Saturday, March 28, 2020

Everything You Need to Know About Y Chemistry

Everything You Need to Know About 'Y Chemistry'If you're planning on enrolling in an online course called 'Y Chemistry' you may want to consider some of the changes that are being made by the program. In fact, several versions of this online course have recently been made available to students to help make the experience a more effective one. The changes are pretty small, but they can make all the difference to those that make use of the class.First off, since you can get your materials online, it means that there's really no need for paper work when it comes to the study materials. While it may be difficult to stick with the traditional schedule and just sit down and actually do the course, with the quick study sessions it doesn't take much time at all. The program allows you to actually work on the material as you go along, so there's no worry about being distracted or having to scramble to get back to your work.Along with this, the way that you study is also different from how it used to be in many cases. Many of the books that were available before have been replaced by new versions that make learning a lot easier to handle. This includes materials that come with the software itself. When it comes to how the software works, there are a lot of other small differences as well.Another difference that you may be wondering about is the homework assignments that are given out in the classroom version of 'Y Chemistry'. You're going to find that the assignments are easier to do and they may be taking a little longer to complete than you're used to. It's a good thing that you're able to take your own tests and review them on your own time in order to make sure that they are all done correctly. When you do this, you'll be sure to have a good grasp of what you're supposed to do with the materials.It may seem like there are fewer things to worry about, but there are a few basic things that will helpto keep your head from exploding. One of the first things that you're g oing to want to do is just take a look at your calendar to make sure that there aren't any weekend breaks on the way. You don't want to have to figure out what class you have to take when there are other classes coming up.Finally, let's not forget about the everyday life that you live and how this course can affect it. Those of you that will be attending a college course like this are probably going to have to commute a lot. This isn't something that most people have to worry about, but if you'll be spending a lot of time away from home, then it's something that you may want to think about. This is something that will help you to stay focused on your studies.Overall, 'Y Chemistry' has all of the things that will make you feel more at ease as you go through the course. All of the changes that are being made make it that much easier to follow along with your course and see how it's going to impact your everyday life.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Help Your Teen Adjust to Fall Semester - TutorNerds

Help Your Teen Adjust to Fall Semester - TutorNerds 5 ways to help your teen adjust to fall semester Teenagers have just gone back to school and are undergoing the adjustment from summer vacation back to the classroom environment. This can be a tough time for both teens and their parents because academic expectations become higher as students get closer to their senior year. There are lots of things parents can do to help their teen successfully adjust to the fall semester and help them be successful academically. Whether a student needs help with organization or a particular subject, its better if the first few weeks of school are low stress and positive our private Los Angeles tutors are here to help your teen adjust to fall semester. 1. Keep organized After enjoying summer vacation, most students will have forgotten the organizational tools that worked for them the previous year. Its beneficial if students have a little help getting started with their organization but still be independent enough to make choices that work for their schedule and learning style. Students might need help keeping subjects separate, keeping track of due dates, or concentrating on challenging topics. Planning is one of the keys to a successful semester and can make the entire year a better experience (READ: 5 Ways to prepare for the ACT this fall). 2. Supplemental education As students progress through high school, their academic workload will get heavier, and the assignments will become more difficult. Many students benefit from supplemental education services to help them stay on track and tackle challenging topics. Whether a student is working on college prep or dealing with core subjects such as math or English, working with a one-on-one tutor can make their academic life a lot easier. Tutors can help teens tackle stressful elements of a particular course and can help them efficiently prepare for exams. Whether a student works with a tutor for a few hours here and there or has a regular weekly appointment, supplemental education can benefit nearly every teen. 3. Keep education social Students often enjoy working together and have great ideas to share with one another but may start to feel overwhelmed by their current workload and shy away from group study. Being part of a study group of motivated students, however, is a fantastic way to keep education social and keep teens interested in discovering new topics and ideas. When students work together and have similar goals, they can also encourage each other to stay on track and keep their grades high. 4. Develop a healthy routine Its important for every student to have a routine that helps them stay on track academically but this becomes even more important as students progress through the teen years. Students should have enough time to complete their homework successfully, study for exams and prepare for college, enjoy extracurricular activities or work a part-time job, and have sufficient downtime to rest and recuperate from their academic assignments. This is a lot easier said than done and requires a delicate balance. High school students should be sure only to take on the responsibility they can handle and adjust to new responsibilities slowly so they can successfully adjust to each change in their schedule. 5. Get to know the teachers As students get older, they will have several different subject teachers rather than just one teacher in a classroom. Teachers are one of the best resources students can utilize to understand the material and be successful, but they often shy away from asking the teacher questions or contacting them outside of class. Teens are encouraged to write down any questions they have about assignments or a classroom lecture and make an appointment with the teacher during their free period or email them after school to stay on top of assignments and exams. Have you booked your private Los Angeles tutor for the fall semester? Whether its for test-prep, college admissions, or academic tutoring, TutorNerds has you covered. Call us today for more information. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

