ngSSC Chemistry Lesson Plans - How to Teach Angular 2 ngSSC Online

ngSSC Chemistry Lesson Plans - How to Teach Angular 2 ngSSC OnlineThere are many good ideas on how to teach Angular ngSSC on a project-based environment using ngSSC Chemistry lesson plans. These lessons have been developed to help your students grasp the fundamentals of Angular and MongoDB to be able to build real applications.Simple to follow steps let you dive in and get started right away. For those just starting out on an Angular project, these lessons are easy to set up and follow along with, even if you have never used a framework before. You can use a link in the video to get a refresher on the process. It's easier than ever before.Take your students beyond basic HTML and start building your own web pages for your project. Learn about each of the pieces needed to make a website, such as: style sheets, HTML, and JavaScript. These lessons are based on the most recent version of Angular, with the built-in MongoDB library, making it easy to use and manage data. As your students ge t more comfortable with Angular, they can dive into real projects involving real data and real programming.With MongoDB, you can also play around with the code to write your own applications. They will be safe and won't have to rely on third party service to do the heavy lifting. When they complete their project, they can start creating their own simple, user-friendly website.The Angular 2 module is getting to be one of the most popular modules used in learning applications, including at MIT. Students who take advantage of ngSSC Chemistry lesson plans are sure to benefit from the resourceful modules of Angular that are available through Google.With Angular, you can use rich client-side JavaScript to load content quickly and easily, regardless of the page structure. This makes for faster loading times and no more scrolling through a lengthy list of content.Find out more about building your own Angular application with this information. It may make all the difference in your students' abilities to learn and succeed.

Bass vs Guitar The Differences, Difficulty, and How to Decide

Bass vs Guitar The Differences, Difficulty, and How to Decide Jessica Dais For aspiring musicians trying to decide between bass vs guitar, there are many factors to consider. What style of music do you want to play? What do you find most enthralling about that style? And, where do you see yourself fitting into that style? These are all key questions to answer when considering which instrument to learn. Here, well uncover the pros and cons of playing each instrument. One important thing to realize is that whichever instrument you start with, you’ll learn concepts that apply to other instruments as well. This is all part of your musical journey and will help you become a multi-faceted musician. To help you find the better fit for you, lets start by breaking down the differences between the bass player and the guitar player. Already made up your mind? Cast your vote on the best instrument to learn below! Which instrument do you prefer: bass or guitar? Bass Guitar View Results Loading ... Bass vs Guitar: How to Decide Bass Guitar The bass guitar is the foundation for all music. Without bass, there is nothing to weigh the music down and bring it all together. Oftentimes, the bass player is the most essential element in creating a successful band. They determine the “feel” of the music by laying down a pattern of notes according to their rhythmic pattern with the drums. Bass players are often understated individuals who appreciate the improvisational nature of their instrument. While other instruments have to stick with their respective written parts, the bass player has a greater ability to play what they feel is right (especially in blues and jazz progressions). For this reason, the bass player usually learns to be fluent with scales and chordal patterns so they can lay down an awesome bass line! When considering bass, you must ask yourself: is this the role I want to play? Are you the “understated foundation” of the band? If you feel like this is the right place for you, then the next thing you should do is consider the style of music you want to play. A Note About 4, 5, or 6 String Basses A bass player has a unique choice in the number of strings they want on their bass guitar. You can purchase basses with 4, 5, or even 6 strings. For the most part, the only real difference between basses with more strings is the availability of higher or lower notes on the instrument. Most 4-string basses are tuned like a guitar, that is: E-A-D-G. With 5 or 6 string basses you can choose to add lower notes, like B-E-A-D-G, or higher notes. While a 5 or 6 string bass can seem enticing, a majority of the time all you will need is 4 strings. Pros of Bass: Bass is arguably the most important instrument in a band. A song without bass just isn’t right. Bass allows you to improvise and be active in the creation of a song. You can choose between a wide variety of bass guitars including 4, 5, or 6 string basses. Tabs for bass guitar are readily available. Cons of Bass: Since the strings on a bass are bigger to provide the right tone, bass players have to work to get really strong fingers. The neck of a bass is also very long, so starting out on a full-size bass might be difficult for musicians with smaller frames. Guitar The guitar is a very flexible instrument. A talented guitarist can fulfill several roles including rhythm section, lead guitar, or a mix of both! But generally, if you like to be the center of attention, the guitar is a good fit for you. Guitarists play a defining role in the style of a band. If you listen to artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Kirk Hammett (from Metallica), and then compare them to Tommy Emmanuel, you’ll see just how much flexibility there is with this instrument. Guitar players are often at the forefront of the band. While the bass provides the foundation of the music, the guitar player builds upon it. By building chord progressions from bass licks and matching them with a drum beat, the guitarist can create some awesome songs! Pros of Guitar: While bass does have more freedom within a song, if there is a solo it usually goes to the lead guitar player. The strings on a guitar are smaller than on a bass, so there is less finger strength required to learn the guitar.   There are numerous styles of guitar. You can play like Tommy Emmanuel or Kirk Hammett the possibilities are endless! Tabs for music are readily available. Cons of Guitar: The guitar is just as much a rhythmic instrument as a lead instrument, so it requires you to learn more chord shapes than bass. There is never a shortage of guitar players, so getting a gig can be difficult. Musical Styles for Bass vs Guitar What style of music do you hope to learn to play? What do you listen to in the car? Do you listen to rock, country, blues, jazz, or classical? Both the guitar and bass have unique responsibilities within each genre of music. Neither guitar nor bass is any better than the other for a certain style of music; they simply perform different tasks. For example, blues music offers improvisational freedom for both the bass and guitar. The bass player gets to make unique bass lines and the guitarist gets to play solos. Where Do You Fit In? If youre still trying to decide between bass vs guitar, try taking a few introductory lessons. There are many guitar and bass teachers online and locally. Taking  beginner level classes or lessons will give you a taste of each instrument so you can make a more informed decision. Post Author: Donnie E.     Donnie teaches acoustic, electric, and bass guitar online, as well as locally in Nixa, MO. He has a Bachelor’s from Liberty University and has been teaching since 2015. Donnie enjoys rock, jazz, blues guitar, and more. Learn more about Donnie here! Need Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

