i completed my homework i went to school

Understanding Verb Tenses: ‘I Completed’ vs. ‘I Have Completed

Categories Grammar

Most people get confused when they want to talk about their accomplishments, whether they should use past tense or present perfect. “I completed” and “I’ve completed” are examples of these tenses.

“I completed” is used to talk about something that occurred in the past and is now done. In contrast, “I have completed” is used to talk about an event that has been finished recently but the exact time when it was done is not specified.

It’s worth noting that most non-native speakers make these mistakes in their English-speaking exams, like IELTS and TOEFL. Unfortunately, they don’t clear the exam and blame their luck.

If you want to communicate with anyone you have to learn how to speak to transfer your information.

Whether you’re talking about your achievements in an academic setting or a professional one, this post will provide the guidance you need to choose the correct tense and make sure you communicate effectively. 

This blog post will explore the subtle yet significant differences between both phrases to help you understand when to use each correctly.

Page Contents

I Completed

This is one of the most commonly used verb forms in English. It’s usually used to talk about something that happened in the past , such as “ I completed my degree two years ago. ” 

However, you’ll use present perfect if you want to refer to a completed action in the present or recent past. For example, you could say, “ I have completed my essay ,” if you just finished writing it. 

“ I had completed my project before the deadline ” expresses a past action that was done before something else in the past happened.

In any case, it’s important to remember that “I completed” refers to an action that has been finished or achieved and cannot be changed. 

The use of “I completed ” is a great way to express a sense of accomplishment or completion in either the past, present, or recent past. 

I Have Completed

This is a phrase that you can use to describe an action or task that has been completed recently . It can be used in the present perfect tense , meaning the action was finished recently. Though it does not refer to a specific moment in time.

When you are referring to anything which was in continuous form in the past, it will be past continuous tense. For example, “ We will be completing all the work by Monday. ”

For example, “ I have completed my report ,” could mean that I just finished writing the report today, but could also refer to a report I wrote a week ago. Similarly, “ I have completed my university units ” can refer to any units that were finished in the recent past.

Tenses are very important while you are speaking or writing it can easily change the whole meaning of the sentence, which is why it is important to use the correct tense to complete the sentence.

Other examples of using this phrase include: “ I have completed my project ,” which could mean that the project was just finished today or sometime in the last week, or “ I have completed my online course from an international institution ,” which could mean that I recently finished a course of instruction.

I Completed vs. I Have Completed 

“i am done” or “i have done”: do they have the same meaning.

The phrases “I am done” and “I have done” are essential for anyone who wants to ensure they are achieving their goals and completing tasks.

The difference between these two phrases may seem minor, but it’s crucial to understand the subtleties of each to speak native-level English. 

To illustrate, consider someone tasked with writing a blog post. If they have completed the task and feel they are “done”, it means that they have completed the work but may not necessarily be sure if the end result is satisfactory or meets expectations. 

On the other hand, if they can confidently say that they “have done” the task, they are sure the work is of good quality and meets expectations.

“I did it” or “I have done” – Which One Should You Use?

To differentiate “I did it” and “I have done,” it’s best to look at how they’re used in different contexts. 

The verb “did” in “I did it” simply refers to the past indefinite tense. If you ever get confused between “did” and “have, let me explain both. 

“Have you taken your operation class this morning?” If you ask someone, it simply implies that it’s still morning. But if morning has passed, you can say, “Did you take the dog out this morning?” 

Another notable thing is using the main verbs “did” and “have.” 

The main verb that follows “did” is the base form, while have is followed by the third form or a past participle.  

What is the Difference Between “I was going” and “I had been going”?

The difference between “I was going” and “I had been going” is that the former is in the past continuous tense while the latter is in the past perfect tense.

The phrase “I was going” implies an action that started in the past but continues till another event happens, such as “ I was going to school when I saw him .” 

On the other hand, “I had been going” implies that an action has already taken place in the past, such as “ I had been going to school for five years when I decided to switch schools. “

Using simple past tense is straightforward and requires no auxiliary verbs. It gives a sense of immediacy and conveys a story happening in the present moment. For example, “ I was returning from my yoga class when I witnessed an accident .”

The simple past tense is used here because it’s just a single action that happened at one time.

The past perfect tense, on the other hand, requires an auxiliary verb – ‘had’. It expresses actions that have already been completed before something else happened.

For example, “ I had been waiting at the cafe for five minutes when I received her call that she was not coming. ” The past perfect tense is used here because it conveys a story that takes place over an extended time.

Watch this video to learn the difference between present perfect tense and past simple.

• The past tense, “I completed, ” describes an action or task that has already been finished and cannot be changed.
• The present perfect tense, “I have completed, ” refers to a recently finished activity that does not reference a specific moment.
• Most people use the phrases interchangeably, which makes them appear as non-native.

Related Articles

• What’s The Difference Between “In The Past Year” And “Over The Past Year”?
• What’s The Difference Between “Exist” and “Exists?” (If Any)
• What Is The Difference Between “It Says” And “It Reads”? (Elaborated)
• What’s The Difference Between ‘Due On’ And ‘Due By’?

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How many times have you found yourself still staring at your textbook around midnight (or later!) even when you started your homework hours earlier? Those lost hours could be explained by Parkinson’s Law, which states, “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” In other words, if you give yourself all night to memorize those geometry formulas for your quiz tomorrow, you’ll inevitably find that a 30 minute task has somehow filled your entire evening.

