Geometry is an essential math concept that comprises how to measure shapes, patterns, angles, lines, and points; it also covers how they relate. And because students of all ages interact with shapes and forms throughout the day, understanding their correlation through math will improve their ability to interact with the world around them.

The ideal way to make this process easy is by gamifying it. While the points lines planes worksheets, like other resources, can help your kids learn, games also come in handy. This article covers top game ideas you can explore to simplify your kids’ geometry study.

Why Geometry is Essential for Kids

The significance of geometry goes beyond the classroom. Below are some importance of understanding this math concept.

Identifying shapes

As a child learns about shapes, they can distinguish between similar objects. For instance, your child can tell how many sides of makeup objects they see around— books, boxes, etc.

Learning shapes will help children tell what distinguishes one object from another and how they are similar. In the long run, kids will excel at learning since geometry will boost their ability to identify differences, focus on details, and organize things.

Problem-solving and spatial reasoning

If you are familiar with math games, you will know how crucial it is in enhancing kids’ reasoning and problem-solving skills. Shape puzzles and other geometric puzzle activities are essential in boosting kids’ spatial reasoning regardless of their age or grade because they entail removing and inserting shapes.

Like other STEM courses, your kid’s understanding of geometry will enhance their spatial reasoning, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving abilities will be improved as they play with different shapes.

Classification

An early core skill that lays the foundation for more complex mathematical concepts is object classification. You can introduce games to simplify the learning of shapes, patterns, and other geometry components for your preschoolers.

For example, students will learn to divide numbers into sets and subsets, such as even and odd numbers, numbers more significant than 10, and even numbers that contain a 2. The ability to sort things by shape or color and size gives children an edge when understanding classification.

Numbers and Patterns

You can use geometry as an excellent tool to teach your kids to count since you can identify each shape by the number of its sides. As your kids understand shapes and other components, they may create patterns with toys, magnetic tiles, or blocks.

Patterns are crucial in making sense of the environment; therefore, it is vital for children. The ability to recognize patterns can help kids understand the inner workings of a system.

The familiarity and comfort that children get from their daily routines are closely tied to patterns. An example of a pattern would be a morning ritual that never changes: after bathing and brushing the teeth, dress and gather at the dining table for breakfast before going to school; the ritual continues the following morning. The kid will already know the routine for each morning.

Exploring geometry through games

Games are helpful ways of understanding the concepts of geometry. Below are some valuable games you can try.

Shape Scavenger Hunt

Good weather, a marker, and a sheet of shapes are all you need to play the shape scavenger game with your kid. When it rains, you and your little one can stroll around the block or stay inside and play shape hunt.

As curious shape detectives, you and your kids will snoop around the house, keeping track of the number of times each shape appears on your “cheat sheet” of shapes. Being a supportive guide can be helpful if this is your child’s first attempt at recognizing shapes.

You can show your kids how shapes appear in everyday objects like mirrors and pizza slices, which can be rectangles or circles.

Observing what you and your kids find will help them understand shape. Over time, they will start noticing the shapes in their environment. Also, you will become aware of the shapes your child recognizes and those that require additional guidance.

Play Dough Tracing

You need sheets of paper, a marker, and a multicolored play dough to try this game with your kid. You can have different sheets for each shape; for instance, a sheet for squares and another for circles. Also, you can begin with just one shape or add more as you like.

To start with, lay out a single shape, such as a square. On a single sheet of paper, draw multiple squares of varying sizes. Use thick, striking lines for your child to discern each shape’s edges quickly.

Your kids will then “fill” the squares with various colors of play dough. One way to differentiate the squares is by size, which can be easily seen using different colors.

If your kid is already good with shapes, and you want to further their knowledge, try drawing multiple shapes on a single sheet of paper. You can also use rectangles, ovals, semicircles, and pentagons for more advanced students. Now, your kids can fill in the shapes accordingly.