3 Ways to Celebrate World Book and Copyright Day

3 Ways to Celebrate World Book and Copyright Day If you love to read, this April holiday may be perfect for youWorld Book and Copyright Day. World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated on April 23. On this date in 1616, Cervantes, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, and William Shakespeareall famous authorsdied. Its also the birth or death date of several other celebrated authors. In 1995, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (or UNESCO) paid tribute to books and writers, and World Book and Copyright Day was thus born. The holiday was established as a global tribute to books and the people who write them. Its also a day to encourage all peopleespecially youthto explore the joy of reading and to create a new respect for all authors who have furthered the progress and culture of humanity through their writing. Interested in recognizing this holiday? Here are three ways to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day, including visiting your local library. 1. Celebrate World Book and Copyright Day by attending special events Local bookstores may hold events on this date, including: Literacy activities for children Readings The holiday is a great opportunity to introduce the significance of books and reading to your child, or to start a new tradition within your family. While larger bookstores may hold a variety of events, you can also connect with independent booksellers to learn about their offerings. If they dont have anything planned, you might just inspire them to host a special event. [RELATED: How to Enhance Your Student's Experience With Literature] 2. Celebrate World Book and Copyright Day by visiting your local library One celebrated aspect of World Book and Copyright Day is the role that libraries play in making books accessible and enjoyable for so many people around the world. Pay a visit to your local library on April 23, even if it isnt hosting a special event. You can create your own special event by spending the day with books. [RELATED: How to Help Your Child Read] 3. Celebrate World Book and Copyright Day by reading Perhaps the most straightforward way to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day is to read a book. Check out a new book from your local library, purchase a book from a local bookseller, or reread a favorite book you have at home. If you have a particularly busy day on April 23, reading a portion of a book with your family can be a great way to end the day and to celebrate the holiday. [RELATED: How to Create a Summer Reading Program for You and Your Child] When you read a book, you become a part of the ongoing transfer of information and culture that is so important to human history. Youre also supporting the work of writers who are devoted to the process of information and cultural exchange. Happy World Book and Copyright Day! Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