We know that you have more homework than ever. But even with lots and lots to do, a few tweaks to your study routine could help you spend less time getting more accomplished. Here are 8 steps to make Parkinson’s Law work to your advantage:

1. Make a list

This should be a list of everything that has to be done that evening. And we mean, everything—from re-reading notes from this morning’s history class to quizzing yourself on Spanish vocabulary.

2. Estimate the time needed for each item on your list

You can be a little ruthless here. However long you think a task will take, try shaving off 5 or 10 minutes. But, be realistic. You won’t magically become a speed reader.

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3. Gather all your gear

Collect EVERYTHING you will need for the homework you are working on (like your laptop for writing assignments and pencils for problem sets). Getting up for supplies takes you off course and makes it that much harder to get back to your homework.

The constant blings and beeps from your devices can make it impossible to focus on what you are working on. Switch off or silence your phones and tablets, or leave them in another room until it’s time to take a tech break.

Read More: How to Calculate Your GPA

5. Time yourself

Noting how much time something actually takes will help you estimate better and plan your next study session.

6. Stay on task

If you’re fact checking online, it can be so easy to surf on over to a completely unrelated site. A better strategy is to note what information you need to find online, and do it all at once at the end of the study session.

7. Take plenty of breaks

Most of us need a break between subjects or to break up long stretches of studying. Active breaks are a great way to keep your energy up. Tech breaks can be an awesome way to combat the fear of missing out that might strike while you are buried in your work, but they also tend to stretch much longer than originally intended. Stick to a break schedule of 10 minutes or so.

8. Reward yourself! 

Finish early? If you had allocated 30 minutes for reading a biology chapter and it only took 20, you can apply those extra 10 minutes to a short break—or just move on to your next task. If you stay on track, you might breeze through your work quickly enough to catch up on some Netflix.

Our best piece of advice? Keep at it. The more you use this system, the easier it will become. You’ll be surprised by how much time you can shave off homework just by focusing and committing to a distraction-free study plan.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 5 best homework help websites (free and paid).

Other High School , General Education

Listen: we know homework isn’t fun, but it is a good way to reinforce the ideas and concepts you’ve learned in class. But what if you’re really struggling with your homework assignments?

If you’ve looked online for a little extra help with your take-home assignments, you’ve probably stumbled across websites claiming to provide the homework help and answers students need to succeed . But can homework help sites really make a difference? And if so, which are the best homework help websites you can use? 

Below, we answer these questions and more about homework help websites–free and paid. We’ll go over: 

• The basics of homework help websites
• The cost of homework help websites 
• The five best homework websites out there 
• The pros and cons of using these websites for homework help 
• The line between “learning” and “cheating” when using online homework help 
• Tips for getting the most out of a homework help website

So let’s get started! 

The Basics About Homework Help Websites–Free and Paid

Homework help websites are designed to help you complete your homework assignments, plain and simple. 

What Makes a Homework Help Site Worth Using

Most of the best sites allow users to ask questions and then provide an answer (or multiple possible answers) and explanation in seconds. In some instances, you can even send a photo of a particular assignment or problem instead of typing the whole thing out! 

Homework help sites also offer more than just help answering homework questions. Common services provided are Q&A with experts, educational videos, lectures, practice tests and quizzes, learning modules, math solving tools, and proofreading help. Homework help sites can also provide textbook solutions (i.e. answers to problems in tons of different textbooks your school might be using), one-on-one tutoring, and peer-to-peer platforms that allow you to discuss subjects you’re learning about with your fellow students. 

And best of all, nearly all of them offer their services 24/7, including tutoring! 

What You Should Should Look Out For

When it comes to homework help, there are lots–and we mean lots –of scam sites out there willing to prey on desperate students. Before you sign up for any service, make sure you read reviews to ensure you’re working with a legitimate company. 

A word to the wise: the more a company advertises help that veers into the territory of cheating, the more likely it is to be a scam. The best homework help websites are going to help you learn the concepts you’ll need to successfully complete your homework on your own. (We’ll go over the difference between “homework help” and “cheating” a little later!) 

You don't need a golden piggy bank to use homework help websites. Some provide low or no cost help for students like you!

How Expensive Are the Best Homework Help Websites?

First of all, just because a homework help site costs money doesn’t mean it’s a good service. Likewise, just because a homework help website is free doesn’t mean the help isn’t high quality. To find the best websites, you have to take a close look at the quality and types of information they provide! 

When it comes to paid homework help services, the prices vary pretty widely depending on the amount of services you want to subscribe to. Subscriptions can cost anywhere from $2 to $150 dollars per month, with the most expensive services offering several hours of one-on-one tutoring with a subject expert per month.

The 5 Best Homework Help Websites 

So, what is the best homework help website you can use? The answer is that it depends on what you need help with. 

The best homework help websites are the ones that are reliable and help you learn the material. They don’t just provide answers to homework questions–they actually help you learn the material. 

That’s why we’ve broken down our favorite websites into categories based on who they’re best for . For instance, the best website for people struggling with math might not work for someone who needs a little extra help with science, and vice versa. 

Keep reading to find the best homework help website for you! 

Best Free Homework Help Site: Khan Academy

• Price: Free!
• Best for: Practicing tough material 

Not only is Khan Academy free, but it’s full of information and can be personalized to suit your needs. When you set up your account , you choose which courses you need to study, and Khan Academy sets up a personal dashboard of instructional videos, practice exercises, and quizzes –with both correct and incorrect answer explanations–so you can learn at your own pace. 

As an added bonus, it covers more course topics than many other homework help sites, including several AP classes.

Runner Up: Brainly.com offers a free service that allows you to type in questions and get answers and explanations from experts. The downside is that you’re limited to two answers per question and have to watch ads. 