Shape Stamp Paintings

You need sponges, sheets of paper, and watered-down paint to do the shape painting activity. Start by cutting the sponges into varying identifiable shapes.

Mix basic shapes with complex ones, especially those with countable sides. Your kids can get messy with the paint and sponges. They will stamp out various shapes in various colors using their sponges.

After everything has dried, you can have them count the times they used each color, how many times they stamped each shape, etc. To help younger children understand, you can do it with them.

Shape Pizza

All you need to do the shape pizza game is white, brown, yellow, green, and red construction paper, scissors, and a die. You will make a pizza with your kid using the necessary ingredients for this activity.

The ingredients that each of your shapes represents will be customized to suit your child’s tastes. Create a menu using the shapes and their components. Afterward, ask your kids how many of each topping they want on their pizza by having them roll the die.

This activity will help your youngster learn to count by showing them how to roll a die. While placing and checking your order, referring to the shape names is helpful.

Order a pizza with multiple toppings and have your child roll the die once for each topping to determine how many you get. This makes the activity more challenging and suitable for older children.

You can remove the shapes from the paper and use them for another pizza or glue them to the paper to preserve them for a memory.

Conclusion

Math games have always helped make math concepts easy to understand. Since geometry is an important concept that your kids will encounter daily, simplifying it is critical. You can use the math game ideas in this article to ease your kids’ learning.  DIY projects also spark creativity, student engagement, and encourage learning through play.

Social engineering has become a powerful technique for controlling behavior to get something out of someone. Cybercriminals, scammers, and predators all have their individual motives for taking advantage of a vulnerable person. It may be online or through a text or phone scam, or in in person when trust is falsely built up.

Social engineering is defined as the practice of using basic psychological traits of people to manipulate, trick, and take advantage of them often with malicious intentions. Usually, the perpetrator is attempting to gather personal information that someone would not normally give up. Or it may be as simple as building trust to get them to click a link.

The subject matter explores the complexities of social engineering and reveals the strategies employed that are deigned to take advantage of the weaknesses in natural human insecurities.

What is Psychological Manipulation?

A form of social influence known as psychological manipulation uses forceful, dishonest, or abusive methods to alter the behavior or perception of others.

Such tactics could be viewed as exploitative, abusive, clever, and dishonest since they advance the manipulator’s objectives, usually at the expense of another.

Negative social influence is not always the case. For instance, friends, relatives, and medical professionals can attempt to influence someone to modify harmful habits and behaviors.

Following are a few instances of effective manipulation:

• Making aggressive intentions and actions hidden.
• Finding out the victim’s psychological weaknesses can help you decide which strategies will most likely work.
• Causing harm or inconvenience by manipulating or destroying data is known as Sabotage.
• Possessing enough ruthlessness that, in an emergency, one would not hesitate to harm the victim.
• Theft: Acquiring goods such as cash, access, or knowledge.

By understanding social engineering’s precise mechanism, this term can be further developed.

Characteristics of Attacks Using Social Engineering

The use of confidence and persuasion by the attacker is the main focus of social engineering attacks. You are more likely to act out when exposed to these strategies than when not.

The majority of attacks will trick you into doing any of the following:

Elevated Emotions

Attackers get the upper hand in every interaction when they manipulate others’ emotions.

Experiencing heightened emotions can sometimes lead to impulsive behavior, which may indicate an underlying anxiety disorder.

We employ each of the following feelings in equal amounts to persuade you.

• Anxiety
• Curiosity
• Anger
• Shame
• Sadness

Urgency

Another effective weapon in an attacker’s bag is a time-sensitive opportunity or request. Under the pretense that there is a severe issue that requires a quick response, you can be convinced to compromise.

On the other hand, you can be presented with a prize or a reason that, if you don’t take immediate action, might disappear. Either strategy exceeds your capacity for critical thought.

