Friday, April 3, 2020

Using Chemistry Worksheets to Learn

Using Chemistry Worksheets to LearnChemistry worksheets are useful tools for people learning the subject and can be used to help them with studying. Chemistry is one of the most important subjects you can learn. You should think about ways that chemistry is relevant to your life. Here are some ways in which you can use a chemistry worksheet:It can be used as an aid to help you in both educational and informational purposes. There are many books and other resources available to help you learn this fascinating subject. However, one thing that you should remember is that there are thousands of chemicals out there. So it is important that you get to know what all the different compounds are.You can also study chemistry to help you if you are going to take some tests or exams. By learning about the different compounds, you will be able to identify the materials that you need. You may want to know which type of chemicals are used for different applications.For many people, learning about t he properties of compounds helps to explain the basics of chemistry. This is because it is only by knowing the properties of a substance that you can know if a substance is safe or not. Some chemicals have properties that are dangerous and are known as 'hazardous' chemicals.One way that you can learn about compounds is to use the Chemical Names (CHN) worksheet. You will have the name of the chemical, its molecular formula, and its stability factors. The CHN worksheet can be very helpful in helping you learn about compounds. The CHN worksheet may be found on several sites on the internet.Reading can be very interesting, but there are many times when reading can be very boring. What you do is to try and do something that you know will make the information easier to understand. A simple example is studying is easy if you know what all you need to know. The best way to do this is to find a way that makes the material more interesting.One way that can help you is to learn something that you already know. If you know about a compound, you can look up the information on the internet or in books. However, when you can do this you will find that you know a lot more about the compound.

Monday, March 23, 2020

3 STEM Activities for Students this Summer

3 STEM Activities for Students this Summer With summer vacation fast approaching, parents may wonder how to keep learning alive for their students over these months off from school. One great way to do this is to plan creative STEM activities for your students this summerSTEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math, subject areas that give students a multitude of room for creative activities to keep them engaged and excited about learning. [RELATED: Why Students Should Care About STEM] There are many STEM activities for students to enjoy during the summer, including building with Legos, experimenting with the water cycle, and illustrating how shadows work. See below for more details on how to execute these! STEM Activity #1: Get creative with Legos When it comes to creating things with Legos, the possibilities are endless. One great way to incorporate STEM into the summer is to have students build something to go with their favorite book. This could be the setting for the book, or a particular scene or aspect of the story. By doing this, they will learn the process of engineering, problem solving, and improvisingthings that are key in STEM practices. They will learn how to take the pieces and objects they have and make their ideas come to life. As previously mentioned, there are many different STEM activities you can engage in with Legos, so dont be afraid to try other ones out. Get creative! STEM Activity #2: Water cycle in a bottle Do you have students interested in the weather, but not sure how to teach them about it? A water cycle discovery bottle could be a great way to get them engaged in learning about the weather. This experiment allows students to visually see the effects of evaporation and condensation inside the discovery bottle. [RELATED: STEM Resources for Students] In this experiment, youll need a plastic water bottle, food coloring, water, and a sharpie. Feel free to encourage your students to draw clouds or other weather imagery on their bottle. Mix a half cup of water and food coloring (blue can work well), and set the bottle by a window. Your student will then be able to see the stages of the water cycle. While your child wont see precipitation firsthand in the discovery bottle, he or she can see evaporation and condensation, and you can discuss precipitation. Your child wont be able to see the stages in full, but this is a great way for him or her to visualize the effects of the water cycle when learning about how it works. It also shows your student that whether its a sunny, rainy, or cloudy day, the water cycle is always at work around us. STEM Activity #3: Experimenting with shadows A great way to teach your student about the Earths rotation and shadows is to do a human sundial experiment. For this activity, make sure to pick a sunny day and follow the below steps: Mark a spot on the sidewalk, driveway, or other hard surface for your student to safely stand throughout the experiment, and make sure you leave plenty of space around to trace out shadows. Trace your childs shadow using sidewalk chalk three to five times throughout the day. Your student will stand facing the same direction each time, but his or her shadow will look different every time it is drawn due to the rotation of the Earth and the sun being at different angles. The end effect will be three to five different shadows pointing in different directions around the circle. Have your child take note of the different shapes, sizes, and placements of each shadow. Once the experiment is complete, you can discuss with your student how shadows are made, how the sun moves, and why each shadow looks different. [RELATED: 6 Activities to Keep Students Learning This Summer] Summer is a great opportunity to keep your student interested in learning with fun, creative STEM activities. There are endless chances to encourage your students STEM growth, so get started! 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.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Area of A Cone