Alumni series Anchen on living and teaching in Abu Dhabi

Alumni series Anchen on living and teaching in Abu Dhabi The United Arab Emirates (UAE), home to some of the most high-paying teaching jobs in the world, is a perennially attractive prospect for certified international teachers. If you’re thinking about teaching in the UAE, you probably have a ton of questions about what day-to-day life is like living and teaching there. That’s why we recently jumped at the chance to catch up with Anchen Besselaar, a middle-school science teacher from South Africa and one of our Teach Away alum, to ask a few questions about life in Abu Dhabi and what it’s like teaching with Abu Dhabi public schools! Anchen has taught in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi for just over a year now and has plenty to say about her experience teaching abroad so far! Anchen and family! So, let’s hear it from Anchen: What do you love most about being a teacher? Anchen: Since I stepped into my very first classroom five years ago, the best part about my job has been interacting with my students every day. I love the feeling that I’m making a difference in their lives by helping them learn more about the world around them and (hopefully!) instilling a lifelong love of science in them. Getting to witness first hand that “aha” moment, when my students suddenly understand a difficult concept or master a new skill and their faces light up - I feel so privileged to be a part of that. Can you give us a quick overview of your teaching career before moving to Abu Dhabi to teach with the Abu Dhabi Education Council? Sure! Before teaching with Abu Dhabi public schools, I spent five years teaching grade 8 natural science and grades 10 - 12 biology. Before moving to the UAE, had you lived or traveled abroad before? Yes! I moved to Sweden for an exchange program after completing my master's degree in environmentalsciences. I loved sharing my passion for science with my students. Their love of learning was what initially fueled my passion for teaching, actually. What sparked your interest in heading abroad to teach? Teaching abroad is a big decision and definitely not one that should be made lightly. But I was lucky enough to have lots of friends who had taught overseas in various countries all over the world, who gave me some honest insight into both the upsides and challenges of living and teaching abroad. Seeing them have the freedom to travel, experience new foods, cultures and meet new people - I got a serious case of FOMO and decided to take the plunge and teach overseas, too. What made you choose Teach Away as a recruiter? A friend of mine had been placed through Teach Away in the past and had only good things to say about her experience! She recommended that I check out the Teach Away job board and see if there were any opportunities that fit my experience and credentials. Luckily enough, I saw that Abu Dhabi public schools were hiring science teachers and jumped at the chance to get my application in! Can you share your experience of applying and interviewing for jobs through Teach Away? I have only good things to say about my experience of applying and interviewing through Teach Away. The whole team - especially my Placement Coordinator, Chantelle - were amazing and very helpful. They were always available to answer the many questions I bombarded them with on the phone and over email. They worked tirelessly to set me up for success throughout the whole hiring process with Abu Dhabi public schools. They really knew what we are talking about because they had also taught all over the world and really know everything there is to know about interviewing and getting hired to teach abroad. Teach Away also has a great support system in place for job candidates, organizing everything from live information sessions to Facebook groups. Even though I’m a year into my new teaching job in Abu Dhabi now, they still check in to offer guidance and support, to this very day! Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. What are your pro tips for anyone currently going through the interview process for a teaching job abroad? No matter how many interviews you’ve done, they’re still a nerve-racking process! Here are three tips that helped me nail my interview with Abu Dhabi public schools: 1. Bring a portfolio, preferably digital/online with you to the interview. This is a really useful asset you can draw on throughout your interview to showcase your ideas and accomplishments as a teacher and better support your answers. 2. Do your research before the interview. The more you know about the school you’re interviewing at, the more a prospective employer will grow to see you as a great candidate! You’ll be able to find plenty of information about the school on their website and on Teach Away. Read up on their history, mission and values, which will help to show you’re interested in the job as well as the families and students you’ll be working with.Bonus: This will also help you think up some insightful and informed questions to ask during your interview, and to gauge whether the school is the right fit for you! 3. Ask your Teach Away Placement Coordinator or the Teach Away Facebook group what you’re likely to be asked at your interview. Plan ahead on how you’ll answer questions on specific topics around teaching your subject or age range. And don’t forget to support your answers with concrete examples! In making your decision to choose a teach abroad program, what were the top three things that you considered to help make your decision? While there were lots of things that factored into my decision to apply for a teaching job abroad, for me, the top three were: Would my family be able to move with me? Will this job be a step forward financially? How does this job align with my broader career goals? What should teachers who are relocating abroad for the first time do to best prepare for living somewhere new? Firstly: research, research, research! Do your research online about your new home country and everything you need to do to prepare for life there, including local customs, laws and the language. Next, reach out to as many people as you can find who are also living/have lived in the place you’re moving to. Scope out your Facebook friends list and ask people if they know of anyone you can talk to! This is also a great way to meet some new friends where you’ll be teaching. Finally, and I can’t overstate this one enough: it’s important to be flexible! Being able to adjust to new situations and move past unexpected obstacles as they arise will key to successfully adapting to your new life overseas. You need to be open to new experiences and ready to try anything new. What three pieces of advice would you offer a certified teacher who has never taught or traveled abroad, but would like to? 1. Don’t stress about being a little older and worrying that you’ve already missed your chance to teach abroad! I can promise you - teaching abroad isn’t just for new grads in their early twenties! I’ve worked with teachers overseas of all ages and at all career levels. And for any parents planning on teaching overseas, make sure you do some research on some of the programs that offer free or subsidized tuition for your children in their benefits packages. Tuition can be prohibitively expensive otherwise and that program may not be realistic for you or your family. 2. Don’t worry about not speaking the language - you'll be able to pick up some of the lingo and learn some key phrases as you go! 3. There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there on how to get started with teaching abroad - trust me, I’ve been in your shoes! Make sure you sign up for a well-established recruitment agency, like Teach Away, who have a team of experts that can talk you through everything you need to consider when applying to teach abroad. Did you encounter any challenges to start with? There’s no doubt that there are quite a few hurdles to overcome when you’re teaching abroad for the first time. I had to leave behind everything that was familiar to me - including the city I’d grown up in and my entire social circle. So that took some getting used to - luckily I had my spouse and kids with me. Setting up regular Skype calls with my family and friends back home also helped combat the homesickness. I also had to modify my communication style in the classroom to account for the fact that I was teaching predominantly English language learners. Everything from speaking more slowly to simplifying my instructions and drawing on non-verbal cues - these all have helped make the process of teaching and learning easier for me and my students. What’s the best part about living and teaching in the UAE? For me, the best part by far has been the exposure my children are getting on a daily basis to new cultures, friends andlife experiences. I feel like they’re really gaining a greater appreciation for the world and a taste for adventure! Abu Dhabi has plenty of family-friendly activities on offer, too. How has your teach abroad experience helped shape you as an educator? It’s really made me aware the impact of cultural differences in the classroom and how to adjust my own teaching style to reach my students more effectively. It’s also made me much more flexible and patient as an educator. I’m so much more confident in my ability to solve problems and deal with challenging circumstances in the classroom than before I taught abroad. I’m also so much better at communicating with teachers, students and parents with different upbringings and cultural backgrounds. These are all very valuable skills that I feel will be extremely beneficial, not only for my teaching career but for my own personal growth, too. How has your family's lifestyle changed when factoring in the cost of living in Abu Dhabi? We actually have a better lifestyle than back home here - the cost of living is relatively low when compared to the salary teaching in Abu Dhabi, which is great when you’re raising a young family. At the same time, we’re also able to save money for the futurewhen we do return home. What’s been your most memorable teach abroad moment so far? That happened pretty recently, actually! I met a parent in a grocery shop the other day who thanked me for the impact I’ve made on her child, by providing a positive, caring learning environment and encouraging and believing in them. It was such a great reminder of why teaching is such an amazing and worthwhile profession! And last, but not least: do you have a favorite quote, mantra or philosophy to teach by?! If I can make a difference in one student’s life, I’ve succeeded as a teacher! Want to hear more first-hand stories from teachers in Abu Dhabi? Have a read of Lindsey’s experience teaching in Abu Dhabi. PS: Don’t forget to click and apply for our job postings in Abu Dhabi public schools in 2018!