20 Killer Tools For Computer Science Students

20 Killer Tools For Computer Science Students Computer Science is vast and complex with new inventions and innovations every day. Learning the subject is tough and needs lots of skills. Online tools help students greatly and online tutors also do wonderful job in this matter. Computer Science is an area of study which faces changes, improvements, inventions and milestones every day. Students who choose the subject use lots of resources to learn the subject without hassle. Here are some 20 online tools that help students learn the subject without struggle. Google Hangouts: Google hang outs help students with audio and video support for group conversations and sharing information. They could be accessed through mobile apps or browsers Data Converter: It is highly useful for converting between data formats like HTML, XML, JSON, CSV and other formats Chop: Through Chop, code snippets could be saved with notes and shared with friends, peers and project partners Gist: It is a collaborative code and data snippet repository and is useful for saving public or secret snippets which students could copy (fork) and ask questions or leave comments. This repository is from Github Ideone.com: it runs and debugs syntax highlighted code for 40 programming and scripting languages in the browser Bounce: Bounce is a useful tool for entering a URL to take a snapshot of a web page or to upload an image, add annotations, sharing it with classmates via Twitter or Face book to get their feed back Web Design Tools: It is a big list of web design tools of over 80 in number and could be used for desktop, browser and mobile Evernote: It helps you save lots like web clippings, notes, sketches, book marks from your laptop or desktop and sync through Cloud for accessing from other devices like computers and mobiles Gliffy: You require Gliffy when you create flow charts, site maps, wireframes and network diagrams. This online diagram editor helps you in collaborating with others ExamTime: You could create your own notes and use them through this tool. You could create quizzes, free form mind maps, flash cards also through Exam Time for testing your study efforts in Computer Science Pocket: You could add tags for your easy search and book mark needed web pages through this tool. You could read the saved pages in a formatted way and have access for other mobiles and browsers via sync to Cloud SlideShare: It helps lots in presenting a project. You can create and share infographics, web slideshows etc for your project presentation Prezi: Prezi is useful for creating dynamic and zooming presentations TeuxDeux: you could have a calendar format in a stylish manner for maintaining your to-do lists Trello: Trello helps you have a card format which is stackable for organizing your tasks and ideas Ponder: It is a reading app used online by college and k-12 students .It has collaborative and embedded commenting features Readability: This tool makes your unreadable pages readable and suggests the approximate reading time as well EasyBib: It helps you cite references in the right format (like APA, MLA etc) for your term paper whatever be the reference from a newspaper, web site, book or journal etc. JS Fiddle: It is a sandbox with front-end web page development and has collaboration features like audio and text chat, screen sharing etc Freedcamp: It helps you manage class projects. It has collaboration features and notification through email, SMS. All the above mentioned tools are highly resourceful for enhancing student learning     in Computer Science. Computer Science online tutoring further facilitates student learning process through its expert tutors who help students work wonders in the field through their excellent guidance and support through personalized tutoring sessions.

