Why Study Environmental Science

Environmental science is a subject that covers a broad range of topics, incorporating both physical and biological sciences and applying these fields to the understanding of environmental problems. The ultimate aim of course, is that with enhanced understanding of the problems affecting the environment such as global warming, natural resource management and pollution control, we will be better informed to identify and implement solutions to these problems.

Wanting to save the planet is certainly a good reason to study environmental sciences but students need to be realistic in their dreams, and the chances of you personally identifying a new natural resource or single-handedly reversing the impact of climate change is slim. So what other reasons are there for studying environmental science?

Variety

Students often find that when forced to choose a subject for further study they struggle to single out one particular field; with environmental science however you are able to keep some variety in the subjects that you study and are not forced to limit your academic or career path to one individual area such as English or Mathematics. With environmental science you will study biology, physics, chemistry, geography, geology and much more, and if you are somebody who needs variety to stay motivated then this could be the subject for you.

Practical applications

Many students also want to be able to apply their knowledge in a practical sense outside of academia. Environmental science is a highly theoretical subject but it is also possible to see the practical applications within the real world and to apply your knowledge within the working world, depending on your subsequent career choices

Career opportunities

The main reason for choosing any subject for further study is normally because of the resultant career options that will be available to you on completion of your studies. With environmental science these options are many and varied, and include such roles as; 

• Environmental education officer
• Recycling officer
• Environmental consultant
• Countryside manager
• Conservation officer
• Local government officer

In addition, the skills that you learn whilst studying environmental science, such as research skills, analytical skills, project management skills and survey techniques can all be applied, and indeed are readily sought after in many other industry sectors that are not directly related to environmental science, such as marketing or teaching.

Whatever your reasons for choosing a particular subject of study, you need to be certain that the subject matter will interest you enough to commit several years of your life to studying it. In order to really understand whether that will be the case with environmental science all potential students should carry out research into the exact content of the courses they are looking at. The course content will vary depending on the establishment you choose to study at, and the teaching methods will also vary with different proportions of time being spent on the theoretical and practical sides of the subject, depending on the particular course chosen. Make sure that the course structure, content and teaching methods are set out in such a way that you will feel engaged for the duration of the course, and that the course will inspire and motivate you to study independently and successfully.

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Choosing The Best Science Fair Projects

While there may be no shortage of topics for science fair projects, selecting the most appropriate one may prove to be the most challenging step of the overall process. Searching in an unorganized fashion, despite having many available resources, may lead to indecision as well as frustration. Having some idea as to what may be a good topic for you prior to starting your search may help you avoid a number of potential stumbling blocks and setbacks.

One of the key factors to having a successful outcome and experience is to pick a topic that means something to you. Ideally, selecting a topic that interests you may allow you to remain focused and on task as you work to complete your project. In this way, the end result may be a perfect representation of the hard work you thoughtfully put into your finished project.

While drawing upon your particular experiences or interests may be helpful, it would also be advisable to select a topic that is actually possible for you to research. Selecting science fair projects that are interesting but difficult for you to research adequately may lead to frustration, and a less than satisfactory end result. In addition to selecting a topic that is interesting and researchable, your topic should be fairly specific in scope as well.

Once you have some specific ideas, interests, or past experiences in mind, this would be the time to start to do some research. Whether you search online or choose to peruse library volumes, for example, your selection process will most likely be less cumbersome and time consuming if you have already narrowed your focus at this point. Spending less time on choosing a topic should allow you more time to begin your research, and be sure that the topic of choice is one that you will want to stick with and see through to completion.

Using any available resources would be strongly advised as well. Considering family, friends, or school connections, for example, may lead you to a variety of helpful routes. For instance, a family member engaged in a particular pastime or occupation may be an invaluable source of assistance and information.

Keeping your options open may also help you in your quest to find the ideal project. Exciting and appropriate science fair projects may be found where you may least expect them. Local or current topics, popular magazines, as well as more traditional journals and publications may yield helpful information. With a bit of forethought, your science project experience may prove to be enjoyable, engaging, and successful.

Looking for ideas for science projects for kids? Be sure to visit my site for some tips on middle school science fair projects.