Best Paid Homework Help Site: Chegg

• Price: $14.95 to $19.95 per month
• Best for: 24/7 homework assistance  

This service has three main parts . The first is Chegg Study, which includes textbook solutions, Q&A with subject experts, flashcards, video explanations, a math solver, and writing help. The resources are thorough, and reviewers state that Chegg answers homework questions quickly and accurately no matter when you submit them.  

Chegg also offers textbook rentals for students who need access to textbooks outside of their classroom. Finally, Chegg offers Internship and Career Advice for students who are preparing to graduate and may need a little extra help with the transition out of high school. 

Another great feature Chegg provides is a selection of free articles geared towards helping with general life skills, like coping with stress and saving money. Chegg’s learning modules are comprehensive, and they feature solutions to the problems in tons of different textbooks in a wide variety of subjects. 

Runner Up: Bartleby offers basically the same services as Chegg for $14.99 per month. The reason it didn’t rank as the best is based on customer reviews that say user questions aren’t answered quite as quickly on this site as on Chegg. Otherwise, this is also a solid choice!

Best Site for Math Homework Help: Photomath

• Price: Free (or $59.99 per year for premium services) 
• Best for: Explaining solutions to math problems

This site allows you to t ake a picture of a math problem, and instantly pulls up a step-by-step solution, as well as a detailed explanation of the concept. Photomath also includes animated videos that break down mathematical concepts to help you better understand and remember them. 

The basic service is free, but for an additional fee you can get extra study tools and learn additional strategies for solving common math problems.

Runner Up: KhanAcademy offers in-depth tutorials that cover complex math topics for free, but you won’t get the same tailored help (and answers!) that Photomath offers. 

Best Site for English Homework Help: Princeton Review Academic Tutoring

• Price: $40 to $153 per month, depending on how many hours of tutoring you want 
• Best for: Comprehensive and personalized reading and writing help 

While sites like Grammarly and Sparknotes help you by either proofreading what you write via an algorithm or providing book summaries, Princeton Review’s tutors provide in-depth help with vocabulary, literature, essay writing and development, proofreading, and reading comprehension. And unlike other services, you’ll have the chance to work with a real person to get help. 

The best part is that you can get on-demand English (and ESL) tutoring from experts 24/7. That means you can get help whenever you need it, even if you’re pulling an all-nighter! 

This is by far the most expensive homework site on this list, so you’ll need to really think about what you need out of a homework help website before you commit. One added benefit is that the subscription covers over 80 other subjects, including AP classes, which can make it a good value if you need lots of help!  

Best Site for STEM Homework Help: Studypool

• Best for: Science homework help
• Price: Varies; you’ll pay for each question you submit

When it comes to science homework help, there aren’t a ton of great resources out there. The best of the bunch is Studypool, and while it has great reviews, there are some downsides as well. 

Let’s start with the good stuff. Studypool offers an interesting twist on the homework help formula. After you create a free account, you can submit your homework help questions, and tutors will submit bids to answer your questions. You’ll be able to select the tutor–and price point–that works for you, then you’ll pay to have your homework question answered. You can also pay a small fee to access notes, lectures, and other documents that top tutors have uploaded. 

The downside to Studypool is that the pricing is not transparent . There’s no way to plan for how much your homework help will cost, especially if you have lots of questions! Additionally, it’s not clear how tutors are selected, so you’ll need to be cautious when you choose who you’d like to answer your homework questions.  

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Homework Help Sites?

Homework help websites can be a great resource if you’re struggling in a subject, or even if you just want to make sure that you’re really learning and understanding topics and ideas that you’re interested in. But, there are some possible drawbacks if you don’t use these sites responsibly. 

We’ll go over the good–and the not-so-good–aspects of getting online homework help below. 

3 Pros of Using Homework Help Websites 

First, let’s take a look at the benefits. 

#1: Better Grades Beyond Homework

This is a big one! Getting outside help with your studies can improve your understanding of concepts that you’re learning, which translates into better grades when you take tests or write essays. 

Remember: homework is designed to help reinforce the concepts you learned in class. If you just get easy answers without learning the material behind the problems, you may not have the tools you need to be successful on your class exams…or even standardized tests you’ll need to take for college. 

#2: Convenience

One of the main reasons that online homework help is appealing is because it’s flexible and convenient. You don’t have to go to a specific tutoring center while they’re open or stay after school to speak with your teacher. Instead, you can access helpful resources wherever you can access the internet, whenever you need them.

This is especially true if you tend to study at off hours because of your extracurriculars, work schedule, or family obligations. Sites that offer 24/7 tutoring can give you the extra help you need if you can’t access the free resources that are available at your school. 

#3: Variety

Not everyone learns the same way. Maybe you’re more of a visual learner, but your teacher mostly does lectures. Or maybe you learn best by listening and taking notes, but you’re expected to learn something just from reading the textbook . 

One of the best things about online homework help is that it comes in a variety of forms. The best homework help sites offer resources for all types of learners, including videos, practice activities, and even one-on-one discussions with real-life experts. 

This variety can also be a good thing if you just don’t really resonate with the way a concept is being explained (looking at you, math textbooks!).

Not so fast. There are cons to homework help websites, too. Get to know them below!

3 Cons of Using Homework Help Websites 

Now, let’s take a look at the drawbacks of online homework help. 

#1: Unreliable Info

This can be a real problem. In addition to all the really good homework help sites, there are a whole lot of disreputable or unreliable sites out there. The fact of the matter is that some homework help sites don’t necessarily hire people who are experts in the subjects they’re talking about. In those cases, you may not be getting the accurate, up-to-date, and thorough information you need.

