Author Archives
12
Jul 10
Fashion Design for Pet Apparel – Course of the Week
This week´s Course of the Week is for those with an eye for fashion and a heart for the furry – Fashion Design for Pet Apparel!! That’s right, with this course on designing, creating and sewing pet garments, you can channel your inner flare for fabrics on models that never complain. This course is offered at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and will begin with an introduction to body forms of the four-legged, functional needs of pet clothing, as well as safety and ease-of-dressing methods. You will create everything a pet could possible want to wear, from T-shirts to winter coats and couture ensembles.
French Bulldog in Stripes
If fashion is your cup of tea, check out some of our other posts about fashion courses here and here.
Make it work…
7
Jul 10
Student, Slang and Science. How Does It All Add Up?
A physics student at UC Davis has proposed that the gigantic and unnamed mathematical quantity of 10 to the exponent of 27 be represented by the term “hella.” “Hella” is slang term used in northern California to describe a large quantity or replace the word “very,” and is thought to come from the slang word “hellavu,” like “hell of a lot.”
Examples: “I have hella homework” or “that cheeseburger was hella good.”
The name ocurred to twenty-year-old Austin Sendek while doing an experiment with a fellow classmate, who when asked what the voltage was in an electric field, responded “Oh, man — there’s hella volts.” To Sendek, the name just clicked. The petition for “hella” to denote 10 to the 27th power started as a joke, which logically led to a Facebook group, then drifted to the conversation of the Google Gods (who were quick to incorporate “hella” into Google calculator) and is now headed to the Global Weights and Measurements Committee for formal acceptance as a mathematical term. There have been many scientific contributions from universities such as UC Berkeley, Standford,and UC Davis – all of whom are located in the northern California region. Sendek says that although naming 10 to the 27th may not be a priority among the scientific community, recognition of the “hella” would distinguish northern California in the scientific world. Plus, as Sendek points out, it´s hella useful. Did you know that the diameter of earth is 1.4 hellameters?
To read more about this story, check out this article in the Los Angeles Times.
30
Jun 10
Summer Reading List
School may be out for the summer (for those in the northern hemisphere) but that doesn´t mean you need to be videogaming nor facebooking 9 hours a day. Instead, settle into a comfortable place, kick off your flip flops and lose yourself in a good book. Reading never goes out of style and it keeps the mind sharp.
Here is a list of a few good summer reads:
- The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest by Steig Larson. This is the third of a best-selling series by Larson.
- Blindness by José Saramago. Saramago is a nobel prize winning author from Portugal, who recently passed away at age 87.
- The Passage by Justin Cronin. A current New York Times Best-Seller.
- I know I am but what are you? A compilation of essays by comedian Jon Stewart, who is, by most people’s standards, a very entertaining human being.
- The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. This is Kingsolvers 13th novel which won the Orange Prize for Ficition.
- Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen and David Oliver Relin. If you haven´t already read this one yet it is a must! Inspiring summer read and best-seller.
This is just a short list and there are tons of great books not mentioned here. Feel free to add your suggestions and recommendations by making a comment.
25
Jun 10
DNA Testing University Students
The University of California Berkeley is facing a significant amount of negative feedback for their new “On the Same Page” program, which encourages first year students to submit a sample of their DNA. The university plans on sending out cotton swabs by mail to their incoming freshman to invite them to become part of the project that would test them for their genetic responses to three different substances; alcohol, folic acid and lactose. Representatives of the program claim that the information is purely to give students an idea about genetic influences and to give them a chance to better know themselves from a scientific point of view. These three substances were chosen because students should not feel traumatized regardless of the results. UC Berkeley genetics professor Jasper Rine was quoted in an email saying “Our view was to select genes in which a student could either ignore what they learned, and be no worse off than they were before, or could use the information constructively if they choose, such as to tune their intake of dairy products.”
Critics claim that, although a privacy protocol has been designed to keep the results completely private to anyone but the genetic owner, this kind of information is very volatile and could end up in the hands of the wrong people. Many pharmaceutical companies and life insurance companies actively seek this kind of information and thus these tests should not be taken lightly. Even if these tests appear to be of benign use they could be taken out of context and could violate the privacy of the students.