Credibility

The ability to be believed in is crucial to the success of a social engineering scheme. Here confidence is key because, in the end, this is a lie from the opponent.

They have gathered enough information about you to be able to tell a story that will be both plausible and unlikely to raise red flags.

What Tactics Are Used by Cybercriminals and Scammers to Manipulate People?

Social engineering is used in almost all forms of cybersecurity attacks. For instance, there are many social effects of traditional email and virus fraud.

Social engineering assaults can affect your digital life not just on desktop computers but also on mobile devices.

On the other hand, you could just as easily encounter a threat in person. A scam can be created by layering and overlapping these attacks.

Here are some typical techniques employed by attackers who use social engineering:

Phishing Attacks

Attackers using phishing techniques act as reputable organizations or people to trick you into disclosing personal information and other assets.

• Mass phishing, often known as spam phishing, is an attack that targets a large number of users. These attacks aim to capture any unwary individual and are not individualized.

• Spear phishing, and whaling by extension, target specific users with specific information. top-value targets, such as celebrities, senior management, and top government figures, are the explicit targets of whaling attacks.

Attacks Using Bait

Baiting takes advantage of your innate curiosity to trick you into opening up to a potential attacker. Usually, the trick to take advantage of you is the possibility of something special or free. Usually, the attack entails getting malware on you.

Common techniques for luring someone in include:

• USB drives are left in parking lots libraries and other public areas.
• email attachments containing information about a scam or fake free software.

Physical Breach Attacks

Physical breaches occur when attackers physically show up and assume the identity of a real individual to access places or data that would otherwise be off-limits.

These kinds of attacks are more frequent in enterprise settings, such as those found in enterprises, governments, and other organizations.

Attackers might pose as a representative of a reputable vendor for the business. Some of the attackers may be ex-employees with a grudge against their previous employer.

They conceal their identities while maintaining enough credibility to allay suspicions. This is high-risk and necessitates some investigation on the part of the attacker.

Pretext Attacks

Pretexting is the practice of using a false identity as the “pretext” to build trust. Examples of this include directly posing as a facility employee or a vendor.

This strategy necessitates more aggressive communication from the attacker. Once they’ve persuaded you that they are genuine, the exploit begins.

Worm Attacks

The goal of the cybercriminal is to draw the user’s attention to the malicious file or link so they will click on it.

Here are some instances of this kind of attack:

The LoveLetter worm, which in 2000 crashed email servers at numerous businesses. An email inviting victims to read the love note attached was sent to them.

The worm spread to every contact in the victim’s address book when they opened the connected file. In terms of the financial harm it caused, this worm is still considered to be among the worst.

In January 2004, the Mydoom email worm made its appearance on the Internet by using texts that imitated mail server technical notifications.

How Might this Affect Adults and Children?

Effect on Adults

Constant manipulation can cause stress, low self-esteem, problems with trust, poor judgment, losses of money, and trouble setting limits.

Effect on Children

Emotional instability, a distorted sense of oneself, developmental delays, academic challenges, and long-term effects that persist into adulthood are all possible outcomes of manipulation.

In What Ways Do Social Engineering Attacks Target Children?

With the internet at their fingertips, today’s Children are more inclined to turn to social media for entertainment. Cybercriminals keep a close eye on this trend.

They will unavoidably become prone to the numerous scams that are linked to social media (as well as other risks, such as cyberbullying and predators).

Social engineering attacks can profoundly impact children’s emotional well-being, leaving them grappling with insecurity and striving to regain a sense of security.

How to Prevent Manipulation and Avoid Social Engineering Attacks

Because social engineering attacks specifically target human qualities like curiosity, deference to authority, and the desire to support friends.

They are very challenging to defend. Several guidelines can be used to identify social engineering attempts.

Education and Awareness

Invest in comprehensive security awareness training programs to educate individuals about common social engineering tactics, red flags to watch out for, and best practices for protecting sensitive information.

