Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Secondary education

Mammalian Gas Exchange: Lungs and Adaptations

Most mammals live on land, meaning they breathe in oxygen through the air. They are at risk of desiccation; therefore, their gas exchange system, the lungs, is found deep inside their bodies to avoid water loss. Air has a relatively high oxygen concentration of approximately 21% and is easy to ventilate.

Mammalian Respiratory Mechanism

Air enters the lungs through the trachea, which then splits into two bronchi, and further separates into smaller bronchioles. These tubes are held open by rings of cartilage. At the end of the bronchioles are the alveoli, the primary sites of gas exchange. Each alveolus is surrounded by capillaries, facilitating the diffusion of gases between the air and the blood. Mammals... Continue reading "Comparative Gas Exchange: Mammals, Fish, and Insects" »

Electrostatics Fundamentals

This document covers key concepts in electrostatics, including properties of electric charge, Coulomb's Law, and electric fields.

Properties of Electric Charge

Here are four fundamental properties of electric charge:

1. Additivity of Charges: The total charge of a system is the algebraic sum of all individual charges present in the system.
2. Conservation of Charge: The total charge of an isolated system remains unchanged over time. Charge can neither be created nor destroyed, only transferred.
3. Quantization of Charge: The total charge of a body is always an integral multiple of a basic quantum of charge, denoted as 'e'. This means charge q can only exist as q = ±ne, where n is an integer (1, 2, 3, ...).
4. Interaction of Charges:

Decolonization: A Global Transformation

Decolonization was the historical process through which the Asian and African colonies of European Empires gained independence between 1945 and 1975. As a consequence, the Third World appeared, a bloc of former colonies not aligned with the US or the Soviet Union.

Causes of Decolonization

Metropolitan Causes

The causes originated both within the European empires and in the colonies.

• Increasing Awareness: European empires fought against the Axis powers for freedom and democracy and could no longer justify their colonial domination ideologically.
• Economic Factors: After the war, the metropolitan powers lacked sufficient military and economic resources to control their colonies; furthermore, it was no longer profitable.

The Menstrual and Ovarian Cycles

Menstruation: This phase begins on the first day of the cycle and lasts 5 to 7 days. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down and stops producing progesterone. This causes the endometrium to shed, along with the oocyte, resulting in menstruation. If fertilization occurs, the embryo produces a hormone similar to LH (Luteinizing Hormone) to keep the corpus luteum active. It continues producing hormones, preventing menstruation. The oocyte is fertilized and completes oogenesis.

Proliferative Phase: This starts after menstruation and lasts until ovulation. Estrogens from the ovarian follicle stimulate the thickening of the endometrium and the growth of blood vessels.

Secretory Phase: This occurs... Continue reading "Menstrual and Ovarian Cycle Phases and Hormonal Changes" »

Artistic Masterpieces & Cultural Venues

Famous Paintings of the World

• Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci

  Value: This painting is a symbol of the Renaissance and reflects the genius of da Vinci and the mystery of the female portrait.

• The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh

  Value: It shows emotional perception of nature and is important for understanding Post-Impressionism.

• Guernica by Pablo Picasso

  Value: This painting symbolizes anti-war protest and reflects the horror of the bombing of Guernica in 1937.

Famous Paintings of Russia

• The Ninth Wave by Ivan Aivazovsky

  Value: This painting shows the beauty of Russian seas and expresses the strong character of the Russian spirit.

• Morning in a Pine Forest by Ivan Shishkin

  Value: It illustrates the beauty of Russian

Biodiversity Origins: Early Theories

Fixist Theory: Species Immutability

Proposes that species are immutable and have remained unchanged throughout time. Variations include:

• Creationism

  The belief that living things were created by a divine entity. This idea is largely rejected by the scientific community.

• Intelligent Design

  A creationism movement asserting that a creative intelligence is responsible for the complexity of the universe and life. Proponents argue that some biological characteristics are too intricate to have arisen from natural processes, a claim widely considered pseudoscience.

• Catastrophism

  Proposed by Georges Cuvier, this theory suggests that Earth has experienced several catastrophic events, leading to the extinction of species and

Acting Terminology: Core Concepts

• Acting – The art of bringing a script to life through performance.

• Playwright – The author who writes the script for a play.

• Representational Style – A style of acting that aims to create the illusion of reality, where actors do not acknowledge the audience (e.g., no direct eye contact).

• Presentational Style – A style of acting where actors directly address or acknowledge the audience, breaking the fourth wall.

• Fourth Wall – The imaginary, invisible wall that separates the actors and the stage from the audience.

• Character – The specific role or persona portrayed by an actor in a performance.

• Audition – A competitive process where actors perform for a role to demonstrate their suitability.

• Characterization

Essential English Vocabulary

Transport Terminology

• capable of - capaz de
• come up with - proponer
• get around - moverse
• high speed - alta velocidad
• hop on - subirse a
• load - carga
• long-distance - de larga distancia
• network - red
• reach - alcanzar
• risky - arriesgado
• run on - funcionar con
• set up - construir
• ship - enviar
• standard of living - nivel de vida
• steam - de vapor
• time-consuming - que requiere mucho tiempo
• track - vía

Nature & Outdoors Vocabulary

• berry - baya
• branch - rama
• cave - cueva
• crop - cosecha
• dawn - amanecer
• dig - cavar
• get away from it all - escapar de todo
• head for - ir a
• nut - fruto seco
• pick - coger
• root - raíz
• seed - semilla
• soil - tierra
• sunrise - salida del sol
• sunset - puesta de sol
• tide - marea
• trunk - tronco
• wave - ola
• woods - bosque

Environmental Terms

Early Francoism: The Autarky Period (1939–1959)

Francoism was a political system created by Francisco Franco.

It rejected democracy and was based on militarism, conservative Catholicism, and the unity of Spain. This early period of the regime lasted from 1939 to 1959.

Characteristics of the Regime

• All power was concentrated in Franco’s hands.
• He abolished the Constitution, elections, and Parliament.
• Political parties and trade unions were banned, except for the official party, the **Falange and JONS**.
• It was a highly centralized state.
• There was widespread persecution and violence against opponents of the regime.

Post-War Conditions and Autarky

After the Civil War, Spain was devastated. Approximately 1 million people died, and the country suffered... Continue reading "The Franco Dictatorship: History and Characteristics (1939–1975)" »

Sample Cover Letter for Outdoor Positions

Dear Ms. Grant,

I am writing in response to your advertisement placed in the Eastern Tribune on February 6th. I would like to apply for the position of Guide.

I have always enjoyed working in the outdoors and am experienced in hiking, camping, and rock climbing. This past summer, I worked as a counsellor at a summer camp, which gave me extensive experience working with people.

I am very reliable and hardworking. I am in excellent physical condition and excel at a number of sports. Most importantly, I am willing to work hard in order to keep your guests safe and to give them a positive experience of the Great Outdoors.

I hope you will consider my application favourably. I have attached a full CV and would... Continue reading "Outdoor Leadership Job Application Template" »