Why does the chimney rate such an important mention in this chapter? The chimney led to deep and long lasting social stratification. You just studied 20 terms!

What was the problem with the springs initially used in clocks? They were irregular because the steel used was laminated steel.

What important conclusion may we draw from information about the medieval mini ice age? Global climate is highly sensitive to minute changes in Earth’s global average temperature.

What happens if too much carbon enters the crystal lattice of iron? Putting softer, low carbon steel in center and high carbon steel at the edges.

The steel becomes too stiff. What idea did the sword makers of samurai warriors in Japan use to make stronger and sharper swords? Recognizing different grades of steel by color, texture and sound. making while the author of additional readings (Miodownik) credits Bessemer with a revolutionary change in steel making.

What was so special about the Touchstone? It provided a way to check the purity of gold.

It appears middle- and high schoolers have much to gain academically by doing their homework. The average high school student doing homework outperformed 69% of the students in a class with no homework. Homework in middle school was half as effective. Despite all the research, homework remains something of a mystery.

In fact, too much homework can do more harm than good. Researchers have cited drawbacks, including boredom and burnout toward academic material, less time for family and extracurricular activities, lack of sleep and increased stress. Certainly, time for physical activity is important for kids’ health and well-being.

Proponents of homework say that it improves student achievement and allows for independent learning of classroom and life skills. They also say that homework gives parents the opportunity to monitor their child’s learning and see how they are progressing academically.

A large majority (73 percent) of the respondents said they think homework is “very important” to students’ school success, while 20 percent said it is “somewhat important.” Only 7 percent of the respondents said homework is “not very important” to student success. …

Helping with homework is one of the most common things that parents say they do to support their children’s learning. Many experts have found that helping with homework cultivates positive learning behaviors, reinforces class material and signals to children that their education is important.

It is important because it can improve children’s thinking and memory. It can help them develop positive study habits and skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Homework also can encourage children to use time well, learn independently, and take responsibility for their work.