Academics & The Arts Books

An easy, straightforward, and fun guide for learning fractions and its counterparts Fractions For Dummies is the perfect strategy guide for both understanding and using one of math's most common (and most challenging) topic areas. You'll explore current solving strategies for fraction-related problems, and you'll also discover how to solve problems involving fractions' closely related cousins, decimals and percentages. Dive deep into the basics of these topics before moving on to more advanced uses, such as word problems, with the help of author and experienced math teacher Mark Zegarelli. This straightforward and intuitive book also includes: Techniques for working with mixed numbers (numbers that include whole amounts and fractions) and more Ways to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with whole numbers and with each other Strategies for helping and supporting the young student in your life who's struggling with fractions, decimals, and/or percentages It's time you showed these math areas who's boss. Fractions For Dummies shows you just how easy fractions and the like can be!

The complete, full-color graphic design guide for beginners The field of graphic design is constantly evolving, with new design tools, methods, technology, and modes of expression being introduced all the time. Graphic Design For Dummies will teach you how to get started, introducing you to basic design principles as well as the latest best practices, software, and trends. You'll learn how to successfully plan and execute compelling design projects, even if you're not a trained designer. This fun and friendly book will empower you with the information you need to create design solutions. You'll also have the opportunity to test your skills with a series of interactive design activities, starting with step-by-step guidance and slowly building up your skills until you're ready to fly solo. Unleash your inner graphic designer with this Dummies guide. Create compelling visuals for a wide range of tasks and purposes Learn the basic concepts of graphic design and get the tools you need to start Get hands-on experience by following tutorials to create great designs Become proficient in graphic design—no art degree needed Graphic Design For Dummies is a practical and user-friendly resource for those looking to create better design solutions quickly.

Learn the skills you need to find sources, fact check, and write trusted articles Since the advent of the internet and the birth of social media, it has become difficult to wade through the massive amount of information out there. Every day we see—and believe—news articles that are released then debunked the very next day. Journalism For Dummies will provide you with the tools you need to become a savvy interviewer, writer, and fact checker. If you're a journalist, a journalist-to-be, or just someone who wants to be smarter about what you read, this book can help. You'll learn how journalism has evolved into what it is today, how to utilize different media platforms, including social media, and how to produce work that people can trust. This book is a comprehensive and approachable entry point for anyone who wants to produce pieces with journalistic integrity. Consider how journalism functions in society, and why trustworthy journalism matters Become media literate and identify sensational or misleading stories and articles Learn about the reporting process, including newsworthiness, sourcing, fact-checking, and interview best practices Discover the ethics and laws associated with being a digital and print journalist This is a great Dummies guide for students majoring in or taking journalism courses, freelance journalists looking to improve their sourcing abilities, and teachers hoping to increase their students' journalistic skills.

Get started with the powerful visual language and storytelling medium that is manga Manga is a unique style of drawing. It's also a great way to make topics like history and politics appealing to a wide audience. Manga For Dummies teaches you the basics of drawing in the manga style. This step-by-step guide shows you how to apply the basic rules of manga figure drawing, whether you're a complete beginner or a professional artist. You'll learn how to create manga characters, from rough sketch through final rendering. Simple drawing exercises help you build and develop your skills. Plus, you can add interest and depth to your drawings with ideas and techniques from a manga pro. This book also covers how to create scripts and storyboards, so you can tell a great manga story from start to finish. Gather the tools you'll need—including the latest digital illustration tools Learn what makes manga drawing different from other illustration styles Create compelling characters, storylines, and visual settings Share your creations and be a part of the manga community on social media If you're a fan of manga and other graphic arts and would like to start drawing your own characters and stories, this is the Dummies guide for you. Designers, artists, and writers of all skill levels are welcome!

Learn how to argue points effectively, analyze information, and make sound judgments The ability to think clearly and critically is a lifelong benefit that you can apply in any situation that calls for reflection, analysis, and planning. Being able to think systematically and solve problems is also a great career asset. Critical Thinking Skills For Dummies helps you hone your thinking abilities and become a better communicator. You’ll find hands-on, active instruction and exercises that you can put to work today as you navigate social media and news websites, chat with AI, fact-check your own and others’ views, and more. Become a thinking machine, with this Dummies guide. Identify other people’s arguments and conclusions—and spot holes in them Evaluate evidence and produce more effective arguments in any situation Read between the lines of what people say and form your own judgments Apply critical thinking to school or college assignments to improve your academic performance This is the perfect Dummies title for students, researchers, and everyone who seeks to improve their reasoning and analysis ability.

