How to Make Science Fun For Children

Often, kids cringe at the mention of science. Their mind conjures up images of a boring book or lecture that they cannot understand. However, children should and can be made to realize that science can be fun! This is imperative if our country, and the world, wants to make leaps and progress in the scientific world of technology and medicine. What then, is the key to making science more appealing for children? We hope you will get some good suggestions here.

How to add fun to science.

Tip 1. You can begin by purchasing a simple science kit or activity. Science kits usually have an educational angle, but they are packaged as enjoyable activities with a fun spin. Make a trip to the store or do a quick search online and you will find that there is a staggering range of science kits on almost any subject in science.

First, consider what aspect of science does catch your childs fancy. If your child likes some drama and action, then a volcano kit would be a perfect introduction to science. A volcano-construction and demonstration kit is not only a great learning tool, but above all, it is incredible fun for a child to see the lava bubbling out.

For the more serious analytical child, chemistry kits are fun. It can be exciting to see how different chemicals react (in a safe environment, of course!) Later, the little chemist can analyze results find patterns and make inferences.

Don't fret if you think your child will be disinclined to try either of these above-mentioned activities. Science covers a breadth of topics from biology, botany, earth sciences, to forensics. The good news is, there is a kit for almost every field you want to explore. The conveniences of science exploration kits are many. The fact that they come with all the things you need for your scientific investigations, means that you don't have to scramble to find the necessary tools. Thus, a science kit is time-saving and often, economical.

Other than the ubiquitous items of stationery that you require for almost any educational activity, science kits come with all the essentials for the activity. The greatest benefit of science kits are that their interesting packaging, tools, and approach, generate a child's interest in science. The results of the experiment or the science activity are immediate and tangible with a science kit. This instant gratification of an experiment encourages further exploration. Thus, it's a great idea to buy a science kit if you are trying to get your child interested in science.

Tip 2. It also helps to have the entire family join in on the science activity. Your science exploration doesn't always have to be indoors. There's plenty to learn from nature. A study of botany (leaves, flowers, plants) could be a simple science activity as you enjoy a hike. Call attention to the variety of fauna you see, and get your child involved in identifying them.

You can study different kinds of rocks together, and maybe, collect a few. With a reference book or the internet as a resource, you can try to identify and label your rock collection. Although the rocks may not consist of spectacular pieces of earth, a rock collection is a great way to study how different rocks are made, and how it affects their properties. Having a rock collection will turn your child into an unwitting geologist.

What we have discussed here are several good suggestions that can help your child see science in an interesting and fun light. Instead of bombarding your child with dull workbooks, introduce small measures of science into daily regular activities. This will enable your child to be an explorer without the conscious stress of "studying" science. Learning will always take place if you keep it fun and engaging.

There's no reason you should be embarrassed about science kits [http://www.opalscience.com]. Click here to get the information you need to get a great kit that will help you and your child learn about nanotechnology. Students will be able to watch their own silica nanospheres drop gently (settle) in beakers that will form into the opal crystals over a period of weeks. Visit our science kits [http://www.opalscience.com] site to learn more. Join the thousands we have already helped by visiting us now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3499570

No Conflict Between Religion and Science?

From the Associated Press, March 3, 2009 - * Vatican official calls atheist theories 'absurd'.

Cardinal Levada: No conflict between evolution science and faith in God.

ROME - A Vatican cardinal said Tuesday that the Catholic Church does not stand in the way of scientific realities like evolution, though he described as "absurd" the atheist notion that evolution proves there is no God.

Is Religious Faith compatible with the Evolutionary Sciences?

The good Cardinal Levada may be sure of his position (*See above), but there are reasons for questioning this popular view that science is compatible with religious faith. The view of "harmony between science and faith" can be restated in terms of the following claims:

• A significant number of scientists are also people of religious faith and belief in God.
• The sciences do not disprove God's existence.
• Being a scientist and doing scientific work is consistent with believing in God.
• Naturalism is a philosophy that is incompatible with supernatural religion, but science is not committed to naturalism as a philosophy.

(This is part of the general view that science and religion are separate endeavors and have nothing to do with each other, e.g. Stephen J. Gould's idea of science and religion comprising Separate Magisteria.)

Let us consider these claims. First, the alleged compatibility based on the fact that many scientists are also believers in God results in a very weak sense of "compatibility." As Jerry A. Coyne says, it's much like saying that marriage is compatible with adultery because some married people practice adultery. Or like saying that being a Roman Catholic priest is compatible with paedophilia because a number of priests sexually abuse young people, or like saying that investment counseling is compatible with fraudulence because some counselors turn out to be frauds. People, like Coyne or Richard Dawkins, who argue that science is not compatible with supernaturalism, are surely aware that some scientists cannot shake free of supernaturalism of some kind. What they argue is that a correct understanding of the scientific approach and knowledge implies a rejection of supernaturalism.

