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Teaching Kids About Space Using Movies

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Teaching Kids About Space

There are many complicated processes happening outside of the ‘safe haven’ of the Earth’s orbit. Many adults sometimes have a hard time wrapping their heads around them. It’s no wonder it might be an even more difficult task for children. Teaching kids about space using science fiction movies, however, can help them make their first step at understanding physics, astrophysics, and biology. Not to mention, it’s lots of fun compared to textbook learning!

The Iron Giant (1999): A Great Sci-Fi Kid’s Movie for a Historical Perspective

The heartwarming children’s film The Iron Giant, children are introduced to several wonderful themes, such as family, trust, doing what’s right. This movie also gives a fascinating look at an era in time called “The Space Race,” which started the year this film took place: 1957. This was an ultra competitive time between the Soviet Union and the United States, when both countries raced to produce more advanced space travel in an attempt to see which side was more scientifically advanced.

An overall fun film with a great message, you and your children can experience the complex emotions people had right after the launch of the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, by the Soviet Union. Laugh, explore, and experience the space craze that swept the nation during the late 1950s!

Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005): Finding the Gravity of This Amazing Space Movie

Zathura: A Space Adventure is an epic action movie about two brothers pulled into a space escapade with the help of a magic board game. Although this fun romp through the galaxy takes plenty of scientific liberties, some of the scenes are great platforms for space lessons – such as gravitational forces!

For instance, in several scenes, the brothers (and other characters) aren’t constrained by earth’s gravitational forces. As the boys float around and solve various puzzles, they use inertia, momentum, and Newton’s laws of motion for gaming success.

Interstellar (2014): Teaching Teens About Space Science Theories

In addition to extreme time dilation depicted in the movie Interstellar due to gravitational pull, Matthew McConaughey’s character experiences a lot of other hypothetical scenarios of exploring and living in space for extended periods of time. For instance, one of the movie’s intriguing concepts involves extreme time dilation caused by gravitational forces, offering a glimpse into the fascinating interplay between time and gravity.

Although written for a teenage audience, the out-of-this-world effects and wonderful performances really do complement the science-based story – especially one that is agreed by experts to be a relatively realistic depiction of complex science theories and their potential impact on everyday life.

To conclude: science fiction space movies can be a gateway to teaching kids about space

Whereas there’s a lot of fiction in space movies, there’s also a great deal of science to be learned (both with the true and the false!). Teaching kids about space with movies such as The Iron Giant, Zathura: A Space Adventure, Interstellar, and others can be a fascinating introduction to the amazing world of physics, astrophysics, and biology.

See more helpful teacher resources on our blog!

We’ve written about educational YouTube resources, some of which explain the science of space (including living on Mars). See our articles below for more resources you can use when teaching the subject of space:

Educational YouTube resources for better learning

More educational YouTube resources for expanded learning

Educational YouTube resources for older learners – Part 1

More educational YouTube resources for older learners – Part 2

Plus, see how these open education resources can help you with lesson planning surrounding space science topics:

Ways to use open education resources (OERs) when teaching

How Tutoring Can Help Reduce Test Anxiety

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Tutor helping child and avoiding test anxiety.

Test anxiety is a real and challenging experience for many children.

While most adults remember feeling some anxiety about tests, it’s easy to forget just how overwhelming those moments can feel for kids. Some children might even pretend to be sick or genuinely feel unwell on test days due to anxiety.

Regardless of your child’s level of anxiety, tutoring and supportive strategies can help them prepare for exams and reduce test-related stress.

Tutoring Sessions for Better Exam Preparation

One of the most effective ways to combat test anxiety is through structured tutoring.

Tutors can offer personalized instruction, breaking down complex material into concepts your child can understand. Beyond instruction, tutors help students practice the skills they’re learning, building familiarity and confidence.

When children feel prepared and have mastered the subject, their stress levels on test day can decrease significantly.

