Introduction to General Organic and Biological Chemistry

Introduction to General Organic and Biological ChemistryAn Introduction to General Organic and Biological Chemistry is a text that teaches students the core theories and concepts of organic and biological chemistry. It is intended for students who have completed general chemistry or introductory biology. This text includes chapters on the basics of chemistry as well as various applications of this topic. Students will learn how to interact with certain chemistry sets, what background information to consider when researching a certain topic, how to use enzymes, proteins, and nucleic acids to create chemistry, how to find the atomic formulas, and more.The book covers a wide range of topics in general organic and biological chemistry. This book discusses topics such as the formation of compounds and other products, cell reproduction, DNA replication, enzyme and protein formation, nucleic acid synthesis, protein synthesis, DNA recombination, chemical and physical stability, environmental hazards in the laboratory, ethanol oxidation, and some other materials. This book also discusses the more advanced topics such as the reactions and mechanisms for the conversion of various organic chemicals into compounds. It also discusses the reactions and mechanisms for the production of products and combustion processes of different types of fuels.Topics in this book include a number of them. These include the important chemical terms, chemical bonds, solid and liquid, metals, reactions, and stericities. This book covers all these topics and more.This is an introduction to science course for those who are interested in taking a basic chemistry course. This book does not discuss many topics of a more advanced course. Although it includes a number of sections for chemistry, it is not a chemistry text that goes into too much detail. It focuses more on the basics of chemistry and provides information on the basics of biological chemistry.This is an Introduction to General Organic a nd Biological Chemistry text. It will cover a broad range of topics in organic and biological chemistry. Students are given a scientific approach to the study of organic and biological chemistry, and the many areas in which they can interact with chemistry sets, enzymes, proteins, and nucleic acids to accomplish their goals.This book is a simple way to get students started in chemistry. It gives a short overview of the various principles and methods in chemistry, including some applications. Students will be introduced to the ways in which to use these chemical tools in their own research.This book contains a number of illustrations that relate to many of the topics covered in the book. This book also has many videos that give students a taste of what is found in this book. It also includes a section in which students are shown how to calculate the crystal structures of certain organic compounds, a section where students are shown how to use enzyme and protein formation, and a secti on that introduces the most common and important elements of a laboratory environment.This book is a good introduction to general organic and biological chemistry. It includes topics on many aspects of chemistry and will help to develop students' knowledge of the material covered in this book. The lessons included in this book will help students to understand the fundamentals of chemistry, and to become acquainted with the concepts involved in various experiments.

