How Would You Spend 100M To Change Education

How Would You Spend 100M To Change Education By now you've probably heard about Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg pledging$100 million to the Newark, NJ, public school system. Fast Company magazine surveyed a panel of education experts(Foundation directors to university professors)to hear how they would use that amount of funding to overhaul the U.S. education system. Here's what they had to say: Build new preschool centers, with a focus on a low student to teacher ratio Rewrite standardized tests from scratch for all subjects Support more arts programs, including music and dance Provide funding for more parent-teacher conferences Establish weekend programs for struggling students Establish think tanks for teachers Create online professional development programs for teachers Expand the school year to create more time for teacher planning Focus on differentiated instruction for students Create more after-school programs Improve coordination among the myriad of education services Have every student meet daily with a tutor Ensure students have up-to-date textbooks and lab supplies

The Best Online Resources to Review the Concepts of Physics

The Best Online Resources to Review the Concepts of Physics Online Physics Revision Resources ChaptersThe Most Noteworthy Applications to Acquire the Fundamentals of PhysicsBest Podcasts to Learn More About PhysicsInstrumental Tips to Successfully Revise Physics“Teachers need to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an add-on, an afterthought, or an event.”  -  Heidi-Hayes JacobsWe are currently living in the 21st century (in case you  were living under a rock and hadn't been advised), and our teaching and learning methods need to reflect this fact.Educators have the immense responsibility  of encouraging pupils to implement technology to acquire new academic concepts. We cannot be ignorant and continue to use archaic methods in the classroom; the youth of today seem to born with electronic devices in their hands and respond positively to e-learning.Websites, e-books, applications and podcasts can all be utilised in the classroom and afterwards to complete homework assignments.  Since we are living in the information age, the interne t has plenty of options to ensure student success in a wide variety of academic disciplines. However, the primary issue  seems to be the overabundance of educational alternatives making it challenging to find an option that suits your unique learning style.Have no fear Superprof is here!We have searched the internet far and wide to find the most highly recommended mobile phone applications and podcasts to master the fundamentals of physics inside and outside the classroom.And what would an article about reviewing physics be without some useful suggestions? Therefore, you guessed it, some additional tips from qualified experts about how to adequately consider the concepts of physics have been provided in this article to make the experience of studying physics something beneficial and enjoyable.There are a wide variety of educational applications available for download on the primary application stores that help individuals learn a new language, a foreign concept or more about an acad emic discipline.We will analyse some of the most highly recommended applications that are essential in grasping the basic concepts of physics.Online learning is not enough? Hire a  math and physics tutor.Khan AcademyThe Khan Academy is a non-profit organisation that seeks to instruct all interested ones about any academic discipline that may be of interest. Khan Academy's mobile app allows students to learn more about anything on the go.There are plenty of videos and articles that help students learn more about the basics of physics. There are also practise questions that include step by step hints to ensure success. The application even features offline access to valuable information about physics to keep learning while on your commute to work or school.The application is completely free, extremely educational, and highly recommended for students wanting to learn more about physics from all ages.  Pocket PhysicsA fantastic application to have at your disposal that purely focuses on learning more about physics. The app is 100% free and concentrates only on the key topics that are necessary to succeed.All critical concepts, equations and formulas of physics are included to help students refresh their knowledge after class or prepare for an upcoming examination.Considered by many as the best app about physics available on the Android market. Essential topics of the physical world include linear motion, force, gravity, waves, elasticity, electricity, thermodynamics and astronomy.Android users would be wise to use the Pockets Physics application daily to excel in physics throughout the school year. Remember small study periods every day are better than an afternoon of reviewing once a week.PhyWiz Physics- Physics SolverA helpful application to aid struggling students with their homework. There is step by step questions for over 30 physics topics such as forces, gravity and quantum physics to name a few.The application has a 4.6 out of 5 rating on the Google Play S tore and offers key features that users adore such as the ability to help solve problems quickly and logically, over 100 equations at your fingertips and the option to ask any physics question and get an answer instantly.High School PhysicsAre you in secondary school and needing help with physics? The solution is the High School Physics application that covers many essential