Online museums aim to captivate xbox generation

Any parent concerned that the hottest new video games are the only activities that can hold a kid's attention can take heart.

Young adult fantasy novelist R. J. Nimmo says parents actually can encourage learning by combining children's computer skills and their fascination with fantasy-themed games. A great place to start, he says, is by logging on to the Web sites of the larger science and natural history museums.

"Today, museums are increasingly using their online presences to appeal to the level of sensory stimulation - to say nothing of the interactivity - demanded by the 'Xbox generation,'" said Nimmo, an expert on entertainment for children and young adults.

Nimmo says museums are bringing their collections to life for online audiences by offering an exciting program of online stories, games and activities. That's good news, he says, for parents looking for an educational way to keep "Tomb Raider"-obsessed kids entertained.

"The big draw with myth-inspired games like 'Tomb Raider' - especially for younger players - is that they can go on epic quests through ancient lands while doing battle with assorted mythic beasts," Nimmo said. "Museums' online activities let kids explore similar themes based on actual history instead of pure fantasy."

Nimmo - whose latest novel, "The Ancient Egyptian Ennead," is set in Egypt in the time of the pharaohs - has posted on his Web site several links to and descriptions of museums with the best online presences, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum. He says virtual museum-going has several advantages, including:

* Economics. "Going online to any museum is easy - and it's free," Nimmo said. "You can visit the world's great cultural and archaeological treasure houses all from the comfort of your own living room."

* Access. "If you live somewhere remote or have a large family and travel is a chore, virtual museum-going can be a huge advantage," Nimmo said. "Online access provides a fun and practical alternative. And best of all, there are no queues to see popular exhibits or to use the restrooms!"

Grade 10 applied english homework help

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A commonly asked question is how to find grade 10 applied English homework help. The question really should be how do I get better grades in English class, but lets look at the question. What is applied English? In earlier grades, the main focus was learning to read and write, memorizing vocabulary, understanding the English language from a grammar and structure standpoint, and learning basic communication skills. So, how is that different from 10th grade English? Well, you need to APPLY those skills in order to reach a more advanced level, and that starts with 10th grade English class.

So, how DO you get grade 10 applied English homework help? The first is to ask your teacher when you don't understand something. Sometimes, an assignment will seem a bit vague, and asking for clarification will help you get a better score, since you will be able to do exactly what is asked of you. Too often, students charge forward with an assignment without really understanding what is being asked of them. So, in order to avoid that, clarify everything!

In 10th grade, when you read books, you really need to understand what the author is telling you. At this point, students are expected to be able to pick out the larger, global symbols in stories and books. This is application of skills. You are being asked to interpret the author's intentions, not just understand the overall story. The best question to ask yourself when reading a book or writing a paper on a book is WHY the author is writing what he is. This basic, yet challenging skill will be useful throughout your academic career and beyond. That tip is a great one and goes beyond simple grade 10 applied English homework help.

So, what are other tips for 10th grade English class? When writing papers, be sure to proofread and revise your papers. Getting your first draft done at least 1 week before a due date is important to your development as a writer. Though most people procrastinate and put off writing papers until the day before it is dues, don't be one of those people, and you are your teacher will see the quality of your writing go up.

Beyond just the work assigned in class, read as much as you can. It will not only help you in the future, but help you understand various styles that you will inevitably be introduced to in 10th grade. You will probably read 5-6 books in the 10th grade English class, but if you can add a few more (especially over Thanksgiving or winter vacation), you'll be ahead of the curve. At this point, you can also start reading "Cliff's Notes" to enhance the way you read books. For the first time, you're probably being asked to interpret the books in ways you never have, and "Cliff's Notes" will give you insight into advanced English reading and writing styles.

I hope you've enjoyed this short article, and good luck.

Outdoor classrooms a smart way to teach teens

When it comes to learning, the best classrooms aren't always inside a school. That's the word from experts who say that one of the latest trends involves using the great outdoors to teach teens life lessons.

For instance, Matt Schmitz may seem like an average 18-year-old. He's enjoying his senior year in high school and looking ahead to graduation. However, he's already developed the type of leadership skills that many people strive for well into adulthood.

At age 15, Schmitz learned about the Yellowstone Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), a National Park Service program that, he said, let him combine his thirst for knowledge with his passion for the outdoors. "Getting a chance to know Yellowstone is a rare thing," he said. "Plus, it was a chance to spend a summer outdoors, and on my own away from the family."

For 30-35 teens every year, YCC is a work/learn/earn program that teaches lessons in conservation, ecosystem preservation, environmental engineering and leadership. Participants earn minimum wage building bridges, repairing cabins, maintaining trails and more.

Since 1990, YCC has been funded completely by the Community Service program of the Moose fraternal organization. The group began its partnership with Yellowstone National Park in 1988, when fires spread across the park and destroyed hiking trails and visitor facilities. The Yellowstone Youth Fund was established to aid in restoration. Since 1989, the group's members have donated more than $2 million ($135,000 annually) in support of the YCC program.

"The Moose is proud to provide this program to youth across the country. It's a vibrant example of our dedication to connecting families and community service," said Shawn M. Baile, Director of Community Service for Moose International.

The friendships Schmitz has developed span coast to coast. "I've met people that I probably never would have met otherwise," he said. "It's a program that enables you to grow as a person. One thing I tell students is that they shouldn't discount themselves. It's not summer camp; it's work. But it's all about teamwork," explained Schmitz.

Discover the ease of online learning

Many people in today's world are wanting to go back to college to gain a degree or to increase their knowledge in a certain area. Unfortunately, the busyness of life doesn't always provide the time (or the money) for desiring people to stop what they are doing and head back to school. It is not always realistic to lay aside a career for a few years simply to devote yourself to study. The good news for anyone desiring to learn more while keeping up with life can turn to online learning as a great alternative.

Online learning is one of the best things that the internet has brought us. I am amazed that all people need to do is log on to the internet and they can sign up for a nearly endless amount of amazing classes. Whether people are hoping to finish their GED or to graduate with a Bachelor's degree or even a Master's degree, online learning can be a great way to go.

Obviously, one of the biggest benefits of online learning is the convenience factor. You do not have to stop your career or move to another city that offers the program you desire. Instead, you simply need only to have internet access. Having internet access opens the door to endless possibilities that can be fulfilled within your home or at a local library if you do not own your own computer. There is perhaps no more convenient way to get an education than through online learning.

Online learning is also great because it is so flexible. It can work around your schedule rather than you having to submit yourself to the learning schedule. This is great for professinoal adults or for parents everywhere. Furthering your education does not become burdensome or impossible, but rather it becomes a pleasure. We could all use a few things that are flexible in our lives, and online learning is just that. You decide on the program you want to study, the classes you want to take at any certain time, and then you just sign up and begin.

Online learning is a great way to slowly work on a degree while keeping your current job and responsibilities. I am so thankful for online learning because it has allowed me to earn my Master's degree while maintaining a full-time writing career. No other method of education worked for my time and my needs.

I'd encourage anyone serious about pursuing more education to look no further than online learning. It's simply amazing.