Course facts for kids
A word can have many meanings, and "course" is one of them! It's used in lots of different ways, from talking about a path you follow to a class you take in school. Let's explore some of the most common ways we use this interesting word.
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What Does 'Course' Mean?
The word "course" comes from an old Latin word, cursus, which means "a running" or "a journey." This gives us a clue about its main ideas: movement, direction, and a series of steps.
Course as a Path or Route
One common meaning of "course" is a path or a way that something follows. Think about a journey or a race.
Race Courses and Tracks
When you hear about a "race course," it means the specific path or track where a race happens. This could be for running, like a cross-country course, or for vehicles, like a car racing track. For example, a marathon course is the entire route runners follow from start to finish. Horse racing also uses special courses, often called tracks, designed for speed and safety.
Golf Courses and Sports Fields
In sports, a "course" can also be a large area designed for a game. A golf course, for instance, is a big outdoor area with 18 different sections, called holes, where players try to hit a small ball into a cup. Each hole has its own unique layout and challenges.
Obstacle Courses
An "obstacle course" is a path filled with challenges and barriers that people have to get over, under, or through. These are often used for training, like in the military, or for fun events where people test their physical skills. They can include climbing walls, ropes, and muddy pits.
Course as a Direction or Movement
"Course" can also describe the direction someone or something is moving.
When a ship or an airplane is traveling, its "course" is the direction it is heading. Sailors and pilots carefully plan their course to make sure they reach their destination safely. They use maps, compasses, and modern technology to stay on the right path. Changing course means changing direction.
The Course of a River
Rivers also have a "course." This is the path the river flows from its source (where it begins) to its mouth (where it ends, often in a lake or ocean). The course of a river can be straight, winding, or even change over many years due to natural forces.
Course as a Series of Lessons or Studies
Another very common meaning of "course" is a series of lessons or studies in a school or university.
School Subjects and Classes
When you sign up for a "course" at school, you are enrolling in a specific subject, like a science course, a history course, or an art course. These courses usually last for a semester or a full school year. They include lectures, assignments, and tests to help you learn about the topic.
Online Courses and Workshops
Many people also take online courses to learn new skills or hobbies. These can be short workshops or longer programs that you complete from home. They often have videos, readings, and quizzes, just like a regular school class.
Course as a Part of a Meal
Finally, "course" can refer to a part of a meal.
Appetizers, Main Dishes, and Desserts
In a formal meal, especially at a restaurant, the food is often served in different "courses." The first course might be an appetizer, like a small salad or soup. The main course is the largest and most important part of the meal. Then, there might be a dessert course, like cake or ice cream.