topics offering simple definitions about concepts from the physical world.Some pupils claim that physics is too hard because there are too much maths used in physics. Therefore, the developers of the High School Physics application have thought about this concern and created a great tool that permits students to concentrate on physics without becoming discouraged by the heaping amount of mathematical equations.If you prefer to use physics revision books than applications, check out Superprof's article about the most highly recommended books to use when reviewing physics.Best Podcasts to Learn More About PhysicsP odcasts have helped everyday people learn more about academic concepts. (Source: pixabay)Podcasting has become increasingly popular in recent years; it is a free service that allows listeners to download audio files from podcasting websites to listen to them on their personal computers or digital audio players. The term is a combination of the words iPod and Broadcasting.Podcasting started to became readily used and relevant in 2004 and a wide variety of categories can be listened to such as arts, beauty, business, comedy, health, hobbies, music and education.  Podcasts are a fantastic tool for persons who want to learn new things on their commute to work, while taking a walk or while exercising.  To meet the demands of individuals interested in the basic concepts from the physical world, there have been various podcasts developed that touch on essential topics of physics. Without further ado, we will now consider some of the most highly recommended podcasts covering the fundamental s of physics.The Titanium Physicists PodcastDr Ben Tippett and his team believe that anyone can understand physics. Complex physical concepts are explained used fun metaphors, explanations and experiments.There are over 70 episodes that can be download and listened to at a time most convenient for you.Visit their website to subscribe and listen to there scientific podcasts on a regular basis.Khan Academy PhysicsA fantastic educational podcast that should be subscribed to immediately! There are 117 episodes available on the iTunes Podcasts store. Episodes usually last 9-10 minutes and discuss essential physics topics such as magnetism, fluids, motion, Newton's laws and thermodynamics.This well-developed podcast from Khan Academy is a perfect solution for students struggling with physics and have a tight schedule. A physics podcast a day keeps the bad grades away!Physics by Yale UniversityWant a taste of Ivy League education on your way to work? Look no further, the extremely informat ive physics podcast developed by Yale University features professors, lecturers and distinguished speakers discussing physics, quantum mechanics, and the mysteries of the universe.If an educational lecture in physics in American English doesn't bother you, there are six podcasts available on the iTunes Podcast store that range from eight to ten minutes in length. Physics topics such as dark energy and the force of light are reviewed by experts.Physics from the Imperial College LondonThe Imperial College London is a world-class university that delivers excellence in a wide variety of academic disciplines and physics is no different. Their physics podcast is informative and comes highly recommended.According to the iTunes Podcast Store, 79 podcasts are varied in length and perfect for reviewing some essential physics topics.Instrumental Tips to Successfully Revise PhysicsSince physics, along with chemistry and biology, is one of the most challenging academic disciplines studied by pup ils during secondary school and university, helpful tips are always welcomed with open arms to ensure success.To succeed in physics effective study strategies are needed.  Without further ado, the following are some of the most beneficial suggestions to revise physics and ace exams successfully:Think Conceptually:  the academic discipline is unlike other subjects such as history and language arts where memorisation is essential for  success. When studying physics, pupils need to use big-picture conceptually thinking. The basics need to be correctly understood before moving onto more complex concepts. Having a conceptual approach aids students to break down problems into simple steps. Remember, Rome was not built in a day; it was made brick by brick or stone by stone. The same is true with physics; working through the small steps will effectively help students to solve more massive physical problems,Have a Study Schedule:  turn your phone off, find a quiet place and avoid extrinsic d istractions. By finding a quiet area, studying physics will become more productive. If you're using a recommended site to review physics, make sure email notifications and other distracting things are turned off. Remember that scheduling a few minutes each day to review physics is essential for academic victory,Develop a Love for Maths:  it is proven that students excel on subjects they enjoy. Therefore, develop an appreciation for mathematics since it is a prerequisite for success in physics. Viewing mathematical equations as a painful chore will only make matters worse and discourage you from developing your maths skills. If you are having trouble motivating yourself in math class, hire a dynamic private tutor to cover the necessary basics of algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.Reviewing physics does not have to be a traumatising experience. With the help of modern-day learning tools such as podcasts and applications, developing a firm grasp of the fundamental concepts of physics can be done triumphantly!