Additionally, even the great sites may not be able to answer all of your homework questions. This is especially true if the site uses an algorithm or chatbot to help students…or if you’re enrolled in an advanced or college-level course. In these cases, working with your teacher or school-provided tutors are probably your best option. 

#2: No Clarification

This depends on the service you use, of course. But the majority of them provide free or low-cost help through pre-recorded videos. Watching videos or reading info online can definitely help you with your homework… but you can’t ask questions or get immediate feedback if you need it .

#3: Potential For Scamming 

Like we mentioned earlier, there are a lot of homework help websites out there, and lots of them are scams. The review comments we read covered everything from outdated or wrong information, to misleading claims about the help provided, to not allowing people to cancel their service after signing up. 

No matter which site you choose to use, make sure you research and read reviews before you sign up–especially if it’s a paid service! 

When Does “Help” Become “Cheating”?

Admittedly, whether using homework help websites constitutes cheating is a bit of a grey area. For instance, is it “help” when a friend reads your essay for history class and corrects your grammar, or is it “cheating”? The truth is, not everyone agrees on when “help” crosses the line into “cheating .” When in doubt, it can be a good idea to check with your teacher to see what they think about a particular type of help you want to get. 

That said, a general rule of thumb to keep in mind is to make sure that the assignment you turn in for credit is authentically yours . It needs to demonstrate your own thoughts and your own current abilities. Remember: the point of every homework assignment is to 1) help you learn something, and 2) show what you’ve learned. 

So if a service answers questions or writes essays for you, there’s a good chance using it constitutes cheating. 

Here’s an example that might help clarify the difference for you. Brainstorming essay ideas with others or looking online for inspiration is “help” as long as you write the essay yourself. Having someone read it and give you feedback about what you need to change is also help, provided you’re the one that makes the changes later. 

But copying all or part of an essay you find online or having someone write (or rewrite) the whole thing for you would be “cheating.” The same is true for other subjects. Ultimately, if you’re not generating your own work or your own answers, it’s probably cheating.

5 Tips for Finding the Best Homework Help Websites for You

Now that you know some of our favorite homework help websites, free and paid, you can start doing some additional research on your own to decide which services might work best for you! Here are some top tips for choosing a homework help website. 

Tip 1: Decide How You Learn Best 

Before you decide which site or sites you’re going to use for homework help, y ou should figure out what kind of learning style works for you the most. Are you a visual learner? Then choose a site that uses lots of videos to help explain concepts. If you know you learn best by actually doing tasks, choose a site that provides lots of practice exercises.

Tip 2: Determine Which Subjects You Need Help With

Just because a homework help site is good overall doesn’t mean that it’s equally good for every subject. If you only need help in math, choose a site that specializes in that area. But if history is where you’re struggling, a site that specializes in math won’t be much help. So make sure to choose a site that you know provides high-quality help in the areas you need it most. 

Tip 3: Decide How Much One-On-One Help You Need 

This is really about cost-effectiveness. If you learn well on your own by reading and watching videos, a free site like Khan Academy is a good choice. But if you need actual tutoring, or to be able to ask questions and get personalized answers from experts, a paid site that provides that kind of service may be a better option.

Tip 4: Set a Budget

If you decide you want to go with a paid homework help website, set a budget first . The prices for sites vary wildly, and the cost to use them can add up quick. 

Tip 5: Read the Reviews

Finally, it’s always a good idea to read actual reviews written by the people using these homework sites. You’ll learn the good, the bad, and the ugly of what the users’ experiences have been. This is especially true if you intend to subscribe to a paid service. You’ll want to make sure that users think it’s worth the price overall!

What’s Next?

If you want to get good grades on your homework, it’s a good idea to learn how to tackle it strategically. Our expert tips will help you get the most out of each assignment…and boost your grades in the process.

Doing well on homework assignments is just one part of getting good grades. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about getting great grades in high school in this article.

Of course, test grades can make or break your GPA, too. Here are 17 expert tips that’ll help you get the most out of your study prep before you take an exam.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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How to Survive Forgetting Your Homework at School

Last Updated: March 9, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Katie Styzek . Katie Styzek is a Professional School Counselor for Chicago Public Schools. Katie earned a BS in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She served as a middle school mathematics, science, and social studies teacher for three years prior to becoming a counselor. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling from DePaul University and an MA in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. Katie holds an Illinois School Counselor Endorsement License (Type 73 Service Personnel), an Illinois Principal License (formerly Type 75), and an Illinois Elementary Education Teaching License (Type 03, K – 9). She is also Nationally Board Certified in School Counseling from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 127,939 times.

Have you ever sat down to complete your homework only to realize you left some important component (like a worksheet or textbook) at school? Don’t freak out! You have many options for getting ahold of what you need or finding a suitable replacement. If all else fails, you may be able to complete the assignment when you return to school.

Getting a Copy of a Worksheet

• If you have a scanner and printer or a copy machine, you can complete this task at home.
• Most printing places charge $0.10 for a single black and white copy.

• Be sure to use clear grammar, complete sentences, and good etiquette in your email.
• You can only use this method once or twice before your teacher will become frustrated with you.
• Your teacher may be less than pleased that you don’t have the worksheet if you’ve had an extended period of time to complete it rather than if it was assigned that day.

Finding a Textbook

• You can search an online card catalog or call the library to see if they have your book. Then go there in person and check it out.
• Sometimes the textbook may be “on reserve,” meaning you will have to work with it in the library.

