Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Explore Life with Polar Bears

 


Polar bears are uniquely adapted to live in the Artic. They have many traits that help them not only survive, but thrive, in some of the coldest places on the planet. I recently discovered one website that includes two virtual field trips to explore life with polar bears.

For students in grade K-5, there is Curious Creatures: Polar Bears on the Tundra Virtual Field Trip. Students experience the polar bear packed tundra with Polar Bears International and Discovery Education. Travel to the heart of polar bear action just outside of Churchill, Manitoba, Canada to see these curious creatures in action and discover the science of polar bears in this virtual field trip.

For students in grades 6-12, there is The Phenomena of Polar Bears Migration Virtual Field Trip. From the migration patterns of polar bears to the magic of the northern lights, the Artic is filled with fascinating phenomena. Students take a trip to Canada for the annual polar bear migration to learn all about the science of polar bears and their Artic habitat in this virtual field trip. Students can also join Polar Bears International and the Discovery Education team to connect with scientist, learn about the connections between climate change and habitats, and see polar bears in their natural Artic ecosystem on the shores of the Hudson Bay.

The website also includes a Tundra Connections Q&A Session video so all students, K-12, can learn more about polar bears. This virtual field trip is a great way to explore life with polar bears!

Happy Homeschooling!

Friday, May 20, 2022

Career Exploration: Being a District Clerk

 

Choosing a career path can be extremely intimidating to a young person. In this Career Exploration series, I interview many different fields of study to help students explore the possibilities as they pursue a career path.

Meet Dana Hogg, District Clerk of Hardin County, Texas.

Why did you choose this career path?

I chose to become a Certified Legal Assistant (aka Certified Paralegal). After 30 years of being a CLA, I felt called to run for District Clerk of the county where I live.  I wanted to help people and running for public office seemed the perfect solution.

What kind of education, training, or background does your job require?   

I attended college and then studied to take the certification exam given by the National Association of Legal Assistants.  District Clerks must complete 20 hours if CLE each year to keep their office.  I also renew my CLA certification by completing 50 CLE hours over a 5-year period.

What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in this field? 

Some of the skills that are essential for success in this career include strong knowledge of legal terminology, office etiquette, working knowledge of computer software such as Word, Excel, Adobe Professional and like software.  Patience with people and the ability to manage an office staff are helpful attributes.

What does a typical work day look like for you? 

I start each day by checking email. I check voicemails and return calls. I usually have several email requests for records that are kept in my office.  Court hearings usually begin at 9 am.  The electronic filing system must be checked for new document fillings before the hearings begin.   I take the files that are on the docket for that particular day into the courtroom.  I give the file to the Judge as he calls each case.  After hearing the case, Judge will return the file to me with any orders he may have signed.  I file-stamp the signed orders. A copy of those orders will be returned to the parties in the case by electronic filing.  The documents are scanned, indexed and filed into the case file.  Other duties include fulfilling requests for certified copies.  A certified copy is a true and exact copy of the document in my file.  I am the keeper of all district court records.  Some records are sealed and are not available to the public. I report each month to the State with the number of new cases, types of cases and the resolution of cases that have been filed. The types of cases filed in district court include civil and criminal. Other duties include summoning petit and grand juries.

You see, the District Clerk is a constitutional position, elected every four years to serve as the custodian of all court pleadings and papers that are a part of any cause of action in the district and county court at law courts in various jurisdictions. The District Clerk also serves in the following capacities: Registrar (docketing, indexing and recording all documents part of felony criminal, family, juvenile, delinquent tax and civil court cases), Record Manager (manages records to be easily retrieved for public and court access, preserve records for permanent storage in archives and dispose of records according to the Texas Library of Archives Records Retention schedule), Court Collections (responsible for collecting and distributing court costs and fines), Financial Officer (prepares court cost in accordance to legislation every two years), Data Manager (responsible for gathering data and reporting to several state and local agencies), and Juror Administrator (maintains the jury wheel annually from the Secretary of State and summons all jurors for the county).

What do you like most about your work? 

What I like the most about my job is that I am able to assist people as they go through some difficult challenges in life. 

What do you like least about your work?

The thing I like the least is dealing with the hiring and firing of personnel.

What advice would you give someone who is considering a career in your field? 

Attend college and do your best to keep your grades up.  If you are interested in a political career, I would recommend taking classes that help you learn to speak in front of large crowds.  I will admit that this is not my strong point!

Happy Homeschooling!

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

Prisoner of War - Crew Review

 

Disclaimer: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

If you like including Christian fiction in your homeschool, you will want to check out Prisoner of War from Whatsoever Stories. This softcover story is set during World War II. Sergeant Brentley is helping preserve America’s liberty as he is hoping the people of Europe and Asia would regain their stolen freedom in the process. Within minutes, he went from being a gunner in the US Army Air Force to a prisoner of war. As you read through the story, the word “freedom” is in the hearts of all who fought for the Allies. With limited time, Captain Breth secretly formulates a plan with an imaginative aviator, an indispensable agent, and an audacious ground soldier to rescue men imprisoned by the Nazis. But this is not the only rescue mission needed. Behind the scenes, there is spiritual battle within a soldier’s heart as he wrestles with life apart from God.

Although the story is fictional, the author includes historical notes and inspirations because the writing of this story was influenced by true incidents that occurred during World War II. Kinsey Rockett truly captured the central months of World War II; but most of all she captivated a story that emphasizes biblical truths and helps build godly character. I love how she includes, “Did you know that we are in a war? We are, and its not just any war either. It’s a war that has been raging for six thousand years, and it will continue to rage until Christ returns. It’s a battle between the Almighty Lord, whose victory is already determined, and the devil, who knows that he is destined to lose but is determined to take with him as many poor souls as he can.” (Prisoner of War, 369) Within this story, readers learn something of eternal value. Discover true freedom in this unique story of a pilot, a prisoner, and a parachute.

Visit the Crew Blog to read more reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew.