NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, JPL, is the nerve center for all space missions throughout the solar system. If you are interested in astronomy, aerospace or aeronautical engineering, space mechanics and dynamics, or just think it's a cool topic, their site for the basics of space flight is good and understandable to a high school student. Check it out!
Our EMPATHY Project is our partnership with friends on the ground in Malawi, Africa. As one of the top 10 poorest countries on Earth, Malawians occasionally experience periods of hunger, and even famine (such as in 2014-15). In order to keep children fed and in school, we developed our model where schools purchase land and grow their own crops. We fundraise in Evanston in order to help fund this process. Here are results from the past few days...kids with food and water!!
We're always open to and accepting donations. Relatively small numbers of US dollars can be a small fortune in Malawi. And, several more schools/villages want to adopt this model. Thank you to all who have helped over the last five years to make this happen!!
If you can watch this video and still deny something weird is not going on with our planet, then I would likely conclude you have intellectual issues. A wonderful classic TED talk by James Balog, showing what is happening to the world's glaciers and ice sheets through time-lapse photography. Check it out. It is pretty convincing. Happy Earth Day, and let's never stop trying to make change for the health of our planet and future generations...
I was honored to be asked to be on this panel and state webinar to discuss the importance of including more quantum science (QS) into K-12 education, especially in HS, if for any other reason to increase the exposure of students to QS. Keep in mind that the quantum revolution began 120 years ago!! This is NOT new material, and there is a lot we can do to improve awareness and some basic level of knowledge to young students so they have opportunities to participate and work in countless fields and industries that rely on QS. This is projected to be a trillion $ sector of the global economy in the near future, and we are already short on the workforce.
The webinar was recorded on World Quantum Day, April 14, and run by the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology - thank you for the invitation! Here's a quick quantum introduction!
Earth Day is on Friday, April 22. Consider the U.N. SDGs again - are there little things you can do this week, and then perhaps every week, to help. Reducing time in the shower. Recycling. Turning lights and other electrical devices/appliances off. Composting food waste. Buying food you need, and reducing food waste and excess. Put some plants in the ground. Pick up litter in the neighborhood. Donate to and/or volunteer at a favorite organization doing good work. Post these types of actions on your social media platforms, encourage others to do the same (remember the multiplier effect on impact!). Be kind, compassionate and empathetic to others, while being grateful and respectful for what we have in our lives compared to most on the planet.
Thanks for considering!! This is the only home we have, let's respect it and take care of it, always.