• Ideally, you will want to try to find the exact same edition, but a different edition will be better than nothing. Keep in mind, though, that the chapter or worksheet may be different from the one your teacher assigned.
• If you can find out the ISBN code for your textbook, this can be a good way to search as well.

Completing the Homework Later

• If you need to get into your classroom, you can email your teacher to see if they can let you in early.

• You can work during any free period, recess, or lunch in order to get the assignment done.

• It is likely that your teacher will need to stay for a little while anyway, and they may respect your initiative to get the late assignment complete as soon as possible.

• If you have multiple email accounts, use the one associated with your school.
• Once again, use proper grammar, complete sentences, and good etiquette when you communicate with your teacher via email. [6] X Research source

• Keep in mind that if this happens more than once, your teacher may be less likely to give you an extension.

Expert Q&A

• Exchange contact info with some people from your class ahead of time so that you can contact them in a situation like this one. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• When searching for answers off the Internet, don't type in the direct question. Instead, type in key parts of the question. For example, if the question is “What was the population of Canada in 1900?" type in “Population of Canada 1900” instead of the full question. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Try making a mini bag that will carry all the supplies needed to do homework, like an extra copy of every textbook, lined paper, a ruler, a protractor, etc. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• Ask a friend who's in class with you to take a quick picture of the worksheet and text or email it to you. This saves you a trip to their house or having to meet up.
• As a last resort, be honest with your teacher, explain why you don't have the assignment, and ask if you can stay late or email it to them to avoid a late grade.
• For a textbook, call the school library first to ask if they have a copy on hold. If not, search online for either an ebook version or a different edition.
• Check whether your teacher uses an online platform for assignments. If so, log in and see if the worksheet is posted there to print out.
• When emailing your teacher to ask for materials, be extra polite and use proper spelling/grammar so they're more likely to help you out.
• If you can't complete the work at home, get to school early the next morning and finish during free periods or study hall time instead.

• If you consistently forget your homework, you may get in trouble or your teacher may lose their trust in you. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Katie Styzek. Professional School Counselor. Expert Interview. 26 March 2021.
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ https://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/homework/part8.html

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How can I stay motivated to complete homework?

Break down your study goals into smaller, more attainable chunks. Instead of panicking over the final page count for a long essay, take on each subtopic in the essay individually, and overcome them one by one.

Another way to stay motivated to complete your homework is to tie a carrot to the end of the stick, so to speak. For example, you can tell yourself, “Once I finish this assignment, and only when I’ve finished this assignment, I can hang out with my friends or play video games.”

Of course, you can also motivate yourself to complete your homework by thinking about how your accomplishment will positively benefit your future. You can think along the lines of, “If I stop procrastinating on this homework assignment and finish it now, I’ll get a better grade in class. If I get a better grade in class, my overall GPA will be higher, and I will look better on my college applications!”

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How to better manage your homework time | Ask Kelly

Dear Kelly,

Last week I began classes, but I already feel like I’m overwhelmed with homework. I spent the bulk of the weekend doing the work, and I still have more to do. I know I need to work on managing my time better. Do you have any advice for me? What do you do?

This is an excellent question and one that I am so happy you are asking at the beginning of the semester. Juggling different classes and all of the coursework that comes with them can be very daunting, especially if you don’t plan ahead. This is something I learned the first week of my freshman year, when I spent that entire first weekend drinking pots of coffee while sitting for countless hours in front of my computer answering multiple discussion posts, taking three quizzes, writing a reflection paper, and reviewing an assigned article. I’ll never forget that weekend. I cried. I literally broke down and cried! I wondered why in the world I would have signed up to subject myself to that much stress. I kept saying, “What was I thinking?” No, I take that back. I kept yelling, “WHAT WAS I THINKING WHEN I DECIDED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL?”

That weekend taught me something: To make sure I made the most of the time I had available. I remember sitting and talking with my husband, Garrick, and saying, “I wish I would’ve started on this work earlier. I could have even done some of the homework on days that I had class.” I had to be honest with myself. There was plenty of time during the week that I could have focused on homework, but since it was just blocks of time, I kept seeing the weekend as a more viable option. I didn’t realize how that would lead to an enormous amount of stress because I had so much to complete in just those two days.

I made the conscious decision to never paint myself into that corner again. I decided I had to get organized, and the very first thing that needed to happen was I needed to buy a calendar. I went to the store and purchased a large, wall-mounted, dry erase calendar, and I hung it in my office. Before I began, I decided on my “homework time.” This was the time each day that I knew I could devote to homework. Immediately, I began recording my class schedule on the calendar, along with some assignments and their due dates, but something didn’t seem right. It still looked jumbled to me. You see, I was writing everything down with the same colored pen, nothing stood out.

I went back to the store and bought a pack of different colored dry erase markers. When I came home, I assigned each class a different color, and then I began writing things down. I chose the color blue for the first class. I wrote down all of the nights I had class and underlined those to show that those were class nights, not assignments. Then, using the syllabus from that class, I began to place my assignments onto the calendar on their due dates.  

That’s when I stopped and reflected on the past weekend.

The problem I had wasn’t making sure assignments were turned in on time. It was giving myself plenty of time to get the assignments completed, without causing unneeded stress. So I began to plot the assignments not based on due dates but based on the time it took to complete them. I also made sure I had flex time to make any edits or adjustments to the assignments before I turned them in. I added study time onto the calendar to prepare for quizzes. For large assignments, like research papers, I wrote down the date that I wanted to have my research collected by, the date I wanted to have the outline written, the date that I wanted to write my rough draft, and so on. I broke things apart, so I would have time to complete each assignment or quiz and still have time for myself and my family.