Area of a Hexagon

Area of a Hexagon Area of a Hexagon Geometry is a branch of Mathematics which deals with studying shapes of various dimensions and analyzing their properties. In this study of shapes, the polygon family is one of the most commonly studied figures. Polygons are closed 2-dimesional flat objects which have straight sides. The polygon consisting of 6 sides and 6 angles is known as the Hexagon. Any closed flat 2-dimensional structure with 6 straight sides will be referred to as a Hexagon. The word hex means 6 and gon refers to angle. As shown in the diagram below, a hexagon has 6 sides or edges, 6 angles and 6 vertices. Area of a hexagon is the space occupied within the boundaries (or sides) of the hexagon. Using the side and angle measurements, we can find the area of a hexagon. Hexagons can be commonly observed in different forms in our beautiful nature around. The below figure shows us the shaded portion inside the boundaries of the hexagon which is called the Area of a Hexagon. Types of Hexagons: Hexagons are classified primarily into 2 types: Regular Hexagons and Irregular Hexagons. 1) Regular Hexagon: A hexagon which has all of its 6 sides equal in measure is known as the Regular Hexagon. Along with its 6 equal sides, it also has all its 6 angles equal in measure. Therefore when a regular hexagon is divided into triangles by joining its diagonals, 6 equilateral triangles are formed as shown in the figure below. (Note: Diagonal is a line segment formed by joining any two non-adjacent vertices as shown in the figure on the right). Area of a regular hexagon can be easily calculated by considering the 6 equilateral triangles formed inside. 2) Irregular Hexagon: A hexagon which does not have 6 equal sides is known as the Irregular Hexagon. This type of hexagon does not have 6 equal angles as well. If the vertices of an irregular hexagon point outward, then it is known as a Convex Irregular Hexagon, and if the hexagons vertices (or at least 1 vertex) points inward, then it is known as a Concave Irregular Hexagon as shown in the figure below. Since the sides and angles measurements are unequal, hence we have to use different strategies to find the area of an irregular hexagon. Area of a Hexagon: Area of a hexagon is the space occupied by within the sides of the hexagon. The method to calculate area of a regular hexagon differs from the method to calculate the area of an irregular hexagon. Area of a Regular Hexagon: A regular hexagon has all the 6 sides and 6 angles equal in measure. When diagonals passing through the center of the hexagon are drawn, 6 equilateral triangles of equal size are formed (as shown in the figure below). If the area of one equilateral triangle is calculated then we can easily calculate the area of the given regular hexagon. If a convex regular polygon has n sides, then the sum of all its interior angles, S = (n 2) * 180 Therefore, sum of all the interior angles of a convex regular hexagon S = (6 2) * 180 = 720 If a convex regular polygon has n sides, then Each Interior angle = (n 2)/ n * 180 Therefore, each interior angle of a convex regular hexagon = (6 2)/6 * 180 = 120 Given a regular convex hexagon as shown in the figure above, where point C is the center of the hexagon. Triangle ABC is an equilateral triangle, as all the angles inside triangle ABC are equal to 60 (half of the interior angle 120). Hence all its sides are also equal. Therefore, let the side lengths of AB = BC = CA = s CM is the perpendicular drawn to the side AB. Let CM = h As M becomes the midpoint of side AB, hence MB = s/2 (half of