Advantages and Disadvantages of Homeschooling Essay Example

Advantages and Disadvantages of Homeschooling Essay Homeschooling In today’s society, homeschooling is looked down upon. Many think the students involved will lack social skills. Some people are against it because they think it gives younger children a sense of authority by being able to plan their own schooling. Others are opposed to homeschooling just because it is uncommon in society and they do no want to be outcasts. To home school a child it does require much more attention and time than traditional schooling, but the results prove it can be rewarding. Homeschooling Is beneficial because it focuses on one individual at a time, is more flexible than traditional schooling, and avoids the negative effects of other students. Today both public and private schooling lack the ability to give the curriculm every student needs based on their own interests. Gifted children do not receive the attention that they need to excel and children who struggle with academics do not receive enough attention (Tsubata 104-08). This problem is mainly caused by overcrowding (Is Home an Acceptable Alternative 86-87). If a student knows they have to teach another student, they tend to learn better. We will write a custom essay sample on Advantages and Disadvantages of Homeschooling specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Advantages and Disadvantages of Homeschooling specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Advantages and Disadvantages of Homeschooling specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Homeschooled students know they will be the ones to repeat learned information back to someone to prove they know it, unlike in a classroom (Tsubata 104-08). Some people think homeschooling is only limited to a parent’s knowledge, but there are many other educational sources available for learning (Is Home an Acceptable Alternative 86-87). Without an entire class needing to know material to move on, a homeschooler can move at a faster pace. If a homeschooled student is slower in a certain area, more attention can be sectioned around that topic (Tsubata 104-08). Having so many students as classrooms have does not work as well as one-on-one teaching. Every student learns in a different way. Some can be visual, hands-on, or kinesthetic learners (Benefits of Homeschooling). Homeschooling can enforce a specific type of learning that is more beneficial and easier for a student to grasp. For example, if a student is a visual learner, but the class is listening to others read, it is a waste of time for the visual student. Also, homework is a waste of time if a student already knows the material very well. A parent or personal tutor can easily recognize this fact and will not make them do reinforcement exercises. Through homeschooling, it gives teachers a better knowledge of learning types (Shaw). Unlike in regular schooling, if a child has a question it can be fully answered. In classes, a child could be totally lost and ask for help, but because of time constraints the question receives general feedback. Instead, a homeschooler can be assigned to research that topic and answer the question themselves. The curriculum can be changed according to what is not understood, not a generalization of the class. After a student asks a question, it could lead to many more questions. In a classroom environment, a student could be afraid to ask all of these questions because of the other students. Homeschoolers are alone so they are not worried of what others think. No one is around that would judge them for being curious or not understanding. Other students in a class can have a major negative influence on learning. Sometimes students can become self-conscious of asking too many questions. Without asking questions and being able to process what a teacher is saying, there is no learning involved. Miscellaneous details such as dating and gossip can become more important to students than school. In addition, the extra practice work and wait for others to finish can make school feel tedious and boring. This can cause kids to lose interest and think of school as a bad thing instead of a privilege (Benefits of Homeschooling). With homeschooling, the students have more influence over lessons. Students can be more involved in learning what interests them at a younger age. They can choose to learn from their parent, a tutor, or some type of educational program. These programs could include museum tours or field trips to places such as Imagination. There they can do many activities such as building a mini ship, or experiencing science first hand by doing activities set up throughout the center. Whichever type of teacher best fits them, they will pay the most attention to (Barnes). The ability to choose more classes is another benefit of homeschooling (Tsubata 104-08). They can research their interest earlier than a public school student because the extra time and more lenient curriculum. Classes are developed around the student, not standards like most traditional schools (Barnes). Students can study what they want, when they want, how they want and for as long as they want. Class schedules can be flexible based on a student’s availability