I repeated this process for recording my other classes and coursework onto the calendar, as well, using different colors for each class. As assignments were completed, I would cross through them with a black marker. When I turned in the assignment, I would erase it off the board. Each and every day was scheduled, and I knew what I was working on each day. Yes, there were times when I had to make adjustments, but with the calendar and the way I had scheduled everything, it was easy to do.

This one simple task of writing everything down on the calendar completely changed the ballgame. My stress lifted. I knew what I had to do and when. I could plan events with friends and family and still have time for me. I knew my availability each and every day, and that was wonderful! If, for some reason, I finished an assignment early, I would use the extra time to get a jumpstart on a different assignment. I was always ahead of the game, and it felt amazing!

Now, I am in my senior year. The calendar has gone digital, since I did eventually wear out the one on the wall. I still color-code each of my classes, even going so far as to change the color-coding of the course in Canvas (do this by clicking on the three dots at the top of the course box on your dashboard).

Getting organized is one of the reasons why I believe I have been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA, even when I was juggling three jobs and a full load of classes.

I promise, if you make the conscious effort to organize your time, you will reap the benefits of not only completing all of your assignments before they are due but also doing so while maintaining your sanity.

As always, I wish you health, happiness and continued success throughout your journey.

Do you have a question about Mercer or coping with school in these challenging times? Each week Kelly Browning, an early childhood education/special education major and student ambassador at the Henry County Regional Academic Center, answers questions from the Mercer community. Email her at  [email protected]  or  fill out our online form  to submit your question anonymously.

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Tips for Students Who Complete School Work Slowly

Do you know students who complete school work slowly?  Maybe it is a student in your classroom, on your therapy caseload or your own child, but some students have difficulties with the ability to complete school work within the time constraints of a class period, school day or homework.  Teachers, therapists, and parents can take action and help teach students techniques to improve their speed of work and/or provide supplementary services.

To help students who struggle with slow completion of school work, here are 5 suggestions to provide explicit direct instruction of:

• how to respond to verbal prompts and cues – read more on prompts here .
• self-monitoring techniques – view and download a free self-assessment checklist here .
• differential reinforcement – apply reinforcement only for the required responses i.e. completing an assignment within the allotted time.
• role-playing – students can practice time management skills in a supported environment to develop experience and trial different strategies.
• modeling – demonstrate each step or strategy.

When students need additional help beyond direct instruction try supplementary aids or services such as:

• checklists – provide a step by step checklist of what needs to be completed for larger projects.
• timers – set a time limit to work on certain sections.
• schedule different time frames to complete work.
• visual support schedules – i.e. once you complete step 1 move onto step 2, etc.  Read more on visual activity schedules here .
• practice, practice, practice!
• preferential seating – determine what might be influencing the slow rate of speed ie distractions, peers, etc.
• extended time – be sure to determine how much extended time is necessary.  Collect data to support your decision.
• sensory breaks – students may need different sensory interventions to get the brain and body ready to learn in an efficient manner.
• shortened assignments
• organizational systems i.e. color coding, organizers, Eisenhower Box Method, etc.

You can  download worksheets to help support the Eisenhower Box Method organizational system for high school and college students here .

This digital download includes 7 worksheets to help older students learn how to get organized and tackle big projects.

Table of Contents for How to Get Organized Worksheets for Students :

•  How to Get Organized – summary of the 4 steps to take to get started.
• Overall Goal Task Analysis
• Task Analysis with Time Estimations
• Eisenhower Box Method – learn to prioritize tasks
• Personal Reward List Examples
• Personal Reward List

Looking for more organizational tips for older students?  Check out  Cornell Note Taking System  for organized, effective note-taking.

Read more about 5 evidence based factors that affect handwriting speed here .

Reference:  NYSED. IEP and Lesson Plan Development Handbook.  Retrieved from the web on 5/13/18 at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/commoncore/guidance-commoncore-appC.htm

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How to Finish Your Homework Fast – 5 Effective Tips and Tricks

Students of all ages find themselves struggling to finish their homework for one reason or another. In a technology-driven world, it’s always tempting to check your social media feed, play video games, or watch online videos to rid your mind of all your school worries. And before you know it, you have barely any time left to complete your homework and submit it on time.

Of course, you can’t be irresponsible and ignore your assignments altogether. It’s important to find ways to work around the everyday distractions and finish what needs to be done. Without question, this is easier said than done. But there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to finish your homework fast. Keep reading to learn how to get motivated to complete your homework—even without lifting a finger!

Mastering the Basic Rules

There are some good tips you can follow which will ultimately help you focus on your assignments, stay organized and complete them in the least amount of time. These rules don’t require money or any special knowledge. It’s all about prepping yourself up for the task at hand. What’s great about mastering these basic rules is that once they become a habit, you’ll find yourself eager to finish your homework without even thinking about it.