5 Misconceptions About Introverts - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 5 Misconceptions About Introverts - Introvert Whisperer 5 Misconceptions About Introverts If you are somebody who is not naturally very outspoken or conversational in a group and who focuses more inwardly on your thoughts, you will know how easy it can be for outgoing colleagues to make assumptions about you as a person. Unfortunately, these can often be negative. This can be half the issue for people with introverted qualities, as you can often end up feeling misunderstood by your more extroverted colleagues. Here’s a roundup of some of the misconceptions around what introverts are like, the myth busters to put them straight and how you, as an introvert, can benefit your employer with these myth-busting qualities. 1. Introverts are shy and don’t say much. How many times have you heard colleagues tell you ‘oh, you’re so quiet’ or ‘I didn’t notice you were there’ because you’re so quiet’? Sound familiar? It is unfortunate that many people associate being quiet with being shy or unsure, when the two are entirely different things. Shy people tend to have less confidence and may be reluctant to go out in a group or take a while to work up the courage to express their opinion â€" yes, this will make them quiet. However, you can be quiet and yet still be confident, which is often the case if you have introverted qualities. It has been proven that, although introverts say less than their more extroverted counterparts, when they do speak it is a point that gives real value and insight. Benefit to Employer: Managers, get ready for the moment when your introverted staff member comes out with a statement that will prove valuable and will make the team sit up and think from a new perspective. 2. They do not like to socialize. It isn’t true that introverted people don’t like to socialize, but they don’t like to do it for as long as some other people. This is to do with their dopamine levels â€" the chemical connected to the feel-good factor in the brain. A study has shown that the science behind this is that the brains of introverted people are such that their dopamine levels are higher than extroverts and, as such, do not require as much of the ‘feel-good’ factor though socializing. The other point is that introverts prefer to socialize in small groups of people, or on a one-to-one basis, where they feel they can really connect with somebody and have a meaningful conversation. Many introverts also like to get their stimulation and excitement through hobbies, reading or in their own company in the comfort of their own surroundings. Scott Barry Kaufman, in Scientific American, highlights that extroverted people are motivated by conversation and interaction with others, whereas introverts are less motivated by that. While it may appear that introverted people don’t like to socialize because they don’t talk as much in the office, it may actually be because they become more easily over-stimulated than other people. Benefit to Employer: While your outgoing co-workers are busy gossiping about the latest co-worker’s business, you are quietly getting on with your work and will have the task done in time for the manager’s deadline! 3. Introverts Like to be Alone. Introverts are quite comfortable with their alone time and having time to tune into their own thoughts, but this doesn’t mean to say that introverts don’t like being around other people. In fact, they crave the company of others with the same interests as them and those they can discover the world with or share their innermost thoughts. Extroverts are more stimulated by outside conversations and banter. If alone for too long, extroverts may quickly become restless or bored and actively need that interaction with others. The reason behind introverts being happier in their own company may be because they have a naturally higher ‘arousal’ level embedded in their brains, according to the 1960s researcher, Hans Eysenck. This means that when in a group of people, they can quickly feel over-stimulated. Extroverts, on the other hand, have a lower ‘arousal’ level, meaning they have more of a need to seek stimulation from the outside world to achieve the same levels. Benefit to Employer: In team meetings, it may seem like the introverted person is quiet and has nothing to contribute, but the truth is, they are being internally stimulated and are carefully thinking through the ideas being generated. Assume that the introverted team member will come back to you for sure t a later time with their ideas. 4. Introverts Cannot Be Leaders in the Workplace. Don’t underestimate this one. There seems to be some common belief that those in a senior or managerial role must be loud, outspoken or immediately decisive to be effective at running a team. Sure, introverts may appear quieter and take longer to process information, but that doesn’t mean they do not have the confidence to chair team meetings, take on senior tasks or even make decisions on projects. There are many successful leaders in different industries who, while being good at what they do, also take a more thought-processing and introverted approach to their way of working. Barack Obama and Bill Gates are both said to have introverted qualities who communicate with great passion about what they do. Benefit to Employer: Well-thought out decisions when it comes to moving forward as a team, knowing that they have taken the time to come up with a strategic and detailed plan. 5. They Don’t Like to Talk. Again, it’s not that introverted people don’t like to talk â€" the leaders above disprove this myth. It’s just that, where there may be times when introverts talk less, it means they are listening more. Some talkative people can be so chatty that they don’t make the time to really listen to what the other participants in the conversation are saying. With introverts, the internal part of their mind is switched on and they are taking in everything going on around them, enabling their thoughts to gradually develop into opinions and ideas. Benefit to Employer: Introverts have proven to be great at skills such as writing and researching, which means they are more often than not capable of taking on these types of tasks! Writer and Editor Emma Otusajo  is a freelance writer and editor, who has worked with businesses to assist with articles and blog posts on the topics of career, travel, parenting, well-being and education. She loves being able to use her writing skills to provide insightful information to a target audience and help businesses grow their brand. Sources: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/beautiful-minds/will-the-real-introverts-please-stand-up/ http://www.medicaldaily.com/brain-introvert-compared-extrovert-are-they-really-different-299064 Go to top SELF-PROMOTION Let me emphasize that Self-Promotion doesn’t have to be obnoxious to be effective.  But, if you don’t Self-Promote you, who will?  If you ever want to get ahead, you have to learn how to Self-Promote. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that shows you simple, yet effective ways to Self-Promote. Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