and attention span in homeschooling. Schooling can be planned around sports and other extra curricular events easier than traditional schooling. Sleep can also be factored into classes. Some people are more awake at night than in the morning, so having school later is more beneficial than school at its regular time. If the day before was tiring or you were up late, school can start later. If a student becomes tired throughout the day, they are capable of taking a nap. This can help by making it easier to retain information. Another option is taking a break. Students can become bored of sitting and listening so a break can help them refocus. Public schools do not accept the excuse of not being able to concentrate, but homeschooling does (Shaw). If a child becomes ill, school is still able to continue. The days might be less educational then planned originally, but it is better then no school at all. At home, there are not as many contagious diseases being passed around such as colds and more severe illnesses such as the swine flu. Classes can be adjusted based on students easier then traditional schooling (Barnes). Post Secondary schooling is also an extra option available. Homeschooled students have more capabilities of attending these classes. Since many are at a normal school-based time, homeschooling can work around the classes. In public schooling your schedule has to be changed and you miss out on other classes. With post secondary, colleges look at you highly and see you challenge yourself. This is even more impressive if you can do other elective classes such as arts and computer classes. This can give you a well rounded base for college and help open up your interest field. Unlike many people think, homeschoolers are not deprived of peer interaction or social skills. There are many educational groups and activities that homeschooled children participate in. These groups force homeschooled students to interact and mingle with others. Supporting Home Instruction through Nurture Education (S. H. I. N. E. ) offers field trips and holiday parties. They have different levels of involvement available to help fit a family’s interests. These kids are also active and involved in sports as often as traditional schooling students are. From these groups and activities, many close bonds are made unlike traditional schooling. Akron Roman Catholic Home Educators (ARCHE) they offer field trips and cultural experiences, swimming, hiking, ice skating, bowling and more. Christian Home Educators of Clark County (CHECC) offer field trips, seasonal gatherings, graduation ceremonies, and interest groups to homeschooled students. Homeschoolers tend to make closer ties to less people compared to traditional school students who make loss ties with more people (Benefits of Homeschooling). Homeschooled students do not worry about blending in with others. If a student is different from others, there is not a bully that can make fun of them (Shaw). Homeschoolers feel no peer pressure in the classroom, which is where it is most important to feel comfortable (Benefits of Homeschooling). Without having others present, there are no cliques or concerns for how to look or act. Since it is usually just the student and a teacher, it does not matter if you are shy, outgoing, or curious. Parent relationship also grows much stronger through homeschooling. A parent is able to learn a child’s interests first hand in many ways a parent of a traditionally schooled student cannot. Without all of the other people in their child’s life, a parent can be the most influential person in their life. Their child will look up to them instead of someone at school who lacks redeeming moral values. A parent that teaches their child is also capable of planning the curriculum and helping along the way. By teaching and helping, a tie will grow between parent and student. The child will feel more comfortable asking for help and talking about problems with this bond. Although there are many positives to homeschooling, there are negatives. In some cases, homeschooling can be expensive (Is Home an Acceptable Alternative 86-87). Private tutors are needed if a parent or another adult is not capable of teaching the material. A parent generally has to stay at home to make sure the student stays on task and does what is required for the day (Tsubata 104-08). A lot of this parent’s time has to be given up to school work and researching new interesting ways of schooling. The parent that is in charge of the curriculum has to be involved and know what is going on so everyday is not spent at home reading from textbooks (Shaw, The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling). Many materials are needed such as a place to hold school, materials, and any other expenses form a field trip or something along those lines (Tsubata 104-08). With homeschooling many benefits are present. Negatives are also present, but the positives strongly out way them. If you can handle the criticism from other adults and are capable of putting forth the effort, homeschooling is a great choice. Students can interact with teachers more frequently one-on-one; avoid the negative influences of others while still having close bonds with friends and family.

