Guide To The Importance of Physical Education Programs

Physical activity offers a broad range of benefits, including the prevention of obesity, improved self confidence, and an overall sense of well-being. Physical education programs within the school setting can set the stage for how children view physical fitness, activity levels, and future health. Physical education programs also include general health and safety information in addition to providing opportunities for students to learn how to cooperate with one another in a team setting.

A Lifetime of Health

The school setting provides a structured atmosphere in which to incorporate physical health activities and ideally develop healthy habits for life. Studies indicate that promotion of a healthy lifestyle taught in physical education classes can influence long-term health benefits such as reduced rates of obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Perhaps just as importantly, physical education programs can teach students that physical activity can be fun. With a broad range of games and activities, children are exposed to forms of exercise that don’t simply involve running around a track. Games and other activities incorporate teamwork, strategy, skill-building exercises, and fun.

Nutritional Information

Physical education classes are ideal for introducing basic nutritional concepts to children. Poor eating habits are common among many children and adolescents; however, a solid foundation in healthy eating choices can help lay the groundwork for improved food choices. Children who eat regular, healthy meals consisting of a wide range of food choices concentrate better in school and are less disruptive. Healthy eating also decreases the chances of children developing serious health problems early in life and reduces obesity rates among youth and into adulthood.

Life Skills

Physical education also provides an opportunity for children to develop critical life skills, such as problem solving, strategy, and working together. Many team sports require participants to work together to achieve a goal. Children also learn the basics of good sportsmanship and that there is much more to sports and physical activities than simply winning or losing. Sports require training, mental and physical preparation, and help build self-confidence.

Mental Health

Regular physical activity has shown to have many psychological and mental benefits in addition to the physical ones. For example, regular exercise can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety and promote an overall sense of well-being. The increased blood flow during exercise transports oxygen to all parts of the body, including the brain, which can help improve memory and reasoning skills. Conversely, a lack of oxygen, which can result from not enough deep breathing, can lead to disorientation, confusion, fatigue, and memory and concentration difficulties.

Guide to Student Grants and Scholarships

Colleges and universities can be expensive… sometimes getting accepted into the school of your choice can be the easy part of the educational journey of the new student. It isn’t always easy to find the money that you need to pay for your education, but there are ways to make paying for school much easier. Two of the more common ways to ease the cost of continuing education are student grants and scholarships, both of which provide certain amounts of money that can be applied toward the cost of further education without the need to repay them.

Student grants and scholarships aren’t always easy to find or to win, but the extra time taken in researching and applying for them is well worth it if you are awarded any of those that you apply for.

Defining Grants and Scholarships

The first thing that you need to know when looking for student grants and scholarships is exactly what the difference between grants and scholarships is. Both grants and scholarships are funds that are given to students based upon academic performance, financial need, or other reasons, and do not require the student to pay them back after graduation unlike student loans.

The major difference in grants and scholarships are their origins and the ways in which they are used. Grants are usually given by government offices and non-profit organizations and can generally be used to cover a variety of different expenses. Scholarships, on the other hand, are usually created by businesses or private individuals and are used to cover specific costs such as tuition or dormitory costs.

Both grants and scholarships must be applied for, and are generally considered to be highly competitive since there’s only so much grant or scholarship money to go around each semester or each year.

Finding Grants and Scholarships

There are several different ways that you can locate grants and scholarships to assist with the cost of attending a college or university. Most school guidance counselors have listings of available grants and scholarships, as well as application information on many of them. Additionally, the financial aid offices of the colleges and universities where prospective students are considering attending can provide detailed information on many of the scholarships and grants that their students receive.

The internet can also be a useful tool in assisting your search, allowing you to find grants and scholarships that can be applied for that many people don’t even know exist. While all of these might not be large grants or scholarships, even smaller ones can provide some much-needed financial aid.

The Application Process

Unlike many loans, the applications for grants and scholarships are usually somewhat involved and may require several different items in addition to the application. Many scholarship and grant applications require letters of recommendation from former teachers, community or business leaders, or others who can speak knowingly of the applicant, and they may also require essays or other written pieces from the applicant as well.

Those scholarships and grants that are given based upon financial need may require that tax statements or earned income statements be provided by the student or by their parents, so that the decision makers might be able to determine that the student falls within the level of financial need that is needed for the particular grant or scholarship.

Others may also require that the student or their parents be employed in a certain industry, be a member of a certain organization, or meet other criteria set forth when the grant or scholarship was first created.

 

Guide to Online Bachelors Degrees

In the past, a degree was a badge of distinction. While it still has some of the same allure today, a degree is now considered almost a necessity to make a satisfactory living. In today’s competitive world, continual learning has become an integral part of success.

