Ask an Educator...

As some of you may already know, I am a teacher. I've taught at College and High School in Europe and North America.

Since it's "back to school" time, and we have many people in our community who are either students or parents of students, I thought it would be nice to start an "Ask an Educator..." thread to help answer questions, clear up confusions, and provide reassurances to the community. FoxyBunny kindly agreed and let me establish this thread. I hope it can be useful.

Please post any questions you may have here. I will try to answer as many as I can as quickly as I can.

I know that I am not the only teacher in Evony and I strongly invite other educators to answer the questions and provide alternative viewpoints.

Please also know that the law rightfully constrains me from releasing certain information to the public.

Specialized Questions that Require an Answer

so what college should i go to for me to be a surgeon in NA in your opinion (premed) - revo of troy

so what college should i go to for me to be a surgeon in NA in your opinion (premed)

Why is the sky blue?

abracrax im not a teacher but its blue becouse its the reflection of the ocean

this is an odd question, but how do external combustion engines work? (like the stirling engine)

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Originally Posted by revo of troy

so what college should i go to for me to be a surgeon in NA in your opinion (premed)

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I'm not familiar with the college options you have so I would be scared to advise something concrete. I've added your question to my opening post in the hope that someone who is more familiar can offer you advice.

I'd say that when selecting a college you need to consider a wide variety of factors, not just the quality of the program but obviously things like the cost and less obviously things like the quality of their student support and advising services. I'd really recommend visiting the campuses and asking tough questions not just to the educators but also the students. I also recommend talking to as many people as possible, definitely including doctors and medics, about what they would suggest. People tend to be frank about the pluses and minuses of various colleges, they understand the enormity of the decision and your need to make the right choice.

One final point I'd make about colleges is that sometimes the biggest name college or the most expensive college delivers an education less rigorous than their less well-known and cheaper competitors.

Sorry I couldn't be more specific.:(

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Originally Posted by Wesdres

this is an odd question, but how do external combustion engines work? (like the stirling engine)

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I have no idea, but I'd love to find out!

Reading Abracax's question "why is the sky blue?" made me want to thank him, but also post asking people not to post "homework" style questions, the answers to which could be easily googled anyway. But I think I kinda like these random questions, because as they get answered by other users I learn new things.

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Originally Posted by anomous person

abracrax im not a teacher but its blue becouse its the reflection of the ocean

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No it's not blue because of the reflection of the ocean. Seems you need a science lesson.


The blue color of the sky is due to Rayleigh scattering. As light moves through the atmosphere, most of the longer wavelengths pass straight through. Little of the red, orange and yellow light is affected by the air.

However, much of the shorter wavelength light is absorbed by the gas molecules. The absorbed blue light is then radiated in different directions. It gets scattered all around the sky. Whichever direction you look, some of this scattered blue light reaches you. Since you see the blue light from everywhere overhead, the sky looks blue.

Why did you ask a question you knew the answer too then insult the answerer?

where is a good place to start resurching falconry? i've always wanted to do it, but i dont even know where to start learning what i need to know

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Originally Posted by Wesdres

this is an odd question, but how do external combustion engines work? (like the stirling engine)

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Internal combustion is actually a very interesting thing. A piston compresses gasses, the spark plug then sparks creating a controlled explosion. This pushes the piston down, turning the crank shaft which is connected to a transmission. The transmission transfers the power of of the engine into your drive shaft. The drive shaft is connected to the axle which turns your wheels.

bah... I'm talking about EXTERNAL combustion.

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Originally Posted by Lord Arumen

Why did you ask a question you knew the answer too then insult the answerer?

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I was being a smart ass when I asked it, I didn't expect anyone to actually answer it, and if anyone did I thought they would at least know the answer lol

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Originally Posted by Wesdres

bah... I'm talking about EXTERNAL combustion.

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DOH! you are right, I completely misread that lmao


An external combustion engine (EC engine) is a heat engine where an (internal) working fluid is heated by combustion of an external source, through the engine wall or a heat exchanger. The fluid then, by expanding and acting on the mechanism of the engine produces motion and usable work.[1] The fluid is then cooled, compressed and reused (closed cycle), or (less commonly) dumped, and cool fluid pulled in (open cycle air engine).