The Importance of Writing a Sample Informational Essay

The Importance of Writing a Sample Informational EssayIf you are looking for an online course to improve your written and analytical skills, a sample informative essay is ideal. This will give you a glimpse of what is expected from you. By taking this short tutorial, you will see what you need to do in order to create a good piece of writing.In today's world, students everywhere are extremely conscious about their grades. After all, a poor grade can lower a student's college enrollment or leave him or her with poor employment prospects. For many students, writing an essay to impress the college admissions officers, or a particular professor, is a nightmare. For this reason, students are taking a shot at self-editing and writing their own sample informational essays. However, a sample essay, written by itself, is not enough.It is a critical time for these students. Every decision they make during their four years of college will shape their future. This is why it is important to resea rch college admissions questions and make sure that you know them before applying. Moreover, there are various steps you need to take before you apply to college. You need to write a sample essay, an essay proof, and a personal statement.After completing these steps, you will be able to start writing your essay. You will first need to decide which format you would like to use, an academic or personal essay. Also, you need to decide how long you want to write the essay and whether you would like to add an essay on a different topic. Finally, the final paragraph should be brief and to the point.If you choose to use a sample informative essay as a learning tool, it is important to follow certain guidelines. First, read the sample essay that you will use as a guide. This can be done in two ways: read the introduction first, then read the essay body, followed by the conclusion. Also, consider how the authors of the essays have dealt with their own personal experiences.Finally, you must i nclude a citation to the sample informational essay that you have used as a guide. You can do this by starting with the first paragraph and then end by citing the entire text. This will give you a clear idea of what your essay should look like.Article writing courses offer students many topics that they can use as resources to write informative articles. These include information from the Times, Op-Ed, and other newspapers and magazines.

Teenagers and Stress essays

Teenagers and Stress essays Stress is a feeling that's produced when we react to certain events. It's the body's way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough position with focus, strength, determination, and heightened alertness. Stress among teen has become a growing epidemic in the past century, Teen stress is more common than you may think. Teens fall victims to stress everyday whether some people would like to think so or not. Its a point of a child life where some may say its the most stress that anyone will experience. Its the time where there about to be on their own, they have huge decisions to make about their future and their goals, and what they are going to do with their life whether if to do with their education, work and even personal life. With all the peer pressure and struggles that teens may face, can have a huge effect which can put a huge load of stress on to a teen. Stress in teens is simple to identify such as depression, sleep deprivation, internal clock may be out of whack . However teen stress must be addressed right away (Arenofsky). A major factor that can bring stress upon a teen is school related. Many may believe that school is happy place where stress is hardly to be seen, but unfortunately this is not the case. School is one of the most stressful experiences a teenager will ever endure. Its the time when they are finding themselves personally and who they are. They seek desperately for acceptance whether if its for the good or bad. Some times this can place teens in a bad position, because they might get accepted into the wrong crowd of people and be peer pressure into things that they wouldnt normally do themselves, just to get that feeling of being wanted or accepted. Also another reason school plays an important role into stress, is that teens and push and lecture daily by their parents and fellow teachers and administration to be that honor student that exceeds in everything ...

How to Make Marbled and Scented Paper

How to Make Marbled and Scented Paper Its super-easy to make elegant marbled paper, which you can use for a variety of projects including gift wrap. What you may not know is you can scent your paper while you marble it. Paper Marbling Materials papershaving creamfood coloring or paintssilverwareshallow pan, large enough for your papersqueegee or paper towels You can use any paper for this project and will get slightly different effects depending on your selection. I used ordinary printer paper. You can use any shaving cream, too. I would probably aim for the least expensive brand you can find, but what I actually used was scented shaving gel. If you use peppermint-scented shaving cream then you can make paper that smells like candy canes. If you use floral scented shaving cream then your marbled paper will carry a subtle floral fragrance. The other material used in this project is pigment or ink. The blue/red/green box in the photo is wrapped with marbled paper colored using food coloring. The pink/orange/blue box is wrapped with marbled paper that was colored with tempera poster paints. You can use any pigment you like, so be creative! Make Marbled Paper Spread a thin layer of shaving cream in the bottom of the pan. I used a spoon, but you can use a knife or spatula or your fingers. All you need is a shallow coating.Dot the surface of the shaving cream with food coloring or paint or pigment or whatever colorant you are using.Use your imagination to pattern the colors. I simply ran the tines of a fork through the colors in a wavy fashion. Dont get too enthusiastic swirling your colors or else they will run together.Lay your paper on top of the colored layer in the pan. I smoothed the paper out over the shaving cream.Remove the paper and either squeegee off the shaving cream (wiping between passes) or wipe the shaving cream off with a dry paper towel. If you do this carefully, none of your colors will run or be distorted.Allow your paper to dry. If it curls, you can iron it flat using low heat. I didnt have any problem with printer paper distorting. The marbled paper will be smooth and slightly glossy. Neither the food colorings nor tempera paints transferred off of the paper once it was dry. Some people like to spray marbled paper with a fixative. I probably would not treat the paper if your goal is to make a scented and colored paper, since fixing the paper might mask the fragrance.