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Are you making enough time for your family - ALOHA Mind Math

Are you making enough time for your family Most families today are releasing that they are spending less time together even though they watch TV together or eat dinner together on a regular basis. Are you facing similar issues? Intodaysbusy schedule most of us face immense pressure trying to make time for our family. What is important is that we need to make quality time; it alwaysdoesnthave to be elaborate or an expensive plan, simple ones can also make great memories? Do you agree with me here? Activities with your family can be as simple as cooking dinner, taking a walk, playing board games and any other such activities that bring moments of joy and togetherness. All of us have memories but the ones we have had most fun doing repeatedly are the ones that last. I would like to share the following constructs, which are often interrelated, but are very important and should exist for creating quality family time: · Communication · Encouragement of individuals · Expressing appreciation · Commitment to family The presence of effective communication pattern helps family members talk to each other often, and when they do, they are honest and open with each other. The encouragement of individual members encompasses a range ofeffectivedimensions related to mutual support, recognition, and respect which helps families cultivate a sense of belonging to a family unit, but also nurtures the development of individual strengths and interests. Members enjoy the family framework, which provides structure but does not confine them. Commitment goes in two directions. Each family member is valued; each is supported and sustained. At the same time they are committed to the family as a unit. They have a sense of being a team; they have a family identity and unity. Appreciation is another and very important aspect to build quality time with your family this can be done by delivering a high level of positive reinforcement to family members, doing things that are positive from the other persons perspective, just for their sake, not merely as a strategy for buying their love, etc. However busy our schedules are its very important for us to make quality time for our loved ones. I am heading out to do the same and hope to incorporate the above constructs. Please feel free to share with us your experiences, As we all can learn something new today.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Matc Assigned Tutoring

