DLC Blog
June 13, 2007
Bot-Talk
Corbis Images
In this DLC podcast, you'll enter the world of Artificial Intelligence. You'll get the opportunity to sit down with one of the internet's most famous "intelligent" computers and learn what makes her "think."
Click here to listen to the podcast.
Mike Lambert
DLC Research and Development Assistant
Posted by Michael at 05:24 PM
November 13, 2006
World Jump Day
I read an interesting article the other day and I thought I would share with you.
Have you heard of the World Jump Day?
It states that if millions and millions of people jump at same time, it will stop the global warming because it will shift the earth from its orbit a bit, or whatnot.
Well, this is a bad joke.
Let’s look at this in terms of physics.
Let’s assume the average mass of 6 billion human on earth is 70kg (154lb).
The acceleration due to gravity is 9.81kg/s^2 (32.17ft/s^2).
Also assume the average height of a vertical jump is 0.6m (2 ft).
From this data, we can find how much work is generated when everyone jumps and lands at same time.
First, find how fast they will be when they land:
vf^2 = vi^2 + 2*g*x
vf^2 = 0^2 + 2*9.81*0.6
vf = 3.41m/s
vf = velocity when everyone lands
vi = velocity at the peak of jump (0).
g = gravity
x = height of the jump
Next find the energy created when everyone lands:
KE = 1/2*m*v^2
KE = 1/2*(70*6E9)*3.41^2
KE = 2.44E12 J
KE = kinetic energy
m = mass of everyone combined
v = velocity when everyone lands
So 2.44E12 Joules of energy will be generated when everyone on the earth jumps and lands at same time. How much energy is 2.44E12 Joules? It’s equivalent to 6506 tons (1.43E7lb) of TNT (dynamite) or 1/3 of the energy created by a hydrogen bomb.
The hydrogen bombs have been tested on the surface of the earth and nothing has changed, thus everyone on the earth jumping and landing at same time doesn’t do anything.
Miyagi
Posted by Hayato at 04:28 PM
October 24, 2006
Mentos + Coke = ???
Have you ever heard of an urban legend that you will die if you eat pop rocks and drink soda at same time? Well, this is not true. Pop rocks and soda won’t kill you. Meanwhile, if you eat mentos and drink soda at same time, that might actually hurt you (so don't do it!!!). Well, please watch this video.
Mentos contains gum arabic, which lowers the surface tension of water and therefore causes increased fizzing in carbonated beverages. One thing that casts doubt on the gum arabic theory, however, is that several items that contain no gum arabic whatsoever also cause soda to foam violently. Several chemists have since stepped forward to say that while gum arabic may contribute to the reaction, that can’t be the only cause.
These chemists are saying that the primary cause is physical, not chemical. Their explanation: nucleation sites. If you have a liquid that is supersaturated with gas (like soda, which is pumped full of carbon dioxide), a nucleation site is a place where the gas is able to form bubbles. Nucleation sites can be scratches on a surface or specks of dust – anywhere that you have a high surface area in a very small volume. That's where bubbles can form. Mentos seem to be loaded with nucleation sites. In other words, there are so many microscopic nooks and crannies on the surface of a Mentos gum that an incredible number of bubbles will form when you drop it in a bottle of soda. Since the Mentos are also heavy enough to sink, they react with the soda all the way to the bottom. The escaping bubbles quickly turn into a raging foam, and the pressure builds dramatically.
Miyagi
PS - DON'T do this inside of the house, your parents will be sooooo mad. Take it outside and take necessary safety precautions like goggles and a clear escape route.
Posted by Hayato at 03:52 PM
April 24, 2006
Dropout Nation
Here is an interesting Time magazine article about high school drop out rates in the US. Here is interesting paragraphs from the article, which you can read in its entirety by clicking here
“In today's data-happy era of accountability, testing and No Child Left Behind, here is the most astonishing statistic in the whole field of education: an increasing number of researchers are saying that nearly 1 out of 3 public high school students won't graduate, not just in Shelbyville but around the nation. For Latinos and African Americans, the rate approaches an alarming 50%. Virtually no community, small or large, rural or urban, has escaped the problem.”