the side length of AB). Now in triangle CMB, we can apply the Pythagorean Theorem to get the relationship between the height h of the triangle, and the side length s. Hence, h2 + (s/2)2 = s2. This implies h2 + s2/4 = s2. This gives h2 = s2 s2/4 So, h2 = 3s2/4 == h = (3s2/4). Therefore, the height of the triangle ABC , h = s* 3/2 Now, Area of triangle ABC = 1/2 * base * height. This implies, Area A = 1/2 * s * h == A = 1/2 * s * (s * 3/2) == A = s2 * 3/4 Therefore, Area of triangle ABC = s2 * 3/4. Now, a regular hexagon consists of 6 such congruent equilateral triangles. Hence, Area of a Regular Hexagon = 6 * s2 * 3/4 which can be further simplified as: Area of a Regular Hexagon = 3/2 * s2 * 3 Example 1: What is the area of a regular hexagon whose side length is 8cm? Given that the side length, s = 8cm Area of a regular hexagon, A = 3/2 * s2 * 3 Hence, Area = 3/2 * 82 * 3 = 963 which is 166.3cm2 (approximately) Example 2: If the area of a regular hexagon is 12 square feet, then what is the side length of the hexagon? Given Area of a regular hexagon, A = 12 square feet and this can be further simplified as 23 ft2. Area of a regular hexagon, A = 3/2 * s2 * 3. Therefore, 3/2 * s2 * 3 = 12. This implies s2 = 2/3 * 12/3. This gives: s2 = 2/3 * 23/3 (123 can be also written as 23). Hence, s2 = 4/3. This implies s = (4/3) = 2/3 = 1.15 (approximately) Therefore, the side length of the regular hexagon is 1.15ft (approximately) Area of an Irregular Hexagon: Finding the area of an irregular hexagon is not the same as finding the area of a regular hexagon. Area of a regular hexagon can be easily calculated using the formula we have above, but for an irregular hexagon we use various methods according to the given information to find its area. Let us look at an example below where the information is given in the figure. Example: Find the area of the irregular hexagon shown in the figure below. In the given figure, we observe that the side lengths are given and the lengths of the diagonals are also given. We can see that the irregular hexagon is split into 4 triangles A, B, C and D. Since the side lengths of each triangle are given, we can use Herons formula. Herons Formula: If a triangle has side lengths as a, b and c, then s = (a + b+ c)/2 Then, Area of the triangle = [s* (s-a)* (s-b)* (s-c)] Triangle A: s = (10+ 6 + 10)/2 == s = 13 Now Area of triangle A = [s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)] = [(13* (13 -10) * (13 6) * (13 -10)] Area of Triangle A = (13 * 3 * 7 * 3) = 28.6m2 Triangle B: s = (10 + 11 + 7)/2 = 14 Area of triangle B = [(14 * (14 10) * (14 7) * (14 11)] = (14 * 4 * 7 * 3) = 34.3m2 Similarly using Herons Formula as shown above, we get the areas of triangles C and D as well. Area of Triangle C = 16.9m2 and Area of Triangle D = 19.9m2 Now, Area of the Irregular Hexagon = Area of Triangle A + Area of Triangle B + Area of Triangle C + Area of Triangle D Area of the Hexagon = 28.6 + 34.3 + 16.9 + 19.9 = 99.7m2 Perimeter of a Hexagon: Perimeter of a hexagon (regular or irregular) can be easily calculated by adding all the side lengths of the given hexagon. Perimeter of a Regular Hexagon is equal to sum of all its side lengths. Therefore, Perimeter of a Regular Hexagon of side length s (as shown in the figure on the right) = s + s + s + s + s + s This gives us Perimeter of Regular Hexagon = 6s Perimeter of an Irregular Hexagon is also sum of all its side lengths. If a, b, c, d, e, and f are the side lengths of an irregular hexagon (as shown in the figure on the right),then Perimeter of an Irregular Hexagon = a + b + c + d + e + f