Area of A Cone Cone is a geometric figure with a fixed vertex and a circular base. The curved surface area of the cone = * r * s. Here r is the radius and s is the length of the slant side. Slant side, s = (r2+h2). The height h of the cone from the vertex of the cone and the radius r of the circular base make a right angle. Example 1: What is the curved surface area of the cone which has the base radius r of 3 cm and height 4 cm? The base radius of the given cone is 3 cm, i.e. r = 3 cm. The height of the cone, h = 4 cm. The slant height of the cone, s = (r2 + h2). s = (32 + 42) = (9 + 16) = 5cm . Area of cone = * r *s This makes the solution = 3.14 * 3 * 5 = 47.1 cm2 Hence, curved surface area = 47.1 cm2 approximately. Example 2: What is the curved surface area of the cone which has the base radius r of 5 cm and height 12 cm? The base radius of the given cone is 5 cm, i.e. r = 5 cm. The height of the cone, h = 12 cm. The slant height of the cone, s = (r2 + h2). s = (52 + 122) = (25 + 144) = 13 cm . Area of cone = * r *s This makes the solution = 3.14 * 5 * 13 cm2 = 204.1 cm2 Hence, curved surface area = 204.1 cm2 approximately.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

An Introduction To A Level Biology Revision

An Introduction To A Level Biology Revision All You Need To Know About Studying Biology A Level ChaptersBiology A Level Curriculum And TipsA Level Biology Past Papers Exam BoardsGuides And Resources For A Level Biology RevisionExam Timetables And GradingLooking Ahead To The A Level Biology CourseNow that you have finished or are soon to complete your two-year GCSE Biology course, you will already have grasped some of the fundamental details and knowledge required by the subject.During your GCSE, you will have had the opportunity to learn about a variety of biological functions including the human body, organisms, evolution and the environment, all taught with everyday relevance so that that you were able to draw much more from the content. Hopefully, by now, you will have some idea of just how much Biology affects our everyday lives and will be eager to learn more.At A Level, you will get a chance to look at evolution again. Photo on VisualHunt.comThe A Level course that you are about to embark on is no different to the GCSE one in that it too offers an array of fascinating an d useful information about our bodies and the world around us. Also similar is the duration of the course, which takes two academic years to complete in full. The main difference, however, is the level of detail at which you will explore these biological concepts.As a result, by opting to study Biology at A Level (even if you only complete your AS Level and then have to drop the subject for one reason or another), you will be up-skilling your existing knowledge and becoming much more aware of the ins and outs of our bodies as well as how we fit in to the work around us.What’s more, with all of the additional Biology learning under your belt, you will be on track to apply for and be accepted on a further education course related to the science as well as a career in Biology further down the line.More Reasons To Stick With Biology A LevelBecause it is known as the Science of Life, Biology is relevant to all students and is a key transferrable subject. Unlike studying English or Hist ory, for example, which are taught in the context of the country in which they are being taught, a biology  tutor teaches about all human beings and explores the basics of our environment.So, no matter which country you end up living in or in which climate, you will still have a reasonable understanding of how the nature around you works with a qualification in Biology, and how you as a human being interact with it and can nurture it.No matter where you are in the world, Biology is still the same study of life. Photo by astro_matt on Visual huntWith many fascinating experiments waiting for them, Biology students can benefit from acquiring a wide range of practical skills through hands on work, with tests being more sophisticated than in previous years of schooling. They will be encouraged to not only study how Biology works, but how elements of the Science can be used to solve problems. As such, a number of other skills play a big part in the process of studying Biology, like Mathem atics, Physics and Technology.Biology is a great subject to have under your belt if you dream of a career in Medicine, but is not limited to this field of expertise. Many Biology students go on to professions in areas like Marine Biology, Zoology, Teaching, and much, much more.Search for an A Level biology tutor now.Biology at A Level is offered by AQA, WJEC, Eduqas and OCR, among others. Below are two of the most popular exam boards for Biology A Level.AQA A Level Biology Past Papers (7401, 7402)At a glance, this linear specification offered by AQA covers a range of core topics such as Biological Molecules, Cells, Genetic Information, Energy Transfers and Gene Expression, the last two being taught at A Level only.The AS Level course is split into two exams, each worth 50% of the