5 Summer Science Projects for Kids

5 Summer Science Projects for Kids Summer Science Ideas We all know that summer reading is really important for the elementary school kids out there and for older students it’s all about test prep (READ 5 Ways to Encourage Summer Reading). More often than not I hear from parents of young children that their kids just need a break over the summer or that, especially this year, the kids got out so late in June that it only seems fair to allow them some time to just play outside and socialize. I completely agree that young kids need time to relax and have fun during the summer but what if they were able to learn something while thinking they were just playing? That would be pretty nice and it would keep those little brains working so that they are ready for what lies ahead in the fall. Top 5 Summer Science Projects for Pre-school and elementary students 1. Blanket Fort (or castle) Does anyone remember making a blanket fort when they were a kid? I did and it was tons of fun. Believe it or not, making a blanket fort can teach young kids about gravity, spatial stability and team cooperation. This particular project will take some patience on mom and dad’s part; the blankets and sheets do need to be folded up at the end of the project. On the plus side, the project can be done in the house and it is completely free. Get some blankets, sheets and pillows, a few weights (heavy books, shoes o reven a shampoo bottle can work) To make the project more educational ask your kid to separate the items by weight. For example, the heavy quilt should be at the bottom and the lighter sheets at the top. When the first version of the fort falls down, talk to the kids about gravity and why things fall down. Let the kids built their fort or castle all day and watch them enjoy using their imagination. They can use the books to hold down the loose sheets or to create a wall. (READ: Physics for Kids: Laws of Motion) 2. The Apple and the Tree Once the little ones have mastered their first architectural wonder, and lived in it for a couple of days, teach them more about Newton’s Laws. Every week I buy celery convincing myself that, this week, I will eat it. At the end of the week it ends up in the compost pile. If this happens to you, save those to-old-to-eat fruits and veggies and teach the kids about gravity. Each kid gets a piece of fruit or vegetable; they stand up on chairs in the back yard and release them at the same time (a good project for siblings or with friends). Another kid, or adult, measures which object hits the ground first. (They should hit at the same time assuming there is not any wind that day). Guess what? You have just taught your kids about physics! (READ: Which Hits The Ground First: A Golf Ball Or A Bowling Ball?) 3. The short term “pet” caterpillars I hear kids asking mom and dad for a pet cat or pet dog all the time. Start out with a caterpillar and see how it goes. In the mean time, the kids will be learning all about science and life cycles. This is a multi-day project so there are a few days of learning and fun ahead. First you will have to go hunting for caterpillars, if you have an organic garden or live near a park, you should find one there. Don’t squeeze the caterpillar or there will likely be tears (and a dead caterpillar). Make a good home for the caterpillar. A plastic milk jug cut in half and a piece of cheese cloth and rubber band to cover the top should be a good start. Put some moist soil at the bottom of the jug (about 2 inches) along with some green leaves for it to eat. Add some bigger leaves and twigs so that the caterpillar feels at home. The caterpillar will need to eat the same type of leaves from its host plant, so grab some from your garden. Hint: Don’t put the caterpillar in direct sunlight or you will have a melted mess and lots of tears. (READ: How to Care for a Caterpillar) Wait for your crawly caterpillar to turn into a beautiful butterfly and let it fly away! 4. Water Content in Fruit Lots of kids enjoy raisins and other dried fruit for a snack, but do they know how these snacks start out? Try doing a science project where kids can pick out a few different types of fruit (bananas and grapes work great) and figure out how much water is in them. Choose and peel some fruit of your choice. Weigh the fruit and keep a log. Dry the fruit in the sun or in the oven. Weigh the dried fruit afterward and compare. Hint: This particular dried fruit may not be suitable for eating so use it for science exploration only and enjoy some dried fruit from the store if you want to eat it. 5. Vibrant flowers This is one of my favorites from when I was a kid. Kids can see how veins work using a few things around the house. Buy some flowers on sale; they must be white or very light colored such as daisies. Cut the stems and set them aside. -Put some food coloring in different vases and add water. You can use red, yellow and blue or a mixture of any colors. -Put the freshly cut flowers in each vase and watch the petals turn a different color in just a few days. Science projects can be a great way to keep those little minds ticking away over the summer and learning can be both fun and inexpensive. Enjoy! If your child is struggling in science, make sure you get them an Irvine private science tutor early on in the year. The longer you wait, the farther behind they will get. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at info@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 post about. Orange County parents and students, listen up! Beat the summer slowdown with a private, in-home tutor. We work around your schedule so you can stay sharp while having fun in the sun. Read: 10 Reasons You Need a Summer Tutor. What are you waiting for? Call us. Teach.com

What Are the Major Benefits of Getting A Visit With Geronimo Allison Tutoring?

What Are the Major Benefits of Getting A Visit With Geronimo Allison Tutoring?The reason why a team of dynamic student coaches and teachers can contribute so much to making the student-athletes understand what it takes to win is one of the many reasons why Geronimo Allison Tutoring has emerged as one of the top sports coaching schools in the country. The school has been around for decades and has a proven track record. Not only do students get help, but the coaching staff too is supported by good professional instructors. Many of these students are so successful that their families follow them in other careers.If you want to know more about the teachers and coaches, their jobs and the campus that they work out of, you can look into their daily schedules. For the most part, the teaching and coaching staff work from either an office or the campus. Many times, there are several coaches and support staff on campus and often work with one teacher on a daily basis. If you want a wide varie ty of subjects, you might need to schedule a tour of the campus with Geronimo Allison Tutoring.The students here receive a wonderful education. The teachers and coaches have helped many students achieve their goals. Students receive academic instruction from the very beginning through the end of the day. All tutors have their own experiences to share with their students. The amount of time it takes students to become the best they can be is short and most of them surpass expectations.When it comes to coaching, you can expect all areas of their preparation to be comprehensive. They offer guidance to the student's entire educational process from the beginning of the day until they graduate. They are well versed in all levels of subjects so you are not just going to learn in one area, but every subject. Students enjoy their services because they believe in their students' abilities. They take the time to develop the attitude that each student needs to succeed.It is important to have th e right kind of classes to meet your needs. You can check the daily schedule for the day or evening and see if there are any that fit your needs. This will allow you to find the type of classes that fit the needs of your child and their readiness.Don't just sit back and look at the daily schedule. There are plenty of things to look at and understand. Often, the best way to find what works best for you is to schedule a visit. This is a lot easier than wasting time visiting campus. A visit will give you a better idea of what kind of classes you should choose for your child.If you are not in position to make the trip, make sure that you study your child's future prospects. Make sure that he or she is getting the best possible education possible.