Personal Health Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Personal Health Assessment - Essay Example In addition to these physical activities, I have a great interest in music. I have an interest in piano and play on occasion. I also DJ when opportunities become available. I have a series of goals. I would like to first complete my Bachelor of Science Degree. I would then like to become an elementary school teacher, and ultimately ensure that I am physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. My score for the self-care and safety category is an 82. This was not surprising as I make the best effort to avoid alcohol and am completely drug free. I also feel that self-care and safety are aspects that are integrated into one’s daily life choices, including physical activity, risk taking activities, and even hygiene. I ultimately realize that even as I pay considerable attention to this aspect of my life, there are some aspects of it that I could still improve, such as ensuring that I receive adequate sleep, exercise, and always maintain a proper diet. My environmental wellness score of 62 constitutes my lowest score out of the wellness categories. I recognize that I have much room for improvement in this category, and plan on making a more conscientious effort to improve my conduct in this category. I realize that I can improve by recycling more, and just making a better general effort to observe my interaction with my environmental surroundings. My social awareness score is 74. While I believe I have adequate social wellness, I recognize that there are areas of my life that I could improve upon in this category. In these regards I must make a more concerted effort to balance my social life with my work and educational responsibilities. I also need to work on developing better boundaries in my personal relationships. My emotional awareness and sexuality score is 92. I understand this as a high and healthy score and see this reflected in my

Possible causes of destruction from space (solar storms and possible Essay

Possible causes of destruction from space (solar storms and possible impact from an asteroid or comet) - Essay Example The rise of scientific temperament rather than dispelling further consolidated these fears by extending new knowledge and information about space and the associated phenomenon. In that context, the longevity of earth is to a great extent a matter of coincidence and the spatial phenomenon like solar storms, and collision with asteroids or comets do have the potential to give way to an apocalypse. Solar Storms Before delving on the possible apocalyptic consequences of solar storms, one needs to delve into the scientific basis of these solar phenomenons. Simply speaking, a solar storm may refer to solar flare, Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) or a geomagnetic storm. The solar flares mostly get noticed as an abrupt brightening on the surface of the sun (Shipman, 1987, p. 266). This brightening of the solar surface is often interpreted as a massive release of energy of gargantuan proportions (Shipman, 1987, p. 266). The solar flares result into large scale ejections of atoms, ions and electron s from the sun’s corona into the space (Shipman, 1987, p. 266). These ejections of atomic and subatomic particles resulting from a solar flare do manage to reach the earth’s atmosphere. ... drastically jeopardize the modern life by causing natural disasters, earthquakes, Tsunamis, disrupting communication technologies, giving way to genetic mutations, jamming radio and satellite signals, and a plethora of other scientifically valid possibilities. It is a possibility that the very life nurturing potential of the sun could someday lead to an apocalypse. Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), simply put is a large scale burst of magnetic fields, solar wind and plasma from the sun’s corona into space (Ridpath, 1997, p. 102). CMEs do have the ability to disrupt the life on earth. In case, per chance, a CME is directed towards the earth, it could give way to shock wave of solar particles impacting the earthly life (Ridpath, 1997, p. 102). It is a known fact that there exists a direct correlation between the solar activities and the geological and biological life on earth. In case the sun turns into a cycle marked by massive solar eruptions and flares, shooting high energy partic les into the earth’s atmosphere, it could give way to unprecedented and unheard of apocalyptic possibilities. The consequences may be as innocuous as the disruption of electric grids and communications networks, bringing to knees the contemporary technology driven civilizations, or as threatening as the disruption of earth’s atmosphere resulting in large scale natural disasters, genetic mutations culminating in morbid diseases and food shortages giving way to wars, riots and large scale genocides. While delving on the physical, magnetic, atmospheric and climatic consequences of solar activity, one simply could not ignore its ramifications for the social, political and economic life on earth. It is a known fact that a great many wars are being fought for amassing scarce natural and mineral