The article mostly talks about how high school dropout rates are increasing around the nation mostly due to the fact that high school students are feeling they are bored at school. What is interesting and perhaps what makes this story different is that the blame is put on the schools and educators. What is your experience? Do you think you would be more motivated to work hard at school if you were encouraged by your teachers? Are you simply bored at school?
I was also curious, with all these new technological resources and online classes, if you feel like you have an opportunity to explore your interests and advance in your studies regardless of your school or teachers? I would like to hear more about your experience. How easily is it for you to access these new resources?
Please contact me at
Posted by Yared at 06:24 PM
February 21, 2006
High School Student Runs for County Commission
Here is an article about a high school student that is running for a seat on the County Commission. This is an 18-year old student that is taking the initiative to get involved in his community.
Here are a few quotes taken from the Maryville, TN Daily Times article:
"They have been passing a lot of legislation affecting my generation, like 30-year bonds,'' said Boyatt, who qualified Thursday to run for District 5 Seat A. "`Most of the commissioners don't have to worry about those being paid off in their lifetimes, so I believe my generation should have a say in it.''
"A lot of this stuff is really a waste of money,'' he said. "Spending $785,000 for a race track that is polluted for a fairgrounds that doesn't really help us now? There are bad, unsound financial decisions I would like to rectify.''
"But Boyatt said he would be able to bring to the County Commission a "first-person perspective on school overcrowding and objectivity on growth and development.''
You can read the full article at
http://www.thedailytimes.com/sited/story/html/230767
This is a serious young student taking initiative to express his concerns and his genuine desire to give back to his community. I admit it is rare to find an 18-year old student running for a public office. But, that is not what surprised me the most! What surprised me is his level of confidence to articulate these concerns about his community.
Do you take the initiative to express your concerns and feelings about an issue that you are passionate about in your school and you community?
How do you respond to injustice you observe in your school and community?
Do you believe you have the obligation and responsibility to participate in civic matters?
Yared Ayele
DLC Student Mentor- Science and Vocational Technology
Posted by Yared at 05:33 PM
The Attack of the Shower Curtain
At my house, the shower curtain has become a dangerous enemy. Not only is he covered with old skin cells--small trophies of past victories--but he seeks to assert his imperialist slimy fingers into my bathing space, and onto my clean, freshly showered self. One of the most undignifying things to experience in the morning is a thorough mauling from one’s own shower curtain. Determined to win in this struggle against SC, I decided to set out in search of the mysterious source of his strength. Scientists claimed that shower curtains billow for the same reason that airplanes fly; they are simply another example of Bernoulli’s principle at work. Bernoulli said that an increase in velocity is always accompanied by a decrease in pressure. In other words (or symbols): P + 0.5ρV2 + ρgh = constant, where p is the pressure, ρ is the density, v is the velocity, h is elevation and g is gravitational acceleration. So, when you get in the shower and turn on the water, the air within the shower moves at a greater speed than the air outside the curtain (which is essentially still air). This creates a pressure difference across the curtain, pushing, or sucking the curtain in. I guess victory is as simple as leaving a fan on outside the shower.
Posted by Ashley at 04:35 PM
January 10, 2006
WASL and College
A recent report published by League of Education Foundation puts the blame on preschool education for lack of adequate preparation of students for K-12 education. Here are a few facts taken from a Seattle Times article. You may read at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002730491_league10m.html
• More than 14,000 low-income children who qualify for programs such as Head Start aren't participating. That equates to nearly half of qualified 3- and 4-year-olds.
• In K-12 education, progress has been made in reading, with 79 percent of students now passing the reading portion of the fourth-grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). But major problems remain in math, with only 51 percent of students passing the math portion of the seventh-grade WASL.
• The state's public colleges and universities need to accommodate another 26,000 students by 2010 just to maintain present attendance levels.