People serious about financial stability will find the time and exert the effort required to achieve a degree.

Individuals who were thrust into the demands of life and family responsbilities before being able to complete college in the past were at a decided disadvantage because it wasn’t feasible for them to go back later and get that degree.

Thankfully, with the advent of online bachelors degrees afforded by educational institutions who have acknowledged complicated life situations such as job and family committments, people can now go back and finish that degree and move ahead in the world.

Pursuing an online accredited bachelors degree enables students to move beyond the limitations and inconveniences of attending a college campus, or university.

In short, online bachelors degrees afford people the flexibility of setting their own pace.

However, if you want your degree to be recognized by employers in the real world you should make sure you focus only on an online accredited bachelors degree. Accredited universities are the most prestigous. There are some unscrupulous degree mills out there who will take your money and offer you worthless degrees.

One should not assume that just because typical B.S and B.A degrees require 4 years that you will necessarily spend the same number of years getting an online bachelors degrees. Indeed, if you really push yourself, such degrees can be achieved in as little as 18 months.

It is determined that individuals attaining a bachelor’s degree make on an average $20,000 more dollars a year than those with only a high school diploma or equivalent.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average annual income for high school graduates is $27,038. However, those with a bachelor’s degree enjoy an average annual income of $51,206.

Online learning presents a prospective future, but there are certain universities one must know to look for. It is essential the university chosen offers a legitimate online accredited bachelors degree program.

Getting that bachelors degree can mean not only more money and a better life for you and your family, but more pride and an immense feeling of accomplishment.

Diploma Or A GED? Some Important Facts

Deciding whether or not to stay in school and finish your diploma or to drop out and take your GED can be a rough choice. There are a number of reasons you may choose either, but before you make that essential decision, it is best to get all of the facts about both options.

The eligibility for a GED is determined by your particular state. You will need to do a bit of research to decide of you fit your state’s criteria. Moreover, you cannot be enrolled in a high school to take the GED. You also cannot have graduated from a high school. You have to be over the age of sixteen before you can even consider the GED as an option. A GED will only be awarded to you if you pass a number of tests within five different academic subject areas. You must score at least a sixty percent on each individual test before you will be considered to have a passing grade. Chances are good that you will have to spend some time studying to get your GED. The exams take a total of seven hours, and you may need some preparation to help you prepare for the test.

The laws regarding high school diplomas also vary from state to state. Most states, though, require that you spend one to four years in a high school environment. There is no minimum age requirement, but most states say you have to earn your diploma before you reach twenty-one years of age. The curriculum varies from district to district, as do the course requirements. You will have to complete the work that your district requires. You will also have to complete the appropriate attendance requirements.

Close-Up Look At Microscopes

The microscope is an important educational tool used in scientific research and education. It is used to produce a larger image of an object for projects ranging from medical discoveries to important educational training in schools across the nation. Microscopes use technology to allow humans to view objects as they could never be seen with the naked eye alone.

A conventional microscope was first developed during the last part of the 16th century, which lead the world of science toward a prospering future in the world of medicine and biology. In it’s earliest years, the microscope was primarily used as a recreational device and was found mainly in wealthier homes. It wasn’t long, however, before technology and research began to blend for a new discovery relating to blood circulation. In addition, advancements in the study of bacteria and diseases were among the discoveries that followed.

The majority of microscopes are called light microscopes, which uses a series of high powered magnifying lenses in order to bend light rays. Studies continued through the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries while, at the end of the nineteenth century, an even bigger development occurred. With the realization that electrons could be used as a light source in microscopes, scientists were provided with a never before seen resolution. The first electron microscope was unveiled approximately 75 years ago, which allowed for even smaller things to be researched and viewed. Among the advancements, atoms were finally visible for the first time and viruses could finally be identified with the powerful magnification and resolution of the electron microscope.

A microscope is an important tool and should be treated carefully. Proper care should be exercised when handling, or transporting, a microscope in order to avoid damage to the unit. Always carry the microscope with both hands and in the upright position. If you have a special tote or a box, either will work fine for transportation. When the microscope is in use, always make sure that it is placed on a flat surface and one that is not shaky. A sturdy table is the best placement for a microscope, but avoid placing it close to the edge where it could fall off to the side. After each use, follow the manufacturer’s instructions in proper cleanup of the unit, as well as any slides. If you do not plan to view the slide’s contents again, they should be cleaned in order to avoid interaction with future items that are placed on the slide for viewing.

While much emphasis is placed on scientific research and the technical aspects of microscopes, it’s important to remember that children can also benefit from the tool’s educational teachings. When you’re a child, it’s fun to collect a sample of anything and check it out under a microscope. Of course, microscopes begin as toys for smaller children and advance to larger, and more realistic models, as the child ages and is better able to understand the importance of the tool. If a child learns to be familiar with a microscope at a young age, he/she will be much more prepared for biology classes and the various parts and styles of microscopes.