Dogfish Head Romantic Chemistry - How to Turn a Dogfish Into a Real-Life Friend

Dogfish Head Romantic Chemistry - How to Turn a Dogfish Into a Real-Life FriendWhat does it take to make a man fall in love with a dogfish? Can dogfish head romantic chemistry really occur between two people? If the answer is yes, then you'll probably want to learn some tips on how to make that happen.Are you wondering if there's a way to turn a dogfish into a real person? Is it possible to make your dog really love you? Do dogs have feelings like humans do? We all know that dogs feel the same way as we do. Here are a few pointers to help you turn a dogfish into a real-life friend that you can really depend on.The first thing you need to do is show your dog love. Tell your dog that you love him or her. This is important because dogs feel love as much as humans do. Give your dog lots of love and praise, and make sure that he or she gets lots of love and praise back. You might also want to look into adopting a dog, or adopting a puppy or a cat if you're not quite ready to be a dog owne r yet.The next step is to get your dog to love you in return. To do this, give your dog lots of love and attention, but don't forget to also give your dog lots of praise. Make sure that both of you know when to stop praising your dog and when to start praising your dog for the little things, like the way that you handle him or her, or how well your dog obeys your commands.Start to understand what you have in common with your dog. Dogs share similar basic emotions such as fear, love, and loyalty. As you continue to work together to love each other, the dogfish head romantic chemistry will come about naturally.Time again, we humans have failed to communicate with one another. By listening to your dog, communicating, and loving your dog, you can be sure that love will happen. In the end, you'll both understand that love is real, and that you can't really ask for any more than that.These are just a few tips on how to make dogfish head romantic chemistry happen. However, the truth is tha t you can have a strong and loving relationship with your dog. Just make sure that you're doing the right things will happen.

The Growth of Tutoring Centers Franchise in USA

The Growth of Tutoring Centers Franchise in USATutoring centers franchises in USA have seen a massive growth in recent years. They are a perfect example of the Internet revolution, where all aspects of our lives are now influenced by technology. Schools and colleges are also just like the tutoring centers as they are now hiring tutors to help their students get through their courses. Online tutoring has also gone global, as schools all over the world now have a need for tutors.Tutoring centers franchises in USA not only provide tutoring services but also provide employment opportunities. A student can either be tutored by a tutoring center or a non-teaching individual, or be hired by a tutoring center. Both of these alternatives are common and both are viable options. It all depends on how much time and money the student has to spend, and how he wants to be paid.In the USA the availability of different tutoring centers is almost endless. There are two types of tutoring centers that o ne can choose from, the traditional ones and the online tutoring centers. There are many kinds of tutoring centers in USA that can cater to a student's needs.The traditional tutoring centers for college and university level coursework are mostly found in big cities and in big towns. These tutoring centers offer services for both older and younger students. There are many people who prefer traditional tutoring centers for more than a year, which can cost a lot of money.Many parents prefer the online tutoring centers, because they do not need to leave their homes and thus save time. Online tutoring centers are the perfect solution for parents who want to teach their children at home. There are several things that make the online tutoring centers more appealing than traditional tutoring centers. Besides being affordable and convenient for parents, online tutoring centers can easily be accessed from anywhere in the world.The other advantage of online tutoring centers is that it offers a personal touch to the student. In traditional centers, the teacher only sees a face, whereas online tutoring centers offer a personal touch. This is because the student is offered the ability to talk with the teacher face to face. Parents also prefer the live interaction with their child to a faceless tutor.Online tutoring centers, unlike tutoring centers franchises in USA, have no fixed set of students who can be taught by them. They are offered to anyone who wants to take them up. A student can choose from many different kinds of tutoring centers as well as from any place in the world. The tutoring centers franchise in USA can teach any student.

