School kids cool and best Ideas to make future better

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Science fair projects are thought to be the dominion of vinegar and baking soda volcanoes, but some kids take things far above and beyond. Here are 11 of the most impressive science fair projects ever.

1

A Font That Could Save Millions of Dollars -- Suvir Mirchandani

You may not think much about the cost of ink when you go to print a document or receive a flyer, but it can cost big businesses thousands, if not millions, of dollars a year. A middle school student from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania named Suvir Mirchandani wanted to come up with a way to save his school money when he realized that printer ink is twice as expensive as French perfume, so he figured out a way to use less ink in school printouts. He compared the ink used by four different fonts – Garamond, Times New Roman, Century Gothic and Comic Sans, then printed out an enlarged version of the main vowels and weighed each printout to compare the amount of ink used on each sheet. He concluded that if his school switched to Garamond they could save over twenty thousand dollars a year in ink alone. 

Once Suvir had made this startlingly simple discovery, he applied the same principle to the U.S. federal government, and found that simply changing the font used in their printouts could save them over a hundred million dollars a year!

His science fair project became quickly known and he was soon interviewed by CNN, NBC and the American media.

(Source | Photo)

2

Nuclear Fusion Reactor -- Thiago David Olsen

We may be decades away from large scale nuclear fusion technology becoming a reality, but one teen proved that it's closer than previously thought when he created his own nuclear fusion reactor in his garage. 

15-year-old Thiago Olsen dedicated a year to research and another year to actually building the device, and since he had no engineering know-how, he basically started from scratch, earning his place alongside the mere 20 amateurs worldwide known to have built their own fusion device. 

Although the device creates energy by fusing atoms, it has been deemed safe by radiation officials, and barely generates enough energy to warm a cup of coffee. However, with Thiago's discovery comes renewed hope that a renewable, clean energy source is within reach. (Source |Photo)

3

Mind Controlled Prosthetic Limb Project -- Anand Srinivasan

Even though 15-year-old Anand Srinivasan had been entering – and winning – science fairs since he was in kindergarten, he'd never worked on a project as important, or useful, as the one he entered into the 2012 White House Science Fair. Anand created a better functioning prosthetic arm that can be controlled by thought alone. 

The teen took a variety of university courses online in order to gain the skills necessary to complete his project, and built his own robotic arm which responds to electrical signals from the brain, determining which signals to use by mapping them all with an EEG machine.

Anand didn't perfect the technology, but the fact that he got the arm to respond to electrical impulses from his brain proved it can be done, and may have moved the technology one step closer to perfection (Source | Photo)

4. Chemical-Sniffing LEGO Robot -- Anna Simpson

High school student Anna Simpson has decided to further the cause of helping to fight terrorism, by creating a chemical detecting robot for Intel's International Science and Engineering Fair in 2009. 

The budding engineer built a mobile (and autonomous) robot out of LEGO bricks and relatively simple electrical parts. It is able to detect and react to chemical spills using a porous silicone chip that changes color when it comes in contact with a volatile organic compound. 

Anna's goal is to make it possible for law enforcement, security and counter-terrorism personnel to safely detect chemicals from a distance, and since her creation is even more sensitive than Anna initially intended, this technological innovation might become the standard in chemical detection around the world. (Source | Photo)

5

Plastic-Eating Microbe -- Daniel Burd

Plastic waste is one of the worst problems for by waste management companies, and because plastic takes thousands of years to deteriorate, we're running out of space for all our trash. Enter Daniel Burd and his amazing plastic eating microbe, a scientific discovery he entered into the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Ottawa, Ontario which may lead to global changes in how we deal with our trash. 

Daniel theorized that even though it takes plastic over 1,000 years to decompose, it does eventually do so, which means there must be microbes eating away at the plastic. He devised a way to speed up the microbial decomposition of the plastic using a compound that contains yeast (among other things), and isolates of the most productive microorganisms. His final product resulted in 43% degradation of plastic in just six weeks, a vast improvement over the natural plastic decomposition rate and a possible hope for dealing with our ever growing global trash problem. (Source | Photo)

6

Space Exploration Balloon -- IES La Bisbal School

Going to space used to be a big deal, and cost millions if not billions of dollars, but some students from the IES La Bisbal School in Catalonia, Spain proved that all it really takes is a latex weather balloon and a lot of patience. 

