New Fields in Science

I haven’t posted in awhile, but when I saw this information, I thought of you.  Once you graduate from high school and go on to college, I can only imagine what different fields of study you will pursue.  Seeing these two articles made me think about this. 

Especially take note of how what once seemed like different fields of study are now blending together. 

We are living in exciting times. 

Check out these two links:

Mosquito Duet Leads to Love 

http://m.npr.org/news.jsp?key=472297&rc=em&p=0

Brain Power   

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/id=4564186n

I hope these stories make you stop and think also.

Election 08

Just think.  The next time a presidential election rolls around you will be old enough to vote!  Over the next few weeks you have an opportunity to watch the political system in action as the presidential candidates present their views and party platforms, debate, advertise, and campaign for the voters’ attention and approval.  Voters will go to the polls on November, the decision will be made, and a new president will take office in January 2009.

Many Americans think this election is very important.  The issues abound.  Make sure you watch, read, research, and discuss the impact of this election with family and friends. 

You may want to check out this website about what the pollsters say about how the voting may go:

http://news.yahoo.com/election/2008/dashboard

“Democracy works when people claim it as their own.”      ~Bill Moyers

Saint Louis—Much to Do and See

With the price of gasolline going up each day, many families across the US are checking out things to do in their own home towns.  What a marvelous city we live in.  This made me wonder how much of Saint Louis you have seen.  An article was recently published in St. Louis Magazine about things to do in our city.  Perhaps your family could check out some of these sites around our city.

http://www.stlmag.com/media/St-Louis-Magazine/May-2008/101-Things-Every-St-Louisan-Must-Do/

If you find a spot we might all enjoy, please let me know and I will post the information for all to see. 

St. Louis is a great place to live!

Bits of Math and Other Useful Information

MathBits.com is a good website to check out for math practice and help.

http://mathbits.com/.htm

The website was developed by a couple of teachers, and at first glance looks to be interesting and user friendly.  It might be good to check in and brush up on your math skills before school begins,  use the math problems to practice and reinforce what you are studying during the school year, and even take a peak at some of the math in more advanced classes.   If you peruse the site long enough, you will find links to other subjects in addition to math, information for improving your study skills, and other resources for high school students to use.  Check out the math dictionary resources in your field of study.  Most of the student resources are free. 

Have fun!

Never Say It Cannot Be Done

Below you will find the link to an article from the NY Times to read and consider.  It is about how a goat eventually helped to send a bright, young Ugandan woman named Beatrice to college in America.  She eventually became the first person from her small African village to graduate from an American college.   In this story one finds that we really can help others in extraordinary ways when we support a great cause.  Also the article reveals how far the desire for education can take one and how the world is improved because of this effort.  With little, we can all do much.  Beatrice’s story reminds us of this. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/03/opinion/03kristof.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

The Other Part of Achievement and Success

As you have probably found out already, achievement and success are not only dependent on intellect, but also on effort and work ethic, planning and doing.  Time management and organization skills which are part of our executive function are also essential in our efforts to achieve.  Here is an interesting article that will explain this further:

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3746667

Some of the links within this article are also interesting, particularly the information on self-regulation and mind-theory.  Should you wish to pursue or discuss this topic further, please feel free to e-mail or phone me.  I would consider the time well spent.

Parlez vous francais?

Have you had the opportunity to check out the BBC languages website? 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/

If you like to study foreign languages, this may become a useful tool for you!  It is a wonderful site with information for those who want to study a language or brush up on a language you may already know.  There are audio clips so turn on your computer sound, as you will have an opportunity to practice your pronunciation.  You can find ways to improve your language skills by watching videos, reading magazines and newspapers in another language, or explore other creative links that will strengthen your skills.  In this time of globalization, it will be good to be fluent in another language.  This site may help you discover that a second or third language may just come in handy afterall.  Have fun with this.  There are ways you can sign up for beginning classes in numerous languages online. 

Me?  I am brushing up on my French! 

An additional website with many opportunities to study foreign languages used by one of the students who is studying Spanish in his spare time:

http://www.fsi-language-courses.com/

http://www.speak7.com/

Hoagies’

Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page is an excellent website filled with a variety of links for you to explore.   You can find games, brainteasers, puzzles, contests, book recommendations, free online classes to practice your skills or learn a new language, and even a few interesting articles to read.  There is information on this site for students, parents and even teachers.  Hoagies is a veritable smorgasbord of things to do and learn.  You might want to check out this site on a rainy summer day. 

Hoagies’ Gifted Education Page

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/index.htm

 

A Suggestion for Testing

A Strategy for Test Taking:   DETER

 

Read through all test directions.

 

Examine the test.

 

Decide how much time you should allow to answer each test item.

 

Answer the easiest questions first

 

If you finish early, review the exam.

 

This is a easy process to remember.  The main idea is that you ready yourself to take the test, use all your tools, survey what work needs to be done, get a feel for what is being asked of you.  Check your mindset, get in the testing mode frame of mind.  This is rather like a warm-up in athletics.  You are readying yourself to do a great job on the test. 

 

You may discover a different format which is better suited to you. 

 

Directions—Examine—Time—Easiest—Review

Motivation: Tips and Strategies

Use strategies to stay motivated.

• Create a study plan and work your plan.
• Monitor yourself and stay on track.
• Practice positive self-talk.
• Reward yourself from time to time.
• Plan something special for after finals.
• Remind yourself of previous successes.
• Visualize yourself as confident and doing well on your exam.
• Get a good night’s sleep before the test.
• Eat a balanced diet and drink water.
• Maintain your momentum; keep confidence and energy level high.

Surround yourself with other motivated people.

• Create or join a study group if this is helpful for you.
• Avoid people gadgets (You know what these are.), and events which will distract you, interrupt concentration or cause you to lose focus.
• Turn off your phone, e-mail and text messaging.  They will be there when you finish your exams.  This takes discipline.  Ask your parents to monitor your calls for you.

Remember that academic goals comes first.

• Set priorities.
• Begin with a successful end in mind.
• Mindset should be academics.
• Reward yourself when exams are complete.
• Work hard; be persistent; put in effort.

During exams

• Use entire alloted time.
• Review, check, and evaluate answers.
• Use problem-solving strategies.
• Concentrate solely on the exam at hand.

After Exams: Reflect, Evaluate, Analyze

• Honestly evaluate performance.
• Take notes to remember.
• Note areas of difficulty; check to see how you can improve.
• Review study strategies and plan.
• Take note of effective strategies; note other strategjes that you want to try next time.
• Revise ineffective plans.

Information for preparing exams adapted from the following source:

Blerkom, D.L. (2005). College Study Skills: Becoming a Strategic Learner, 5th edition. Belmont, CA:    Wadsworth Publishing Company.

This is an excellent source.  Please contact me if you would like more information about this book.