Interrupt the Cycle

A feeling of urgency is often necessary for social engineering. Attackers hope that their targets won’t give it much thought.

Thus, merely pausing to reflect can prevent these attempts or expose them to the forgeries that they are.

Rather than providing personal information over the phone or by clicking on a link, call the official number or visit the official website. Check the reliability of the source by communicating with them via a separate channel.

Verify the source

Checking the source is not hard. Examine the email header, for example, and compare it to other legitimate emails sent by the same sender.

Examine the links Phased hyperlinks may be easily identified by simply holding your cursor over them. Don’t open the link.

Verify the spelling, financial institutions employ entire teams of skilled individuals specifically to create correspondence for their clients; therefore, an email including obvious typos is most likely a fake.

If you’re unsure if an email or message is authentic or fraudulent, visit the official website and speak with an official person.

Request Identification.

One of the simplest social engineering scams involves getting past security and entering a business with a heavy box or a bunch of documents in your arms.

Ultimately, assisting somebody will hold the door open. Be not fooled by this. Request identification at all times.

The same holds for various approaches. One of the first things you should do when someone calls you for information is to find out their name and phone number.

Conclusion

Understanding social engineering techniques and psychology is crucial in today’s digital environment to protect against cyberattacks.

Cybercriminals use deception to take advantage of human weaknesses, which emphasizes the significance of always being vigilant.

Social engineers use fear, curiosity, and trust to trick people and organizations, so it’s important to constantly be aware of new threats and keep informed.

Through emphasizing education, keeping up with security updates, and cultivating cybersecurity awareness, we may work together to fortify the digital ecosystem and ward off social engineering schemes.

Although people may find it difficult especially children to cope with anxiety brought on by social engineering attacks, ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy is a useful solution to help anxiety, especially for the young ones.

Individuals who receive ABA therapy are better able to think critically, identify dishonest behavior, and become resilient to manipulative techniques.

The demand for skilled Full Stack Developers continues to soar. With lucrative career opportunities and the promise of innovation, many aspiring developers are eager to dive into a career specializing in this field of expertise.  However, one burning question lingers: Does investing in a Full Stack Developer course come with a hefty price tag?

Let’s delve into the factors that influence the cost of Full Stack Developer courses and explore whether the investment is truly worth it.

Understanding the Landscape

Before we tackle the cost aspect, let’s establish a clear understanding of what Full Stack Development entails. Full Stack Developers are proficient in both front-end and back-end development, capable of building complete web applications from start to finish. This requires expertise in a wide range of technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various back-end languages and frameworks.

The Investment: Cost vs. Value

When considering enrolling in a Full Stack Developer course, it’s crucial to weigh the cost against the value it offers. While some courses may come with a significant price tag, they often provide comprehensive training, hands-on projects, mentorship, and career support. These elements can significantly enhance your learning experience and accelerate your journey toward becoming a proficient Full Stack Developer.

Breaking Down the Components

To assess whether the investment is worthwhile, let’s break down the components of a full stack developer course:

Curriculum

A well-designed course will cover a broad spectrum of programming languages, frameworks, and tools essential for full stack development. From front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to back-end frameworks like Node.js and Django, the curriculum should provide a comprehensive understanding of both client and server-side development.

Image by standret on Freepik

Hands-on Projects

Theory is essential, but practical experience is invaluable. Look for courses that offer hands-on projects and real-world scenarios to apply your newfound skills. Building projects not only reinforces learning but also equips you with a portfolio to showcase to potential employers.

Mentorship and Support

Learning to code can be challenging, especially for beginners. A supportive learning environment with experienced mentors can make all the difference. Seek out courses that offer mentorship and community support to guide you through the learning journey.

Certification

While not always necessary, a recognized certification can enhance your credibility in the eyes of employers. Look for courses that provide certification upon completion, preferably from reputable organizations or industry leaders.