Four students and their teacher created a protective rig, housing an electronic sensor and a Nikon Coolpix camera, which they attached to the latex balloon and let fly. They hoped it would reach a height of 30, 000 feet just like commercial aircraft, but their balloon rig far exceeded expectations, and soared over 100,000 miles into the atmosphere, reaching the edge of outer space before losing inflation and falling to the ground below. 

Team Meteotek were able to take some amazing pictures from way up high, and proved that it doesn't take fancy equipment or expensive gear to make it into outer space. (Source | Photo)

7

Image-Based Search Engine -- David Liu

Not all scientific advances deal directly with saving lives or grand scale exploration, some projects are simply created to make our lives better. In the case of David Liu's image based search engine, his contribution to science will make our online lives easier, and make image searching a reality. David devised a way to program AI to search through large image collections and categorize these images automatically, which he calls Semantic Image Retrieval and Interactive Exploration of Large Image Collections. This cutting edge way to search through thousands of images at a time won him second place at the Intel Science Talent Search competition in 2010. (Source | Photo)

8

Nuclear Weapon Detector -- Taylor Wilson

Teenager Taylor Wilson was tired of living in fear of nuclear bombs. He felt like our armed forces needed a better way to detect such weapons, so he created a handy nuclear weapon detector in his garage. 

The 17-year-old created a device that scans cargo like an X-ray, revealing any materials or fingerprints which have been exposed to radioactive materials, and it's powered by a nuclear fusion reactor that Taylor built when he was only fourteen years old! Taylor debuted his device at the Intel International Science Fair in 2011, and with 35 million cargo containers passing through customs every year, it's a sure bet will be put to good use. (Source | Photo)

9

Teaching Robots To Speak English -- Luke Taylor

Robots have come a long way since the days of Robbie from Lost In Space. Their clunky outdated counterparts are quickly being replaced by robots that move like living beings, can solve problems on their own, and may someday be able to think and speak, thanks to artificial intelligence. 

For now, we need an efficient way to tell robots what we'd like them to do, and South African High school student Luke Taylor came up with an interesting system that teaches robots how to understand verbal commands. Luke's software allows him to give the robot commands in English, which the robot's onboard memory translates into code, thus allowing it to be commanded by voice. There are a few verbal command systems being developed these days, but for a 15-year-old to have devised such a clever system, it's quite an accomplishment. (Source |Photo)

10

Managing The Power Of Household Devices -- Ankush Gupta

Our electronic devices are responsible for sucking up power, and raising our overall carbon footprint on a daily basis. However, while they sit their plugged in and awaiting use, there's no reason for them to continue drawing power. Enter the concept of Domotics- the use of electronic techniques to manage household devices, an energy saving idea that was first developed in the 1990s and was also the concept behind Ankush Gupta's entry into the 2011 Google Science Fair. 

Ankush's algorithm for intelligent power management showed a 20% reduction in overall usage when put into use at local businesses. Because it can also be controlled with a smartphone, Ankush's software may someday be the standard in-home energy usage control. (Source |Photo)

11

Spacecraft Navigation Software -- Erika DeBenedictis

Even though she'd never been to space, 18-yea-old Erika DeBenedictis had always been fascinated by NASA programs, and the idea of traveling into the great unknown. 

Erika devised an updated method of calculating the gravitational influence of planets and how they move, which will allow for the charting of easy transit routes through the solar system. Her interstellar mapping system won her the first place prize – and $100,000 grand prize – at the Intel Science Talent Search contest. (Source | Photo)

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Boys Boarding Schools

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

One of the decisions parents face when deciding to send a student to boarding school is whether the school will be co-ed boarding schools or single-sex.

Recent studies into learning styles have revealed that boys and girls learn very differently. Boys use more of their brains for spatial-mechanical functioning, which not only means that they enjoy moving things around but also that they learn better when they’re able to do so. Boys also compartmentalize learning, which means that it’s harder for them to switch from one subject to another. And, boys have less serotonin in their brains, so they’re more likely to act impulsively and be less able to sit still for long periods of time.

There are also many studies that indicate that the educational community has been so focused addressing the educational issues of girls that boys are being left behind. One product of the feminist movement was the realization that girls were struggling more in school than boys were. This has led to the redevelopment of many lesson plans and overall school structures, in attempts to respond to the unique learning styles of girls. One of the unfortunate results has been that boys are now struggling more than girls.