Career in Photography

A career as a photographer opens many different doors for you, and gives you the options for a whole variety of different photography careers. You can work in the world of journalism, big business, science and art. You can decide to run your own business or you can work for a salary.

Many people think of studio photography when they consider a photography career, producing studio portraits and other similar work. However, there are many more options that this. Journalism is a great area of photographers, who can specialize in news photography, or maybe sports photography. Some photographic journalists specialize in magazine photography, recording fashion and the lives of the famous. There is also a very venerable tradition of news photographers who became war correspondents, documenting war and other world crises through the lens.

Photographers can also work in business, documenting processes and events that concern large corporations or working with the publicity and media departments. You can have a photography career as a science photographer, recording visually the effects of research and development, or you can do similar work specialising in medicine. The career options are wide for a professional photographer, making this a popular career.

If you want to be a photographer, you will need to go through an education in order to acquire the skills and knowledge you need to do the job properly. However, you will also need other personal qualities to be a good photographer, including:-

-Artistic ability in order to be able to see the photo opportunities around you.

-An eye for composition, allowing you to create a picture with the right elements in the right place to send the message you wish.

-Attention to detail – it is often the details of a picture that can make it or break it.

-Patience – sometimes you will have to wait for hours, days or even weeks for the right images to arrive.

-Practical abilities to be able to “finish” a photograph using development or digital techniques.

-An ability to be able to read the market for the style and type of photographs that are acceptable and in demand.

For many people, being a photographer is not just a career, it is also a way of looking at the world, and in order to be able to do this well, you need to develop the right traits.

Brief History of Distance Education

Distance education has afforded generations of students the opportunity pursue their educational goals outside of the traditional school system.  It has allowed countless students the ability to further their education, while allowing them to maintain their obligations to their families and employers.  While distance education is not for everyone, it has certainly stood the test of time.  The following is a brief timeline of events related to distance education.

•     1840 – Isaac Pitman begins teaching shorthand by correspondence in the UK.

•     1858 – The University of London creates its External Program.

•     1883 – New York State authorizes the Chautauqua Institute to award degrees earned via correspondence.

•     1891 – The Colliery Engineer School of Mines renames itself International Correspondence Schools.

•     1892 – The University of Chicago starts administering the first university courses by mail.

•     1906 – The Calvert School of Baltimore becomes the first primary school in the United States to offer correspondence courses.

•     1916 – The National University Continuing Education Association is created in the United States.

•     1921 – Pennsylvania State College begins broadcasting courses on the radio.

•     1933 – The University of Iowa begins broadcasting courses on television.

•     1950 – The Ford Foundation begins offering grants to create and develop educational programs for television broadcasting.

•     1967 – The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is created.

•     1970 – Walden University is established.

•     1974 – California State University offers a Masters degree via correspondence.

•     1982 – The National University Teleconferencing Network is established.

•     1984 – The personal computer is named “man of the year” by Time Magazine.

With the advent of the personal computer and the development of the internet, distance education has evolved into an extremely important element of modern education.  Most every university in North America offers courses online, while an entire cottage industry has formed around the concept of online education.  There are countless online courses available to members of the general public.  The wonderful thing about online education is that there are no borders, and prospective students worldwide now have access to the same opportunities.  Online learning has the ability to make the world a better place.  In some ways, it already has.

Guide to Chinese Pronunciation

To continue with Chinese pronunciation…

1. Consonants

There are 24 consonants in pinyin which are pronounced a lot like in English.

b, p, m, f, d, t, n, l, g, k, ng, h, j, q, x, zh, ch,    sh, r, z, c, s, y, w

Chinese pronunciation of Consonants

b as in boy

p as in pine

m as in mother

f as in food

d as in dig

t as in talk

n as in none

l as in loud

g as in good

k as in kid

ng as in song

h as in hot

j as in jeep

q like “ch” in cheat

x like a sound between the “s” in see and the “sh” in she

zh like “dg” in sludge

ch as in children

sh as in shake

r as in raw

z like “ds” in words

c like “ts” in eats

s as in son

y as in Yao Ming

w as in we

2. Vowels

There are 6 simple vowels.

a, o, e, i, u, ü

Chinese pronunciation of Vowels

a as in mama

o as in drop

e as in earn

I as in sit

U as in look

ü like the u in the French rue

3. Vowel Combinations

In Chinese pronunciation, basic vowels can form vowel combinations with each other or with a nasal consonant.