• Eliminate Distractions – Several things cause you to feel distracted and unable to do your college or high school homework assignments. It’s not uncommon for you to start studying and doing your homework, and then your phone beeps and the rest is history. You constantly tell yourself that you’ll spend only 5 minutes on your phone, but you end up tapping away at the screen for hours on end. Other distractions include TV, magazines, and even the people surrounding you. Sometimes, all it takes is for a friend or family member to start a conversation to completely distract you from your schoolwork. This is precisely why you should eliminate distractions—or at least keep them to a minimum. Try to avoid watching TV, keeping your phone in another room, and finding a quiet place where you can’t be easily reached. Listening to music is neither an option.  If it requires living like a recluse for a few hours to complete your assignments, then, by all means, do it. It won’t be easy, but you’ll thank yourself for making this change. In any case, all these distractors will add hours and hours of homework.
• Prioritize Tasks – Many school students choose to do the easiest tasks first when the time to study comes. But did you know that experts recommend starting with the hardest task? This has to do with your willpower. Interestingly, willpower is a resource that diminishes as the day goes by. This explains why people love to lay in bed at night, nibble on midnight snacks and make irrational decisions late in the day. As soon as your classes are over, spend a couple of minutes planning what you should do for the rest of the day. If you need to write a research or dissertation paper, figure out how long it will take you to finish it. This helps you allow enough time for your assignments, and perhaps find some time to do other things you love—be it hanging out with friends, watching your favorite TV series, or just getting enough shuteye.
• Work with Peers – Introducing a system of accountability in your routine can go a long way in establishing excellent studying habits. Only a handful of the student population study with their classmates. Maybe this has to do with how convenient it is to communicate with others through instant messaging apps and social media platforms. Sometimes, it seems like there’s no sense in meeting in person with your friends if you can just text or call them for free. But when it comes to getting your homework done, working with your peers can be a huge difference maker that can make your brains work better. You might not realize it, but sitting in silence is the reason why you’re not feeling motivated to complete your assignments. Boredom can get the best of you at times, so why not try finding ways to make this otherwise dull activity into something fun and exciting? This offers the advantage of getting help from your friends if you’re having difficulties with a particular topic. Of course, it helps if you have a friend who performs well in your classes. As the adage goes, two heads are better than one. This can’t be any truer when it comes to studying. What’s more, there’ll be someone who holds you accountable for all the tasks you don’t finish on time. This can be just what you need to stay focused on your tasks.
• Understand the Consequences and Benefits – Many students don’t display any hesitation in saying that they hate assignments. It takes away time which they could otherwise spend with their families, friends, and favorite activities. There’s a never-ending debate about how useful assignments really are, but the fact remains that students have no choice other than to comply with the requirements given out by their teachers. Instead of purely thinking of how much you hate assignments, why not look on the other side and consider its benefits? Assignments can be a huge pain, but there’s no doubt that they aid your classroom learning. For one, it hones your problem-solving skills, especially if you manage to complete a difficult homework by doing all the research and studying yourself. It always feels rewarding when you accomplish something you thought you couldn’t. Also, take some time to think about the consequences of failing to complete your assignments on time. What happens if you don’t do your homework? The obvious repercussions include getting a bad grade and being scolded by your teachers and parents. But the biggest consequence is that you’re missing an opportunity to learn new lessons, discover your strengths, develop your skills to become not just a better student, but a better person as well.
• Get Professional Help – There are times in which you start doing your homework and then find yourself unable to progress. In most cases, this has to do with your lack of understanding of the topic, the unavailability of research materials, or an emergency that forces you to stop completing your assignment. What can you do during such scenarios? At first, you might think that there’s nothing left to do but accept the terrible grade you’ll receive and just move on. But did you know that you can enlist real experts to get your homework done fast? Assignment Expert has been helping students across the globe finish their assignments on time, get high marks, and learn their school lessons at the same time. It’s undeniable that many teachers give out assignments that prove too challenging. Some assignments may be about a topic that hasn’t been covered yet. It seems as if teachers always assume that students can do their own research because all the answers can be found on the web nowadays. But the fact is, students need professional help sometimes. This is your best course of action when you have a lot of assignments to finish but want to have free time instead. What’s great is that you’ll be matched with the right expert based on the topic and its difficulty. Whether you struggle with lack of motivation, don’t understand the subject, have just  one math problem or have to attend to an emergency, Assignment Expert is always ready and willing to work on your homework and finish it for you in no time.

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Too Much Homework from a Student/Teacher Perspective

Teens express concerns over too much homework and a veteran teacher responds..

Posted September 26, 2015

With the school in full swing for so many youth, I wanted to share some comments that students across the nation have shared in response to my blogs on homework. In a given school year, many students spend hours upon hours each night working on assignments. Add to that work, sports, and extracurricular activities and it’s no wonder we have a lot of stressed out teens. Please take time to read the voices of young people across the nation who responded to homework blogs. Following the students’ comments is a response from a veteran teacher.

Dear Teacher,

I'm 17 and I'm in my last year of high school. I can honestly tell you that from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. (sometimes 1 or 2 a.m.) I am doing homework. I've been trying to balance my homework with my work schedule, work around my house, and my social life with no success. So if someone were to ask me if I think kids have too much homework, I would say yes they do. My comment is based solely on my personal experience in high school. ~Morgan

I know that homework can be extremely stressful and time-consuming… especially if you are taking AP, IB, or other rigorous courses of study. The key to balance and sanity in your life is going to be organization – make a calendar with due dates and priorities. Try not to procrastinate – that will REALLY make you feel overwhelmed. I wish you the best this year. ~LMM

Many people say that our generation spends more time on the computer and watching television than reading books and doing homework, but in reality we do not have time for that anymore. Yes, there are still those stragglers that make you think otherwise, but please do not think that is the majority. Reading books is a treat for us if we get our homework, studying, group projects, etc., finished. Teens mostly receive about 4, or 5 hours of sleep a night. If we're lucky we get 6 or 7. Most of us get up at 5:00 in the morning. Each one of my teachers says that the homework for my class should take 45 minutes to an hour to complete.