Proponents of the “On the same page” genetic testing program say they did not expect such strong opposition from the community. “We didn’t choose the topic to provoke a wave of publicity,” said Mark Schlissel, the dean of biological sciences in Berkeley’s College of Letters and Science. He added, “We thought that talking about genetic testing and personalized medicine would be most engaging if we got students involved.”
***
What do you think about genetic projects involving students? Is it naïve to think that these tests will be carefully controlled with individual privacy respected? Although the testing is voluntary, do you think the name “On the Same Page” puts pressure on all students to participate?
Reference : The Los Angeles Times and The Daily Californian
20
Apr 10
Students Remix Popular Beyonce Song
We just had to post this video of students at Hope Christian School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the United States singing “Scholar Ladies” being that the original Beyonce song is the office joke, and because these kids are so cute. The new lyrics are actually really catchy and the video was done extremely well. We give them an A + for creativity!!!
For those of you who dont know, the original song is called “Single Ladies” by Beyonce and the hook going something like “if you like it then you should have put a ring on it…”
8
Apr 10
Tips For Saving Money While Studying Abroad
Tight budgets may have some students fearing that study abroad opportunities aren´t in the cards during their university years, but many students who spent time studying in another country would tell you that it was the best investment they have made. There are plenty of ways to cut back on costs and still have an amazing experience. Here are a few money-saving tips:
Have an open mind about your study abroad destination. Many students from various parts of the world flock to European countries or the United States, but there are many amazing places in the world that can offer you an excellent education (in and outside the classroom) that won´t cost a fortune. Think Central and South America, as well as Asia and Africa. Education and living expenses in these regions tend to be more affordable than in Europe and the U.S.
Do your own thing. It is tempting to buy the complete package and live on campus or through a university housing system but chances are you will be paying more. Do some research on housing and find out what locals pay or see about living with a family. It is usually a cheaper option and will definitely give you a unique perspective as well as integrate you into local culture.
Explore independently. Programs and guides geared toward foreigners are usually always more expensive. Don´t rely on guide books to tell you where to eat, shop or sleep. Ask a local.
Cook. It is tempting in another country to go out to eat all the time but it can drain your savings pretty quick. If you are set on getting your fill of foreign flavors that is great. Invest in a cook book and invite some friends over. Even if it ends up being a group effort you will learn, laugh and even save some money.
2
Apr 10
iPads for All !!!
Seton Hill University in the United States announced that all full-time students attending their university in the fall will receive a free apple iPad as well as a free Mac Book. You heard right, free!! (check out their tutition costs before you become too green with envy). The university stated that they wanted all students to become skilled with digital technology and be able to use e-books instead of text books. The devices will be used in class to take notes, share documents and undoubtedly to facebook friends.
Seton Hill boasts that they have an excellent IT department with mac-trained service providers and that the students will be able to keep both computer and tablet even after graduation.
This all seems very cool, but if this becomes the new trend in education what´s going to happen to the good-old double rule and ball point pen?? I can´t even imagine not lugging around text books. And highlighters? I love to highlight!!
Your thoughts, please.
1
Apr 10
X-Woman: DNA of Ancient Hominid Found in Siberian Cave
The archaeology world has been in a buzz over the last several weeks with the possible discovery of a new species related to the modern human. A single finger bone of what appears to be a young adult or child was found in a Siberian cave, and is said to be around 40,000 years old. X-Woman, as the specimen is being called, has been analyzed by DNA experts who say that it is genetically similar to both Homo sapien (modern human) and Neanderthal, but is not a match to either. This is exciting because it could possibly mean that there existed an entire other species that split from a common ancestor of the human and Neanderthal over 1.4 million years ago. It is interesting to note that our current solitude on earth is a recent phenomenon. The modern human coexisted with various hominid species –Neanderthals, H. erectus and Homo floresiensis–for thousands of years. Here is a timeline to better illustrate how our possible cousin Denisova hominin fits into our genetic history. Pretty cool!!