Recent studies have shown that:

• Eighty percent of high school drop outs are boys
• Males make up fewer than 40 percent of college students
• Boys earn 70 percent of Ds and Fs and fewer than half of As
• Two-thirds of the children who are diagnosed with learning disabilities are boys
• Girls outperformed boys in knowledge and skills tests conducted in 35 industrialized countries
• Boys consistently score lower (often significantly lower) than girls in reading and writing tests

So what do all of the research and the statistics mean? They mean that there are definite benefits to an all-boys boarding school.

Because boys learn so much differently than girls, a single-sex school allows the teachers and administrators to address the specific educational needs of boys. For example, because boys have a difficult time sitting still, teachers can include physical activity in the lesson plans, which helps the boys pay attention and learn better.

Teachers can also use “props” that girls wouldn’t tolerate – like gardener snakes or bugs – that will keep boys interested. Boys’ tendencies towards spatial-mechanics can be built into a curriculum by a teacher who uses building blocks or model airplanes to talk about geometry or physics. It means that reading and writing assignments – the subjects in which boys tend to struggle the most – can be developed to include motion and tactile, active learning.

Often, teachers who are hired into boys’ schools have previous experience working with boys. This means that they have experience developing curriculum and assignments specifically designed to challenge boys and engage their intellect. The staff at an all-boys school understands the issues that are unique to boys and they are experienced at helping guide young men through the difficulties and challenges that arise as they’re growing up.

Though it sounds counter-intuitive, many students often develop a stronger sense of their masculinity and greater confidence at an all-boys boarding school. Because there are no girls to impress, boys feel little or no need to show off or prove their masculinity.

They learn to be more sensitive, less “macho”, and they feel free to explore disciplines like the arts that might be considered more of a “girls thing” at a co-ed school. They also have a greater diversity of male role models, which aids them in their exploration of their own masculinity.

Independent Boarding Schools which are independent of local or central government control.

Girls Boarding schools : Boys Boarding Schools : Catholic Boarding Schools

International Boarding Schools : Military Boarding Schools

Special Boarding/Therapeutic Boarding schools

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Girls Boarding Schools

“Christine is a good kid. She has a good heart. It just seems as if the pressure gets to her. She does things that seem so out of character, I feel like my daughter is a stranger. The sarcasm is becoming intolerable. I am tired of being the enemy, especially when I know her behavior is going to hurt her. I’m no longer so sure my little girl has a bright future. I’m nervous about sending her away to boarding school, but I have a feeling getting her away from the bad influences will help. The idea of a girls boarding school appeals to me, because boys seem to be a big part of the problem for Christine. ” – Mother of a 14-year-old struggling teen.

Many parents of girls know adolescence does not arrive on a specified date. They know it has nothing to do with a magical number like 14. The signs might be sporadic at first: a sudden outburst that seems like an overreaction, a little more sarcasm peppering their answers to your questions, a little less cooperation.

Teen aged girls show pretty typical behavior patterns: increased need for independence, more interest in their appearance and boys’ interest in them, less tolerance of parents’ need to know what they are doing, emotional outbursts, and often outright hostility toward any attempt to “guide” or advise them. Most troubled girls move through this phase and mature into young women. However, some teenaged girls seem to spiral out of control, making the lives of their parents and siblings miserable.

While the “teenaged years” are normal, it’s important as the parents of teenaged girl to know the difference between normal acting out and behaviors that could put your daughter’s academic and social future at risk. The behaviors that can be most damaging to teenaged girls:

Alcohol or Drug Use

Sexual Promiscuity

Skipping School or Performing below Ability (drop in grades)

Many times, removing your child from the peer / social environment that has allowed these self-defeating behaviors to thrive is the best first step toward putting them on the path to a bright, successful future. Local private schools might help, but not if the neighborhood peer group still influences her. Sometimes a boarding school for girls away from all negative influences is the right choice for girls who are not achieving their potential.

Independent Boarding Schools which are independent of local or central government control.

Girls Boarding schools : Boys Boarding Schools : Catholic Boarding Schools

International Boarding Schools : Military Boarding Schools

Special Boarding/Therapeutic Boarding schools

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Reputed Boarding Schools in India

1. Delhi Public School, Sector XII, R.K.Puram, New Delhi- 110022: This is one of the most reputed boarding as well as day school of the nation which has a history of making some very good and responsible citizens of India.