Building Study Skills Through Tutoring

Developing strong study habits is essential for reducing test anxiety, and tutors play a key role in fostering these skills. Here are some effective strategies tutors can incorporate:

  1. Study in Advance
    Encourage your child to start studying days ahead of the test. Multiple tutoring sessions during the week can help solidify knowledge in their long-term memory; however, if weekly sessions are limited, tutors can create a daily study schedule to ensure consistent practice.
  2. Practice Tests
    Tutors can create mock tests that simulate the actual exam environment. This helps your child practice pacing under time constraints, making the real test feel more manageable.
  3. Relaxation Techniques
    Learning to stay calm is just as important as studying the material. Tutors can guide your child through relaxation exercises, like deep breathing, which they can use to manage stress during tests or other high-pressure situations.

Test-Taking Strategies That Build Confidence

Test-taking is a skill of its own, and tutors can teach strategies to make the process smoother. These strategies include:

  • Time Management: Tutors can help your child learn to scan the test first, understanding the number of questions and allocating time appropriately for each section.
  • Reading Carefully: Encouraging your child to carefully read questions and instructions can prevent avoidable mistakes caused by rushing.
  • Skipping and Returning: Tutors can teach the value of skipping over particularly challenging questions and returning to them later, helping maintain momentum and reducing anxiety.

Using Tests as Learning Opportunities

After the test, reviewing results is an essential part of the process.

A tutor can go through the graded test with your child to highlight successes and identify areas for improvement. Feedback, including teacher comments, can guide future study sessions. This review emphasizes that tests aren’t just about grades—they’re tools for measuring learning and growth.

How Parents Can Help Reduce Test Anxiety

Parents play a vital role in reducing test anxiety. Support your child by encouraging steady study habits and creating a positive environment around testing. Here are some great tips to help parents out:

  • Balance Focus on Tests: Avoid putting excessive emphasis on the test itself to prevent increasing anxiety.
  • Provide Comfort: Cook their favorite meal or prepare a nutritious breakfast on test day.
  • Ensure Rest: Help your child get a good night’s sleep before the test so they feel refreshed and ready to focus.

The Key to Long-Term Success

With the right combination of tutoring, practical strategies, and parental support, your child can overcome test anxiety. With these steps, they can perform better on exams and develop skills to handle stressful situations in the future.

Ready to give your child the tools to conquer test anxiety? School is Easy offers expert tutors who specialize in test preparation and confidence-building strategies.

4 Critical Thinking Riddles That Challenge Your Mind

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Critical Thinking Riddles

4 Riddles That Challenge Your Critical Thinking

Word puzzles are a mental exercise that challenge us to think critically and creatively, much like solving complex problems in real life. These riddles that challenge your critical thinking are crafted to make us look beyond the obvious, honing our ability to analyze and think deeply.

The best part about riddles is that they work just as well with younger people as they do with adults because they teach us all to approach problems from different angles and foster a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts.

To give your child’s mind a workout, we’ve compiled four thought-provoking riddles that will test their critical thinking abilities. Read these to your child aloud and have them come up with the solution (without peeking at the answers)!

Young girl in pirate costume with telescope representing treasure-counting puzzles with clever misdirection and wordplay elements

1. The Pirate Captain

You are a salty sea captain well known for your pirating skills! As a successful pirate, you don’t seem to stop with one treasure chest – you want more, more, more…

However, there is a problem: The sailor who normally counts your treasure chests is sick! To get you back on the high seas, you need to do your own treasure inventory.

So far you have:

  • In your first raid, you received 28 treasure chests.
  • In your second raid, you received 13 more chests, but eight of them were distributed to the crew for all their hard work.
  • After your fourth raid, you took in 21 more treasure chests but had to distribute five more to your crew.
  • Finally, on the fifth raid, you hauled in 37 treasure chests, but lost four on the way to the boat and 12 more when a few of your crew stole them on your way back home.

What color are the captain’s eyes?

Answer:
The eye color is that of whoever is solving the riddle.