Regardless of what you think about the kind of education you are receiving, and your attitude toward the credibility of the WASL, the reality is that things are improving; city, state and federal government agencies along with non-profit organizations like the Digital Learning Commons are working hard to give every student in the state equal access and opportunity to quality education.
If there is one fact that should concern high school students it’s that more and more students will be graduating from high school with the qualification and interest to continue their education in college and universities around the country.
What is the concern? There’s stiff competition for those that are college-bound. You will have to be a well rounded applicant to compete against your fellow graduates and earn your spot. For you, this means working hard in high school classes, being active in your community, and passing the WASL—yes, you read it right, you have to pass the WASL. Passing the WASL should NOT just be a ritual you have to perform; you should view it as a bridge that you have to cross in order to achieve your next life goals.
The upside is you CAN DO IT- and the DLC has everything you need to prepare for the TEST! Here are a few specific resources that I really think you should take advantage of.
• The DLC Student Mentor Program
We have been getting ready to help you with the WASL test. So, if you need some help preparing, or someone to share your test anxieties with, DLC Student Mentors are standing by. Read about the Mentor program, and sign up at: http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/courses/studentmentors/index.php
• Meet State Standards with DLC Resources
There are specific online resource available to help you prepare for the WASL test. Take advantage of them all!
Visit:
http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2005/11/standards.php
Also there are other resources available through the DLC that you could use as homework resources, not to mention online courses you could take to earn high school and college credits.
-Yared Ayele
Posted by Yared at 01:52 PM
December 06, 2005
What does “Technology Integration” mean?
Technology is obviously a complex issue that needs to be studied carefully. In the educational community, its impact seems to be associated directly with the traditionally used measurements of achievement, such as grades, SAT scores, etc. But, I have always wondered what the core driving force for integrating technology into the classrooms is? Why is it that policy makers, educators and non-profit organizations like the Digital Learning Commons are advocating the equal access and use of technology at the high school level? Do we have hard evidence of its direct or indirect impact on students’ academic achievement? Or, is there another outcome that is desired as a result of technology integration in education? Is it for the sole purpose of the closing the “digital divide” to give all students across academic, economic, geographic boundaries equal access to technology for the sake of leveling the playing field?
I have been thinking about these issues lately because I am taking a class about the role of technology in education, and at the same time trying to develop my own little research about perceptions of technology. Also, I was recently awarded a diversity scholarship by my department along with another student. I will let you read the article and judge for yourself?
Please follow this link: http://www.ischool.washington.edu/events/docs/newsletter-fall-05.pdf
BUT HONESTLY- What do you really think about diversity, technology and equal opportunity as they relate to education? Do you think you have the potential, given the opportunity, to achieve your dreams and passions?
I would love to hear from you!
Click here to get involved with the Student Mentor program
Posted by Yared at 08:18 PM
October 17, 2005
Are you online...?
Are you online?
Check out the Pew Internet & American Life Project website to see the latest numbers about the usage of internet by Americans. Based on those numbers, I believe that the following are true about Americans when it comes to using the Internet.
Here is the link: http://www.pewinternet.org/trends/User_Demo_08.09.05.htm
Both male and females use the internet equally.
Young people (18-29) use the internet (84%) more than any other age groups.
Except Blacks (non-Hispanic), all other race groups in America use the internet equally.
Rural areas use the internet less Urban and suburban communities.
It is mostly rich people that use the internet in America.
High school students don’t’ use the internet as much as college students or college graduates.
Almost half of the households in America still have dialup internet connection at home.
Based on the numbers presented on the website, do you agree with my observations? Are you surprised by any of the observations and numbers presented?
How does this reflect your use of the internet, your school, and community?
Yared Ayele
Science/Vocational Technologies Mentor
Digital Learning Commons
Posted by Yared at 08:14 AM
September 24, 2005
Hydrogen Fuel Cells: one alternative to high gas prices!
Scientists and government leaders around the world are trying to find an alternative to using gasoline as an energy source for vehicles. For you and me, buying a hybrid is one possible relief from high gas prices, but Hybrids are far too expensive!