I go to six hours of school, sports after school, youth group once a week, tutoring if they have it that day, community service on the weekends, chores at home, and after all this we have 6 more hours of homework to do. The reason why we do all this is to get into college. One of my teachers said to us the other day, "none of you are ready for college and I think we need to push you a little harder." That made me sad to realize that people still do not understand the struggle we go through. In fact, I never have time to chat with my friends in the morning, before school, at lunch, after school, and rarely on the weekends, the reason why is because I do my homework in all that time. High School used to be fun and people were not worried about college as much because they knew that they would make it, plus tuition was lower. Now the bar is too high and soon it will be literally impossible. ~Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

While high school should be fun, it is a lot of work. On the other hand, a teenager should not be running on five hours of sleep and feeling completely overwhelmed with school work. Here are some suggestions:

1. Talk to your school counselor – perhaps he or she can help you organize your homework schedule to be more effective.

2. Talk to your teachers about your situation and see what specific advice they can offer you to be successful in their class.

3. Talk to your parents about your workload at home – perhaps they can compromise on a few things or give you a weekend without chores. ~LMM

I am 15 years old and currently taking two college courses. On top of that I am in Advanced Placement Biology, Advanced Algebra 2, and Advanced Language Arts. I have a butt ton of homework every night. I have to stay up way late at night to finish it. I am in other activities too! I play volleyball, run cross country, and play basketball. I'm also in youth group, Trio(ets), blue crew, speech, and student council. I have a lot on my plate. I happily say I do have and maintain over a 4.0 GPA, but I am always tired and have headaches that won't go away. I always want to pull my hair out when I think of the amount of homework I have to do! Teachers expect too much of us on one subject. ~Anonymous

You seem to be a very ambitious young person – I’m impressed with your drive! I know that this is going to seem quite obvious, but when you take college level courses, you are given the work load of a college student. It seems to me that if you want to keep the higher level courses, something has to give – you have so much on your plate! You don’t want to sacrifice your health (or the rest of your childhood ) so you can have the schedule of a college student when you are fifteen. Take a close look at your schedule and try to keep the things for which you are the most passionate and eliminate a few that are burdensome. As for the headaches – you may need to go to a doctor, but I’ve found that many students experience them when they do not drink enough water, eat a poor diet , and/or do not get enough sleep. Take care of yourself and try to have a great year! ~LMM

I live in a high performing, upper middle class community like the one you described, and watching people you've grown up with deteriorate at the hands of stress before your very eyes is awful. It's easy to watch from the land of collegiate academia and conduct studies on high schoolers, but sometimes the best proof of a problem is an entire generation silently screaming under the oppression of pressure and ultra high standards of achievement, THERE'S A PROBLEM. No matter what classes you are enrolled in, whether you have 2-3 hours of homework a night or upwards of 5-6, you find yourself inundated with societal, peer, and parental pressure to strive for excellence. You have no idea how many times I've heard someone say homework or studying for a looming test made them cry. How much dread I feel waking up and realizing it's the day in my schedule rotation that doesn't have a study hall. I definitely think that homework has value...only in moderation. I could rattle off for days about how I feel like my generation is being crushed under the weight of our own education , but I think I've made my point. Sigh, time to go back to "studying" for my psychology midterm by writing an essay about a topic we never learned in class (literally that is the prompt) wish me luck. ~Anonymous

I hate to hear about the tremendous amounts of stress students undergo in response to the pressure to perform. Unfortunately, much of the pressure that you are feeling comes from teachers who are receiving just as much pressure to perform… It is a vicious cycle that needs to be broken and it starts with politicians and policymakers. Make your voice be heard – go to the movers and shakers and present your case. I wish you the best. ~ LMM

I am a 16 year old high school student I have one AP class and the rest regular classes. I think that there should be more separation between the more advanced students and the students that don't even try. I have had many classes were the majority of the students don't pay attention and are always messing around and don't do anything. These students make it difficult for the teacher to finish the lesson. As a result what we don’t cover becomes homework. I spend almost the whole weekend doing homework and 2-3 hours every day. When I do have the chance to go out I can't help but have the fact in the back of my head that I still have homework that has to be done. Or I am thinking, “Did I finish all of my homework?” I also participate in extracurricular activities for my school, like sports. Sometimes I don't get home until 8 and then I have homework. The next day I will wake up at 5:30 and repeat the same thing. Even during the breaks I am assigned homework. Which leaves me to say some of the homework I get assigned is too much for me and some of it is caused by my classmates acting up in class. ~Juan

You have a great opportunity to make a positive influence on the students who are being disruptive and disrespectful. As a teacher, I know that peer pressure can also work for the good – try to encourage your peers to take their learning seriously. Also – express your frustration to your teachers in a respectful manner… let them know that you have a difficult time learning in an environment that is disruptive. Perhaps your homework situation will be resolved when the disruptions are addressed. Try to have a great year. ~LMM

The most powerful voices are those who are directly impacted by the educational system. If you are an educator, hopefully you'll spend time communicating with your students about what is on their plates. Not assigning homework isn't the answer, but there is something to say about finding the right balance and allowing homework to be a supplement to what is being taught in the classroom. To the teens, communicate openly with your teachers. They want you to succeed. There may be periods of time you feel overwhelmed by all of the assignments and other times your work load may feel doable. Oftentimes teachers can help make the stressful times more manageable. You just have to talk to them...

Wishing both educators and students a successful school year!

Raychelle Cassada Lohman n , M.S., LPC, is the author of The Anger Workbook for Teens .

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.