"Combustion" refers to burning fuel with an oxidizer, to supply the heat. Engines of similar (or even identical) configuration and operation may use a supply of heat from other sources such as nuclear, solar, geothermal or exothermic reactions not involving combustion; but are not then strictly classed as external combustion engines, but as external thermal engines.

The working fluid can be a gas as in a Stirling engine, or steam as in a steam engine. The fluid can be of any composition; gas is by far the most common, although even single-phase liquid is sometimes used. In the case of the steam engine, the fluid changes phases between liquid and gas.

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Originally Posted by CandleLite

where is a good place to start resurching falconry? i've always wanted to do it, but i dont even know where to start learning what i need to know

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I found this website http://www.oregonfalconers.org/ but I can't verify if they are the best contact for you or not. You may want to contact people who work with animals (raptor-zookeepers, vets, animal shelter personnel) to see if they have a recommendation for you. If it were me, one of my priorities would be to make sure the club or group I joined really took care of their birds. You will need a licence, so contact the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, they will be able to give you the best information.

Do you mind me asking why you are interested in falconry? It seems such an interesting and somewhat unusual hobby, I'd love to learn more myself.

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Originally Posted by abracax

I was being a smart ass when I asked it, I didn't expect anyone to actually answer it, and if anyone did I thought they would at least know the answer lol

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Please carry on asking! You are raising good questions and I am learning from the answers. Thank you.

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Originally Posted by CandleLite

where is a good place to start resurching falconry? i've always wanted to do it, but i dont even know where to start learning what i need to know

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Falconry? Serious? wow, you don't go for anything simple do you. I knew a falconer, and before you are allowed a bird of prey it takes up to 20yrs to get to that point. Good luck on starting that.

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Originally Posted by Boleslav

Please carry on asking! You are raising good questions and I am learning from the answers. Thank you.

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Thank you, some of this stuff I know, some I googled. For instance, the external combustion, I thought I knew it but I had to make sure, so when I found it I copied and pasted.

I am currently a college student, however I have not yet decided on a major, any suggestions on how to choose one? Or tests that might help?

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Originally Posted by Boleslav

I found this website http://www.oregonfalconers.org/ but I can't verify if they are the best contact for you or not. You may want to contact people who work with animals (raptor-zookeepers, vets, animal shelter personnel) to see if they have a recommendation for you. If it were me, one of my priorities would be to make sure the club or group I joined really took care of their birds.

Do you mind me asking why you are interested in falconry? It seems such an interesting and somewhat unusual hobby, I'd love to learn more myself.

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lol fanticy novels. i read thru that site already, followed thier sugestions and hit a dead end. thanks for looking it up for me. basicly what i know now is that i dont know anything. i dont know what equipment i will need, where to get it, how to care for or use it. i dont know how much space i'll need for my birds home, i dont even know wich of the two classes of bird i want. so i dont know how to get what i dont know to feed it. i cant get a hold of my local chapter of the falconers assocation to get feed back on where to start learning what i dont know will be on the test i have to take, and i dont know how much that is, befor i can spend time with a mentor i dont know how to find and even get started with the birds.
i do know its a long envolved highly regulated sport. i do know that the closest relationship you can expect from your bird is respect. i do know that it will be more involving then haveing kids, just in the time and dedication needed to maintain it.

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Originally Posted by logrus

I am currently a college student, however I have not yet decided on a major, any suggestions on how to choose one? Or tests that might help?

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I changed my major three times in college. In the end I chose International Politics for two reasons (1) It was the class I enjoyed most, and (2) It was the class where I got grades that I felt most reflected my effort. I talked about it with all my professors.

Having a degree is only part of the work that should be done in college. Employers tell educators that they are looking to hire people with strong communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills. Given the troubles some grads are having finding work right now, what you are doing outside your degree that demonstrates mastery of these skills is probably very important - and I would imagine moderating would be a great example.