Second, the sciences are not in the business of proving or disproving God's existence; but any look at the Western history -- the rise of science and enlightenment thinking -- reveals that the sciences have built (and continue to build) a strong case against any super-naturalistic view of nature, of history and society.

Third, it is a very weak argument to claim compatibility because scientists, like Kenneth Miller and Francis S. Collins, find belief in a god to be consistent with their scientific work. It might be true that neither evolutionary biology nor genetics proves there is no God; thus, belief in such an entity is not directly contradicted by knowledge gained in biology or a genetics. But it is also true that other scientists might hold bizarre beliefs consistent with their scientific work, e.g. some might find belief in 'Voodoo arts' to be consistent, some reincarnation, and some find that New Age Mysticism is consistent with their work as chemists. In short, the fact that a Miller or a Collins finds supernaturalism consistent with their science does nothing to show any compatibility between science proper and supernaturalism, unless we also admit a 'compatibility' with all forms of occultism, belief in magic or a variety of other bizarre beliefs.

Fourth, this relates to the distinction between naturalism as method and as philosophy, a distinction popularized by Eugenie Scott. As philosopher M. Pigliucci states it, rather than involving philosophical assumptions regarding the nature of reality, methodological naturalism is just a "provisional and pragmatic" position that scientists take in order to do their work. Unlike philosophical naturalism, the methodological type does not involve any denial of the supernatural possibility. Thus, we have scientists like Kenneth Miller pointing out that scientists do not take a vow of philosophical naturalism, but only commit themselves to the methodological kind. He tells us that all science requires is methodological naturalism, and that we "live in a material world,' and use "the materials of nature to study the way nature works." Hence, science is limited to "purely naturalistic explanations, because only those are testable, and only those have validity as science." (From "The Reality Club," comments on the Jerry Coyne Essay, Seeing and Believing," http://www.edge.org )

But according to Miller, such commitment does not commit the scientist to a philosophy (viz. naturalism) which denies the supernatural possibility. Thus, religious faith, Roman Catholicism in Miller's case, is quite safe from erosion by the force of scientific knowledge.

Are people like Miller and Scott correct? Are the sciences correctly characterized as essentially naturalistic method, with no implication of a naturalistic philosophy?

The answer is a resounding "NO" according to a significant number of scientists, theoreticians of the sciences, and philosophers of science. Scientists like Richard Dawkins, Victor Stenger, Taner Edis and others have written books arguing the non-compatibility thesis. Philosophers like Daniel Dennett have also argued impressively against the compatibility claim. A recent article in "The New Republic" by evolutionary scientist, Jerry A. Coyne, ("Seeing and Believing," February 04, 2009) presents interesting and telling arguments against compatibility. A materialistic explanation of nature, he tells us, is not a philosophical assumption of science but is an idea which has resulted from years of successful scientific research. In other words, the work of science supports the view that nature is to be explained in materialistic terms, completely devoid of reference to the supernatural. In short, the sciences and philosophical naturalism are more closely tied together than Miller and Scott suggest. Mario Bunge, in another recent article agrees [See his "The philosophy behind pseudoscience", Skeptical Inquirer 30 (4) 29-27 (2006)]. He tells us that every intellectual endeavor, including science, has an underlying philosophy. He states that "the philosophy behind evolutionary biology is naturalism (or materialism) together with epistemological realism." He adds that "by contrast, the philosophy behind creationism (whether traditional or "scientific") is supernaturalism (the oldest variety of idealism)."

Given the arguments advanced by these people, the idea that science can be characterized as pure methodology, devoid of naturalistic philosophy, is very questionable. Even Miller, when he argues the case of natural selection against so-called "intelligent design," does not take evolutionary biology to be pure method. He cites the well-grounded theory and body of knowledge established by the science to make his case against the "Intelligent Design" proponents. But he stops there; he does not use the same biological findings to raise question regarding Christian theism. However, his work and arguments contra creationism and Intelligent Design demonstrate that he really does not limit himself, as a scientist, to method. Granted, we can make the philosophical distinction between method and philosophy; but ultimately this distinction doesn't do much in the debate between naturalists and super-naturalists, other than offer some psychological comfort to the super-naturalist.

In conclusion, the touted distinction between methodological and philosophical naturalism does little to show that science and religion are compatible. The same can be said regarding the claims that "science does not disprove God," that many scientists are also persons of faith and find belief in God compatible with their work in the sciences. None of these makes much headway in showing that the sciences are compatible with a commitment to a supernatural view of reality.

