National Geographic Explorer Magazine See how one family is saving orphaned sloths. Photographs by: © Suzi Eszterhas/Minden Pictures (sloth); © Doug Perrine/SeaPics.com (fish); © Massimo Viegi/Demotix/Corbis (ice sculptures); Mark Newman/Getty Images (bird). Impress your friends with mental Math tricks » Fun Math Blog See Math tricks on video at the Wild About Math! mathcasts page. Being able to perform arithmetic quickly and mentally can greatly boost your self-esteem, especially if you don't consider yourself to be very good at Math. And, getting comfortable with arithmetic might just motivate you to dive deeper into other things mathematical. This article presents nine ideas that will hopefully get you to look at arithmetic as a game, one in which you can see patterns among numbers and pick then apply the right trick to quickly doing the calculation. The tricks in this article all involve multiplication. Don't be discouraged if the tricks seem difficult at first. As you learn and practice the tricks make sure you check your results by doing multiplication the way you're used to, until the tricks start to become second nature. 1. Multiplying by 9 is really multiplying by 10-1.So, 9x9 is just 9x(10-1) which is 9x10-9 which is 90-9 or 81. Let's try a harder example: 46x9 = 46x10-46 = 460-46 = 414. 2. 3.
Practical Physics This website is for teachers of physics in schools and colleges. It is a collection of experiments that demonstrate a wide range of physical concepts and processes. Some of the experiments can be used as starting-points for investigations or for enhancement activities. Many have links to carefully selected further reading and all include information and guidance for technicians. Physics is a practical science. Practical activities are not just motivational and fun: they can also sharpen students’ powers of observation, stimulate questions, and help develop new understanding and vocabulary. Good quality, appropriate physics experiments and investigations are the key to enhanced learning, and clarification and consolidation of theory. We have published a new set of resources to support the teaching of practical science for Key Stages 3-5.
Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE) Java UpdateJan 15, 2014 On January 14, 2014, a new version of Java was released. Please update your computer to this version to continue using simulations and probes in WISE. Click here to download the latest java. WISE Image AnnotatorFeb 27, 2013 Check out the new WISE image annotator. Java UpdateFeb 20, 2013 For OS X 10.7 (mountain lion), typically Mac machines sold in 2011 and later, a security update will require you to reinstall the Java applet plugin to run many of the WISE4 projects. WISE in SpanishFeb 14, 2013 WISE is collaborating with a group in Argentina to create versions of all our activities in Spanish. WISE 4.6 is released! A stable release of WISE v4.6 is now available for download from WISE Server DowntimeOct 15, 2012 The WISE server will be down for maintenance on Saturday October 20th from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM PDT. WISE included in STEMworks DatabaseAug 17, 2012 WISE Book ReviewAug 17, 2012 WISE research highlighted by NSTAJun 27, 2012 WISE4.5 is released!
Critical thinking | Learning resources | Institute for Academic Development Advice and resources on the subject of critical thinking. Why is being critical important? It affects your academic success: if you wish to achieve higher grades, being able to take an informed and analytical approach to your studies is very important. Simply memorising and explaining concepts and ideas will not be sufficient for a strong pass at masters level. You need to be able to demonstrate knowledge of your subject and give your opinion(s) supported by evidence that you have judged to be appropriate. It affects your employability: one of the main reasons students undertake postgraduate study is to improve their employment prospects. What do we mean by ‘critical’? Being ‘critical’ does not mean just being negative, or pointing out what is wrong about something. You can find out more about the framework at : SCQF level descriptors (PDF) Taking a critical approach in your studies and professional development can include behaviours such as: Critical thinking ‘stairway’ Further reading
Wonderopolis Physics Flash Animations We have been increasingly using Flash animations for illustrating Physics content. This page provides access to those animations which may be of general interest. The animations will appear in a separate window. The animations are sorted by category, and the file size of each animation is included in the listing. In addition, I have prepared a small tutorial in using Flash to do Physics animations. LInks to versions of these animations in other languages, other links, and license information appear towards the bottom of this page. The Animations There are 99 animations listed below. Other Languages and Links These animations have been translated into Catalan, Spanish and Basque: En aquest enllaç podeu trobar la versió al català de les animacions Flash de Física. Many animations have been translated into Greek by Vangelis Koltsakis. Most animations have been translated into Hungarian by Sandor Nagy, Eötvös Loránd University.
Chemistry Students K - 12 | How Science Works | University of Pittsburgh Image: “Nothing is more important than preparing the next generation to shape the future of the world by using the informed and creative life of the mind. Join us in opening new doors to the exciting world of “how science works”.” -Arthur S. Levine, M.D. Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences Dean, School of Medicine University of Pittsburgh Critical reading techniques You will probably find that there is a lot of reading required for your module. Like many students, you might find that you are time-poor and you will, therefore, need to be speedy and efficient in your reading. This section will help you become an efficient reader and information processor. Covered in this section How to read efficientlyHow to read actively in an engaged wayCritically processing what you read25 mins to complete this sectionVideo (3)Audio (4) Reading university texts requires a more strategic approach from that used when you read for pleasure. Making notes is an essential part of the reading process. Make sure you are comfortable Finding the right space and time to read in is important Find a comfortable and quiet place to read, where you will not be disturbed or interrupted.
Science Scope: Online Connections April/May 2014 Straws and Air Pressure: Using and Everyday Object to Explain Air Pressure Scientist Biographies January 2014 The Leonardo Strategy: Scientific Discourse and Argumentation in an Online Environment Example Priming Questions and Sample Rubric Stomp Rockets: A High-Impact Exploration of Science Concepts Suggested Altitude Calculation Handout Using Place-Based Inquiry to Inspire and Motivate Future Scientists Science Safety Contract Teachers Toolkit: Scientific Explanations and Arguments Going Further as Students Develop Expertise December 2013 Bringing Earthquake Engineering to Your Hometown Sample Worksheet 99.99%: Antibacterial Products and Natural Selection Activity Worksheet with Answers November 2013 Tried and True: Classroom Zoo April/May 2013 Using Mathematics to Conduct Social Analyses of Bottlenose Dolphins in Science Classrooms Additional Assignment Sheets (PDF) March 2013 Sense-of-Place Writing Templates The MSP, BSP, and GSP Templates Science Circus Student Survey February 2013 July 2012
120 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power Here are 120 things you can do starting today to help you think faster, improve memory, comprehend information better and unleash your brain’s full potential. Solve puzzles and brainteasers.Cultivate ambidexterity. Use your non-dominant hand to brush your teeth, comb your hair or use the mouse. Readers’ Contributions Dance! Contribute your own tip! There are many, many ways to keep our brains sharp.