Advantages and Disadvantages of Matc Assigned TutoringWhen it comes to studying for the SAT, there are two options available to students, online and in-person tutoring. While these two methods have different advantages and disadvantages, the best approach is to find a professional who is experienced in both of them. Online tutoring has its advantages but if used inappropriately, can negatively affect students' performance.A major challenge for college students is getting enough rest. There is a fine line between being rested enough to study and over-stressed to do well on the exam. Many students lack the proper sleep, so they need their expert tutors to provide a clear roadmap of the exam as well as tips on how to study and how to prepare to solve those college entrance exams. It's easy to say that students are doing well in school and their grades but what happens if their exam scores are not high enough?There are plenty of websites that offer the advantage of home tutoring for free but there are drawbacks to this option as well. Since many websites offer free tutoring, they are often packed with tests they say you must take to improve your score on the SAT.Another problem with online tutoring is that it can be difficult to stay on top of the changes made to the SAT. This means that your training courses may be outdated and it may be difficult to read through all the material again. Additionally, a lot of the materials that were available in printed form may no longer be obtainable online.Online tutoring has its advantages and disadvantages too. If the program is carefully planned and you choose a program that offers both in-person and online tutoring, the advantages will outweigh the disadvantages. However, if you can only afford in-person tutoring, you might want to consider working with a professional to help you.When looking for a school to enroll at, one of the first questions that might come up is whether the school is affiliated with the College Board o r whether they offer their own SAT testing. If the school is affiliated with the College Board, it's important to ask if the school offers their own testing. Some colleges offer separate testing for their students because they feel it makes more sense to do so than to send their students to an institution that does not offer their own testing.As mentioned above, there are plenty of pros and cons to using online tutoring versus in-person tutoring but in the end, it all comes down to personal preference. Whether you're a student who prefers the convenience of the internet or if you're a student who needs to take control of his or her study time, the choice is up to you. Either way, you can rest assured that you'll be getting the results you're looking for!

Get the Latest Chemistry News in Your Hands

Get the Latest Chemistry News in Your HandsWhy is it important to have the latest Chemistry news in your hands? For one, you'll find out about some interesting, fresh, and very practical ideas you can implement to make your life better.As a scientist, I am fascinated by chemistry and studying the reactions and the processes. So, if you are also curious as to how this 'new' discipline works and what it can do for you, then get hold of the latest news.You don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand chemical reactions. However, some of the chemistry journals have decided to add some advanced text in an attempt to keep up with the latest chemistry developments. So, whether you're a budding chemist or a professional chemist, you can always find a journal that will provide you with the latest chemistry news.In order to understand the chemical reactions and processes, we need to know about it. This involves so many aspects of the way chemicals react and are formed, hence making it ess ential to have the latest Chemistry news.Most of the chemical publishers include some informative booklets in their publication. These are like books and help you grasp the chemistry concepts more easily. Some of the booklets are basic and some of them are in the line of chemistry activities or projects.Another advantage of the booklets is that they can be referred to by a lot of people. So, even if you haven't got a clue about the chemistry, you can still refer to it if you wish to do so.And, in addition to that, the booklets also provide you with some useful tools. These tools make it easier for you to answer the 'What's-What' questions as well as solve the 'What-Where-Why' questions.