Factors Influencing Cost

The cost of Full Stack Developer courses can vary widely depending on several factors:

Course Provider

Different institutions, whether universities, coding bootcamps, or online platforms, offer Full Stack Developer courses at varying price points. The reputation, accreditation, and resources of the provider can impact the cost.

Duration and Intensity

The length and intensity of the course also play a role in determining its cost. Shorter, more intensive programs may come with a higher price tag but offer a more accelerated learning experience.

Curriculum and Resources

Courses that provide comprehensive curriculum, access to industry-standard tools and resources, and opportunities for real-world projects tend to be more expensive but offer greater value in terms of skill development.

Mentorship and Support

Courses that include mentorship, personalized feedback, and career support services may come at a premium but provide invaluable guidance and assistance throughout your learning journey.

Exploring Different Options

When exploring Full Stack Developer courses, it’s essential to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your goals, budget, and learning style. Here are some common types of courses to consider:

University Programs

Many universities offer degree programs or certificate courses in Full Stack Development, ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate levels. While these programs may be more traditional and structured, they often come with a higher cost and longer time commitment.

Coding Bootcamps

Coding bootcamps have gained popularity for their immersive, intensive, and career-focused approach to education. These programs typically last a few months and offer hands-on training in Full Stack Development. While boot camps may be more affordable and time-efficient than university programs, they still require a significant investment.

Online Platforms

Online learning platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, and Codecademy offer a wide range of Full Stack Developer courses at varying price points. These courses are often self-paced and accessible from anywhere, making them a flexible and cost-effective option for many aspiring developers.

Free Resources

Don’t overlook the abundance of free resources available online for learning Full Stack Development. From tutorials and documentation to open-source projects and community forums, you can acquire valuable skills and knowledge without spending a dime. While self-learning may require more discipline and motivation, it can be a budget-friendly alternative for those on a tight budget.

Image by lookstudio on Freepik

Assessing Return on Investment (ROI)

Ultimately, the decision to invest in a full stack developer course boils down to assessing the potential return on investment (ROI). Consider the following factors when evaluating the ROI of a course:

Career Opportunities

Will the course equip you with the skills and credentials needed to pursue lucrative career opportunities in Full Stack Development? Research job market trends, salary prospects, and employer demand to gauge the potential ROI.

Skill Development

How much value will you gain from the course in terms of skill development and professional growth? Look for courses that offer practical, hands-on experience and align with your career goals.

Networking and Support

Does the course provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, and career support? Building connections within the industry and receiving guidance from experienced professionals can enhance your prospects for success.

Personal Fulfillment

Beyond financial gains, consider the intrinsic value of pursuing a career in Full Stack Development. Does the course align with your passions, interests, and long-term aspirations?

Conclusion

In conclusion, while investing in a Full Stack Developer course may require a significant financial commitment, the potential benefits and opportunities it offers can outweigh the cost. By carefully assessing the value, comparing different options, and considering the potential ROI, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your career goals and aspirations. Remember, the journey to becoming a proficient Full Stack Developer is not just about the price you pay for a course but the skills, knowledge, and experiences you gain along the way.

As college students stand ready to embark on that great adventure into professional life, the idea of investing might seem distant.  When the subject does comes up with their parents or mentors, it’s natural for it to seem overwhelming.  This is the case for young and old alike, especially for those who have put it off to a later day and are not playing catch-up.

Yet, understanding the basics of personal finance and investment strategies early on can pave the way to financial freedom and long-term wealth.  Lou Posner is dedicated to clarifying the complexities of investing for college students, providing practical advice and feasible strategies even with modest funds.

Whether you’re aiming to save for a significant purchase, establish your retirement savings, or achieve financial independence, embarking on your investment journey in college can position you well ahead in your financial goals.

Why Should College Students Start Investing?