final grade and lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. The second year, however, is assessed over three written exams, each taking 2 hours to complete and making up 35%, 35% and 30% of the final mark respectively.Look up for biology online tutoring now.OCR A Level Biology Past Papers (H020, H420)This specification leans on the practicality of Biology for students and integrates problem-solving to help pupils understand biological concepts and scientific methods. Like the above, the course is split between the two years of study.The overall course is said to refresh the popular themes from GCSE Level specifications and embed new modules centred around answering the all important question in more detail: How does Science work?Using The Exam Boards' Biology Past PapersDoing past papers is probably the best form of revision you can do in the run up to your Biology A Level exam, as it gets you used to formulating exam-style responses that meet the required level of sophistication for this advanced course.By using past papers properly, you can work on improving your technique, thus growing in confidence. However, it is no good simply reading past paper questions or just jotting down answers haphazardly . Here are some tips on how best to use these resources.How To Use Past Papers For Successful RevisionIn the run up to your end of year exam, your teacher may organise a mock exam for you, or set a classroom task which simulates an exam. This will help you familiarise yourself with the exam setting once again.Note: You may find that your A Level exams are even more strict when it comes to taking materials in with you.It is even more important to revise thoroughly for A Level exams as you will be expected to offer more knowledge than ever before. Photo on VisualHunt.comExam-taking is not all about what you know and how well you cope under pressure though. A very important aspect of being assessed is how effectively you communicate your responses. Consulting past papers can enhance your ability to respond well and can guide you to gaining extra marks by teaching you what it is the examiner is looking for.So, familiarise yourself with the types of questions that are commonly set and as k yourself what it is they are trying to get out of you.Approaching the exam with some level of confidence is encouraged but pupils need to be realistic and educate themselves on the mark scheme. Not enough emphasis is placed on this document, but the fact that it essentially tells you in so many words  how to pass your exam speaks for itself!Guides And Resources For A Level Biology RevisionThe BoardsHelpful Biology revision resources can be found on each of the exam boards’ websites. For example, AQA’s website has a page linking to teaching resources (equally useful as documents aimed at students if used correctly) as well as documents for students to download.OCR, meanwhile, proposes high-quality resources which can be searched by qualification type and resource type, to help you find the right documents for you. You can also download a skills guide from their site to match your personal skills to particular qualifications. This could be a worthwhile activity for those unsure where they are heading after the A Level course.Reminder: Do not miss the past papers, which as you now know can be a great help when it comes to preparing for exams.Revision WebsitesIf you have not yet come across it, be sure to visit BBC Bitesize for your learning needs throughout the course.This website, dedicated to UK students of all ages and taking a variety of exams, will help to break down the topics in an easy way and will additionally make learning that little bit more fun.As well as BBC Bitesize, Revision World is a fantastic place for students to go during times of need. This easy to use website offers students study help, coursework assistance, essay writing tips, past papers and many more valuable resources to make revising easy and enjoyable.Getting hold of revision materials online is brilliant as most resources are easily accessible at the click of a button, plus they are usually straightforward and free (except from having to occasionally sign up), which is an adde d bonus.Exam Timetables And GradingTimetables for compulsory exams like A Levels are released up to two years in advance but are subject to amendments until the final timetables are confirmed, usually in the 12 months prior to the assessment period.Why not use this to your advantage by planning revision sessions to fit around your exam schedule, so that you can visualise how the weeks leading to the exam period will pan out? Be sure to plan and do everything you want to do before reaching the date of the exam.For instance, if you want to visit a particular Science museum, then make sure you do not waste any time and get this booked into your diary now. And, speaking of diaries, it is a good idea to highlight key dates in your diary, planner or on a calendar in your room to maintain your focus during those last weeks gearing up to exams. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail!