Dr. Juan Bernal PhD is a retired mainframe programmer with degrees in philosophy and Spanish literature. Juan is the a managing blogger & author at PhilosophyLounge.com which covers various topics from western philosophy, religion, and history. PhilosophyLounge.com is a place were people can interact, debate, and contribute to the topics that interest them pertaining to philosophy. Take some time and visit the blog for more exciting articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3798192

Technology Management Graduate Studies

The increasing importance of technology in every industry continues to drive the need for a diverse group of qualified professionals to manage the implementation and changes in technology. Pursuing a degree at a technology management graduate school can be the right step for beginning a rewarding career in the management of everything from computer hardware to information security within an organization.

Overview of Technology Management

Technology management professionals are in high demand because of the unique set of skills they possess. In this field, professionals are able to make leadership and management based decisions, develop solutions to technology issues, and approach the management of technology from a systems thinking perspective.

For any management professionals, some of the skills that are required include being able to manage personnel, organizational design and communication, and financial analysis and decision making. Technology management professionals combine this knowledge with specific information technology and systems technology skills and knowledge to effectively lead and make decisions for the assessment, forecasting, strategies, and decision making with a number of different information technology departments.

Technology Management Graduate Degree Curriculum

There are a number of technology_management graduate school choices for prospective students. While there are differences depending on the individual program and school, students most often complete a set of core courses, electives, and a graduate program in order to complete the graduate degree. This combination helps to prepare graduates to transfer relevant, useful skills into the workforce.

From graduate level courses in technology to business, students are able to learn a variety of skills and gain valuable knowledge. Some courses in technology often included information technology_management, operations, emerging technologies, and ethics. Additionally, students will take business and management courses such as supply chain management, sales and marketing, and accounting for technology.

These courses give students the opportunity to gain a broad foundation to develop an understanding of the basic fundamentals of technology management. The electives and the master's project build on that foundation to help students begin to focus their education on a specific area of technology_management. Some examples of electives include knowledge management and relationship management. The master's level project combines the knowledge, theory, and skill a graduate student has gained though academic coursework to examine how that ability can be transferred to a real-world, challenging business issue or problem in order to find a solution or manage a specific scenario.

Career Development with a Technology Management Graduate Degree

Technology professionals must develop a variety of skills. In addition to understanding information technology, professionals in this field must also be able to manage change with technology and technology systems, integrate functional areas of business, leveraging technology, and business management principles to effectively lead the technology driven functions of a business.

These skills are needed in many different types of positions across all types of workplaces, from the federal government to non-profit and educational organizations to private corporations. From the chief information officer to information technology manager, a degree in technology_management is a helpful tool to gain the experience and skills needed for all types of management positions of technology-driven departments.

The author has an immense knowledge on technology management graduate school. Know more about technology management school related info in his website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8108953

How Much Is "Information Technology Debt" Hurting Your Bottom-Line?

Information Technology (IT) debt is basically the cost of maintenance needed to bring all applications up to date.

Shockingly, global "Information Technology (IT) debt" will reach $500 billion this year and could rise to $1 trillion by 2015!

But why should you take IT debt seriously and begin to take steps to eliminate this issue from your business?

According to Gartner, the world's leading information technology research and advisory company...

It will cost businesses world-wide 500 billion dollars to "clear the backlog of maintenance" and reach a fully supported current technology environment.

Gartner summarizes the problem best:

"The IT management team is simply never aware of the time scale of the problem.This problem, hidden from sight, is getting bigger every year and more difficult to deal with every year."

The true danger is that systems get out of date which leads to all kinds of costly software and hardware inefficiencies.

Your tech support provider can most likely do a better job at staying current with your computer and network environment.

Have them start today by documenting the following:

• The number of applications in use
• The number purchased
• The number failed
• The current and projected costs of both operating and improving their reliability

Are you using this powerful formula to control your technology?

There's a powerful formula I'll share with you in a moment that will help you adopt new technology faster in your business.

In business, technology encompasses Information Technology (IT), Phone Systems and Web Development.

These three layers of technology form the backbone of your business's technology environment. Why is technology adoption so important?

Without new technology adoption it's impossible for businesses to be competitive in this economy. A major role of technology is to help businesses scale, design systems, and automate processes.

Studies recently have shown that adopting technology keeps businesses leaner because entrepreneurs can do more with less.

There's evidence that new business start-ups are doing so with nearly half as many workers as they did a decade ago.

For example, Wall Street Journal's Angus Loten reported that today's start-ups are now being launched with an average of 4.9 employees.

Down from 7.5 in the 1990s, according to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a Kansas City Research group.

In other words, technology allows businesses to expand quickly with less.

Researchers at Brandeirs University found that technology driven service businesses added jobs at a rate of 5.1% from 2001 to 2009; while employment overall dwindled by.5%.

These businesses save money, expand, and create jobs by adopting new technologies.

Are you adopting new technologies fast in your business?

Speed of technology adoption is critical to your business success.

Technology is changing the speed of business; now a whole industry might expand, mature, and die in months... not years.