Graphite Electrodes Production and Optimization Practices

Graphite Electrodes Production and Optimization Practices Graphite electrodes are used in both DC and AC electric arc furnaces. Companies who use electric arc furnaces have to cover the cost of these consumable electrodes during production, so optimizing the usage of graphite electrodes is a money-saving opportunity. This paper aims to discuss the production process of graphite electrodes as well as industry practices that are used to enhance the life of electrodes. To produce a graphite electrode, carbon is required. The carbon source for graphite electrodes comes from the petroleum industry as a by-product from the oil refining process. In the refining of crude oil, hydrocarbon chains are cracked in coking units and the resulting fuels are then separated as kerosene, gasoline, and diesel. As chains of hydrocarbons are being cracked in this process, pure carbon becomes deposited on the sidewalls of the coking units. The carbon on the sidewalls accumulates up to a certain point when it is the ground out of the unit. This carbon is called petroleum coke, or petcoke. This is the carbon source for graphite electrodes. After the petcoke is obtained from the oil refinery, it is blended with pitch to make a plastic-like material. (Making a UCAR ® Graphite Electrode) This blend of petcoke and pitch is then extruded through a circular die and cut off in sections. It is then baked at a temperature of above 800 degrees Celsius for a period of one to two weeks. After baking, the electrode is impregnated with more pitch to increase the density of the electrode which lowers electrical resistance and makes it stronger. The electrode is then re-baked at a slightly lower temperature to drive off volatiles found in the pitch. Finally, the electrode is heated to a temperature of about 3000 degrees Celsius to recrystallize the carbon into graphite. This final heating is called graphitization. Graphitization is very important in electrode manufacturing because it provides better mechanical strength and also improves electrical conductivity. The final step in electrode production is machining. The electrodes are machined to specific tolerances. This is especially important at the ends of the electrodes where the joints connect. (D. Klein) A good connection between joints is necessary for mechanical and electrical properties of the electrode. Electrode consumption takes on two forms: Continuous consumption and discontinuous consumption. (Richard J. Fruehan) Continuous consumption contributes 90% of total electrode consumption while discontinuous consumption only accounts for 10%. Even though discontinuous consumption accounts for far less than continuous consumption, discontinuous consumption can also account for furnace downtime which can cost a lot of money. So even though it is a small percentage, it is worthwhile to try to prevent it for the sake of productivity. In continuous consumption, the tip and sidewalls oxidize and the mass of the electrode is reduced. Tip consumption is a function of current and angle. Higher currents and steeper tip angles both yield faster oxidation rates of electrodes. (A. Lefort) Higher currents increase the temperature of the electrode which favors a faster oxidation rate. The steeper the tip angle, the closer the electrode needs to be to the steel bath to arc. Steel is more likely to splash onto the electrode if it is closer to the bath. One way to reduce the oxidation rate of electrodes is to cool them. Water cooled electrodes have been shown to reduce the oxidation rate of the sidewalls by 40% and the tip by 50%. One issue with water cooled electrodes is the flow rate of the water. If the flow rate is too high, water will pour into the furnace and increase the heat loss. The loss of heat can end up costing more than the money saved from reducing electrode consumption, so this is an important factor to conside r in this process. In discontinuous consumption, one of the most obvious techniques to prevent electrode breakage is simply to