One possible alternative is the hydrogen fuel cell. Hydrogen fuel is usually manufactured in a process called “electrolysis,” in which the hydrogen atoms in water are separated from the oxygen atoms and then compressed into fuel cells. When hydrogen is burned, it recombines with oxygen (creating water again) and releases energy. Proponents say that hydrogen fuel is better for the environment than gasoline because its byproduct is water, not smog and pollutants. However, critics argue that hydrogen fuel is not efficient because it is not a primary energy source. Manufacturers must use energy from other sources to create hydrogen fuel through electrolysis; because manufacturers must use energy to make more energy, some of the efficiency is canceled out.
Thinking Questions: What are other energy alternatives to petroleum and fossil fuels? What are their pros and cons? How is the burning of fossil fuels affecting our planet? How can scientists, government leaders, and industry make alternative energy more available? How can public transportation be improved?
[These questions are a few of the many reasons to explore careers in Science & Technology. Have you thought about what you want to do after high school?]
Lear more:
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Careers in Math & Science
Posted by Yared at 08:43 PM
September 15, 2005
Blog from Katrina: The role of technology in tragedy
More than ever, technology is playing a huge role in our community, society and the world at large. Here are some examples where technology (the internet) was used to communicate, connect and comfort the survivors of Hurricane Katrina and their loved ones.
The Times Picayune, the major New Orleans Newspaper, could only be published online since the storm, and thousands used the website to find their relatives, and even post their own stories and pictures. [Check out http://nola.com].
For residents of the Gulf States, the Internet and wireless technology were the only means of the getting information about loved ones. Read this particular posting from a blogger at live journal. With no phone or electricity- the only way he could communicate was using text messages on his phone. Text messages are transmitted using wireless technology and don’t require a phone line.
And you have probably heard, or read about the new websites, blogs, and message boards that sprung up in the wake of the Hurricane. There are message boards for survivors and people looking for family members. HurricaneKatrinaSurvivors.com is one website with message boards and information.
On the contrary, rigorous computer modeling, simulation, and even trainings did not come to the aid of the citizens of New Orleans and the Gulf as planned.
In your personal experience, how do you see the role of technology in your life, in your community and our society? Do you think it is creating a bigger and bigger gap between the poor and the rich? Do you know what the “digital-divide” is? Think about the whole idea of taking classes online, for example!
I look forward to discussing these, and other issues with students across the state. If you are not currenlty partcipating in the Student Mentor program you can do so by clicking here and registering.
Yared Ayele,
Science & Vocational Technology Mentor
Digital Learning Commons
Yared.ayele@email.learningcommons.org
Posted by Yared at 06:41 PM
August 31, 2005
New "Hot" Moon
Astronomers everywhere are excited over interesting recent discoveries about Saturn's moon Enceladus. Evidence collected by the Cassini probe has proven that this small moon supports its own atmosphere. It also seems to have a "hot-spot" at the southern pole, creating large cracks in its surface which have been termed its "tiger stripes."
It's interesting, however, that the warmest part of the planet should be at the southern pole. The relative warmth there cannot be a result of sunlight. Evidence shows that the large cracks in its surface may be due to ice geysers or ice volcanoes below the surface, though scientists cannot prove this without more information. The close flyby of the Cassini probe last month also indicated the presence of a water vapor atmosphere. The fact that parts of the southern surface are relatively smooth indicates recent volcanic activity, and may even indicate that this moon contains a small liquid subsurface ocean. This baffles scientists, as any liquid interior should have frozen long ago.
Along with Jupiter's moon Io, this makes Enceladus the second moon in our solar system with an atmosphere of its own. This moon is only 500km wide, yet its icy surface still makes it the most reflective object in our solar system. Below is a picture comparing the size of Enceladus with the Earth.
For more information on Enceladus, visit these sites:
Saturn Moon Delights and Baffles (BBC)
Enceladus (Wikipedia)
Lindsey Aakre
Student Mentor - French
Posted by Lindsey at 01:38 PM
New Alzheimer's Prevention
Scientists are now developing a kind of glowing dye to help diagnose early signs of the Alzheimer's disease. The dye binds itself to areas of the brain affected by the disease and gives off a fluorescent glow that can be seen and analyzed by a brain scan.
