"Simple, clear explanations of twenty ways in which mathematics helps us to understand practical issues of everyday life. Suitable for teenagers and adults, and beautifully produced. Highly recommended!" - Professor Ian Stewart, bestselling author of The Cabinet of Mathematical Curiosities Mathematics is an indispensable tool for life. From the systems that underpin our newsfeeds, through to the data analysis that informs our health and financial decisions, to the algorithms that power how we search online – mathematics is at the heart of how our modern world functions. In 20 dip-in lessons, Understanding Numbers explains how and why mathematics fuels your world and arms you with the knowledge to make wiser choices in all areas of your life. • Make sense of health statistics • Understand the mathematics behind political voting systems • Get to grips with how online search tools work • Discover how mathematics can create the perfect city

Whether it’s in the local, national or international arena, there are huge divisions both within and between political parties, and views and values fluctuate wildly across society. Nobody seems able to agree. Nobody even seems able to agree to disagree. So, what can we do? In this book, we’ll look at how we can discuss divisive topics more effectively. We’ll examine the different modes and methods of discourse and analysis and, through examining some of the common obstacles to productive conversations, we discuss actionable ways to encourage positive, helpful debate.

Popular Science gives our readers the information and tools to improve their technology and their world. The core belief that Popular Science and our readers share: The future is going to be better, and science and technology are the driving forces that will help make it better.

Written by experienced practitioners this resource for Theory of Knowledge for the IB Diploma offers comprehensive coverage of and support for the new subject guide. Decoding Theory of Knowledge (ToK) is an accessible new resource that explores Areas of Knowledge, Ways of Knowing, Personal and Shared Knowledge, the Knowledge Framework and Knowledge Questions. Written in succinct and clear language, this engaging book decodes ToK concepts and helps students develop their critical thinking skills. The book offers extensive support on the new assessment criteria for the essay and presentation. Features include explanation of key concepts to consolidate knowledge and understanding; real-life situations to engage students; practical activities to develop students' thinking, writing and presentation skills; and top tips to provide further guidance and advice.

Previously published as The Early Years Professional’s Complete Companion, this new edition has been thoroughly updated and is the essential resource for aspiring and existing leaders of early years practice. Covering a wide range of theoretical and practical concepts, this book helps the reader consider how they can develop excellent practice within their unique setting. Divided into three distinct sections, the book begins by exploring the origins of early years practice, before discussing principles in development, social policy and child protection. The second section considers what constitutes high quality practice, and reflects on the role of emotional security, environment, and adults in shaping children’s learning and development. The third and final section examines how activities associated with continued professional development impact on teaching standards, before finishing with a discussion on international perspectives on early years practice. Key features include: New chapters on safeguarding, children’s rights, continuous professional development and international perspectives of early years practice. Chapter objectives, tasks and links to the Early Years Foundation Stage. Case studies with questions for reflection to promote critical thinking. New developments in the early years practice arena are outlined, including the emergence of Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). This book is an essential text for those working towards qualifications in early years teaching and leading practice, and provides a flexible basis for tutors, trainers, assessors and mentors to further develop programmes of education and training. It will also appeal to teachers and practitioners interested in considering potential routes for continuing their professional development.

Fully updated to reflect the changes to the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) qualification, this second edition remains the essential handbook to support all those considering or working towards EYPS and on whichever pathway they embark. Organised into three parts, the text starts by leading you through the initial requirements for entry to the programme, providing an overview of the different pathways. It goes on to focus on the standards against which all EYP candidates are tested, and then finally looks at the new validation process and beyond. Although closely linked to the standards required for EYPS, and their relationship with the Early Years Foundation Stage, the book is not a standard-by-standard manual; it supports you in developing an organic, holistic perspective on childcare and education, combining practical skills with knowledge development. The text includes case studies based on real practice scenarios, ideas for practical activities, further reading, reflection, interviews and advice from EYPS candidates who have successfully negotiated the validation process.

Children are already learning at birth, and they develop and learn at a rapid pace in their early years. This provides a critical foundation for lifelong progress, and the adults who provide for the care and the education of young children bear a great responsibility for their health, development, and learning. Despite the fact that they share the same objective - to nurture young children and secure their future success - the various practitioners who contribute to the care and the education of children from birth through age 8 are not acknowledged as a workforce unified by the common knowledge and competencies needed to do their jobs well. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 explores the science of child development, particularly looking at implications for the professionals who work with children. This report examines the current capacities and practices of the workforce, the settings in which they work, the policies and infrastructure that set qualifications and provide professional learning, and the government agencies and other funders who support and oversee these systems. This book then makes recommendations to improve the quality of professional practice and the practice environment for care and education professionals. These detailed recommendations create a blueprint for action that builds on a unifying foundation of child development and early learning, shared knowledge and competencies for care and education professionals, and principles for effective professional learning. Young children thrive and learn best when they have secure, positive relationships with adults who are knowledgeable about how to support their development and learning and are responsive to their individual progress. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 offers guidance on system changes to improve the quality of professional practice, specific actions to improve professional learning systems and workforce development, and research to continue to build the knowledge base in ways that will directly advance and inform future actions. The recommendations of this book provide an opportunity to improve the quality of the care and the education that children receive, and ultimately improve outcomes for children.