Chinese pronunciation of Vowel Combinations

- ai like eye

- an sounds like “ah” with an emphatic “n” at the end (NOT like “an” in can)

- ang sounds like “ah” with a soft “ng” (NOT like “ang” in hang)

- ao is like “ao” in Tao

- ei is like “ay” in bay

- en is like “u” in sun

- eng is like “ung” in sung

- er like “ur” in purse

- ia is like ya

- iang is like young

- ie is like yeah

- iu is like the “ou” in you

- ian like yen

- iao is like “eow” in meow

- in as in “in” in gin

- ing as in “ing” in sing

- iong is like pinyin “yong”

- ong is like “ong” in kong

- ou is like “ow” in low

- ua is like “ua” in guava

- uan like one

- uang like “oo” + ang

- ui is like way

- un is like “wou” in would and ending in “n”    sound (woon)

- uo sounds like “wo” as in wall

- uai is like why

- ua is like “wa”

- üan like yuan and written without two dots

- üe is like “yue” (“we” in “wet”)

Tips for Easy Fundraising with Memorial Bricks

So, you’re looking for a fundraising project for a school, sports team or construction project and you’re thinking about engraved bricks. Brick fundraising is pretty simple, but what are the pitfalls?

We talked to Larry Cannon (www.bricksculpture.com), who’s been engraving bricks for fundraisers since 1988. He offers the following advice before you embark on the campaign…..

1.    First look at your donor database. How likely are they to contribute to your new cause? Take nothing for granted. Don’t assume that people will donate without a good strategy.

2.    Think about who you’re targeting. You should expect about 20% of your database to contribute. But…how interested are they in your project? How committed are they? How are they doing financially?

4.    Think about the best time to mail donation requests. Timing is everything in fundraising.

5.    Think of the best way to word it. Should you play on their sympathies or emphasize that their name on a brick is a memorial will last beyond their life?

6.    The project chair will make or break the project. Don’t let just anyone do it…get volunteers with the time and energy to put into the project.

7.    How much money do you want to raise? Come into the project with an established goal.

8.    Decide how much money people will donate to purchase a brick. Subtract the costs from the brick manufacturer and the difference is direct profit..

9.    What about donor level appreciation? Do you want to honor different levels of donor contribution? If so….how? Some options are brick placement, size of bricks, number of words on the brick, emblems or logos on the bricks….

10.   Can you get services donated? Does someone in the group know a brick mason who’ll donate their time to lay the brick, build the wall or whatever? If not, the cost for hiring one must come from the raised donations.

Best Student Loan Options

There are several different options available for students in terms of student loans; however, following are the 10 Best Student Loan Options:

1.    Subsidized Stafford Loan

2.    Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

3.    Federal Perkins Loan

4.    Federal PLUS loan for parents

5.    Direct PLUS loans

6.    Federal consolidation loan

7.    Federal Nursing Loan

8.    Federal Insured Student Loan

9.    Health Professions Student Loans

10.   Private student loans

Let’s take a closer look at more information regarding the 10 best student loan options that anyone considering college student loans should consider:

1) The Subsidized Stafford Loan is available for both graduate and undergraduate study. While the student is in school, the interest on the loan is paid by the federal government. This loan is need based, so not all applicants may qualify.

2) The Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is also available for graduate and undergraduate study. Unlike the Subsidized Stafford Loan, with this loan the student is responsible for the interest that is accrued on the loan while they are in school. This is not a needs based loan, so students may be eligible for the loan even if they do not show a financial need for the loan.

3) The Federal Perkins loan is a type of student loan that is available to both graduate and undergraduate students. Applicants must demonstrate financial need in order to qualify for this loan. Funds are disbursed by the school and must be repaid to the school.

4) The PLUS loan program gives parents of students the option to borrow up to 100% of their child’s cost of education. Parents are eligible for this loan even if they do not demonstrate a financial need and regardless of income.

5) Direct PLUS loan: this type of student loan is available to parents and guardians of dependent undergraduate students. Borrowers do not need to demonstrate financial need and may borrow up to the cost of attendance; minus any amount of financial aid that may be received. Loan funds are first applied to tuition and fees. This type of government and federal student loan has a variable interest rate.

6) The federal consolidation loan program gives students and their parents the option to consolidate loans and take advantage of lower interest rates and monthly payments.

7) The federal nursing loan gives students who are enrolled in nursing school the option of a low interest loan and flexible repayment options. Loan cancellation is available in some cases.

8) The Federal Insured Student Loan program gives students who might not otherwise qualify for a student loan the ability to receive the funds they need to complete their education.

9) The Health Professions Student Loan provides long-term, low interest loans to students pursuing degrees in dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine or podiatry.

10) Private student loans require a credit check for borrowers; however, students and their families are typically able to borrow more money than they would have been able to through a federal student loan.