Technology and Economics - The Emerging Trends in 2013

Technology and Economics move in tandem. Technological advancement increases efficiency and productive capacity of the economy; which leads to long term economic growth and prosperity. Today's competitive landscape of different technologies is under-pinned with intense rivalry, temporary disruption of existing technologies; followed by commoditization due to low cost barriers. Here are five recent examples of emerging technology trends:

1-Stock Markets of World have become extremely volatile because information is executed instantaneously without giving any reaction time for market players to perceive the depth of fundamentals. It takes much longer to analyze the fundamentals of stocks than absorption of instantaneous messages bombarded in fractions of seconds. Such plethora of messages, coupled with Media hype, has created marked volatility in the Capital Markets of the world.

2-Although Facebook and LinkedIn are not competitors in true sense, LinkedIn has done much better job in terms of cash generation; and consequently surge in its stock as compared to Facebook. The main driver behind cash generation is strategic positioning of LinkedIn in the talent acquisition industry, mainly in North America. This has enabled the company to double its stock in one year; whereas Facebook is still struggling to recover its stock lurking much below than its IPO point.

3-There is an exponential growth of mammoth data, which determines the competitive landscape and future growth path of companies. Conventionally data was restricted to sales and inventory; which did not present holistic picture of a company's performance. Now the trend is to embrace Big Data, entailing Social Media and Business Intelligence. There is a massive on-going demand for housing and securing this data using Cloud compatible solutions.

4-Crowd-funding is another emerging trend backed by online technologies. If successful, it will disrupt the conventional venture capitalist model. From the perspective of technology, this model faces few challenges. However, from the regulations standpoint, there are formidable challenges, in particular for the conservative regulatory regimes like Canada.

5-The trend is also to "connect everything to internet" using mobile technologies. This ultra-integration would require extremely data intensive processes combined with telecommunications - all rolled onto the emerging world of cloud computing. However, this "technology utopia" of ultra-integration is replete with three key challenges: First, security of data in the world of cloud computing is a colossal challenge, although some companies like Blackberry claim to possess viable solutions. Second, telecommunication costs place constraint on what could be an optimal solution in terms of benefits versus costs. Third, it is rather difficult to work out a lean and sustainable model that avoids unnecessary information overload.

To conclude, technology is playing an increasingly uncertain but very important role in shaping the contemporary world; and this has massive economic implications at both macro and micro levels. One key implication is that most disruptive technologies are invaded by glut of new entrants until that technology is commoditized to a great extent. This adds complexity to the fast changing landscape of new emerging technologies and how efficiently these could fulfill consumer demands.

Chinese Acquiring US Military Helicopter Technology - That's Nothing New

A couple of years ago, we had a Canadian company subsidiary of a US Helicopter manufacturer inadvertently sell military technology to the Chinese government. The Chinese had told them that they were running a state-owned company that would build commercial helicopters to transport people. Sure, that made sense at the time, but the Chinese only really wanted the jet turbine technology for military helicopter uses, and the Canadian company said they were misled. Were they?

Well, that remains to be scene, and the company denied intentionally transferring state-of-the-art jet engine technologies to the Chinese for military usage. Now then, without taking sides in that investigation or later fine and prosecution - I'd like to point out that the Chinese use various methods to get information;

1. Corporate Espionage
2. Computer Hacking Strategies
3. Industrial Relations Deals With Companies
4. International Trade Deals With Other Governments

There was an interesting article I pulled out of my files the other day, you might say I have a little research library here for my writing on many topics. The article appeared in Air Combat Magazine in the May/June issue of 1989; "Chinese Chinooks - The Chinese People's Liberation Army Orders Six International Chinooks," and there was a picture attached which showed a Boeing CH-47D being off loaded from a C-5 Galaxy. Boeing even stuck around to train the PLA pilots.

These helicopters had night vision pilot technologies, modular hydraulics, newly designed fiberglass reinforced rotor blades, and had a 54,000 lb. maximum gross weight. These helicopters had two 4500 turbo Textron Lycoming motors which could operate in -65 degrees to 125 degree weather. Basically able to get to Tibet and Back or fly over the mountains into India, Pakistan, or Afghanistan if needed. If that isn't incredible technology for the Chinese back in 1989, I don't know what would be.