Critical Thinking:
To solve this riddle using critical thinking, you need to carefully look at the information given and pick out the important parts. In this case, you should understand that the answer doesn’t depend on the details about the pirate captain’s treasure or actions. Instead, it’s a play on words related to the question. You need to pay attention to how the riddle is worded to figure out the correct answer. It’s a clever trick that makes you question what you assume should be the answer.

Gray cat with yellow eyes sitting at table representing riddles that challenge your critical thinking skills through deceptive scenarios and misdirection

2. The Angry Cat

Rachael and Monica’s last apartment was completely ruined by a cat, and have been forced to move into a home with several roommates.

When the two were shown upstairs to their private accommodations and when the landlord opened the door, Monica was immediately shocked to find an incredibly ornery and overly aggressive cat occupying the room when they walked in.

However, Rachael hung her jacket on a nearby piece of furniture and has no problems with the accommodations. Why?

Answer:
Rachael didn’t have a problem with the cat because the cat had been living with her the whole time: Monica is her cat. When they were shown their room, Monica immediately freaked out (like so many animals do) after seeing their reflection in a mirror. Monica thought that it was another cat challenging her for territory. Fortunately, Rachael can cover up the mirror with her jacket until Monica becomes settled.

Critical Thinking:
This riddle may seem odd, but it can be solved with critical thinking. To find the answer, carefully consider the details provided: Monica’s reaction after seeing the cat (herself), and Racheal not caring AFTER hanging her jacket on a piece of furniture (a mirror). Then, notice the behavior of the cat (Monica) and understand its reaction to seeing its reflection. This solution requires thinking beyond the obvious and paying attention to subtle clues within the scenario.

Smiling man in black mask and striped shirt holding bag, illustrating deceptive riddle scenarios about theft and assumptions

3. Master Thief

The Fashion Plaza recently opened a brand-new location with state-of-the-art security. At its grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony, a normal woman in normal clothes walks into the store unnoticed.

After noticing the security guard, she proceeds to fill her basket to the top, then leaves the store without paying. Although security records her movements, and the guard is fully aware of her presence, no one calls the police or attempts to stop her.

Why?

Answer:

The woman works as a cleaner in the store. She is filling the basket with trash and taking it out to the dumpster.

Critical Thinking:

To solve this riddle, you must consider the context and the details provided. Although there were several witnesses, nothing is said about the woman other than she is “normal.” Critical thinking requires understanding the situation from all perspectives. By observing her interactions and behavior – i.e., not having any issue gaining entrance, waving to the security guard, not standing out in the crowd – it becomes clear that she is not actually stealing but is performing her job as a cleaner.

Woman holding clock over face demonstrating riddles that challenge your critical thinking beyond time concepts to focus on language patterns

4. A Riddle in Time

What occurs twice in every moment, once in every minute, but also never, ever in a hundred thousand years?

Answer: The letter “M.”

Critical Thinking:

You may automatically think answer with something to do with the time; however, this is just a misdirection. The actual answer is actually much simpler and lies in plain sight of the question itself. To solve this, you must think outside the box. Think further than the concept of time for this question – look deeply into the context and the wording of the question itself.

Riddle Me This

The fun thing about riddles that challenge your critical thinking is that there are so many to be discovered and solved. These riddles that require critical thinking provided are just some of the more famous yet difficult ones. If you had fun giving your brain a little workout with this article, consider reading some of the other blogs on our website.

Want to help your child develop stronger critical thinking skills in all their subjects? Discover how School is Easy’s personalized tutoring can boost your child’s problem-solving abilities and academic confidence.

 

Slice Into Fun: 5 Fascinating Facts About Pi

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5 Fascinating Facts about Pi
Oh, the joy of Pi Day—a mathematical jubilee celebrating one of the most influential numbers ever devised: Pi.

“Pi Day” was first introduced by physicist Larry Shaw at the San Francisco Exploratorium in 1988. Nearly twenty-one years later, on March 11, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution officially designating March 14 as National Pi Day. Most people enjoy the day with delicious pies (in honor of the namesake) while chatting about the significance of Pi in mathematics and its applications in the real world.

Pi Day Facts

But What is Pi?

