Seeing astronomical events
A total solar eclipse is an amazing spectacle. You might not even notice other astronomical events.
Non-spectacular spectacles
explanation
A modern irritation
A grand memory for forgetting
Learning in compartments
There is so much to take in that we divide up our task subject by subject, rarely allowing something we’ve learned in one class (or other environment) to leak over into another. This is not, in general, a good thing.
The story of the bees
Yes, but not in Germany
Scientists try to ask simple questions and to design a controlled experiment, with “all other things being equal.” It’s rarely possible.
Machine learning
Trained by our machines
Our chief consultant realizes how effective our machines have been at training us to perform tasks efficiently and exactly.
Greece vs. Bablylon
Two kinds of mathematics
Mathematics, at almost any level, can be either practical or ideal. Problems arise when the two kinds are confused.
Junk mail
Making things easy
New technology often makes a task much easier to do. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s done better.
School’s out
Exactly useless
Stages of learning a foreign language
Our consultants are mostly concerned with teaching science and mathematics, claiming no expertise in the very different skill of teaching language. They have, however, learned several, which gives some insight into the process.
The ancestral line
Genealogy and history
Some people put tremendous effort into extending and filling in their family trees. In the end, what purpose does it serve?