Initiatives To Increase College Graduation Rates

Initiatives To Increase College Graduation Rates Until recently, America has led the world in producing college graduates. President Barack Obama has vowed that America will retake the lead by 2020, winning the support and funding of many organizations. Higher-education groups have targeted many different groups and demographics, always trying to promote education to increase Americas overall number of college graduates. These groups have promoted the importance of this initiative to community colleges, public universities, African American students, college dropouts and other demographics. Now, education groups and the Obama administration are targeting Hispanic students to increase Americas overall number of college graduates, hoping to reach its 2020 goal, according to an article in the Washington Post. This concept was presented by non-profit organization Excelencia in Education, along with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Lumina Foundation and other major education advocacy groups. This initiative, called Roadmap for Ensuring Americas Future, suggests that Hispanics will have to earn 5.5 million college degrees by 2020 for America to reach its goal of having 51 percent of the population being college or postsecondary degree graduates. The 51% college graduation rate is fairly low, compared to other organizations goals of 55-60%. Hispanics are now being targeted because they are the fastest growing minority group in America. The Hispanic population is projected to triple in size by 2050 and represent 29% of the U.S. population, all according to Pew Research. Hispanics are also now being targeted because of their historically-low college-completion rates. Other cultural factors such as not wanting to incur college-loan debt also contribute to low-graduation rates. State and institutional initiatives that focus on those (Hispanic) students can make a big difference, the Excelencia in Education group said in a release. Research from the Excelencia in Education group indicates that Hispanic students often enroll in college later on in life and at community colleges closer to their homes. This is great news for Hispanic students as many organizations will take a personal interest in increasing the number of Hispanic college students and graduates. Organizations are likely to create scholarships and other resources for prospective Hispanic college students. Other than targeting specific groups and demographics, education organizations are also trying to create programs to better retain current, working college students, increase college-preparatory and dual-enrollment programs and simplify two- to four-year transfers and guarantee need-based aid to deserving students.

