Problem: Article: A classroom that feels tired probably won't be very inspiring. Take action to make sure that your classroom pulses with energy. Start by pumping up your own enthusiasm. Try not to come to class tired. Get up early in the morning so that you are fully awake by class time. If your students seem lethargic, try having them get up and move around. Even a quick stretch can wake people up. Students might feel more inspiration if they are having fun. Try organizing your lesson around a game. You can adapt this strategy for any age level. For elementary school kids, you could adapt the common game Simon Says. Students only get to move a step forward if they can correctly answer the math question, for instance. Try a version of Jeopardy for high school or college students. This quiz game is a great way to review for exams. Don't feel like everything has to be a game. They can be used every once in a while to insert some energy into your classroom. Each class is bound to have a few students who are reluctant to participate. However, it is important to make each student feel actively involved in the lesson. Try to get most (if not all) students to participate in activities. Some students may not like participating in group discussions. You might need to get creative to make it more appealing. Try a lightening round. Set a time limit (maybe 30 seconds) on each question. Make it seem fun and exciting to shout out the correct answer. Technology can be a great way to bring inspiration into your classroom. There are a number of tools you can use to get your students excited about whatever subject you're teaching. Have fun trying new items together! Many schools provide iPads or tablets for student use. Download some fun math games for your students to play. If you teach a college course, have your history students create entries for educational apps such as Clio. Try to energize your students by taking them out and about. Field trips are an excellent way to inspire and wow your class. Just make sure to tailor the trip to fit the needs of your students. Try a children's museum for young kids. For example, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago offers an entire wing of exhibits geared towards children. If you teach high school or college students, try a walking tour. The Freedom Trail in Boston is a great option if you teach in that area.
Summary: Bring energy to the classroom. Incorporate games. Get more students involved. Use new technology. Go on field trips.

Problem: Article: When the leaves of your potato plants turn yellow or brown, they are ready for harvesting. If you planted in April or May, the leaves will wilt in mid-summer.
Summary: Stop watering the potatoes when the leaves wilt.

Problem: Article: Talking for a long time can seem like a lecture to your teen, so try not to make lengthy comments or offer extensive advice to your teen. Instead, try to keep your comments short and to the point. For example, if your teen wants to know why they can't have a later curfew, you might say something like, "I know that you enjoy spending time with your friends, but 10pm is the curfew that we agreed on because you have obligations in the morning, and because I worry about you driving late at night. We can discuss a later curfew in a few months, but right now I think we should stick with the curfew that we agreed on." Finding ways to help your teen see themselves as part of a team may also help to improve communication. You can create a team narrative by telling stories about an injustice or major obstacle that someone in your family overcame, such as coming back from a job loss or standing up to someone. You can also use projects to get your teen to engage with the family. For example, you can involve your teen in redecorating the family room, putting together a scrapbook, or planning a family vacation. While it is not a good idea to follow your teen's every move on social media, you may be able to use social media to connect with your teen now and then. For example, you might share a news story that you know would be interesting to your teen on your teen's Facebook wall, or respond to an Instagram photo that your teen posted. Find out what social media outlets your teen uses most often and look for occasional opportunities to engage with your teen through these outlets. Don't involve yourself in online conversations that your teen is having with her friends. Don't use social media as a way to spy on your teen. Teens are in transition from childhood to adulthood and they require more privacy than they once did. When you talk with your teen, avoid prying into your teen's personal life, especially if your teen seems reluctant to share something. For example, if your teen goes on a date, don't request a play-by-play description of the evening. You might simply say something like, "They seemed like a nice person. I hope you had a fun evening."
Summary: Keep comments brief. Create a team narrative. Use technology to engage your teen. Respect your teen's privacy.

Problem: Article: Coil the siphon tube into a circle and place it into a container full of water. Gently push the tube down until it is completely covered, working from 1 end to the other. You will see air bubbles pop up to the surface of the water, as the air escapes from the inside of the tube. Go slowly to allow the air bubbles to escape as you submerge the tube. Once the bubbles stop, the tube is full of water and ready to be drained. To make sure that the bubbles are completely out of the tube, shake it a bit before pulling it out. Now that the tube is full of water, you'll need to stop up the end that you plan to pull out of the container. Fold or crimp the tube in on itself toward the end, creating a barrier. Then, place your finger or thumb over the end, blocking off the flow of water out of the tube. The tube must stay totally under the water during this process or you'll end up with bubbles in it. Slowly and carefully lift the blocked tube end out of the water. Keep your finger covering the end of the tube. And, make sure the other, unblocked end stays securely under the water. Place the blocked end into the lower, empty container. Pull your finger away from the end of the tube. Hold the tube down slightly with your fingers to keep it from flailing around as the water starts to come out. Watch the water move from the higher container and into this new one. If the water flow seems to stall, give the tube a small, quick shake to start it up again.
Summary:
Immerse the tube in a container of water. Place your finger over the end of the tube. Move the plugged end of the tube to the empty container. Unplug the tube.