Tutoring For Entrance Exams Further Education

Tutoring For Entrance Exams Further Education In Need of Help with Applications and School Tests? Get the Support you Need With Private Tutors ChaptersPreparing to Take the 11+ ExamApplying to UniversityTutoring for Professional Exams as an AdultStarting any application process can be demanding and time-consuming, and getting your head around all the things you need to do can be a pretty stressful task! CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutor s MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsPreparing to Take the 11+ ExamGetting your child ready for the 11+ can be smooth-sailing! Photo via Visual HuntFor some secondary schools in the UK, children are required to sit the 11+ exam. This exam involves students of all backgrounds, both in the state and independent sectors.The 11+ exams take place in January in the run up to the new s chool year, but how long should pupils be preparing in advance for these exams, and how intense should this preparation be?The 11+ exam is composed of different papers, including numeracy, literacy, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning. As you can see, there’s quite a lot for a child to prepare for at such a young age, so starting preparation early and at a gentle pace is the best way to approach these exams.Verbal and non-verbal reasoning might be an unfamiliar area for some parents, and it can be hard to know exactly how to prepare for this section of the 11+. It is quite often considered that this section is tough to prepare or tutors UK for as it relies a lot on natural ability.This is therefore one of the harder areas to practise for, but it is really important to practise questions like this to get an idea of how to answer them suitably.The question of when to start preparing depends on the individual. If the pupil’s current attainment level is high, then you can afford to start a bit later, and likewise, if their levels aren’t that high, then you should start a bit earlier to get ready in time.If your child has some significant problem areas, these will need extra time and consideration in the run up to the 11+, and many parents consider hiring a private tutor to combat weak spots, and equally to cultivate strengths, for the exam.Most children will benefit from several months of gentle preparation, including personal tuition, in order to get ready for the 11+. On average, between six and nine months are spent preparing for these exams, depending on how much help and tuition is required.It is generally advised to spend no more than 12 months preparing your child for the 11+ exams. This process can be pretty stressful for ten-year-old children, and applying too much pressure for too long a period of time can be more damaging than beneficial.One of the most important areas to pay attention to when preparing is verbal dexterity, which is a part of the literacy paper. This involves comprehension and composition, which is an area that some students can lose the most marks.It is also crucial to make sure that your child is up to speed with the main mathematical concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They need to be able to apply this knowledge to given problems, so it’s important that they really understand what they are learning.There are many ways to prepare your child for the 11+ that don’t cost much at all. Simple games, quizzes and other fun learning techniques can be done at home and can really make a difference in how quickly your child learns and applies knowledge to general problems.One of the best ways to get ready for the 11+ is by organising some mock exams. This way, your child can really get an idea of what to expect, how to apply their knowledge, and where they might be struggling a bit.Your tutor should be able to get hold of some mock papers for your child to try, and make sure these are carried out under exam conditions! No distractions, no electronics and under strict timed conditions is the best way to properly practise.Applying to UniversityWhen applying to university in the UK, your application will go through a system called UCAS.University applications can be daunting, but it's worth putting the effort in! Photo via Visualhunt.comThere are five steps for applying to university with UCAS:Register all your details with UCAS and set up your account â€" you can’t go too far wrong here as long as you make sure all your information is correct, and that you update it if anything changes.Find a course â€" this is probably the most important step of all! You will need to pick the course you want to do and be sure of your choice. There is lots of helpful guidance and advice out there to help you make your choice.Find a university â€" UCAS has every university in the UK listed on its website, as well as the courses they offer. Once you’ve chosen your course, you wi ll be able to see which universities offer it, and you can start narrowing down your choices from there. You will need to pick a first choice, and four other universities as back up options.Complete the application form â€" Once you’re sure of all your choices and have decided on the five universities you want to apply to, it’s time to fill out the UCAS form. You can apply for different courses at different places, but you will online be allowed to submit one personal statement, so make sure it encompasses all the right information and is specific enough to the course/courses that you are applying for.Send of the form and wait! This is the most torturous part of the whole process unfortunately, as you sit and wait for the universities to consider your application and get back to you.After a little while, you will start hearing back from the universities you have applied to. This could result in an interview, an offer (be it conditional or unconditional) or a rejection.If you don ’t manage to get any university place offers through your UCAS application, you can apply for a place through clearing. After results day, you can ring up universities offering the course you want to do and see if they will accept you with the grades you have obtained.If you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge, or for some medical or art and design courses, the UCAS application deadline is much earlier in the academic year than for any other universities. You will need to check with your chosen institutions to make sure you apply in good time.Most students will need to apply for student finance to fund their degree and living costs. This is a part of the university application, so you will need to know in advance if you will be needing student finance, and apply for it in good time through the government website.Tutoring for Professional Exams as an AdultWhen preparing for exams as an adult you need help and guidance. Photo via VisualHunt.comAs an adult, you might be looking to ta ke an exam in order to progress in your career or move into a new profession.Exams in law, accounting, medicine, and even more base level exams in adult numeracy and literacy require people to invest a lot of time and effort into preparation and practice. This is why many adults turn to private tuition.Private tutoring, whether online tutoring or at home, can provide people with a fine-tuned education support alongside their studies from an expert. If you find a tutor with particular experience in tutoring for the exam you’re taking, then you’ll benefit from their expertise in the exam format as well as its content.Studying for an exam as an adult can be tough when you’re having to fit it around a full-time job and other responsibilities. It can be hard to know where to start with exam prep, let alone how to prepare properly and learn everything you need to.And that’s why hiring a personal tutor is such a great choice! You can meet whenever and wherever suits you, and you ca n even carry out your lessons via video chat if you don’t have the time to travel around for face-to-face lessons.Make sure you find the right tutor for you so that you can receive the right kind of teaching that you need. If you are taking an accounting qualification such as the ACA, for example, you might want to specify that your tutor has professional experience in accounting or experience teaching it.Some adults might find themselves opting to take a GCSE or A-level exam, whether in order to apply for a certain job or qualification, or to boost certain skills. This is much more difficult that if you were to take the exams at the target age group, as you are without the classroom education that most students receive in preparation.Sometimes learning providers for adults taking exams cannot always give the personal guidance and support that you need in order to really get ready for your exams. Although you will receive the syllabus teaching you need, you might still feel a bit lost.This is where tutoring comes in really handy â€" and it’s pretty much necessary! Even if you are doing a distance learning course or attending a class, it is really beneficial to get some individually tailored support to help you with your course.