Tips for Finding a Job and Working With a Chronic Disease - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Tips for Finding a Job and Working With a Chronic Disease - Introvert Whisperer Tips for Finding a Job and Working With a Chronic Disease Many people and employers claim to understand the need for having a healthy balance between home and work. However, for the estimated 133 million Americans living with chronic conditions, a good work-life balance isn’t just a nice idea â€" it’s a required way of life. Without rest and time for treatments, those with chronic illnesses won’t be healthy at all. Combine this with natural introversion, and it may feel like there’s nothing in the world you can do to work comfortable and make a living. While staying home in bed where it feels safe sound like an appropriate plan of action some days, it doesn’t pay the bills. So, how do you find and keep a job that fits your unique needs as an introvert with the addition of a condition that’s here to stay? Here are the essentials you need you to know to find a job and beat burnout before it burns your career. Finding a Job With a Chronic Condition Landing a position that pays the bills, provides flexibility without the socializing, and gives you the sense of achievement you want can be challenging. It’s critical you remember that it’s not impossible. Search for Remote Positions Careers that didn’t have any remote positions 10 or 20 years ago now have many options. Even jobs that you might consider to be facility-based, such as nurses, physicians, or executives, are working from home at least a few days each week. While you might not always find a position that allows 100 percent remote time, those few days off a week will not only help recharge your social batteries, but offer you a break to treat chronic symptoms away from coworkers or clients. If you have a reliable computer and internet access, you’re likely set up well to meet the requirements of remote positions. Some companies may require you to have a secure office space if you’re working with sensitive data, but otherwise, finding a remote position is quite simple in our highly tech-driven work culture. Get Part-Time Work Introverts with chronic conditions often need income and benefits from a full-time position, making taking a part-time job a challenging decision. However, if you tend to miss many workdays, you might find yourself not meeting the job requirements expected of a full-time employee. In these situations, finding a flexible part-time job can be ideal. When possible, it’s sometimes better to take a pay cut when your physical and mental health are at risk, even if only temporarily. How to Interview When you’re sitting across from a prospective employer, you will probably wonder if you should disclose your chronic illness. There isn’t clear-cut guidance on this topic. If your disease is outward and visible, such as mobility issues due to multiple sclerosis, then it’s best to disclose the condition as the interviewer will likely be thinking about it during the interview. If your condition is controlled most of the time, you might decide that telling them upfront isn’t necessary. An example might be someone with asthma who rarely misses work or a person who struggles with restless leg syndrome symptoms only at night, leaving them feeling too tired to work some days. In these scenarios, it might be best to keep the information to yourself until you’re hired or the condition worsens to a point you need accommodations. Consider Freelance Opportunities It seems that many people are looking into freelance opportunities these days. Going solo can be nerve-wracking, but extremely rewarding, especially when you prefer to work alone. The benefit of working alone is that you get to make your own schedule, rest when you need to, and set your individual hourly rates. If you think that you don’t have any transferable skills into the freelance world, you might want to do a quick Google search for “your profession + freelance” to see if there are others out there working independently. You can send them a message and get more information about how they work, where they find clients, and what they charge. If you don’t see any opportunities this way, consider exploring how to be a consultant or coach or how to sell products for established companies. How to Work With a Chronic Condition On the surface, most people consider health to mean the absence of illness. If you have a long-term disease, you might never be completely without out sickness. This means that you must develop strategies to protect your health while performing office duties or while working in other workplace environments. Emphasize Self-Care Everyone needs self-care. However, for individuals with chronic conditions, self-care can be the difference between being able to function or being stuck in bed. Self-care strategies might include staying home when ill, practicing mindfulness, getting good sleep each night, and exercising when well enough. To better understand the need for self-care with chronic illness, let’s consider a condition that many people are familiar with: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Treating GERD with diet and lifestyle changes is imperative if you don’t want to experience burning or pain in your chest, difficulty swallowing, or a sensation of a lump in your throat. Now, think about how critical self-care is for individuals with cancer, diabetes, fibromyalgia, or heart disease. Without taking preventative measures, your condition will worsen. Prepare for the Expected and Unexpected Anytime you can prepare your workplace for time off or special accommodations you need, it’s best to give your employer as much notice as possible. If your condition causes you to miss days that aren’t scheduled off, try to work ahead. Keep a running list of tasks you’re working on in a highly visible place on your desk or on your hard drive so that you can quickly instruct a supervisor where to find this information if you’re off unexpectedly. You should talk to your supervisor about unexpected absences so that they have a game plan in mind to get the work done. Carefully monitoring your condition and committing to good preventative health habits are smart ideas for anticipating any potential complications. Thanks to technological advancements, individuals can use apps and wearable technology to track conditions like diabetes, ADHD, and Lyme disease while working. When used in conjunction with things like implantable drug devices, these can be powerful tools for managing chronic conditions. Some technology can even directly inform your medical provider with alerts, should your condition become critical. Know Your Rights Employees with chronic health issues have the right to flexibility, accommodations, feedback, and support. Your condition may also qualify you for extra protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA applies to all employers with 15 or more employees and requires them to give reasonable accommodations. Importance of Health Health is one of the most precious gifts you’ve been given. By using these tips, you can find a work environment that understands and appreciates your unique needs and provides accommodations so that you can perform your best while maintaining your overall well-being, both physically as someone with a chronic condition, and emotionally as an introvert. Good luck! Image Source: Pexels Author Bio: Frankie Wallace  is a writer from Boise, Idaho who contributes to a wide variety of blogs online. Wallace is a graduate from the University of Montana and enjoys writing about career development and job searching. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Differences Between the SAT and ACT Exams