Pi (or the Greek letter π) is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. In other words, no matter the size of the circle, this ratio always remains constant. So, if you were to measure the circumference of any circle and divide it by the diameter, you would always get a value close to 3.14159 (which is shortened to 3.14 in most circles – no pun intended).

5 Rational Facts about an Irrational Number

As mentioned above, Pi Day is about two things: pie indulgence and exploring Pi’s quirky applications in the world around us. To help you on your Pi journey, here are five amazing facts about Pi that you probably didn’t know:

1. Pi is an irrational number, meaning the numbers in its decimal representation is infinite and non-repeating. Therefore, every number after 3.14 continues into infinity and no series of numbers ever repeats.

2. Pi Day also happens to fall on the birthday of one of the most influential scientists – none other than Albert Einstein! So, as you cut into that delicious piece of pie, make sure to toast Einstein and all he’s done for science!

3. Because Pi is an irrational number and its decimal representation goes into infinity without repeating, Pi enthusiasts around the world do their best to memorize the sequence. The current record stands at more than 70,000 digits memorized!

4. Along with its universal applications, Pi is used for more down-to-earth calculations. For instance, Pi influences architectural design, such as the structures like the Great Pyramid of Giza. Its ratio appears in the pyramid’s base perimeter, which is close to 2π times its height, demonstrating Pi’s impact on ancient architecture.

5. Because most objects in space move in an elliptical manner, it is important to use Pi in calculations. However, how do astronomers calculate mathematical results with an irrational number? The good news is scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) only need to calculate Pi to the 15th decimal (3.141592653589793) for their work.

Pi Day Celebrations

Try Some Pi Day Goodness

Let’s savor the unique charm of Pi Day and our delightful journey into the world of Pi. And remember, as magical as mathematics is, some of us have a hard time calculating those irrational numbers. To help, make sure you check out School is Easy and its amazing math programs! By doing so, we can all embrace the intricate beauty of Pi

Focus On Kid’s Health: Kids Staring at a Screen While Studying in the Dark Can Be Harmful

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Focus On Kid’s Health

In this era of technology, it’s becoming increasingly common for children to spend a significant amount of time on devices like computers, iPads, and phones. They even use technology for educational purposes, both in school and at home. While there are numerous educational websites and apps that can enhance your child’s learning, it’s crucial to remember that excessive screen time, particularly in the evening, can have adverse effects on your child’s health. As a parent, your involvement in managing your child’s screen time is key to ensuring their well-being.

Pay attention to your child’s screen time.

A common myth is that if a child spends too much time in front of a screen, their eyes will be damaged, and they will need glasses eventually. This is false! As explained in a video by DNews, computers and other screens cannot permanently damage the eyes. However, staring at a screen can cause eyestrain, headaches, and a few other minor symptoms. Encourage your children to take a break from studying on a screen every twenty minutes or so. One good thing to do is to try focusing on something far away (30 feet or more), as it will give your kid’s eyes a break. Plus, taking a study break can improve your child’s creativity, so it’s a win-win situation.

Kids staring at a screen can lead to trouble sleeping.

Many students have late-night tendencies and trouble waking up in the morning. But is this just because they can focus better on their studies at night and stay up late because of it? According to Harvard Health, although teenagers naturally feel more awake later at night, staring at a screen before bedtime will push off their sleepiness even later. This is because teenagers are susceptible to what is called blue light. The blue light in screens mimics sunlight and causes low melatonin levels. This is why many teenagers might not get a very good sleep or have trouble waking up in the morning. They are on their phones right up until they go to sleep!

How to avoid blue light.

Sometimes, studying at night is unavoidable. If your child needs to use the computer before bed, try having them use a sleeping app like F.lux. This app is meant to reduce the color of blue light on screens after the sun goes down, helping your child’s body know when to go to bed.

Taking breaks from staring at a screen, limiting blue light, and limiting screen time after dark will all help your child’s eye health. Plus, it will help them get a better sleep at night! So follow these tips to study still bright but keep track of health.