There's one formula that illustrates this marriage between adopting technology and business success the best... and that's the "Optimal Technology Equation."

I recommend you adopt this powerful "Optimal Technology Equation" in your business:

• Maintenance + Planning + Innovation (Adoption)=
• Enhanced Technology Capabilities=
• Reduced Costs + Increased Production=
• Increased Profitability.

Of course, this is only a brief explanation of this invaluable formula. Be one step ahead of the competition.

Eric Dahl is a business and technology consultant residing in Eugene, Oregon. Eric's mission is to help Oregon businesses profit from their technology including Information, Phone and Web technologies. Eric's clients reduce their IT costs by 42.5%. Find out more when you download the free 16 page Tech Support Insider's Guide at [http://www.techsupportinsider.com].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8166789

How BYOD Strategies Are Improving High School Education

Not long ago, I was asked to attend a symposium on the future of education. Due to my travel plans and schedule, I was unable to attend. I've always been fascinated with all of these new technologies, especially the giant wall sized display screens now available. In other words the whole side of the classroom can become a giant screen as if you are inside of an IMAX theater. Imagine watching history that up close and personal, or watching a documentary on nearly any subject.

The other day, I met an acquaintance who told me about a new technology that a teacher could use while giving a lecture. Students could Bring Their Own Device (BYOD) to class and while the teacher was talking, they could login, and text message a question which would appear on the screen above the teacher and big enough for everyone in the class to see. Kids would vote, and the teacher could see how many students had the same question. This allows the teacher to hone their lecture and skills on helping the students understand, and ensure participation.

Mr. Steven McFarland stated that the "Oxnard CA High School District is saving $1 million per year on its energy bill thanks to solar power." And now that money is allowing the district to save and pay for high tech solutions used in teaching. Now that is an extremely good use of technology all the way around, and harnessing the energy of the sun to create greater synergies and efficiencies, and then using that money to buy high-tech learning tools keeps their high school district on the leading-edge.

This takes teaching to a whole new level. It allows the introverts to engage in the conversation, and prevents the extroverts from dominating the class. Further, it prevents students from getting bored, or not having their questions answered. It also forces the teachers to teach rather than simply depositing information via lectures into the classroom, or written on a chalkboard. It turns out that when using this system it changes the entire dynamic of learning in the classroom.

In this case the Oxnard High School District along with other high-tech schools like it are going to change the future of how things are done. Today this is only a prototype test, but soon they will be rolling it out to all the schools in the district, and I imagine based on the success they've had already we might see this technology being used across the country as well. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7652461

How to Finance Your Graphic Design School Education

Fortunately, bridging the gap is easier nowadays with the variety of financing options available. All it takes is patience in finding the right one, perseverance in pursuing it and the passion to finish your degree on it.

First, we suggest accessing federal money in your country. In the United States, this means passing the requirements for funding with the Department of Education. You have to fill in and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form, which will be granted by the government on a first-come, first-served basis subject to certain conditions primarily income and financial needs.

You may be granted with access to grants and/or loans including subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans, Pell grants, Perkins loans and work-study programs. Just keep in mind that except for the work-study program, all of these are loans that must be paid back after graduation from graphic design school although the interest rates are indeed very favorable for you.

Second, you can also turn to the banks and other financial institutions for loans. If you will remember, there are options like Sallie Mae that combine government funding refinance options with private funding.

Be warned, however, as the interest rates are hefty and start accruing upon taking out the loan, unlike the government loans. As such, you are well advised to consider private funding as your last resort. You don't want to be saddled with a huge debt after graduation.

Third, you should seek out school scholarships. Like grants, you will have no problems in repaying it although you must also take note that the competition is very fierce for this exact reason. You have to possess the right qualifications - academic performance, financial need and personal characteristics - in order to enjoy a graphic design school scholarship.

And we are not just talking about looking to the school for scholarships. There are independent companies and organizations that are offering scholarships to deserving students. You can often find them in online sites although it pays to be wary if a certain site asks for your money in order to let you access the names of said companies.

Fourth and probably the most favorable option is to be involved in a work-study program. Basically, you work as a paid intern in a graphic design company while you are still pursuing your education in the graphic design school. If you are very thrifty with your earnings, you will have no huge debt after graduation.

The double advantage to becoming a paid intern is that you can finance your education without the loans while you acquire the necessary experience to get a leg up over the competition. In many instances, you can even become part of the regular workforce of the company you were working for as a student!

Indeed, getting a good education in a reputable graphic design school need not be a difficult task. Seek out your financing options and you can come out better for the experience.

Kelly writes for a number of arts oganisations about the Graphic Design School [http://www.graphic-designschool.net] and Graphic Design Courses [http://www.graphic-designschool.net].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kelly_Nickless/58905

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3572530