Hexagon

Hexagon Hexagon Geometry is one of the most important branches of Mathematics as it deals with the study of different shapes, their dimensions, and calculations of them. In this study, we look at shapes formed by straight lines, and shapes which have curved surfaces. The 2-dimensional figures which have flat faces, which have straight lines as edges and which are closed are known as Polygons. Polygon family is a family consisting of different shapes of different number of sides. The word poly means many and gon means angle. Based on the number of sides a polygon has, we classify them into further categories. For example, polygons having 3 sides are known as Triangles, polygons having 4 sides are known as Quadrilaterals (rectangles, squares, etc), and polygon having 5 sides is known as a Pentagon and so on. A polygon which has 6 number of sides is known as a Hexagon. The word hexa means six and gon means angle. Since the polygon has 6 sides which consequently forms 6 angles, hence it is known as a Hexagon. Hexagon Definition: A polygon which has 6 number of sides (or edges) and 6 number of angles is a Hexagon. As shown in the figure on the left, hexagons have 6 vertices (or corners), 6 edges (or sides) and 6 angles. Types of Hexagons: Based on the measurements of the sides, hexagons are classified into 2 types: Regular Hexagons and Irregular Hexagons. 1) Regular Hexagons: A hexagon which has all the 6 sides equal in measure is known as a Regular Hexagon. Because it has 6 equal sides, the 6 interior angles of a hexagon are also equal. Properties: a) Regular Hexagons has 6 equal sides and 6 equal interior angles. b) As a hexagon has even number of sides, hence the opposite sides of a regular hexagon are parallel to each other. c) A line drawn from the center of the regular hexagon to any of the vertices will have the same length as the side length, as shown in the figure below. d) All the regular hexagons are convex, which means that all its 6 vertices point outward. e) The line segment joining any two non-adjacent vertices in a polygon is known as a Diagonal. The diagonals of a regular hexagon divide the hexagon into 6 equilateral triangles as shown in the figure on the right. 2)Irregular Hexagon: A hexagon which is not regular is known as the Irregular Hexagon. This implies, that an irregular hexagon has 6 sides that are not all equal in measure, or 6 interior angles that are all not equal in measure. Properties: a) Irregular Hexagons do not have 6 equal sides or 6 equal interior angles. b) The opposite sides may or may not be parallel to each other. c) An irregular hexagon can be convex in shape or concave in shape. A Convex polygon is a polygon which has all the vertices pointing outward. But in a concave polygon, one or more vertices point inward towards the center of the polygon. Because of this reason, in a concave polygon one or more interior angles is greater than 180. d) A line drawn through a concave hexagon (depending on where the line is drawn) can intersect the hexagon at more than 2 points. The below figure shows the line intersecting the hexagon at 4 points. e) In a concave hexagon, all the diagonal do not lie inside the hexagon. One or more diagonals lie outside the hexagon also, as shown in the figure below. Angles of a Hexagon: 1)Sum of all the interior angles of a Regular Hexagon: The sum of all the interior angles of any regular polygon can be calculated using the formula given below: If a regular polygon has n sides, then the sum of all its interior angles, S = (n 2) * 180 Since a hexagon has 6 sides, hence n = 6. Now Sum, S = (6 2) * 180 = 720 Therefore, Sum of all the interior angles of a regular hexagon, S = 720 2)Each Interior angle of a Regular Hexagon: The measure of each interior angle of any regular polygon can be calculated using the formula given below: If a regular polygon has n sides, then Each Interior angle = (n 2)/ n * 180 Since a hexagon has 6 sides, hence n = 6. So, Each Interior angle = (6 2) / 6 * 180 = 120 Therefore, Each interior angle of a Regular Hexagon = 120 3)Each exterior angle of a Regular Hexagon: The measure of each exterior angle of any regular polygon can be calculated using the formula given below: If a regular polygon has n sides, then Each Exterior angle = 360/n Each Exterior angle of Regular Convex Hexagon = 360/6 = 60 Therefore, Each exterior angle of a Regular Hexagon = 60 4)Diagonals of a Hexagon: Number of diagonals in a polygon of n sides = n * (n 3)/ 2 Since a hexagon has 6 sides, hence n = 6. Therefore, number of diagonals in a hexagon = 6 * (6 3)/2 = 9 diagonals. Perimeter of a Hexagon: Perimeter is the total length calculated when all the side lengths of the polygon are combined together. Perimeter of a regular or irregular polygon can be calculated by adding all the side lengths of the polygon. Perimeter of a Polygon = Sum of all its side lengths. Therefore Perimeter of a Regular Hexagon of side length s (as shown in the figure on the right) will be written as, P = s + s + s + s + s + s = 6s Example: Calculate the perimeter of a regular hexagon whose side length is 7m. Perimeter of a Regular Hexagon, P = 6 * s == Perimeter, P = 6 * 7m = 42m Example: Calculate the perimeter of the hexagon shown below. Given the side lengths of the hexagon in the figure. Perimeter of a Hexagon = Sum of all the side lengths. Therefore, Perimeter, P = 4m + 7m + 3m + 2m + 8m + 2m = 26m Area of a Hexagon: Area of any polygon is the space occupied within the boundaries or edges of the polygon. Hence, area of a hexagon is the space covered within its edges or sides. Area of a regular hexagon is different from the area of an irregular hexagon. Various procedures can be used in order to calculate its area. Let us look at the common methods used in the process. 