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Scientix Newsletter

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The Scientix quarterly newsletter delivers original articles on innovation in STEM education policy, research and practice. It brings the latest news from science education projects and from the Scientix community and follows the development of European and national policies and initiatives. Each issue focuses on selected topics in science education and highlights present related materials and activities.

The last topics were:

  • STEM careers

  • Innovative educational technologies and solutions

The Best MOOC Platforms

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While a certificate from a MOOC isn’t the same as a college degree, MOOCs are providing access to world-class education to anyone with an internet connection, which opens up a world of possibilities. For instance, a high school student can take a MOOC that allows them to determine which career path is right for them (before wasting time and money on a degree that they can’t or don’t want to use). Additionally, those who can’t afford to quit their job to go back to school to further or change their career path can take MOOCs in their free time.

Distance learning solutions

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UNESCO has published a useful list of education applications and platforms

The list of educational applications, platforms and resources below aim to help parents, teachers, schools and school administrators facilitate student learning and provide social care and interaction during periods of school closure. Most of the solutions curated are free and many cater to multiple languages. While these solutions do not carry UNESCO’s explicit endorsement, they tend to have a wide reach, a strong user-base and evidence of impact.

How many ways are there to prove the Pythagorean theorem?

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What do Euclid, 12-year-old Einstein, and American President James Garfield have in common? They all came up with elegant proofs for the famous Pythagorean theorem, one of the most fundamental rules of geometry and the basis for practical applications like constructing stable buildings and triangulating GPS coordinates. Betty Fei details these three famous proofs.

View  the lesson here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YompsDlEdtc

The Prisoner’s Dilemma

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Two perfectly rational gingerbread men, Crispy and Chewy, are out strolling when they’re caught by a fox. Instead of simply eating them, he decides to put their friendship to the test with a cruel dilemma. He’ll ask each gingerbread man whether he’d opt to Spare or Sacrifice the other. What should they choose? Lucas Husted dives into the classic game theory scenario: the Prisoner's Dilemma.


View the animation

The greatest mathematician that never lived

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When Nicolas Bourbaki applied to the American Mathematical Society in the 1950s, he was already one of the most influential mathematicians of his time. He’d published articles in international journals and his textbooks were required reading. Yet his application was firmly rejected for one simple reason: Nicolas Bourbaki did not exist. How is that possible? Pratik Aghor digs into the mystery.

See this interesting animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O_boW9YA7I

15 Essential Strategies in Teaching Math

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We all want our kids to succeed in math. In most districts, standardized tests are the way understanding is measured, yet nobody wants to teach to the test. Over-reliance on test prep materials and “drill and kill” worksheets steals instructional time while also harming learning and motivation. But sound instruction and good test scores aren’t mutually exclusive. Being intentional and using creative approaches to your instruction can get students excited about math.