Differences Between the SAT and ACT Exams College just around the corner for your teen? Theres a lot to do to prepare, including take college entrance exams. When it comes to choosing the SAT or ACT, you might wonder how these exams differ and whether one is better for your teen than the other. Here are a few FAQs that will help you and your teen understand the differences between them: What do the exams measure? The SAT focuses on the skills that matter most for college readiness and success. The ACT measures skills that are most important for success in postsecondary education and that are acquired in secondary education. Both exams measure what students learn in high school. Are the sections on the SAT and ACT the same? Both exams have reading and math tests. The ACT has an English test and optional writing (essay) test, while the SAT has a writing and language test and optional essay. The ACT has a science test while the SAT has science elements throughout every section of the test. Is one exam longer than the other? Testing time on both exams is similar: three hours (plus a 50-minute optional essay) for the SAT and two hours, 55 minutes (plus a 40-minute optional essay) for the ACT. Can students use a calculator on the math portions? The SAT has a calculator section and a no calculator section on the math test. On the ACT, students can use a calculator on the whole math test. What are some of the other differences in the math sections (other than the calculator)? The SATs math test is 80 minutes and 58 questions, while the ACTs is 60 minutes and 60 questions. On the SAT, some formulas are provided to exam-takers. Math is half of the total SAT score and just 25% of the composite ACT How many questions are on each exam? There are 154 questions on the SAT and 215 questions on the ACT. So, thats a big difference between the SAT and the ACT: the amount of time per question. SAT exam-takers get an average of one minute, 10 seconds, per question, while ACT exam-takers get just 49 seconds per question on average. Are both exams accepted at all U.S. colleges? How often are the exams available? Both the SAT and the ACT are offered seven times a year. For the 2018-2019 school year, SAT dates were/are August 2018, October 2018, November 2018, December 2018, March 2019, May 2019, and June 2019, and ACT dates were/are September 2018, October 2018, December 2018, February 2019, April 2019, June 2019, and July 2019. What are the score ranges? On the SAT, total score range is 400-1600 (reading/writing is 200-800 and math 200-800). The essay test is scored on three dimensions, with scores ranging from 2 to 8. The composite is calculated by averaging scores (1-36 points possible on each of the four subject tests: math, science, English and reading). Writing is a separate score that ranges from 2 to 12. What is the best way to prepare for the SAT and ACT? Taking challenging courses in high school is the best way to prepare, since both exams are focused on what students learn in high school. Beyond that, individualized test prep guided by a customized study plan is the best way to get ready. Huntington can help! Contact us at 1-800 CAN LEARN to discuss how we can help your college-bound student prepare for the SAT or ACT.

Critical Reasoning Question 12-Newspaper Articles - Private Tutoring

Critical Reasoning Question 12-Newspaper Articles BobbiM Feb 15, 2014 The increase in the number of newspaper articles exposed as fabrications serves to bolster the contention that publishers are more interested in boosting circulation than in printing the truth.  Even minor publications have staffs to check such obvious fraud. The argument above assumes that A.  Newspaper stories exposed as fabrications are a recent phenomenon. B.  Everything a newspaper prints must be factually verifiable. C.  Fact checking is more comprehensive for minor publications than for major ones. D.  Only recently have newspapers admitted to publishing intentionally fraudulent stories. E.  The publishers of newspapers are he people who decide what to print in their newspapers. Think you know the correct answer? The correct answer is E.  Evidence: more newspaper articles exposed as fabrications. Conclusion:  Publishers want to increase circulation, not print the truth.  This makes sense only if we assume (E), that publishers decide what to print.  If (E) werent true and this decision were up to someone else, the argument would fall apart. Since the argument claims only and increase in made-up articles exposed, its not necessary that they be a recent phenomenon, so (A)s not assumed.  (B) goes too far-its not necessary that every article be factually verifiable in order for there to have been an increase in fabrications.  As for (C), the authors claim that even minor publications have fact checkers is meant to emphasize that the publications know theyre not printing the truth, not that minor ones are better at fact checking than major ones.  And (D) brings up admission of guilt, which the author never mentions-the articles in question were exposed as frauds, not admitted to be frauds.