1)Area of a Regular Hexagon: As mentioned above, diagonal of a regular hexagon divide the hexagon into 6 equal triangles, also known as 6 equilateral triangles. So if we find the area of one equilateral triangle, then the area of all the 6 triangles will be known, and then the area of the hexagon will be the triangle areas added together. Given a regular hexagon as shown in the figure above, where point C is the center of the hexagon. Triangle CPQ is an equilateral triangle, as all the angles inside triangle CPQ are equal to 60 (half of the interior angle 120). Hence all its sides are also equal. Therefore, let the side lengths of CP = PQ = CQ = s CM is the perpendicular drawn to the side PQ. Let CM = h As M becomes the midpoint of side PQ, hence MQ = s/2 (half of the side length of PQ). Now in triangle CMQ, we can apply the Pythagorean Theorem to get the relationship between the height h of the triangle, and the side length s. Hence, h2 + (s/2)2 = s2. This implies h2 + s2/4 = s2. This gives h2 = s2 s2/4 So, h2 = 3s2/4 == h = (3s2/4). Therefore, the height of the triangle CPQ, h = s* 3/2 Now, Area of triangle CPQ = 1/2 * base * height. This implies, Area A = 1/2 * s * h == A = 1/2 * s * (s * 3/2) == A = s2 * 3/4 Therefore, Area of triangle CPQ = s2 * 3/4. Now, a regular hexagon consists of 6 such congruent equilateral triangles. Hence, Area of a Regular Hexagon = 6 * s2 * 3/4 which can be further simplified as: Area of a Regular Hexagon = 3/2 * s2 * 3 Example 1: What is the area of a regular hexagon whose side length is 5m? Given that the side length, s = 5m Area of a regular hexagon, A = 3/2 * s2 * 3 Hence, Area = 3/2 * 52 * 3 = 3 which is 64.95m2 (approximately) 2)Area of an Irregular Hexagon: Since an irregular hexagon does not have equal sides or equal angles, hence we cannot use the method or formula of the regular hexagon. For an irregular hexagon, we can calculate area by using various methods. Let us look at an example below: Example: Find the area of the irregular hexagon shown in the figure below. In the given figure, we observe that the side lengths are given and the lengths of the diagonals are also given. We can see that the irregular hexagon is split into 4 triangles A, B, C and D. Since the side lengths of each triangle are given, we can use Herons formula. Herons Formula: If a triangle has side lengths as a, b and c, then s = (a + b+ c)/2 Then, Area of the triangle = [s* (s-a)* (s-b)* (s-c)] Triangle A: s = (5 + 4 + 7)/2 == s = 8 Now Area of triangle A = [s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)] = [(8* (8 - 5) * (8 4) * (8 - 7)] Area of Triangle A = (8 * 3 * 4 * 1) = 9.8m2 Triangle B: s = (7 + 7 + 6)/2 = 10 Area of triangle B = [(10 * (10 - 7) * (10 - 7) * (10 - 6)] = (10 * 3 * 3 * 4) = 18.9m2 Similarly using Herons Formula as shown above, we get the areas of triangles C and D as well. Area of Triangle C = 8.9m2 and Area of Triangle D = 7.9m2 Now, Area of the Irregular Hexagon = Area of Triangle A + Area of Triangle B + Area of Triangle C + Area of Triangle D Area of the Hexagon = 9.8m2 + 18.9 m2 + 8.9 m2 + 7.9 m2 = 45.5m2 Hexagonal Tessellation: When a flat surface or a plane is covered by shapes that are repeated over and over again forming a periodic pattern, without any gaps or overlaps is known as Tessellation. We can find different kinds of tessellations such as tessellations of triangles, squares, rectangles etc. Regular polygons which are congruent (meaning same shape and size) form tessellations known as Regular Tessellations. There are only 3 types of Regular Tessellations, and they are of triangles, squares, and hexagons. A Hexagonal Tessellation is a tessellation formed when hexagons are arranged on a plane as shown in the figure below. This pattern for a Regular Hexagonal Tessellation is identical. In the figure below, we can see the vertex marked. At each vertex, we can observe that 3 hexagons are meeting. Since each hexagon has 6 sides, hence this kind of tessellation is named as 6.6.6 Tessellation. Hexagonal Prism: A hexagonal prism is a 3-dimensional figure consisting of 2 hexagonal bases and 6 rectangular faces. A hexagonal prism consists of 8 faces, 18 edges and 12 vertices. Because of its 8 faces, it is also known as the Octahedron. Surface Area of a Regular Hexagonal Prism: As shown in the figure below, a hexagonal prism has 2 hexagonal bases and 6 rectangular faces. Lateral area of the hexagonal prism is the sum of the areas of the 6 rectangular faces. If the height of the prism is h and the side of the base regular hexagon is s, then: Area of each rectangular face = s * h Lateral Area = Sum of the Areas of 6 Rectangular Faces Therefore, Lateral Area = 6 * s * h Surface Area of a Prism = Bases Area + Lateral Area The perpendicular from the center of the hexagon to its base side is also known as the Apothem (shown as d in the figure below). If the base side length is s, then as mentioned above Apothem or height of the hexagon is s * 3/2 Then, Area of the Hexagon = 3 * s * d = 3 * s * 3/2 * s = 3/2 * 3 * s2 Since there are 2 such base hexagons, hence Bases Area = 2 * 3/2 * 3 * s2 = 33 * s2 Surface Area = Bases Area + Lateral Area Hence, Surface Area of a Regular Hexagonal Prism = (33 * s2) + (6* s* h) (Where s is the side length of the base regular hexagon and h is the height of the prism). Example: How much is the surface area of a regular hexagonal prism if given the side length of the base regular hexagon is 4 inches, and height of the prism is 6 inches? Given that the side length of the base regular hexagon, s = 4 inches Height of the prism, h = 6 inches Surface Area of a Regular Hexagonal Prism = (33 * s2) + (6* s* h) Therefore, Surface Area = (33 * 42) + (6 * 4 * 6) = 483 + 144 = 227 square inches (approx.) Volume of a Hexagonal Prism: Volume of a Prism is the amount of space occupied within the boundaries or edges of the prism. Volume of a Hexagonal Prism = Area of the Base * Height of the Prism Therefore, Volume of a Hexagonal Prism = 3/2 *3 * s2 * h Example: Calculate the volume of a hexagonal prism whose base side length is 4 inches and height of the prism is 6 inches. Given that the side length of the base regular hexagon, s = 4 inches Height of the prism, h = 6 inches Volume of a Hexagonal Prism = 3/2 *3 * s2 * h Hence, Volume = 3/2* 3 * 42 * 6 = 249.4 cubic inches.