Time Management Tips for In-Class Essays

Time Management Tips for In-Class Essays In-class essays can be stressful, especially if theyre timed. Although they are short and sweet, they can also be a great way for you to show your knowledge of the topic at hand. Here are four time management tips for in-class essays. 1. Look for keywords Before diving into the writing, read the essay question carefully, looking for keywords that will guide the structure and content of your piece. Pay special attention to the verbs in the question, such as compare and contrast, discuss, evaluate, summarize, or justify. Looking for directives and knowing what they mean should help you formulate a gameplan and feel more confident about the essay youll write. Try annotating the question itself; underline and circle important words in the essay prompt itself to make sure you dont miss anything important. This is especially useful when the question is long and/or includes more than one part, and it may help to quickly jumpstart your essay. 2. Jot down notes After reading the question, take time to quickly jot notesdown of whatever comes to your mind related to the prompt. Write down quotes, thoughts for and against a topic, and concrete examples. Think of this as a free-write: a way to gather ideas without the pressure of organization or accuracy. Keep your mind open and use associative logic dont worry too much about whether or not youll end up including all of these ideas; the point is to gather as large of a pool of ideas as you can that youll be able to draw from later. 3. Make an outline This is arguably one of the most important time management tips for in-class essays. Once youve finished note-taking, start organizing your thoughts into an outline. You may feel tempted to immediately start writing the essay, but outlines are a great time management strategy: they help you structure your writing and give you a solid direction to follow so youre able to write more efficiently in the long run. Depending on the essay question itself, youll probably want to write two to four body paragraphs. When making your outline, decide on your thesis and a few points to back it up, which will be the topic sentences of your body paragraphs. Also, while youre outlining, dont forget to think about a logical order for your body paragraphs think about how your points build on each other in the most effective way. 4. Budget your time Keep track of your timeas youre planning and writing your essay. First, ensure you know how long youll be given and how youll keep a time check: the wall clock, your watch, or, if youre using a computer, the time in the corner of the screen. Some teachers and test proctors will keep time on the board or will give a five or 10 minute warning before the end of the allotted writing period. Once you know the total time given, plan approximate amounts of time for note-taking, outlining, writing, and proofreading/editing. Youll want to spend the bulk of your time writing, and dont forget to budget around five minutes for proofreading and editing. In addition to the above tips, pay close attention in class for similar assignments that can mentally prepare you for in-class writing. Try writing to a timer at home if youre prone to nervousness in class. Ask your teacher for guidelines or any advice. Then, once youre in the situation itself, you should know how to succeed.