5 New Years Resolutions for Parents

5 New Year's Resolutions for Parents Parents can be a defining factor in their childs academic success, and the New Year is a great time to reflect on your habits. Checking in regularly with your student, celebrating their successes, and encouraging independence are just a few resolutions to consider setting in 2019. Keep reading to learn five New Years resolutions for parents. New Years resolution #1: set clear expectations and deadlines No matter their age, most students flourish with structure. Ensure that youre using clear and defined language when communicating expectations and deadlines to your child. For example: For younger students, establish a rule like, Homework must be completed before screen time. For older students, communicate clear expectations for grades, such as, Your GPA must remain above a 3.0. [RELATED: How Parents Can Help Students Setand AchieveAcademic Goals] New Years resolution #2: check in regularly Students also benefit from accountability. A daily check-in on homework and upcoming tests and projects is a great way to touch base with your child about schoolwork. Remind them of critical times, such as the end of a marking period. While older students may grumble, these check-ins are essential reminders and are helpful for keeping students on track. Additionally, winter break is a great time to check in with your children regarding their academic goals. Have an honest conversation about whats going well and what can be improved. Ask your older students what you can do to better support them in 2019. [RELATED: How Parents Can Help with Elementary Homework Challenges] New Years resolution #3: celebrate your childs successes Parents are often the reinforcers who ensure their children complete their work. However, parents also have the chance to truly celebrate their students successes. These celebrations are just as important as the reminders. Celebrations can be small things, such as positive words of encouragement, letting them choose the music on the way to school, or ice cream on a Friday night. New Years resolution #4: help your child be more proactive before stepping in Often, parents want to step in at the first sign of something going wrong for their children. By doing that, however, children lose crucial opportunities to navigate conflict and advocate for themselves. Support your child by giving them strategies to be more proactive. For example, if they dont understand the homework, encourage them to ask a friend. If they received less than stellar feedback on an essay, prompt them to set up a lunch meeting with their teacher to see how they can improve. Learning these skills now will serve them well in college and beyond. [RELATED: 4 Ways Parents Can Help High School Students Succeed] New Years resolution #5: set a good example All of these strategies are great, but if youre not truly implementing them, they will ring hollow for your very perceptive children. If youre encouraging your child to utilize good work habits, be sure to model these yourself. For example, running around the house before you leave for the day makes it difficult for your child to not do that as well. Perhaps you can both set out everything you need for the day the night before to ensure a calmer start to the day. Another idea might be to model task lists and calendar tracking. Your child will notice you making a to-do list for important projects and logging appointments on your calendar. That example may inspire them to do the same. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Whats Going On In Your Middle Schoolers Head