The Value Of A Masters Degree

The Value Of A Masters Degree A Masters degree traditionally carries an honorable, intelligent and prestigious clout; however, the value of this clout is a moot point. To some, a Masters degree is a sign of intellectual superiority, but to others it could simply be a framed piece of paper that needs to be dusted regularly. There are many pros and cons to pursuing a Masters degree, and it would be wise for students to make the decision of whether they will pursue one early. As the economy plummets, the interest in graduate programs increases. Mark Taylor, chairman of the religion department at Columbia University, wrote a testimonial published online through The New York Times. Taylor claimed that only 19 percent of students from the 2009 graduating class found jobs immediately out of college. He wrote that many young people in the professional workforce are fired early into their careers. These people, along with the graduating students unable to find jobs, will consider earning a Masters degree. Taylor warned students of the excessive costs of pursuing a sometimes worthless Masters degree. As a lifelong educator, I believe more education is always a good thing, but buyers must beware, wrote Taylor, who is the author of Field Notes From Elsewhere: Reflections on Dying and Living. Far too many students come out of college with substantial debts that plague them for years. He also noted that the situation is different for every student. Some graduate degree programs can be very helpful for certain careers but many are not, wrote Taylor. And, remember, what is most interesting is not always most practical. Be sure you consider your motives and goals carefully. Do not simply assume that another degree after your name is going to open doors. Stephen Joel Trachtenberg, president emeritus and professor of public services at George Washington University, also wrote a testimonial to The New York Times. He wrote that a Masters Degree is an upgrade. If you originally matriculated at a college you are vaguely uneasy about, taking an M.A. at a more elite institution allows you to kick down and kiss up, henceforth letting you tell people you went to school in New Haven, wrote Trachtenberg. And it does, of course, ornament a resume indicating academic sitzfleisch the ability to keep your behind in a chair in a diligent manner. He also argued that a Masters Degree allows one to alter directions in ones career. Trachtenberg wrote that it is absolutely makes sense for a student to pursue a Masters Degree in a bad job market only if the programs cost is not too steep for that particular student. Liz Pulliam Weston, personal finance columnist for MSN Money, agreed with Trachtenberg arguing that Graduate school has traditionally been a great place to wait out recessions while honing your skills for a better job. But sometimes, the payoff doesnt justify the cost. She outlined the benefits of certain degrees. She found that people with associate degrees earned more than those with a high school degree. She noted that a Bachelors degree at an inexpensive college is well worth it, and she discovered that professional degrees in law or medicine lead to a big payoff. She wrote that a Masters degree in business or engineering fields enhances ones income. However, in the liberal arts and social sciences fields do not augment ones income. She also warned that students must be able to pay off their debt from graduate school. Otherwise, you could quite literally spend the rest of your life scraping to pay off your debt, wrote Weston in her testimonial. I hear from too many readers who have six-figure student loan debts and $40,000 incomes. They cant save for retirement or buy a home; some cant even pay the minimums they owe on their debt. She also noted that students should take advantage of federal, student loans and not private loans because federal loans offer more protection. I recommend students borrow no more for their educations, in total, than they expect to make the first year out of school, wrote Weston. Weston is the author of Easy Money, Your Credit Score and Deal with Your Debt. Richard Vedder, director of the Center of College Affordability and Productivity and teaches economics at Ohio University, defended the Masters degree. He noted that young adults with Masters degrees earned about 15 percent more than those with a bachelors diploma. The lifetime earnings gains for the second degree should reach into the low six digits, wrote Vedder in his testimonial to The New York Times. For many, the rate of return on the added college investment therefore should be reasonably high and it beats unemployment or working in a low-skilled, low-wage retail trade job. However, Vedder noted that the earnings will depend on the field of study. He raised the opportunity cost point that a student would face. The student could potentially forego two years in the workforce making money while pursuing a Masters degree. He wrote that attaining a Masters degree could cost a student up to $100,000. Ultimately, there are many reasons why students may choose to pursue a Masters degree. Students should know their Master degrees potential worth, and if they can afford its cost. In 2008, 65.6 percent of undergraduate students gaining a 4-year Bachelors degree accumulated some debt. The average debt for these students was $23,186, according to FinAid.com. 86.3 percent took out federal loans, and the average debt for students with federal loans was $24,651. The average, accumulated debt rose by $1,139 at a 5.6 percent increase since 2004, according to FinAid.com. FinAid also reported that graduate and professional students face larger debt, ranging from $30,000 to $120,000 for a graduate degree. The median debt for a Masters degree is $25,000. A doctoral degrees debt is $52,000 and professional degrees debt is $79,836.