What I am saying is this, China would have gotten that technology anyway, and no that doesn't make it okay that they pulled a fast one, or found a company willing to look the other way, that is also unacceptable behavior, but what it shows you is how intent the Chinese are in having the best of everything in every industry including all the technology the US can produce in our industrial military complex. If they don't already have it, they will. And this is the reality, something I hope you will please consider and think on. No one is innocent when it comes to illegal military technology transfers.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Military Technologies. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net

Different Chemistry Science Fair Project Ideas

There are plenty of different chemistry science fair project ideas to choose from that will both be interesting to the student and allow them to understand the principles of this science. Obviously, the level of understanding will play a role in how advanced the project should be, otherwise the student will either be too bored or confused. If the student is in middle school, from seventh grade to the 9th grade, then they may enjoy an experiment involving metal. Considering all the different properties and types that there are in nature, testing which type of metal protects against radiation the best is a good idea to present at a fair.

Another idea with metal is to consider testing which lubricants are the most effective at reducing friction on the different surfaces. The results of this kind of experiment would be very interesting to see at a chemistry science fair. Of course, if the students are in high school, then they might consider doing something a little more advanced, such as testing how hydrochloric acid reacts with the different types of metals. Other ideas that aren't related to metals include biomass and fuels. A great experiment would be to test which types of oils are the most effective at powering lawn equipment.

Students might be interested in experiments that deal with physics and research. One great example is the project of building a biomass generator. This would make a fantastic group project that would attract plenty of attention at any chemistry science fair and is possible for students in middle school or high school to complete. Experimenting with salt is always interesting as well, and a great idea is to see just how much salt is required to make different objects float. It can also be compared to sugar by testing which substance dissolves more quickly in certain liquids.

The key to a good chemistry science fair project is one that will be both interesting to the person doing the experiment and the ones that will view it on display. Different students will have varying tastes in regards to what is entertaining and what isn't, but fortunately there are more than enough ideas to choose from.

Special Education - How to Help Your Child Excel This School Year!

Would you like to help your child that has a disability and is receiving special education services, have the best school year yet? Would you like to know about 5 things you can do, to help your child make this school year a success? This article will discuss 5 ways to help your child excel this school year.

1. Open lines of communication with special education personnel.

You can do this by:

A. Start a communication notebook; a steno pad and rubber band work well for this. When a page is finished rubber band it to the cover, that way when you open the steno book, you will come to a blank page, or a new message. Encourage disability educators to write in the book daily; what has happened, what child has learned, positive comments about behavior etc. You can also write messages about your child; sick, tired, learned something new, difficulty at home etc. By doing this you and disability educators will be able to communicate on an ongoing basis.
B. Visit your child's classroom the first week of school; and talk to the special education staff, that are working with your child. Tell them what works for your child, what upsets them, and your willingness to work together for the benefit of your child.
C. Call your child's teacher occasionally to check in, and see how things are going. Is your child learning, are they struggling in a certain subject?

2. Express the importance to all disability educators, of having high expectations for your child. With appropriate instruction, children with autism or other disabilities can learn academics at a similar rate to children without disabilities.

You can do this by:

A. Discussing this on your visit during the first week of school. Children will live up to our expectations; whether low or high.
B. Write a letter to your child's teacher expressing how you believe that your child can learn academics, and are looking forward to working with the school for the benefit of your child. Include things that have worked for your child.

3. Make special education personnel accountable for your child's learning. Some children with learning disabilities or autism, may need a multi sensory reading program, in order to be a successful reader. Stand up and ask for a change in curriculum, if your child requires it.

You can do this by:

A. Asking for pre testing at the beginning of the school year, and post testing at the end of the school year. This will tell you where your child is starting academically, and how much they have learned over the school year.
B. Discuss homework with your child's teacher; and anything you can do at home to increase their learning.
C. Keep copies of schoolwork, positive ones and things that you think your child needs more help on. Write letters when you need to, especially if you believe that your child needs more special education services.

4. Learn about positive behavioral supports and how they are successful in increasing positive school behavior, while decreasing negative school behavior. Share the information that you learn with school personnel, and insist on the use of positive behavioral supports, rather than punishment.