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Originally Posted by CandleLite

lol fanticy novels. i read thru that site already, followed thier sugestions and hit a dead end. thanks for looking it up for me. basicly what i know now is that i dont know anything. i dont know what equipment i will need, where to get it, how to care for or use it. i dont know how much space i'll need for my birds home, i dont even know wich of the two classes of bird i want. so i dont know how to get what i dont know to feed it. i cant get a hold of my local chapter of the falconers assocation to get feed back on where to start learning what i dont know will be on the test i have to take, and i dont know how much that is, befor i can spend time with a mentor i dont know how to find and even get started with the birds.
i do know its a long envolved highly regulated sport. i do know that the closest relationship you can expect from your bird is respect. i do know that it will be more involving then haveing kids, just in the time and dedication needed to maintain it.

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You are so far along already - I must believe there is a national or even international association that could help answer these questions. You must get the answers to these questions! Those are such amazing animals, they deserve someone who can appreciate them and care for them as you clearly do.

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Originally Posted by Boleslav

I changed my major three times in college. In the end I chose International Politics for two reasons (1) It was the class I enjoyed most, and (2) It was the class where I got grades that I felt most reflected my effort. I talked about it with all my professors.

Having a degree is only part of the work that should be done in college. Employers tell educators that they are looking to hire people with strong communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills. Given the troubles some grads are having finding work right now, what you are doing outside your degree that demonstrates mastery of these skills is probably very important - and I would imagine moderating would be a great example.

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Excellent answer, specially the part about you taking a major in something you enjoy.

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Originally Posted by abracax

No it's not blue because of the reflection of the ocean. Seems you need a science lesson.


The blue color of the sky is due to Rayleigh scattering. As light moves through the atmosphere, most of the longer wavelengths pass straight through. Little of the red, orange and yellow light is affected by the air.

However, much of the shorter wavelength light is absorbed by the gas molecules. The absorbed blue light is then radiated in different directions. It gets scattered all around the sky. Whichever direction you look, some of this scattered blue light reaches you. Since you see the blue light from everywhere overhead, the sky looks blue.

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Well... I was going to say that it is blue do to the many gasses in the atmosphere. Your's works too, I guess.

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Originally Posted by logrus

I am currently a college student, however I have not yet decided on a major, any suggestions on how to choose one? Or tests that might help?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Boleslav

I changed my major three times in college. In the end I chose International Politics for two reasons (1) It was the class I enjoyed most, and (2) It was the class where I got grades that I felt most reflected my effort. I talked about it with all my professors.

Having a degree is only part of the work that should be done in college. Employers tell educators that they are looking to hire people with strong communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills. Given the troubles some grads are having finding work right now, what you are doing outside your degree that demonstrates mastery of these skills is probably very important - and I would imagine moderating would be a great example.

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i would look at your best subjects, (i'm assuming youve been a student for atlast a year or two) look into what fields use those subjects. diside what amoungst them appels to you, then pick a major that will help you get there.
its how i ended up at tech school to be a pharm tech. loved that job :D

Sir.

I know we are not supposed to touch politics in here but this won't be about that EXACTLY...

In your studies of INT.POL., were the works of Samuel P. Huntington, and specifically "The Clash Of Civilisations", part of the course? And if so, how is it regarded, both by you and the academic community at large?


Also, can I use the rest-room? It's kind of urgent...



Thank you.

Candle, I know this may sound stupid, but almost everything I know about falconry came from a gentleman I met at a PetSmart once. He was there doing a little show-and-tell for the customers and probably trying to raise a few donations for a hawk reserve. He said that you have to apprentice to someone who is licensed to start on it. Maybe if you called the local DCNR office or something, you could get in contact with the right people to discuss an apprenticeship.

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Originally Posted by FoxyBunny

Candle, I know this may sound stupid, but almost everything I know about falconry came from a gentleman I met at a PetSmart once. He was there doing a little show-and-tell for the customers and probably trying to raise a few donations for a hawk reserve. He said that you have to apprentice to someone who is licensed to start on it. Maybe if you called the local DCNR office or something, you could get in contact with the right people to discuss an apprenticeship.