Too Much Vibrato Not Enough How to Control Your Voice

Too Much Vibrato Not Enough How to Control Your Voice Suzy S. Is there such a thing as too much vibrato? Find out about the technique in this guest post by Brooklyn, NY singing teacher Liz T... Have you ever listened to a professional opera or Broadway singer  and noticed how strong their vibrato was? Or noticed how a lot of contemporary pop singers on the radio today do not use a lot of vibrato? In this article, I will explain how to find and control your vibrato to use appropriately when performing. What is Vibrato? To begin with, a simple definition of a vocal vibrato is a musical effect consisting of a regular, pulsating change of pitch. It is used to add expression, and can be characterized by the amount of pitch variation and the speed within the pitch that is varied. Listen to the clip below to hear Liza Minnellis interpretation of vibrato: Opera and Broadway are two common musical styles in which vibrato is used. Singers such as Ethel Merman, Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, Barbra Streisand, Maria Callas, and Renée Fleming are all excellent singers to listen to for examples. Vibratos usually come into play at the very end of a powerful line or phrase, or at the end of the song to make it more dramatic. Vibrato is created by belting, and making the “word” of the note you are singing sound longer. Some songs are written perfectly for the use of a vibrato. Take for example, the classic song “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, below: This song has strong, powerful, melodic lines with held notes at the end of each phrase, especially near the end of the song (2:40 to the end). By adding a little vibrato, this is going to help you hold the note longer! For singers who are just experimenting singing opera and Broadway, it’s important to begin by finding your vibrato. If you sing these songs completely without vibrato, the style is going to sound very different to the ear. These styles are are meant to sound dramatic and powerful, and without the use of vibrato, the song is going to be lacking in musicality. Now, please note when singing in these genres, there is such a thing as singing with too much vibrato, as well as not enough. When you are singing in these genres, there is no need to add it all the time, really only at the end of phrases to create a dramatic effect. If you start out the song automatically punching out vibrato, it’s going to sound alarming to the listener! On the flip side, there is such a thing as not using enough vibrato. Do Other Genres Use Vibrato? In pop, rock, RB, and country music, you need to have more of a balance of using your vibrato. Not to say you will never use it in these styles, but it’s not what makes these styles work. Riffs, improv, yodels, and a high mix, for example, are things that make these song work. To get a feel for when vibrato does work in these genres, listen to the clips below of Beyonce and Christina Aguilera, two singers who use good vibrato technique. For some singers vibrato may come naturally, while others will really need to work on developing and feeling comfortable using vibrato. My advice to singers is start exploring vibrato by listening to great singers who use vibrato and others who dont, in the specific styles that I mentioned, and to practice belting to some songs that have a great potential for vibrato. Adding specific vibrato exercises, like this one demonstrated by  Jacob O. Nygaard, will also help.  Just remember to control and balance your vibrato, no matter what song you’re singing! Liz T. teaches singing and acting lessons in Brooklyn, NY.  She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M. in Vocal performance and currently performs/teaches all styles of music including Musical Theater, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, RB, and Country. Learn more about Liz here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by  Jimmy Baikovicius