How To Write a Song Today 4 Easy Steps

How To Write a Song Today 4 Easy Steps Sign up successful 1. Play chords or a riff. Play chords that you know sound good together. You can use what you know of music theory to help think of possible chords. One of the most common chord progressions is I, IV, V, which would be C, F, G in the key of C. Another approach is to forget about all that theory and just play chords that sound new and good to your ears. This is a great way to make a song sound like your own. 2. Sing or hum over the harmony. Start by singing syllables without words. When Paul McCartney originally wrote “Yesterday,” instead of saying “all my troubles seem so far away,” he sang “Scrambled eggs, oh my darling you’ve got lovely legs.” Likewise, when Stevie Wonder first wrote “Superstition,” instead of singing “writing on the wall,” he sang “wash your face and hands.” If they write lyrics this way, so can you! Then once you have a basic melody, it can be much easier to add lyrics. 3. Repeat steps 1-2 to form a chorus and then a bridge. Here is a general breakdown for what each section of your song should look like: Verse: The verse should tell a story. Use it to describe a scene, an emotion, or something in detail. This section can rhyme but it doesn’t have to. Chorus: The chorus should be very simple and repetitive. Try to make a hook that people can‘t get out of their heads. Here are a few examples of songs with memorable choruses: Beatles All You Need Is Love; Carly Rae Jepsen Call Me Maybe; Eric Clapton Layla Bridge: The bridge is a common addition to a song that keeps the listener engaged by going into new territory. It‘s often used as an instrumental section where solos can occur. Changes in the chords, key, tempo, dynamics, or instrumentation are common. Here are two additional song sections that are commonly used: Pre-Chorus: The pre-chorus is typically a transition between the verse and chorus. Another approach can be to use the pre-chorus in place of a chorus for the first half of a song. This allows you to save the chorus for a big climax toward the end. Intro and Outro: Intros and outros can be instrumentals or feature lyrics that introduce or develop the main idea of the song. 4. Place the song sections in this order: Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus This is a very common structure for pop songs. Examples of songs that use this structure are: Otis Redding Dock of the Bay; Incubus Drive; John C. Mellencamp Jack and Diane By playing chords, singing over them, making multiple sections, and finally ordering these sections, you can quickly and easily write a song today! Congratulations! As you continue to write, avoid writer’s block by doing these steps without judging yourself and your abilities. You can do it. Happy songwriting! Learn more: Check out our guide to songwriting! Andy W. teaches guitar, singing, piano, and more in Greeley, CO. He  specializes in jazz, and has played guitar for 12 years. Learn more about Andy here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Ron Sombilon