Five Tips for Successful MCAT Prep Part 2

Five Tips for Successful MCAT Prep Part 2 MCAT Medical School Admissions Last time, we shared three of five tips for success on the MCAT. The first three tips were: #1 Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses #2 Use Mnemonics #3 Read the Answers First You can read the first part of this post hereto learn more about the above tips. Here are the final two tips: #4: Make Efficient Use of Resources As you undoubtedly know or will soon discover, there is a plethora of available resources for MCAT preparation. When wading through this morass and attempting how to best spend your hard earned dollars, the first step is determining which items are best suited for the job. For this purpose, rely extensively on reviews and word-of-mouth. Once you’ve narrowed it down, I recommend purchasing one (or more, depending on whether the subjects are divided) quality review book â€" one that presents all the essential information in a comprehensive but understandable format. Many of these printed recently include several practice tests, which is fine, but if you can find a stand-alone model with just information, they tend to contain more of it. Then buy up or find as many possible sample exams with complete explanations as you can. The key is to combine these two resources into one powerhouse of information synthesis. Instead of taking massive piles of original notes, why not use the extensive outlines already provided, and simply fill them in with other useful information? And what better place to get that information than the thorough explanations that accompany the answers to all those practice questions you’re already going through? Together, these two powerful assets can become a substantial yet efficient studying machine. #5: Use Your Anxiety Anxiety is nobody’s natural friend â€" it can be painful and disheartening, sometimes worse. It comes with the territory in test preparation and studying, and there’s really no way around that. Nor would you want a way around that, because while it can sometimes appear meaningless, a certain amount is required to succeed in the world of science and medicine. As much as we may detest it at times, anxiety is a built-in motivator that helps drive us, often through less-than-optimal circumstances. Use this knowledge to your advantage. If you can harness this energy and turn it into productivity, it will likely pay dividends, academically and otherwise. Exactly how to do this is of course the tricky part, and is entirely personal. But in learning to accept a certain level of anxiety rather than fear it, you can absolutely use it to your benefit. Conclusion There is any number of other suggestions â€" some of them good, many of them less so - that you might heed during your preparation efforts. The key is to personalize all of the above and make it your own, to whatever extent possible. And trust your gut instincts â€" more often than not, if it feels good and right, whether in studying or in life, it probably is. Keep your head to the grindstone, and best of luck with the MCAT and beyond. If you're interested in private, 1-1 MCAT tutoring, visit ourMCAT tutoringpage. Gary Rothbard is a Senior Tutor for MyGuru. Gary got his B.S. in Biopsychology at the University of Michigan followed by his MD at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He no longer practices medicine, and has also obtained an MS in Science Education. He has over twenty years of tutoring experience.