not ram the electrodes into the steel scrap. Graphite is a soft, brittle material and steel scrap is pretty hard and durable. If these two materials come head-to-head, the steel wins. Another method of discontinuous consumption is tip spalling. (A. Lefrank) This is more prevalent in DC furnaces than in AC furnaces because the DC electrodes see higher temperatures and therefore higher thermal stresses. The temperature gradient can be significant in the tip of a DC electrode and the thermal expansion of graphite can cause enough stress on the tip to break off small pieces. (J. E. Surma) Normally, the arc in a DC furnace will move about randomly, but occasionally the arc will sit in one spot, heating up that portion of the electrode tip creating thermal stresses that cause the tip to spall. Arc deflection control is a practice that has been implemented so when the arc becomes fixa ted on one spot, it will essentially â€Å"push† the arc out from that spot to get it to move about in a random fashion once more. Another practice to prevent the discontinuous consumption of electrodes is to ensure proper torque is applied when installing new electrode segments. The vibrations from the furnace and electromagnetic forces due to the flow of electricity give electrodes a good shaking. This can jostle the segments loose from their joints. This is mainly a problem in DC furnaces because AC furnaces are designed to ensure that the electromagnetic forces work to their advantage. In AC furnaces, the phase sequence is counterclockwise, so the forces on the electrodes due to the electromagnetism of the system only ever tightens the electrode joints. Below is a chart of recommended torque according to electrode diameter from SGL Carbons website and an AC furnace schematic of forces due to phase sequence. One final practice that helps prevent the failure of electrode joints is to turn off the water spray for a few minutes after the addition of another electrode segment. (Richard J. Fruehan) The temperature gradient is much steeper when the water spray operation is active. This thermal gradient can cause a problem when it reaches the joint because of the thermal expansion of graphite. Even if the electrode was tightened with the proper amount of torque, the effects of temperature on the electrode joint is enough to loosen it. This coupled with the furnace vibrations could be enough to cause the electrode joint to fail. In conclusion, graphite electrodes are an essential part of electric arc furnace steelmaking. Since they are consumable, any way to improve the life and efficiency of an electrode saves money in the steelmaking industry. Practices such as water cooling electrodes and optimizing current and tip angle are effective ways of reducing the oxidation of electrodes while taking care not to impact the scrap during melting, ensuring proper torque during installation, and turning off the water spray while adding another segment all help reduce breakage and joint failure. Works Cited: A. Lefort, M. J. Parizet, S. E. El-Fassi and M. Abbaoui. Erosion of Graphite Electrodes. J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 26 (1993): 1239-1243. A. Lefrank, W. J. Jones, and R. G. Wetter. DC Steelmaking Conditions and Electrode Performance. Electric Furnace Conference Proceedings 53. Warrendale: Iron and Steel Society, 1995. 337-346. D. Klein, K. Wimmer. DC Electrodes A Key Factor for Progress in EAF Production. Metallurgical Plant and Technology International 18:4 (1995): 54-63. Graphite and Carbon Electrodes. 6 December 2009 . J. E. Surma, D. R. Cohn, D. L. Smatlak, P. Thomas, P. P. Woskov, C. H. Titus, J. K. Wittle, R. A. Hamilton. Graphite Electrode DC Arc Technology Development for Treatment of Buried Wastes. Waste Management 93 Symposia. Tuscon, 1993. Making a UCAR ® Graphite Electrode. 2007. 6 December 2009 . Richard J. Fruehan, Ph.D. The Making, Shaping and Treating of Steel 11th Edition. Richard J. Fruehan, Ph.D. The Making, Shaping and Treating of Steel 11th Edition. Pittsburgh: The AISE Steel Foundation, 1998. 562-574.