The Dangers Of Taking Focus Medications For Studying

The Dangers Of Taking Focus Medications For Studying Image via betches.com Adderall, the most commonly abused stimulant on college campuses, carries the same effects. Some people believe that since this drug is an actual prescribed medication, it can’t be “that bad.” But, it is. First of all, stimulant drugs are mostly used for school. Good for you? Not exactly. These drugs are abused in order to improve study efficiency. So, naturally, students believe better study habits create better grades. Wrong. According to drugabuse.gov, “Prescription stimulants do promote wakefulness, but studies have found that they do not enhance learning or thinking ability when taken by people who do not actually have ADHD. Also, research has shown that students who abuse prescription stimulants actually have lower GPAs in high school and college than those who don’t.” What is happening in your body when you do happen to take this drug? To start off, dopamine greatly increases. This chemical in your brain is the neurotransmitter for pleasure, movement, and attention. For actual patients with ADHD, the drug amount is slowly enlarged to steadily reach a beneficial effect. Therefore, when you take someone else’s dosage, it will not cooperate with your brain at all. Additionally, there is more that goes on. Such stimulants increase blood pressure and heart rate, thus putting you at risk for heart attack. The desire to eat and sleep is also decreased. Abuse can lead to malnutrition. With malnutrition comes hostility, paranoia, and serious cardiovascular difficulties. Focusing again on the heightened levels of dopamine, withdrawal symptoms are a factor. Fatigue and depression follow the abuse of stimulants. Consequently, the feeling that is attained when taking such a drug creates a state of euphoria for the user. Dopamine in the brain is rapidly amplified, causing the ecstasy and possibly resulting in the risk of addiction. Image via addictioncenter.com But wait, why would you need to be in a state of euphoria to study? The truth is, not only is Adderall used for school, it is used for partying. What a shocker it must be. And what a surprise it also must be that there are negative side effects to abusing prescription drugs. Stats from 2012.Image via medicineabuseproject.org Students with the prescribed medication carry the legal risk of dealing it. In legal terms, Amphetamine possession without a legal prescription is a crime. (Amphetamines being stimulants). Furthermore, dealing it has serious consequences. It comes down to intent to sell and attempted sale. Charging someone with intent to sell stimulants relies on evidence. It depends on the amount in the defendant’s possession, purity of the drug, and amount of cash from sales. Here is the interesting, yet scary, part, according to criminaldefenselawyer.com. “Under the Controlled Substances Act, a person convicted of selling or attempting to sell amphetamines near a school, including a college, or other areas where young people may be present faces  twice  the maximum prison sentence,  twice  the maximum fine, and  twice  the term of supervised release (21 U.S.C. 860).” So if you are thinking of selling amphetamines to your friends for a study-boost, think again. Those convicted of selling stimulants can earn five to 20 years in prison. Or, you can be fined $250,000 to $5 million. And if you happen to be super unlucky: both. Just for additional information, (hopefully this does not apply to any college campus), if someone dies because of your little Adderall sale, you face life in prison. So even if it is for school, it is still super illegal. Good thing there are alternatives to using Adderall for studying. First and foremost, caffeine is your friend. Coffee or soda, it will keep you awake. There is always a Starbucks open somewhere or a vending machine in order. Not only is this option cheaper, it is safer. Waiting until the last minute: we all do it. Start studying days before your exam so you do not have to cram all night and, therefore, result to Adderall. Do not put yourself in the position to take drugs. Skip the party. An effective way to not take drugs is to not be around them. In another perspective, the party will take up hours of study time. Therefore, if you study Saturday, you won’t have to cram Sunday. It all comes down to time management. If you put yourself in a position where you are crammed for time and cannot focus, that is when you start looking for ADHD medications. In conclusion, you do not want to have a heart attack nor do you want to get arrested with a felony. Stimulants can lead you to both. It is a greater risk over reward if there even is a reward.