Expressing Your Opinion in English Talking About the Oscars

Expressing Your Opinion in English Talking About the Oscars The Academy Award ceremony,  or Oscars, which took place last week, is the most important event in the film award calendar. Did you watch the show? Heres how to express your opinion in English.What was the best thing about the Oscars this year?The fashion,The red carpet interviews,The musical numbers,The way it tried to attract to a younger audience with younger hosts.What did you think about the choice of The King’s Speech as best movie?Positive reactionIt deserved it,It was an obvious choice,There was no competition.Negative reactionColin Firth won the Oscar for best actor this year.There were better movies,I wasn’t convinced,I was disappointed with the choice.What would you suggest the organizers do next year to improve the event?Pick different hosts,Reduce the number of skits (or comedy sketches),Make the ceremony shorter,Organize it for a different time of year, maybe the summer.Will you watch the Oscar ceremony next year? Yes…I wouldn’t miss it,It’s an institution in the movie awards season,It’s great entertainment.No…It’s an outdated event,It’s too long and I find it quite boring,It doesn’t affect me one way or another….Heres a short video with Colin Firth talking about his Oscar-winning role in the movie The Kings Speech. See if you can answer the questions that follow it. For those of you wanting to practice listening to an upper-class English accent, this is a great opportunity!Firth thought the role would be difficult when he first started it. What is the metaphor he uses at the beginning of the interview to express this?What does Colin Firth say was a difficulty he experienced in researching the role?Firth makes some interesting comments about history. What does he say?What did the mother of David, or Edward III, say to him in  her letter and why?How do apologists (or those) of favor of David, Edwards VIII, defend him?What, if any, was the relationship between the two brothers, David and Bertie?What example of early childhood a buse did Firth’s character, Bertie, experience?What experience made the father of Firth’s character warm to his son, Bertie?Did you find this lesson helpful? Please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

Algebra Puzzle ~ Climb the Pyramid

Algebra Puzzle ~ Climb the Pyramid Today, I have two algebraic puzzles for all the algebra  buffs among you: Climb the Pyramid and Label the Fractions on the number line. But before we jump into it like to mention May Kacharava who usually writes a post each Monday. Today, May is on her well deserved summer vacation. While she relaxes on the beach, I like to pick up on her article campaign labeled  cute geometry she created so masterful back  in May and  June earlier this year. Now, lets have some algebraic puzzle fun! Climb the Pyramids In this  algebraic puzzle you need to combine the like terms in the pyramid found below: Start with the empty field on  the 2nd row and walk your way all the way to the top. To give you a hint, the missing field on right-hand side at the 2nd row can be found by combining the 3rd and 4th fields from the bottom row. That is: (3x-2)  +  (x+2)  =  (3x+x)  +  (-2+2)  =  4x + 0 = 4x Simple, or what? Fractions on the Number Line There are six number lines each missing one label as shown in the picture below: Your task is to deduce the missing label from the already existing labels. Note the length of the number line is in each case 1, or more precisely the interval from 0 to 1. Lets find the missing label on the first number line together. 1/3 is given, there is only one more label in the middle between 1/3 and 1. Thus, the missing label has to be 2/3. Should these two algebra puzzles be too hard, ask one of our algebra tutor for help. They are smart and good-hearted tutors. Give them a try! Algebra Puzzle ~ Climb the Pyramid Today, I have two algebraic puzzles for all the algebra  buffs among you: Climb the Pyramid and Label the Fractions on the number line. But before we jump into it like to mention May Kacharava who usually writes a post each Monday. Today, May is on her well deserved summer vacation. While she relaxes on the beach, I like to pick up on her article campaign labeled  cute geometry she created so masterful back  in May and  June earlier this year. Now, lets have some algebraic puzzle fun! Climb the Pyramids In this  algebraic puzzle you need to combine the like terms in the pyramid found below: Start with the empty field on  the 2nd row and walk your way all the way to the top. To give you a hint, the missing field on right-hand side at the 2nd row can be found by combining the 3rd and 4th fields from the bottom row. That is: (3x-2)  +  (x+2)  =  (3x+x)  +  (-2+2)  =  4x + 0 = 4x Simple, or what? Fractions on the Number Line There are six number lines each missing one label as shown in the picture below: Your task is to deduce the missing label from the already existing labels. Note the length of the number line is in each case 1, or more precisely the interval from 0 to 1. Lets find the missing label on the first number line together. 1/3 is given, there is only one more label in the middle between 1/3 and 1. Thus, the missing label has to be 2/3. Should these two algebra puzzles be too hard, ask one of our algebra tutor for help. They are smart and good-hearted tutors. Give them a try! Algebra Puzzle ~ Climb the Pyramid Today, I have two algebraic puzzles for all the algebra  buffs among you: Climb the Pyramid and Label the Fractions on the number line. But before we jump into it like to mention May Kacharava who usually writes a post each Monday. Today, May is on her well deserved summer vacation. While she relaxes on the beach, I like to pick up on her article campaign labeled  cute geometry she created so masterful back  in May and  June earlier this year. Now, lets have some algebraic puzzle fun! Climb the Pyramids In this  algebraic puzzle you need to combine the like terms in the pyramid found below: Start with the empty field on  the 2nd row and walk your way all the way to the top. To give you a hint, the missing field on right-hand side at the 2nd row can be found by combining the 3rd and 4th fields from the bottom row. That is: (3x-2)  +  (x+2)  =  (3x+x)  +  (-2+2)  =  4x + 0 = 4x Simple, or what? Fractions on the Number Line There are six number lines each missing one label as shown in the picture below: Your task is to deduce the missing label from the already existing labels. Note the length of the number line is in each case 1, or more precisely the interval from 0 to 1. Lets find the missing label on the first number line together. 1/3 is given, there is only one more label in the middle between 1/3 and 1. Thus, the missing label has to be 2/3. Should these two algebra puzzles be too hard, ask one of our algebra tutor for help. They are smart and good-hearted tutors. Give them a try!