2. The Air Force School, Subroto Park,Delhi Cantonment – 110010: Another disciplined and reputed boarding school for children. This school follows a strict disciplinary approach to both classroom and beyond education system.

3. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s International Residential Public School, Vidyashram – Bhimavaram 534203: This international residential school is famous throughout the nation and the interactive multi-cultural atmosphere is the best in quality.

4. Abhyasa Residential Public School, Toopran, Medak 502334 (A.P.): Abhyasa inculcates the habit of a good human being in every children in their school.

6. Welham Boy’s School, which is at Circular Road, Dehra Dun, Uttaranchal – 248001: This is indeed the best boys boarding school in India which can boast of alumni presently in varied fields of life.

7. Birla Vidyamandir at Nainital in Uttaranchal – 263001: This newly found Residential school is a good option for parents who want to bring up their children in a competitive environment.

8. Mussoorie International School at Sri Nagar Estate, Polo Ground near Mussoorie in Uttaranchal – 248179: This international school is famous for its ambience and good rapport it shares with students and parents.

9. Welham Girls’ School, 19, Municipal Road, Dalanwala, Dehra Dun, Uttaranchal – 248001: The best girl’s boarding school in India. A school which can change the future of your child in no time.

10. Wynberg Allen School, Mussoorie, Uttaranchal – 248179: Uttarakhand is famous for its boarding schools. And this Wynberg is one of them where parents wish to enroll their children from different parts of India.

11. The Doon School, Post Box No. 30, Dehra Dun, Uttaranchal – 248001: The school which produced a prime minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi. The famous school is one of the toughest to get admissions of children, which is based strictly on merit.

12. Carman Residential & Day School, 24 Nehru Road, Dalanwala, Dehradun 248001 (Utt.): A good residential school for those who want their children to grown is a peaceful environment and good discipline.

13. Hopetown Girls’ School, Rajawala Road, (Off Chakrata Road, 19th Milestone), P.O. Selakui, Dehra Dun: This is another girl’s boarding school which has a good percentage of producing eligible young adults who can step into world of competition.

14. Sainik School, Ghorakhal Nainital, Uttaranchal – 263165: As ever complete disciplined like all Sainik Schools.

15. The Assam Valley School, P.P. & T.O. – Balipara, Distt : Sonitpur, Assam – 784101: One of the best schools in the east of India which has been known for their academic as well as extra curricular excellence.

16. Vidya Vihar Residential School, Parora, Purnea, Bihar – 85430: A good residential school which strives to achieve the goal of a residential school with all things taken in order.

17. St. Joseph’s High School, Sector 44-D, Chandigarh 160047: Another school which is dedicated to produce good citizens. It is a reliable boarding school to imbibe the sense of moral values and culture.

18. St.Stephen’s School, Sector 45-B, Chandigarh 160047: Parents can now sigh a relief for this is a very good boarding school which takes care of the students just like home after their studies, food, recreation and entertainment.

19. Chirst Church Boy’s & Girls Senior Secondary School, Sleeman Road, Civil Lines, Jabalpur 482001: This Residential school is a good option for parents who want to bring up their children in a competitive environment.

20. White House Public School, SVCT House, Mirzapur Highway, Bhuj, Kachchh 370001: The famous residential school of Rajasthan is also famous throughout the north where parents from different states enroll their children in it.

21. SGVP International School, Saekhej Gandhinagar, Highway Chhardoi, Ahmedabad 382481: A reputed boarding school in Gujarat which has a record of academic excellence and fast growing minds.

22. Nishan Public School, Danialpur Road, Karnal Haryana – 132001: This school much near to Delhi is a favorite for parents who want to keep their unruly children under complete guidance and discipline of teachers trained to run a boarding school with complete ease.

23. B.R.C.M. Public School, Bahal – 127028, Distt: Bhiwani, Haryana: This boarding school has an ambience which would support all types of recreation to its children and provides excellent care to them.

24. Army Public School, Dagshai, Himachal Pradesh 173210: A strict and disciplined school famous for its achievements.

25. Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – 171002: A religiously dedicated boarding school focused with what parents want and building the future of its students.

26. Dalhousie Public School, Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh – 176304: Another good residential school which strives to achieve the goal of a residential school with all things taken in order.

