considerable benefits in the realm of physics, biology, environmental science and chemistry is the SmartSense Vision. This is one of a new family of compact, graphic dataloggers that can assimilate data simultaneously and is compatible with a broad range of sensors. Read the rest of this entry »
Home School Curriculum for Your Child – What You Need to Know Before Choosing One
Posted by admin in Home School on November 25, 2011
Ever since the first formal homeschooling programs appeared, parents have emphasized the great progress that their children made compared with those enrolled in public schools. Perhaps the main advantage of a home school curriculum is that there are far less distractions which could disturb the learning process. Most children can concentrate much more easily in a friendly, familiar environment, without having to cope with the discomfort of a noisy classroom.
By learning at home, children can follow a program that is specifically adapted not only to their personality and temper, but also to the social and religious background of their family. Because of this aspect, home education used to be preferred by many people in the past; even though public schooling appeared in the 17th century, it took more than 100 years before public schools have become the preferred choice.
Today there are more and more options for those who would choose a homeschooling curriculum. With the help of the Internet, parents are much more informed concerning the education of their children. They can choose among a wide variety of methods and education philosophies, including Charlotte Mason education, the Montessori method or Waldorf education. These and many other methodologies are available online at the touch of a button, and are designed to meet all the home schooling requirements. Read the rest of this entry »
Teaching Mathematics
Posted by admin in Mathematics, Teaching on November 25, 2011
Overall, math teachers must attempt to achieve a variety of different objectives. These objectives have included teaching basic numeric reasoning skills, as well as the teaching of practical math and abstract mathematics concepts. Unbeknownst to many, there are currently no national standards for teaching mathematics in the United States. From kindergarten through high school, the mathematics education in public schools in the US varies a great deal in each state, and often even varies significantly within individual states.
Typically, in the first years of elementary school, students are taught addition and subtraction. After that, elementary students are usually taught multiplication, followed by division. In elementary school, most states follow an integrated mathematics curriculum. However, the time at which students are taught most other math subjects, such as fractions, probability, rational numbers, and statistics, varies considerably depending on the school district. While the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics has published recommendations in mathematics education for America, these teaching standards are not enforced.
In the United States, unlike most countries, students are taught separate math topics in high school. Two years are devoted entirely to algebra, although many students are now expected to take the first year of algebra in middle school. These algebra courses are typically separated by one year entirely devoted to geometry. The algebra-geometry-algebra sequence is usually followed by a pre-calculus course for college-bound students. Pre-calculus usually combines advanced algebra and geometry with trigonometry and other topics as preparation for a course in calculus, which may be taken during the final year of high school or the first year of university studies. Just a few years ago, many students were only required to take three years of mathematics in high school. Today, states typically require that students take four math courses to graduate high school and go on to college. Read the rest of this entry »