Currently, the only way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease is to observe the symptoms, and even then doctors can only be positive after the patient has died. This fact makes it difficult for scientists to determine the effectiveness of treatments, since they cannot accurately monitor the brain's reactions to these potential treatments.
Unfortunately this new technology is not quite ready to be put to use. Scientists say that the wavelengths still need to be slightly longer, closer to the infrared region. But scientists are hopeful that this will allow them to better diagnose and treat this serious disease.
Posted by Lindsey at 01:20 PM
August 16, 2005
Pluto's Debated Planetary Status
Recent discoveries of other large objects orbiting the sun in our solar system have led to heated debates on whether or not these objects may be considered planets. Originally, a planet was a wandering star – then it was something that revolved around the sun. But many distant objects, asteroids, and comets revolve around our sun, and yet we do not call them planets. So the real question is, what should the definition of a planet be?
The debate began as technological advances made it possible to find more minor asteroids, comets, stars and possible planets in our solar system.
At around 3000km across, 2003 UB313 is the largest object to have been discovered in our solar system since the discovery of Neptune in 1846. This “planet” is a world of rock and ice somewhat larger than Pluto, though it’s about three times as far from the sun. Other recent discoveries include Quaoar (found in 2002) and Sedna (detected in 2004), both comparable in size to Pluto as well.
Most of these objects are associated with the Kuiper belt – a large asteroid belt surrounding our solar system. Scientists estimate there may be tens of thousands of objects revolving around our sun in the Kuiper belt, some larger than Pluto.
At only 2300km across, Pluto’s size is significantly smaller than the original estimations at its discovery in 1930. At that time, it was thought to be of a size comparable with Earth. Recent evidence indicates it’s smaller than our moon, with only about a fifth of its mass.
But some argue that Pluto has been culturally accepted as a planet for too long for it to be discounted now. "Our culture has fully embraced the idea that Pluto is a planet and scientists have for the most part not yet realized that the term planet no longer belongs to them," says Michael Brown, one of the astronomers who discovered 2003 UB313.
His conclusion is simple: "From now on, everyone should ignore the distracting debates of the scientists. Planets in our solar system should be defined not by some attempt at forcing a scientific definition on a thousands-of-years-old cultural term, but by simply embracing culture. Pluto is a planet because culture says it is.”
The other side argues that Pluto should not be considered a planet, and only objects larger than Mars should be called planets in the future.
For more information on the Pluto debates, follow the links below!
Astronomers Detect ‘10th Planet’
Farewell Pluto?
Lindsey Aakre
Student Mentor - French
Posted by Lindsey at 06:12 PM
The Amazing Dolphin
Since ancient times, dolphins have been revered as one of the most intelligent and interesting creatures of the animal kingdom. The Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote extensively about dolphins, an animal the Greeks considered sacred. They highly esteemed their intelligence, and easily accepted stories of heroic acts by dolphins as well as stories of friendships between humans and dolphins. Ancient sailors also considered them a good omen when escorted by them on voyages.
In one ancient story, Telemachus (the son of Odysseus) was saved from drowning when a dolphin pushed him ashore. Odysseus honored this act by carrying a picture of a dolphin on his shield. In a later Roman story, a young boy developed a friendship with a dolphin who carried him across a lake to school every day.
These stories are not even as far-fetched as they may initially seem. In recent times, dolphins have been known to save swimmers from drowning as well as protect them from shark attacks by continuously circling the swimmers. Dolphins are also known to develop strong ties with other dolphins and human beings.
Studies on dolphin intelligence have yielded many interesting results. Their brain size and complexity are comparable to that of human beings, and many researchers consider them to be second in intelligence only to humans. One strong argument for their intelligence is their ability to “train the trainer,” or their ability to invent as well as to imitate. Dolphins in one aquarium invented a game of “catch” by tossing an inner tube to a human onlooker. It took the onlooker a while to realize that he was expected to toss the tube back in their game.