ACT Prep

Huntington Learning Center Offers Advice for Effective SAT/ACT Prep Its that time of year when many college-bound students are taking or re-taking the SAT and ACT. Co-Founder Eileen Huntingtonof Huntington Learning Center says that the best way for students to prepare for college entrance exams is through plenty of practice. It is true that keeping up with school work inherently helps students acquire the knowledge that they need to perform on college entrance exams, but there is no substitute for regular, thorough studying of the types of questions they will see on these tests, says Huntington. Shesuggests that parents think about the following as they and their teens develop a summer study schedule that will yield positive results: Learn the ins and outs of each exam. Teens should get to know the format and details of the exam they decide to take. Its essential to understand what is expected on the test, the time limit for each section, the number of questions, and other basic information. This can help steer teens toward one exam over the other. Some of the major distinctions that could also impact a test-takers decision between the exams: The ACT has a Science Test that tests critical thinking skills (while the SAT does not). The SAT has one more reading passage than the ACT. The SAT has some math questions that must be answered without the use of a calculator (the ACT allows the use of a calculator for all math questions). Take a diagnostic evaluation. A teens very first step to devising an effective SAT/ACT prep plan should be taking an initial test to determine his or her strengths and weaknesses. Study sessions will be far more effective when teens know exactly what to study and where they need to improve. A full-length diagnostic test gives a baseline so that teens can identify areas to focus on (and measure their progress). Create a schedule. Teens will be more effective in their study approach if they create a schedule with milestones. The schedule should dedicate the appropriate amount of time to each subject and specific section of the exam, targeting weaker areas and considering teens strengths. Certainly, a teens specific test score goals (possibly driven by his or her target college or university) and the gap between the diagnostic test score and goal test score will impact the amount of study time needed. Cover all the elements. Yes, the SAT and ACT require subject-matter knowledgethis should be the foremost area of focus in a teens study plan. However, the best study plan should cover several other areas as well: Practice exams Teens should take at least two full-length, timed practice tests that simulate the actual test environment. Speed work There are a lot of questions on the SAT and ACT to answer in a short timeframe. Its important to work on improving ones speed without sacrificing accuracy. Stress management Theres no getting around the fact that the SAT and ACT can cause teens anxiety because of the impact that the exams can have on their future. Its important that teens learn how to manage any stress and are able to employ relaxation techniques as needed. Plan ahead for a retake. Many teens take the SAT or ACT a few times to attain their best score. Summer before junior year is a good time to prepare for the SAT or ACT. In doing so, keep in mind that many colleges have application deadlines as early as January 1. The SAT is offered seven times per year and includes a summer test in August, and ACT is offered six times per year, with the first test of the school year occurring in September. Its wise to put the best foot forward by adhering to a study plan and schedule because planning ahead for specific test dates is key. Huntingtoninvites parents and teens who are unsure where to begin to call Huntington Learning Center at 1-800-CAN-LEARN. We understand that few parents and teens know the best way to study for the SAT or ACT, or how close together those study sessions should beand those sorts of details, Huntington says. Were adept at assessing students abilities, developing targeted programs to help them achieve their goals, and helping students do well on these tests. Learn more about Huntingtons premier, 32-hour and 14-hour SAT and ACT prep programs and the Huntington test prep approach at www.huntingtonhelps.com. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader.Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. 2017 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.

How to Use Divergent Thinking to Succeed at School

How to Use Divergent Thinking to Succeed at School As a University writing tutor, the most common thing I hear from my students is, “I’m just not good at this.” At some point in the writing process they ask me to accept their apparently fatal (academic) flaws and move on. They try to tell me, as they were once told, that they simply aren’t smart enough to complete their essay. My students’ doubts reflect a history of education that buys into the myth of innate academic ability as the sole predictor of success at school. It’s an idea that has been criticized over and over againâ€"perhaps most famously by education adviser Sir Ken Robinson in the most viewed TED Talk of all timeâ€"but that still rings true for many students. Part of the problem is that students are often told that there is only one right answer, only one right way to get to that answer, and if you’re doing it wrong then it’s game over. In tandem with exam anxiety, this pressure paralyzes students to the point where they’re afraid to suggest any answer for fear of looking stupid. One solution is to do away with the pressure of the perfect, singular answer with divergent thinking. In the words of Ken Robinson, “Divergent thinking is an essential capacity for creativity.” When using divergent thinking methods, the number of interpretations of and solutions for any given problem are endless. Instead of stressing about writing the perfect thesis  or solving the equation in one try, divergent thinking encourages students to explore and record as many options as possible without judgement. Only once every possibility has been delved into is it time to start asking questions and using reason to narrow your focus to the best choices. While this sounds like a simple concept, divergent thinking goes beyond coddling students who don’t like being wrong. Statistically, students who are encouraged to use divergent thinking methods demonstrate greater confidence, improved mood, stronger academic ability, and a penchant for entrepreneurship. According to intelligence scholar  James Flynn, the effect of divergent thinking also reads  on a standardized scale. Since 1930, average IQ scores across the globe have consistently increased. One explanation links this improvement to upgrades in human “mental artillery:” the ability to classify, to use logic on abstractions, and to take the hypothetical seriously. In other words, the ability to produce and analyze hypotheticals, to use divergent thinking, has helped  people become better thinkers. So, how do we teach divergent thinking? Encourage Questions. Instead of evaluating ideas as good or bad, distill the strongest solutions by asking questions about their effectiveness, their relevance to the problem, and their shortcomings. Reframe Failure. Treat failure as the middle of a healthy process, rather than the catastrophic end. As Robinson said, “If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.” Collaborate. Allow students to build off each other, combine their ideas, and foster a creative community. Think Strange. This exercise is popular amongst interviewers. Take an everyday object like a stapler or a paperclip, and ask students to think of as many unconventional uses for that object as possible. Go for quantity: nothing is too strange! Start at the End. Instead of asking students to brainstorm solutions, ask them to formulate a problem. This can be framed however you’d likeâ€"by location, demographic, subject, etc.â€"but work towards problems that are clear, concise and purposeful. Good luck! To learn more about the benefits of divergent thinking, start here: Edutopia’s “Fuel Creativity in the Classroom With Divergent Thinking” InformED’s “30 Ways to Inspire Divergent Thinking” Ken Robinson’s TED Talk, “Changing Education Paradigms” The Creative Education Foundation’s “Divergent Thinking”