The streamlined, simplified, beginner-friendly introduction to instructional design Instructional Design For Dummies will teach you how to design and build learning content to create effective, engaging learning experiences that lead to improved learning outcomes and skill development. This book breaks down the instructional design process into bite-sized pieces, so you can learn techniques and best practices without getting bogged down in theory. Learn about various instructional design models and frameworks, then discover the different options for designing learning experiences. Take into account learning foundations, goals, and contexts, then create stellar lessons for in-person or virtual delivery. This Dummies guide is your starting place for creating impactful courses, without the technical jargon. Learn the basics of instructional design so you can create meaningful learning experiences Discover techniques that will help you design high-quality content for any context Improve learning outcomes and deliver training content with greater efficiency Skip the complex theories and technical jargon and focus on the info you need to knowThis book is perfect for anyone who needs to develop a course, design a curriculum or training program, or provide educational content without being formally trained in instructional design. It’s also a great supplement to college-level instructional design courses. Whatever you’re teaching, Instructional Design For Dummies will help you teach it better.

Design and build online courses that you will deploy with joy Need to create a course for your learners and don't know where to begin? Creating eCourses For Dummies will guide you through the process of creating engaging content around objectives and a solid instructional plan. In this book, you’ll find a feasible plan for designing and creating a course in a short time period, while leveraging technology, community building (if desired), accessibility, and engagement. Creating eCourses For Dummies encourages you to follow along chapter by chapter, creating a course as you go. Make the transition to online teaching and create a course quickly, step by step Choose the technology platforms that work best for you, or make the most of the ones you’re required to use Leverage existing content and content from other resources to build your course Tailor your content to your audience and cater to different learning preferences and stylesThis is an excellent Dummies guide for new and veteran teachers, corporate trainers, entrepreneurs, small business owners, those with side hustles, and anyone else who needs a crash course on developing eCourses. This book will support you from beginning to end.

Get on the vinyl train and learn about this captivating hobby Vinyl Record Collecting For Dummies teaches you how to start a collection, grow your collection, and make that collection sound excellent. You’ll learn how to shop for new, used, and rare records, and how to select the turntable that’s right for you. Learn how to determine a record’s value, build your collection on a budget, and properly store and maintain your records. This handy Dummies guide also gives you the background knowledge you’ll need to hold your own in conversations with vinyl enthusiasts—all about music genres, the pros and cons of vinyl types, how records are made, and even the history of record collecting itself. Now you can start collecting rare records, new releases, and everything in between. Learn the basics of buying records at record shops, secondhand stores, and online Determine the value of your collection and learn how to recognize great deals Select the turntable and sound system that are right for your needs Explore the history of recorded music and learn why people are going wild for vinyl This is the perfect Dummies guide for anyone who’s ready to get swept up in the excitement of collecting vinyl records, including beginners and seasoned collectors.

Discover the undiscovered with this jargon-free introduction to astrophysics Astronomy is the study of what you see in the sky. Physics is the study of how things work. Astrophysics is the study of how things in the sky work, from large objects to tiny particles. Astrophysics For Dummies breaks it all down for you, making this difficult but fascinating topic accessible to anyone. Tracking the topics covered in a typical undergraduate astrophysics class, this book will teach you the essential pieces to understanding our universe. Get ready to launch into outer space with this ever-changing branch of science. Discover the latest advances in the world of astrophysics Understand how and why galaxies form and evolve Find out the origins of cosmic rays Get a standalone primer on the science or supplement your astrophysics courseStudents in introductory astrophysics courses and would-be astronomy buffs who want to better understand the mechanics of the universe will love Astrophysics For Dummies.

Uncover the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse—and more! Prepare to say, “oh my stars!” The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse is visible in North America on April 8th and won't be making its next appearance until 2044. 2024 Solar Eclipse For Dummies shines light on this stellar event you won't want to miss and gives you an approachable look into the extraordinary science and history of eclipses. Not only does this spectacular guide help you create your plan for safely enjoying the Total Solar Eclipse, you'll also get the scoop on the science behind the eclipse, an overview of the different types of eclipses, and a little history on famous eclipses throughout time. With 2024 Solar Eclipse For Dummies, you'll: Know what the best seats are for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Ensure you've got all you need for a safe solar viewing experience. Discover the what, why, and how of eclipses—including lunar ones! This useful guide ensures you aren't in the metaphorical dark during one of the most-anticipated events of 2024. Elevate your experience on the big day and your overall eclipse knowledge with 2024 Solar Eclipse For Dummies!