19
Mar 10
Yoga – Between Recess and Long Division
"I used to have a quick temper and yoga has calmed that"
We have all heard about the benefits of yoga for relaxation, meditation and flexibility. In Scotland, yoga is now being brought into the classroom. At Quarry Brae, a primary school in Parkhead, students who were having problems with fighting and agression are learning to channel their frustrations and have seen improvments in behavior and focus through yoga. It was brought to the school by a collaboration between an Indian couple who created a trust called Patajali Yog Peeth UK Trust, and Glasgow City Council. The couple gives several lessons to the students and then free training to the teachers so that they may instruct the classes themselves. The teachers involved in the yoga program claim that they have seen improvements in the relationships between students and the relationship between students and teachers. One teacher was quoted as saying, “we have a laugh and we have good fun with it, it’s really improved my relationship with the children, their concentration levels and their attitude to one another.”
The couple, Sam and Sunita Poddar, who started the program added “Children are our future and health is everyone’s business… it’s all about good health, body and mind.”
More exercise at school has really seemed to improve learning. Scotland isn’t the only country with exercise programs. Schools in Canada have similar programs for students with behavioural problems who get to run for 20 minutes in the morning.
Reference |
4
Mar 10
The Graduate School Interview
A member of our Educaedu team recently had a round of interviews for graduate school in the U.S. and we decided to share the experience with our readers as well as give some advice for graduate school admissions.
So here it is: an interview about an interview.
Q: How do you get an interview at a graduate school in the U.S.?
A: The grad school application varies by program but the series of events is virtually the same. First you must put together all your application documents, like an official transcript, letters of recommendation, and essays. Then send in your completed application as early as possible as many programs have “rolling admissions”, which means that they fill seats in the class as they find acceptable students. Then you wait. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear anything right away as the application review process can take time.
After your application is reviewed you will either get a rejection letter or a request for an interview. If you get rejected you should contact the program for advice on improving your application so that you can apply the following year. If you got an interview, congratulations!
Q: There are a lot of websites with tips about grad school interviews. What are your personal suggestions?
A: Dress to impress. That means a collared shirt and a suit. A tie if you are a guy. Close-toed shoes and a kept appearance. Easy on the make-up and perfumes.
Be yourself. But be your best self. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake and eye contact. Always appear engaged and thank your interviewer when you are finished.
Rehearse but don’t sound scripted. You should prepare with a friend answering some practice questions but be sure to not sound like a robot. Part of the reason they request the interview is to see if you are personable, likeable, HUMAN.
Bring some breath mints and chap stick. Often the programs have breakfast items and coffee and they force you to eat and mingle with other students and faculty. Coffee breath and a dry mouth is not the best impression to leave.
Q: What did they ask you in the interview and how long was it?
A: One of my interviews lasted a little over an hour and the other was only 30 mins. Here are some example questions I was asked:
- How did you decide to apply to the ________ program.
- What other schools did you apply to and why?
- What was the hardest subject/course in undergrad and why?
- How do you cope with stress?
- What does honor mean to you?
- What are you most proud of and why?
- What is your ideal job?
- Describe a moment in your life when you were faced with a hardship and explain how you overcame it.
- What are you looking for in a graduate program/school?
Q: Did you mess any of them up?
A: Totally. I was feeling rather buoyant towards the end of the first interview as I thought it was going rather well. I was then asked about my ideal job and I blurted out “I would love to design shoes”, which has nothing to do with the program to which I was applying. Fortunately, they thought it was funny and assumed I was kidding. I wasn´t. I would love to design shoes.
Q: That’s awesome. Do you have any other advice for our reader who may also be getting ready to interview or possibly apply?
A: Yeah, make sure to ask questions. You should always do some research about the school, program, and faculty, and prepare some intelligent questions for the interviewer. Schools like to see that you have done your homework.
You can check out some graduate programs in the United States here. Good luck!
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