Dolphins also have some more practical uses. Dolphin therapy centers have been established in some places to help children with disabilities. Also, the navy occasionally uses dolphins to find water mines as well as rescue people trapped under water.
For more interesting information on dolphins, visit the links below!
Dolphin saves boy’s life
Wikipedia - Dolphin Intelligence
Posted by Lindsey at 04:47 PM
April 25, 2005
perfect on the ACT and the SAT
Take a look at this article
These students aced both the ACT and SAT. I didn’t think it was possible but I guess anything is possible if you work at it… I wonder what you think about this as you prepare to either take or retake one of these tests. Maybe, you are not even taking them?
What is interesting is that all of these students have positive things to say about their high school? Do you feel the same way about your school?
Here are some question and answers: DO YOU AGREE?
Q: What is the worst thing about high school?
€ Bhutiani: poorly motivated students who take up too much of the teachers' time and slow down the pace of instruction; students who are disruptive.
€ Spitzer: too much of school is a popularity contest.
€ Robine: "goof-offs" who disrupt class.
€ Montgomery: couldn't cite a bad experience.
€ Hughes: cliques which exclude some students.
Q: Are any courses or subjects unnecessary?
€ Bhutiani: no.
€ Spitzer: physical education.
€ Robine: a variety of courses helps students explore career interests.
€ Hughes: physical education.
€ Montgomery: no.
Q: What's one thing would you change about high school if you could?
€ Montgomery: nothing.
€ Hughes: would have gone to the IB school.
€ Spitzer: would have gotten more involved in school and community earlier.
€ Bhutiani: wishes the IB school were closer to his home, especially when he had to ride the bus.
Q: Do you know of students who are struggling with the high school experience, and what could the faculty do to help?
€ Bhutiani: most problems start in the home; parents are the most important influence on their children's education.
€ Spitzer: teachers could be more accessible.
€ Robine: it is the students' responsibility to request help when they need it.
€ Hughes: his instructors "give 150 percent" to students who are lagging behind.
€ Montgomery: students must be motivated to get an education.
Read more on the website above…
Feel free to discuss this on the MESSAGE BOARD I just created (read you e-mail)
BEST,
YARED AYELE,
Science & Vocational Technology Mentor
Posted by Yared at 12:50 PM
April 11, 2005
A source of inspiration
As part of my study in South Africa last quarter, I worked in a local high school, where I taught Physics, Math and established a computer literacy program after school. I worked with the students there at least 6 hours a day everyday of the week. Although it was challenging, it was rewarding and fun working with a group of high school students, just like yourselves.
The only differences that I saw was that they are much more disadvantaged and lack many of the resources that we take for granted here in America. They lack qualified teachers (because blacks were not educated under the apartheid (An official policy of racial segregation formerly practiced in the Republic of South Africa, involving political, legal, and economic discrimination against nonwhites). They don’t have a computer lab at school, let alone online courses. Yet, they work hard and make the best out of their situation. All my time there, I was thinking what my DLC students would think if they were to be here and experience it? I'm sure the experience would motivate many to work hard in school and make the best out of any situation.
This should inspire you to keep working on whatever is challenging in your life and continue to strive for the better.
Here is a sample work by one of my South Africa students for you to reflect on.
Click to view a bigger size
Any perspectives...? send me an e-mail.
Your DLC Student Mentor,
Yared
yared.ayele@email.learningcommons.org
Posted by Yared at 12:50 PM
March 08, 2005
Short Children Pinning Hopes for Growth on Synthetic Hormone
In the spirit of March Madness and basketball, a sport dominated by freakishly tall individuals (Nate Robinson not included), I posted this link to an article I found interesting about treatment with human growth hormone (HGH) for children deemed abnormally short. Log in to SIRS and enjoy!
Sean
http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SDLC-0-7138&artno=0000182956&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=&res=Y&ren=Y&gov=Y&lnk=N&ic=N
Posted by Sean at 05:35 PM
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