As a college student, you might be wondering if it’s too soon to invest. After all, you have student loans, living expenses, and tuition fees to think about. But the truth is, the earlier you start investing, the better off you’ll be. Time is a powerful investment ally due to compounding interest, which allows your earnings to generate their earnings, snowballing your wealth over time.

Investing during college can build a healthy financial habit, help you learn about the market, and set you on the path to financial independence. By starting small and early, you can take advantage of your investments’ long-term growth potential, even if the amounts seem insignificant initially.

Here’s how to get started.

Understanding the Basics of Investment and Risk

An investment is an asset or item acquired to generate income or appreciation over time. The primary types of investments you might encounter include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and entities like Auctus Fund Management. Each has its characteristics and suits different investment goals. Risk exists in every investment.

Risk is the possibility that your investment may incur a loss or not yield the expected returns. Higher risk typically is associated with the potential for higher returns, but it also means there’s a greater chance of losing money. Understanding your risk tolerance—how much volatility or downward fluctuations you can stomach—will help you form your investment strategy.

Identifying Your Investment Goals

Before selecting your investments, it is crucial to define your objectives. Are you investing for short-term goals, such as buying a car after graduation, or long-term goals, like retirement? The timeline of your goal will dictate the type of investment you choose.

College is a great time to start saving for those long-term goals, which could be decades away. The advantage of being young is that you can take higher risks to pursue higher returns. Knowing your goals will guide you in building an investment portfolio that aligns with your needs.

Creating Your First Portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of your investments. Diversification is key to creating a well-rounded, balanced portfolio. It involves spreading your investments among various asset classes to reduce risk.

A good rule of thumb for beginners with limited funds is the 60/40 rule, where 60% of your portfolio is in stocks (for potentially higher returns but also higher risk) and 40% in bonds (which are generally less risky but offer lower returns). This mix can vary based on your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

A common and simple way for a college student to start investing is through a robo-advisor, a digital platform that automatically creates a diversified portfolio based on your risk tolerance and investment goals.

Choosing Where to Invest

The two primary avenues for investing are retirement accounts and taxable brokerage accounts. Retirement accounts like a Roth IRA or 401(k) offer tax benefits but restrict when you can access your money. Taxable brokerage accounts have no limitations but don’t offer the same tax advantages.

For college students, a Roth IRA can be an excellent choice. You can contribute post-tax dollars and potentially withdraw your earnings tax-free after age 59 ½. This setup is particularly appealing given that most students are now in a lower tax bracket than they will be once they start their careers.

Investing in a College Budget

Investing doesn’t require a large amount of capital. Most investment platforms now allow you to start with as little as $1. To invest on a tight budget, consider apps allowing fractional shares or low-cost index funds.

With the power of compounding, even small, consistent investments can grow significantly over time. Automating your investments from your paycheck or bank account can make it easier to stay on track, take the emotion out of investing, and ensure you don’t miss a contribution.

Managing Your Investments During College

Starting an investment portfolio is just the beginning. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your investments is a vital part of successful investing. As you near your short-term goals or risk tolerance changes, you may need to rebalance your portfolio. Rebalancing involves selling off some investments and buying others to maintain your desired asset allocation.

Staying informed about the financial market is important, but be cautious of overtrading, leading to higher fees and potential losses. Instead, focus on long-term strategies and resist the urge to buy or sell based on short-term market fluctuations.

Final Thoughts

Lou Posner says investing as a college student can seem daunting, but it’s an invaluable step toward establishing financial stability and independence. Starting early sets the foundation for a habit that will enrich your life beyond college. Remember, the key to successful investing lies not in timing the market but in time in the market.

You can turn even the most modest investments into a substantial nest egg with patience, consistency, and a well-thought-out strategy. It’s also essential to continue educating yourself about financial markets and investment strategies, as this knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions. Start small, think big, and watch your financial future unfold.

Reading Resources for for Parents and Educators:

Effective strategies to teach students how to save money.
Teaching Kids About Finances and Investments from a Young Age.