NYU Student Invents Revolutionary Medical Gel Rise of the Accidental Entrepreneur

NYU Student Invents Revolutionary Medical Gel Rise of the Accidental Entrepreneur Andres Rueda/Flickr While most college students are busy discovering the  physics  of beer pong, others are making revolutionary medical breakthroughs. Joe  Landolina, a 20-year old New York University junior has created a lifesaving medical gel  derived  from plant-based polymers which mimic the human  extra-cellular  matrix, a substance produced by the body which  initiates blood clot formation. Landolina has dubbed the substance, Veti-gel. Designed with the purpose to instantly halt bleeding, Veti-gel  bonds to the surrounding flesh and forms a tight seal  upon application. Not only does the gel initiate blood clot formation, but also speeds up the healing process and is effective on major wounds of internal organs and key arteries. Your cells dont fit together cell-to-cell its called an  extra-cellular  matrix, Landolina told the  Metro New York. If you put Veti-Gel into a wound, it recognizes the  existing ECM thats already there and replicates and builds onto it. It instantaneously stops bleeding and is also  biocompatible, so your cells can grow into it and it helps wounds heal faster. Landolina  initially  tested the gel on mice and after slicing their livers and carotid arteries he was  able to  instantly  stop the bleeding. He then began testing on slabs of fresh pork loin  in which  he injected pigs blood; the results of which were so  successful  he recorded a  video  of the experiment and uploaded it on YouTube for the public. In partnership with New York University graduate Isaac Miller, Landolina founded the company  Suneris, Inc.  as a vehicle to shuttle Veti-Gel into the  veterinary  market. For humans there are similar products available, very expensive but similar, but for animals, there is nothing that coagulates blood quickly enough, Landolina explained to  MailOnline, I have spoken to hundreds of vets and heard how in situations where, for example, a spleen is bleeding, they would rather take the spleen out than risk waiting for any of the current products to work quickly enough. So Veti-Gel would be very well received in this industry. Each year more than  140,000 Americans die from trauma-related injuries; excessive blood loss resulting in shock and heart failure are the primary causes for trauma-related deaths.  While Veti-gel is at the moment intended for veterinarian practices, Landolina hopes Veti-Gel will someday be used by the armed forces to treat major trauma victims in the field  and prevent  soldiers  from bleeding out until they can be transported to a hospital. The gel  possesses  antimicrobial properties which mean it’s a safe and disinfecting way to heal a wound, which is especially important for unsanitary war zones. The idea for Veti-Gel came about from a surprising simplistic thought. When I got to NYUs engineering school, I had this idea: What if you could take something that was liquid and turn it solid using chemistry? Landolina told the  Metro New York.  I realized if you could take that and apply it to a bleeding wound; it would turn into a solid mass. I wondered: Could that stop bleeding?”  The trend of the accidental entrepreneur, so to speak, has recently  blossomed  among  college students.  Most recognizably is  Mark Zuckerberg for his founding role in the  revolutionary  social media website Facebook. Rather than  developing  a get rich quick scheme, young entrepreneurs are increasingly achieving success by developing a solution to address a problem theyve experienced personally. The mindset differs between those who build a business around a product rather than building a product around a business. That is how businesses such as  Mint,  Dropbox  and now Suneris, Inc. got their start. With Facebook and Twitter, instantly  promoting  a product to a target audience was never made  simpler, and if technology continues growing in this way, as will the trend of the accidental  entrepreneur.