27. The Sacred Heart High School, Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh – 171304: A school situated a small town but with great values, achievements, standards of teaching, discipline and complete requirements for a boarding school.

28. Convent of Jesus & Mary High School, Shimla 171002 (H.P.): Such a boarding school in a beautiful place automatically appeals to the students residing in it to change the very way of their lives.

29. Kullu Valley School, Ramshila, Kullu 175101: The ambience, the school, the teachers, the community, the group of students all make some contribution to the development of the child.

30. Bangalore Military School, Richmond Town, Bangalore: The famous residential school of Karnataka is also famous throughout India. Parents from different states enroll their children in it and with a hope to get the best of it.

31. Jain International Residential School, Jakkasandra Post, Kanakapura Tulak, Bangalore: A very good boarding school where residency, top notch education system, better reading facilities, recreation, extra curricular activities, good food and entertainment thus preparing the boys and girls for a bright future

32. B G S International School, Nithyanandanagar Branch K Gollahalli: A perfect and updated education for children. Make their children human beings of zest, principle, rich in experience of learning and living

33. Sandur Girls’ Residential School, Vyasankere, Hospet Taluk, Bellary 583222: Perfect timing of classes, meals, athletics, study times, activities and how to utilize free time teaches students how to move forward in life.

34. Silas International School, Hanumanthanagar, Puttur B.P.O. Dist Udupi: This is a reputed school which can teach students how to lead a competitive life ahead and how to socialize to achieve goals of both self and community.

35. PSSEMR School, Shivagangotri, Tolahunse, P.B. 252, Davangere: The schools is more focused and they try to understand what the child wants, where the trouble lies and then bring into him discipline, a perfect tactic to lead life

36. Sainik School, Kazhakuttom, Distt. Trivandrum, Kerala – 695858: A disciplined den where children become not animals but civilized human beings.

37. Anjuman-J-Jslam Public School, Panchgani (Distt: Satara), Maharashtra: A good boarding school, secular in attitude and great campus for everything that a child in boarding needs.

38. Shri Shivaji Preparatory Military School, Shivajinagar, Pune: This Residential school is a good option for parents who want to bring up their children in a competitive environment.

39. Bhonsala Military School, Dr. B.S. Moone Marg, Ram Bhoomi, Nasik, Maharashtra: As always, this is a complete disciplined military school, which teach students to become perfect individuals in life.

40. Assam Rifles Public School, Laitkor, Shillong, Meghalaya: One of the best boarding schools in the North East. The school in also one of the oldest in the area.

41. The Punjab Public School, Nabha- 147201, Punjab: A perfect and updated education for children. Make their children human beings of zest, principle, rich in experience of learning and living.

42. Dalhousie Public School, Badhani, Via – Pathankot, Punjab – 145001: The ambience, the school, the teachers, the community, the group of students all makes some contribution to the development of the child

43. Birla Public School Vidya Niketan, Pilani, Distt: Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan: This newly found Residential school is a good option for parents who want to bring up their children in a competitive environment.

44. Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’ Public School, Jaipur, Rajasthan – 302001: A school with a difference in the approach of discipline, education, curriculum and others.

45. Good Shepherd International School, Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu – 643004: The residential school is dedicated to teaching and developing values and moral character in each student along with the classroom education.

46. Kodaikanal International School, Box 25, Kodaikanal- 624 101, Tamil Nadu: The comprehensive education system along with extra curricular activities, recreation, teachings of moral values, ethics, talent nurturing and abilities of students al together make such children perfect

47. The Lawrence School, Lovedale, The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu – 643003: The good part of this residential school is that they monitor the academic performance of students, their behavior, and their performance in sports or other curricular activities.

48. St. Paul’s School, Jalapahar, Darjeeling: Parents who wish life changing experience for their children definitely can look for this residential school with best learning facilities and opportunities which are beyond classroom and beyond the school premises

49. Clenhill Public School, 87, Acharya bhawanu Path, Kurseong, Dist. Darjeeling: They give personal care to each and every student, complete attention by wardens, teaches, management authorities where the students are not taught as students but as children entrusted with complete care

50. Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy, 56-B, Mirza Ghalib Street, Kolkata: This is a reputed school which can teach students how to lead a competitive life ahead and how to socialize to achieve goals of both self and community.

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