Eat Your Heart Out, English! 12 Beautiful Words in Other Languages

Eat Your Heart Out, English! 12 Beautiful Words in Other Languages 12 Beautiful Words in  Other Languages Talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than words. A picture is worth a thousand words.The truth is, words tend to get a bad rap.Our world is inundated with visual stimulation. People need to see  to believe. We often  want to watch instead of read or listen. And its not just television, movies, memes and YouTube that were watching.Look around you. Go ahead. Look around. There are images everywhere, both still and moving. They can  be incredibly awesome  or woefully uninteresting. Either way,  they make us feel something  and when we want to talk about what that something is, we use our words. No matter how much visual stimulation we encounter on a daily basis, words will always be  our primary source of communication. Its just that simple.And were desperate for  more of them.How many times have you been in a situation where youve said I really dont know how to  explain it or I wish there was a word for this? Life lends itself to a vast panoply of experiences that makes us feel, see or do things that are weird, cool, kind or even troubling, and sometimes we just want to tell someone about it.As great as the English language is, it has its limitations. English is taking small strides towards expansion. For instance,  selfie, google  (the verb) and  lol have made it into the dictionary, so all hope isnt lostâ€"or is it?Luckily, other languages from around the world often offer  the  solution to the language limitation issue. Expand your horizons by opening your mind to beautiful words and phrases from languages around the world, and youll always know just what to say.Lets take a look at how other languages describe some of the pains and pleasures of humanity that we just cant find the words for. 12 Beautiful Words in  Other LanguagesThe list below is a great taste of the languages represented, but to learn more beautiful words, phrases, concepts and sentences, we recommend you check out FluentU. FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons for beautiful, individualized learning.1. Douleur ExquiseLanguage: FrenchLove. The gift and the curse. The be all and end all. We all know what it feels like to love someone. Its the best feeling in the worldâ€"when its reciprocated. Theres arguably no worse feeling than the pain of unrequited love. Many of us know  the feeling of looking on at that other person wanting nothing more than to be forever wrapped in their arms, but knowing it will never happen because they dont love you back. Its painful. Its horrible. Its douleur exquise. Meaning:  The pain of unrequited love.2. SobremesaLanguage: SpanishThere are little joys in life like that of gathering together for a meal with family and close friends. The food, the drinks and the laughter can make for great memories. We get so swept up in the conversation that  hours can slip  by unnoticed. In Latin cultures this practice is so common that they came up wi th a word for it.Meaning:  The conversation at the table  that continues after a meal is over.3.  Heimat  Language:  GermanMost of us associate who we are with where we come from. The food, the music, the art, friends, family, school, childhood memories and adulthood experiences  all  stem from  the place we call home.  Heimat refers to  the  place that makes  us who we are. It refers to the attitudes and beliefs weve formed that have evolved  over generations. It doesnt refer to just homeland pride, but our roots.Meaning: The place were connected to that shaped who we are.4. Forelsket Language: NorwegianIs it infatuation? Fascination? Obsession? This is the word to describe that giddy feeling when we havent reached the point of I love you, but were past the initial crush phase. In English the best weve got for the feeling in this stage of a relationship is I really, really like you a lot or I like  like you. If you ask a Norwegian, theyll say its forelsket.Meaning:  The feelings yo u have when youre  falling in love with someone but you havent quite reached love yet.5.  HyggeligtLanguage: DanishThis is that feeling you get when youre cuddled up with that special someone,  or when your mom makes your favorite meal while youre home for the holidays. Maybe you get it when youre curled up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa watching Netflix. Its that warm tingly feeling of comfort  in your chest and your bones that makes you want to stay in the moment forever.Meaning:  A feeling of extreme comfort or  coziness.6.  ????? (Toska)Language: RussianIts been said that no words in the English language could ever capture the full meaning of toska. Lets give it a shot anyway. This word is used to describe a deep, dark feeling of despair. Its the ultimate feeling of yearning and hopelessness. Its the kind of pain that tortures the soul. Its pure, unadulterated, heart-wrenching  sadnessâ€"something wed all like to feel on a very infrequent basis.Meaning:  A feeling a deep s piritual anguish for no specific reason.7.  ??? (Ukiyo-e)Language: JapaneseThis word  literally means floating world, but its used to describe people who dont take a second of their life for granted. They live in the present and dont let the small things get to them. As difficult as this level of enlightenment is to achieve, how great would it be if we could all just let the small things roll off of our backs?Meaning: Someone who lives in the moment and is detached from the minor distractions in life.8. Gigil Language: FilipinoTheres the adorable baby in the supermarket waving at all the passersby. Then theres the mischievous cat that knocks your morning coffee off of the counter before youve had a single sip. Both of them exhibit such intense cuteness that they give you this  extreme urge of wanting to squeeze them, and thats what this word  tries to capture.  The closest phrase in the English language for this sensation is I could just eat you up. However, the English phrase only captures the positive end of this sensation.Meaning: The sudden urge to want to squeeze someone or something out of extreme cuteness or irritation.9.  ?????? (Kreng-jai)Language: ThaiThe world would be a much happier place if everyone showed some common courtesy.  However, it  would be utopia if everyone showed some kreng-jai. The sentiment behind this word is related to an extreme sense of courtesy. It comes from a place of not wanting anyone to have to inconvenience themselves for you. Please dont go to any trouble, is generally something we say to be polite. If the other person insists, a lot of the time  we cave. Kreng-jai is the opposite. You would insist that the other person doesnt go to any trouble.Meaning:  Not wanting someone to have to go out of their way for you.10. Jayus Language: IndonesianTwo men walk into a bar, youd think one of them would have seen it. Yup. The bad joke. Dont worry, Ill keep my day job.  Most of the time when someone tells a bad joke the rooms fall s to that uncomfortable awkward silence, and the joke teller ends up mortified.  However, sometimes a joke is so astonishingly bad that we cant help but laugh at it. Its one of those stolen moments of joy where, fortunately, no ones pride is injured in the process.Meaning:  A joke so bad or told so poorly that one cant help but laugh.11.  ?????? (To’oborni)Language: ArabicEarly on we got a taste of the pain of unrequited love, but now were in the realm of unconditional love. This is a word used for that person who you love so much that you would rather die than be on this earth without them. Its appropriate for use between parent and child, romantic partners and even close friends.Meaning:  You bury me; I love you so much that I want to die before you.12. Ilunga  Language: TshilubaThis is from a language spoken in a region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.  It may be one of the hardest words to translate because it has so many layered meanings. This one little word touches on p atience, forgiveness and breaking points.Meaning:  A  person who will forgive someone for the first offense against them, tolerate it a second time, but will not forgive them for a third time.As you can see, its a big, beautiful world out there.Ready to start exploring? And One More ThingLets be honest.Most languages have lots of beautiful words.To learn more of the beautiful language of your choice, check out FluentU.FluentU takes real-world videos like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks, and turns them into language learning experiences, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.Interactive transcript for Carlos Baute song.You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs learn mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.Start using FluentU on the website with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the iTunes store  or Google Play store.