What's Going On In Your Middle Schooler’s Head Middle school can be a challenging time for children for a variety of reasons. When students reach middle school age, their brains begin to undergo changes that can cause disruptions in various aspects of academia. While these changes are many, they specifically focus on your students ability to utilize the rational aspects of their brain, their preference for active vs. passive learning, and their identity development. As a parent, its important to understand what these intellectual changes are and how you can best support your student during their middle school yearssuch as implementing a routine and encouraging open communication. Keep reading to learn more about whats going on in your middle schoolers head. Encourage your middle schooler to harness the rational aspects of their brain Your middle schoolers brain is specifically developing in the prefrontal cortex of the frontal lobesthe area that primarily focuses on decision-making and rational judgement. That being said, your student is likely beginning to gain a firmer grasp on how to mediate conflict, process emotions, and make ethical decisions. While these are all traits that will positively benefit their education, its important to note that their brain at this age is rapidly changingmeaning they might have moments of irrational behavior, as well, that they have trouble explaining. They may find it frustrating to have times when making decisions is a breeze, swiftly followed by a sense of confusion they cant explain. Note that your middle schooler may now prefer active to passive learning In the past, your student may have taken a passive stance on their education, going through the necessary motions to complete required tasks. As your student reaches middle school, however, you may begin to notice that they are more eager to delve into projects and assignments. Encourage your student to capitalize on this desire to take an active role in their education by asking more questions regarding the material taught in class and creatively approaching each project given. Utilize extracurriculars to strengthen your middle schoolers identity development At this age, your student will begin to discover what their interests and passions truly are. This is a pivotal time in their lives, as they will start to have opportunities to explore these interests and to see if they are something they would like to pursue further. Extracurriculars and electives play a vital role in providing your student with an opportunity to explore their passions. If your student is interested in science, for example, they may consider joining STEM-related groups at school, or speaking with their science teacher for insights on community clubs. A student interested in art might be able to take a drawing elective that will allow them to explore their talents. Whatever it may be, their brains at this age are eager to quickly expand their knowledge of the areas that grab their attention. [RELATED: How Parents Can Help Students Setand AchieveAcademic Goals] Support your middle schooler by providing routine and guidance at home Middle school students thrive off having a reliable routine in their daily lives. With the many pressures middle school students face, it can be essential to have a set and predictable schedule to depend on. Guide your student to complete tasks on time by creating an after school plan, including the following items: Establish a before school routine, allowing ample time for breakfast. Designate specific homework time, ideally a time where you or another adult is available for any assignment-related questions. Set aside time for chores and other household requirements, spreading them throughout the week if possible, in an effort to not overwhelm students after school. Select a time each week to have a check-in with your student about any concerns or comments they may want to share with you regarding school. By establishing a routine at home, your student can feel more organized to complete all tasks at hand. A set schedule can help them gain confidence and feel a sense of ownership over their education. [RELATED: 5 Tactics to Encourage Academic Confidence in Your Middle Schooler] Support your middle schooler by fostering an open line of communication Its important for your student to know that you are consistently offering open and honest communication. At this age, students are encouraged to address problems and concerns with their teacher on their ownhowever, your student may need your help to learn how to verbalize their concerns and your support on any issues. That being said, its essential for your student to feel confident coming to you with any issues they may be having. Purposefully allot time to have open and honest conversations with your student about any aspects of their lives they wish to discuss. This way, when issues do arise, they will know you are there as their ally to guide them to the best solution. Support your middle schooler by encouraging goal-setting and critical thinking Middle school age is the perfect time to begin to instill critical thinking skills in your student. Your student is beginning to develop flexible thinking abilities, specifically learning the valuable ability to switch from one task to another without losing sight of either task. Its important for your student to understand the importance of critically thinking through each obstacle they encounter, as well as to begin to develop concrete academic goals. Sit down with your student and have them establish a list of things they hope to accomplish this school yearwhether this be broken down into subject or compiled for the school year as a whole. Be sure to encourage them to think seriously about how each task will benefit their education as a whole. [RELATED: 4 Questions to Ask Your Child About School] At the end of the day, its vital to let your student begin to learn who they are. They will have moments of rational thought, followed by unexplained lack of judgement. In order to best support them, its helpful to understand the changes in their brain and how these can positively benefit their academic experience. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

