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This article will launch my new series in the Why Study Math? category. This will be the start of a fascinating series which show that mathematics is more than just a pain in the neck; indeed these essays will permit a fascinating peek into the world of this curiously strange discipline. We start in the land of geometry, where shapes and figures and their many properties drive students to the breaking point of insanity. Each article will feature a specific aspect of a particular branch of mathematics, such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus; and each will endeavor to shed some light on how these fields are used in the real world. So come on board and enjoy the ride.

In the field of geometry, particularly as pertains to the high school geometry course, a student is introduced for the first time to the wonderful world of mathematical proofs. Often times students will be scratching their heads wondering why in the world they would be learning things as proving two triangles congruent or about the different properties of shapes such as trapezoids, parallelograms, or even those solid figures called polyhedrons. What is not understood or even seen is that such shapes play a fundamental role in many areas of science and indeed nature.

For example, the helix structure—that winding pattern best typified by a spiral staircase—is the structure most abundant in nature. Watson and Crick, the scientists who won a Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking work with DNA, the genetic material responsible for heredity, showed that the very structure of the DNA molecule exhibited a double helix structure. Running a close second to the helix structure, we have those solids which are formed by regular pentagons and hexagons, those five and six sided figures. Because it is impossible to enclose space (in other words form a “polyhedron ball”) with just hexagons, it is necessary that pentagons be added to the mix. In fact 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons form the recipe for a nice type of polyhedron ball, which has come to be called a truncated icosahedron.

The soccer ball is the perfect real-life example of the truncated icosahedron. What is even more, many viruses—those potentially deadly nuisances—exhibit this structure. Viruses have outer shells called capsids that are often in the form of an icosahedron. And for those of you who are not familiar with chemistry, the eponymous buckey ball, is an organic molecule made mostly of carbon, which exhibits the soccer ball structure. In fact, chemists have now discovered a whole family of these “soccer-ball-like” molecules, which are called fullerenes. New and interesting discoveries are being made with these molecules and fascinating applications for their use in diverse fields as medicine and pharmacology are being researched.

Thus understanding geometry—shapes, figures, and their related properties—has profound implications for all of us. Just remember this the next time you go to fill a prescription for that drug which is going to kill that buckey-ball shaped virus that is wreaking havoc on your insides. For without understanding the very nature of the shapes of these viruses, chemists and pharmacologists would be at a loss in their attempt to battle these viral parasites. Stay tuned for more in my Why Study Math? series…

See more at
mathbyjoe.com/page/page/2908604.htm Cool Math

Joe is a prolific writer of self-help and educational material and an award-winning former teacher of both college and high school mathematics. Under the penname, JC Page, Joe authored Arithmetic Magic, the little classic on the ABC’s of arithmetic. Joe is also author of the charming self-help ebook, Making a Good Impression Every Time: The Secret to Instant Popularity; the original collection of poetry, Poems for the Mathematically Insecure, and the short but highly effective fraction troubleshooter Fractions for the Faint of Heart. The diverse genre of his writings (novel, short story, essay, script, and poetry)—particularly in regard to its educational flavor— continues to captivate readers and to earn him recognition.

Joe propagates his teaching philosophy through his articles and books and is dedicated to helping educate children living in impoverished countries. Toward this end, he donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every ebook. For more information go to mathbyjoe.com mathbyjoe.com

Students who live in the District of Columbia (DC) area and have an interest in learning the art of massage will find massage therapy training readily available in several District of Columbia massage therapy schools. There is currently a huge demand for qualified massage therapists, and massage therapy schools in DC can teach you everything you need to know for a gratifying career in massage.

All massage therapy schools teach skills for treating clients who will benefit from reduction of stress and pain and who need to recover from injury. There are numerous massage styles and techniques available; massage schools may teach variations on Eastern and Western styles, from sports massage to medical massage, so the serious student should do a bit of soul-searching and research before enrolling in any massage therapy course.

You will want to consider the type of client you would prefer to treat (athletes, disabled, infants, etc.), and the type of facility you would prefer to work in (a hospital setting, a gym or spa, or your own private practice). Once you have determined your specific career goals, it will be easy to find the right massage therapy course in District of Columbia.

Beyond your personal aspirations, you should also make sure the massage therapy school you choose is an accredited institution. Accredited schools can ensure a quality education and thorough training in massage therapy that can lead to a fulfilling, respected, lifelong career. Any school that is accredited will proudly display their credentials; while those schools that are not accredited will minimize its importance or be less inclined to discuss the matter with you.

Upon graduation, you will be prepared to take NCETMB examinations, which are required of massage therapists in DC. You will need 500 hours of massage therapy education before qualifying for examinations. Maintenance courses are required every two years. You should also check with area lawmakers to make sure you can conform to local regulations. As long as these steps are taken, you should be ready to begin the responsibilities of an entry-level therapist in areas of sports medicine, chiropractics, fitness, sports, and health. After some practical experience in the field, both the monetary and personal rewards should increase dramatically, making massage therapy a desirable profession for so many people today.

If you would like to learn more about schoolsgalore.com/categories/1/district_of_columbia_massage_therapy_schools.html District of Columbia Massage Therapy Schools and other educational opportunities, we invite you to visit our website and submit a request to a few top schools that appeal to you. You will soon have the information you need to make an informed choice that could greatly improve your future.

If necessary, you may wish to widen your search to include massage therapy schools in other states, such as:

- Colorado Massage Therapy Schools

- Arizona Massage Therapy Schools

- Michigan Massage Therapy Schools

- Pennsylvania Massage Therapy Schools

- Minnesota Massage Therapy Schools

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

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Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find massage schools in all states, such as schoolsgalore.com/categories/1/massage_therapy_schools_california.html Massage Therapy Schools in California or schoolsgalore.com/categories/1/georgia_massage_therapy_schools.html Georgia Massage Therapy Schools, at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.