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they wont take on an apprentice who hasnt taken the test. so i have to learn all about habitat and life cycles, dangers and equipment befor i even get that far. i realy do appreceat the answers that have been posted to my question so far. maybe what i need is some one to recomend a good book. i found a few on amazon.com and once i found a falconers suply store on google, but i dont remember how to get back there.

http://i32.tinypic.com/x572c4.png

What does this equal? My roommate and another friend, who are both math majors, couldn't figure it out. Well, they did come up with an answer but it didn't make sense. Something like 2.85 cents, which we thought couldn't be right.

its gonna be irrational... both e and pi are, hold on....

translated on TI-83 Plus,
.002+535.4916555+got to give me a moment, and the was e^(2pi), right?

I think its e^i ∏

ah- *does calculus to finish it..* the summation from 0 to infinity of 1/(2^x)= 1.4427
ah- e^(ipi)=-1+.002+1.4427=.4407 dollars

yea, I think that's the answer my roommate and friend got. They weren't sure about their answer to the summation of 0 to infinity bit, though.

You use calculus, makes it a LOT easier, its the summation of 0>infinity, and 1/2^x approachs 0 as x approachs infinity, creating a finite sum

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Originally Posted by bob19991

You use calculus, makes it a LOT easier, its the summation of 0>infinity, and 1/2^x approachs 0 as x approachs infinity, creating a finite sum

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Yea, i have no idea what you said. I never went past Algebra 2. My roommate's a math geek, oops, I mean major, though, so I figured he'd be able to figure it out. But he couldn't come up with an answer he was confident about.

I did same thing- Calculus BC in 12th, AB in 11th, 5 out of 5 on both

Psh, math. I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide and I think I'll be set for life, LOL.

Well you never know.

http://z.about.com/d/animatedtv/1/0/...06_Marge_f.jpg
"Because I never took calc, I was never able to do the calculus that came up in my everyday life."

^Good episode if you haven't seen it btw^

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Originally Posted by Wildor

Sir.

I know we are not supposed to touch politics in here but this won't be about that EXACTLY...

In your studies of INT.POL., were the works of Samuel P. Huntington, and specifically "The Clash Of Civilisations", part of the course? And if so, how is it regarded, both by you and the academic community at large?


Also, can I use the rest-room? It's kind of urgent...



Thank you.

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Great question! The Clash of Civilizations wasn't taught on my course (it was released as I was finishing at college) but I bought it as soon as I could and devoured it. I had been playing a lot of Civ around that time and I was super excited at the idea of academics writing about Civilizational issues.:D

The Clash of Civilizations is well worth a read, but most academics refute the arguments it presents. There are big problems with the suggestions Huntington makes. His idea of civilizations falls apart when applied to Africa and South America. Events in the world seem to run counter to his expectations - to give just a recent example, Russia cut off gas to Bulgaria in the winter. Huntington would expect Russia to be benign and protective towards Bulgaria because they are both part of the Orthodox Civilization, yet cutting off the gas supply put intra-civilizational lives at risk.

One aspect of The Clash of Civilizations which I did like was the way he problematized the Middle East, that there is not one strong state that can lay claim to being the "core state" of that civilization. Iraq is too divided and essentially landlocked, Iran is a different religion from the rest of the region, Turkey is too secular, Egypt is too poor, Saudi is too extreme and too weak. I'm not sure how much I agree with him when he claims that this leads to Islam having "bloody borders" but I did find it a nice summing up of some of the issues of the region.

My main problem with The Clash of Civilizations is that Huntington's lens is so large - he's not looking at the level of states, but of civilizations. Taking the analysis to that stage means one ignores the complexity and importance of sub-state elements and factors. It abstracts importance from elites and groups.

I'm thinking of giving some of The Clash of Civilizations to my high school kids to see what they make of it. They should have some great insights.

Sir


I understand your critique and agree but I must say, as you do yourself, that Huntington's lens is indeed VERY large, and I wonder how the decades to come might not prove him right, on many accounts at any rate. Time will tell. I should not even start a debate, nor is it my intention.

Thank you VERY much for your prompt answer.

However...



It' s REALLY urgent now!!! May I go?