A Day in the Life at Washington University in St. Louis

A Day in the Life at Washington University in St. Louis The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Sarah is currently a senior at Washington University in St. Louis studying Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Psychology. She specializes ina multitude of subjects including SAT prep tutoring, ACT prep tutoring, Physics tutoring, and Writing tutoring. See what she had to say about her school: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Sarah: It's very easy to get around campus for most students. It's possible to walk from one end of campus to the other in under ten minutes. The main campus is very flat, and there are many walkways so students can take more efficient routes. Bikes are common, and there are plenty of bike racks. There's also Campus Circ, a bus that students can take to get around campus. It is generally on time and is used by many students. VT: How helpful are the academic advisers? Sarah: Each freshman is assigned an academic advisor at the beginning of their first semester. These advisors are usually deans, and are especially useful when one needs general information or advice about scheduling, courses, or teachers. They also help students lay out a four-year plan to ensure that all requirements are met for graduation. After students choose a major, they are assigned a major advisor who can provide more specialized insight. Generally, these advisors are quite available and willing to help when students seek advice. VT: How would you describe the dorm life? Sarah: The dorms are really nice- they're clean, spacious, and (with the exception of a couple of dorms) recently renovated. Maids clean common areas within suites on at least a weekly basis. Students can request singles, doubles, or triples, and there are accommodations for special needs. The dorms have large common rooms, as well as study rooms, and are conveniently located. Some suites have balconies, many have Tempurpedic beds. They're generally considered to be luxurious. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Sarah: Wash U's most popular majors include Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology, Anthropology, and Mechanical Engineering. BME, PNP, and Biology are especially well-supported. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Sarah: There are a lot of summer programs for pre-frosh that make it quite easy to make friends before the semester starts. Additionally, freshman floors are generally very close, and most people make long-lasting friendships on their floor. With the combination of the summer programs and freshman floor bonding, it's easy to branch out and make lots of friends as a freshman. VT: How helpful is the Career Center? Sarah: The Career Center can be quite helpful. It frequently holds workshops to help students find internships, work on their resumes, or learn interview skills. It's easy to make appointments and has a centrally located office. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Sarah: There are lots of study rooms in the dorms and scattered around campus. There are several larger libraries on main campus, and many of the buildings include small libraries. There are meeting rooms and classrooms that can also be used for study sessions. Many people study in dining areas both on central campus and in dorm areas. There is no shortage of study space on campus. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Sarah: St. Louis has a lot to offer. Wash U is right next to a large park, Forest Park, that has everything from an art museum to golf to a free zoo. Many students live in an area adjacent to campus that is off of the Delmar Loop, a stretch of a few blocks that has many great restaurants, stores, bars, and a movie theatre. The larger city has tons of great attractions, such as the Arch or City Museum. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Sarah: There are about 7,000 undergraduates. I usually know one or two people in each of my classes, and always run into a few people when walking around campus. However, its big enough that there are tons of new people to meet. It's a great compromise between familiar and new. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Sarah: I took General Chemistry my freshman year. The professor was great, a really talented teacher whose enthusiasm for teaching was obvious in his classes. The first day of class, he called on individual people by name from the audience of over 300 students. One of his last classes fell just before the holidays, and he came in that day in a Santa suit. Even though the course is over, he still greets many of his former students. In addition to these things, I found the course incredibly valuable as it really pushed me to work harder and allowed me to realize that I was capable of handling the level of difficulty presented by the class. Check out Sarahs tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.