It is no news that the by-the-minute worsening condition of our climate is largely caused by us humans. Even though the earth has been equipped with powerful tools that are a solution to the climate problems, nothing seems to be working now. The situation is so far gone that there is an alarming need for everyone to come together and save the Earth. It is true that most governments as well as their citizens, do not see the depth of the problem. On the other hand, while the topic of climate change is a part of each student’s curriculum, we are not sure if they are urged to go beyond the basic book-based theory and do something to save their earth. 

While most articles, newspapers, documentaries talk about climate change, its causes, solutions, etc. We want to discuss some of the alarming facts that we have collated through in-depth research over the span of few weeks. These facts are 100% true as they have been approved by both national and international organizations. They are easy to understand by all age groups. Those who have already read this chapter as part of science will know how to contribute. The ones who are still in the process of understanding climate change, we feel keeping them updated about the environment will be of use. 

Here is a list of 10 alarming facts that are needed to remind us that it is time to reduce the output greenhouse gas emissions at the earliest. 

1. There is more Carbon Dioxide in our atmosphere than at any time in human history. Apart from CO2, the same is the condition with Methana and Nitrous Oxide.
2. Our governments are less than five years away (2025) from missing our last realistic chance to reduce global fossil fuel use sufficiently to prevent the die-off of much of humanity by 2050. 
3. Dengue fever can spread through most of the United States by 2050, making its way to India from there. It is a disease that is caused by a mosquito-borne virus, and currently kills 10,000 people and affecting around 100 million per year. 
4. The average wildlife population has dropped by 60 percent in just about 40 years. 
5. Tropical forests are incredibly effective at storing carbon, providing at least a third of the mitigation action needed to prevent the worst climate change scenarios. Yet nature-based solutions receive only 3% of all climate funding.
6. Humans have already caused 1.07C of global warming. The temperature of the earth has risen faster than in any 50-year-period over the last 2,000 years. 
7. Our remaining carbon budget is extremely tiny. To have a 50/50 chance of staying under 1.7C of warming, we can only release an extra 500 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere – and that includes emissions from the beginning of 2020.
8. Natural climate solutions could create as many as 39 jobs per million dollars spent. This is a job-creation rate more than six times higher than the oil and gas industry.
9. Two-thirds of extreme weather events in the last 20 years were influenced by humans.
10. We have now reached a global warming acceleration level where only a worldwide government-driven mass mobilization similar in scope to the mass mobilization that occurred before World War II can save us from total extinction.

You must be wondering the purpose behind discussing these facts and explaining them in detail. Climate Changes are majorly due to excessive use of resources.  These in turn are due to the various technological “advancement” that we have made as humans. While we cannot physically make sure that each citizen is contributing in a positive way to the cause, all we can do is raise some awareness. The only solution left today is to make a conscious effort in eradicating climate problems and at the least, doing your bit. Who will educate all generations of this rising concern, if not all of us? 

Even though there is no pressure to go out of the way as students and contribute, the least you can do is constantly update your siblings, parents, and grandparents about what is happening to the Earth and educate them in any way that you feel would help. If we consciously focus on clean technology and have a holistic approach to the use of science, it would reduce the problem. At the end of the day, as students of STEM, the onus is on us to make the world a better place.

At ExperiHub, we teach Science and Mathematics by bringing concepts from the real world into the classroom. We conduct science experiments and have myriad science projects for better learning and understanding of concepts. If you want to learn more about Experiential Learning and cool home experiments, browse through our Online Sessions and Youtube Channel! 

For more Science related blogs and videos : https://experihub.com/did-you-know/

Through this blog, our purpose is to cater to all the superhero teachers out there and assist them with a smooth transition during these times. Through in-depth research and a look at the best alternatives on the internet, we have collated a list of online tools that are not just free, but also extremely easy to use. Even if you are the kind of teacher who is not yet familiar with technology, using these tools will be a cakewalk. 

ClassDojo

This tool helps teachers monitor the behavior of their students and make sure that each student is appreciated individually when they showcase a good disposition. Whenever there is any feedback for the child, the teacher can instantly contact the student through real-time notifications. This helps the children work on their improvement areas and feel good about their strengths. Moreover, the app makes sure there is a record maintained for each student so that parents can understand their progress in detail during PTMS. 

Edmodo

Social Networking has become an important part of learning in today’s era. Edmodo is a platform where students, teachers, and even parents can stay connected and up to date with whatever is going on in each subject. Providing class materials, creating collaborative groups, instantly communicating with parents, are some features of this tool. In fact, students can also interact with one another and indulge in hands-on group activities! 

Kahoot!

With a change in the mode of learning, teachers need to modify their method of assessing students too. Kahoot! helps monitor the performance of each child through a gaming mode where teachers can create questionnaires, surveys, and quizzes. This creates a fun learning environment and children love playing as well as learning at the same time. In fact, a healthy competition also takes place in the classroom!

Thinglink 

Gone are the days where students suffice and stay engaged with just books and theory! Creating content for your subject is now made easier with this too. You can easily create texts, sounds, pictures, and videos to increase student participation in your sessions. These will not only catch the eye of your students but also push them to ask questions and seek answers. This created media can also be shared on your preferred platform of communication as a form of homework. 

Socrative 

This tool serves a similar purpose to Kahoot! too. The only difference here is that students get the liberty of performing quizzes and assessments through any device that they feel comfortable with. Socrative also stores and makes a record of all the results so that teachers can look back later and modify their curriculum accordingly.

Storybird 

This tool is mainly used to help teachers create activities that will instill reading and writing skills in children of all age groups. Through the art of storytelling, teachers here can find as well as create artistic books, blogs, short writeup, storyboards, and much more. Students can interact with one another through effective communication and get constant feedback on their skills from the teacher.

Apart from all these tools, we hope you have adjusted with the basics of online teaching – choosing a platform where you would like to teach your class. Zoom, Google Hangouts, MS Teams are some of the best ones that you would like to try. 

Connecting with your students comes even prior to beginning with the learning process. It is only when you are yourself sorted and confident about the curriculum, is when you can help students out with their many questions and concerns. Remember, it is only natural for you as a teacher to take short breaks when needed and raise questions if you are not sure about this new phenomenon of online teaching all of us are only just adapting to it. 

Finally, we hope that these tools not only help make work easier for you but also make your classes more hands-on and interesting. Tried and tested, all these applications are the best way to ease your transition into the online mode of teaching! 

At ExperiHub, we teach Science and Mathematics by bringing concepts from the real world into the classroom. We conduct science experiments and have myriad science projects for better learning and understanding of concepts. If you want to learn more about Experiential Learning and cool home experiments, browse through our Online Sessions and Youtube Channel! 

While there have been numerous discussions on the online mode of teaching becoming the new normal, it has come to notice that we often forget to discuss the aspect of teachers having to adjust and adapt to the new ways of teaching. 

With the complete shutdown of educational institutions and the computer screens becoming the only mode of learning today, there are ought to be some challenges that the teachers are facing in this digital era. It is no surprise that all teachers and administrators are constantly searching for online tools and applications that will make the digital learning process easier. Before moving on to a set of solutions that can be put to use, it seems like a good idea to discuss the challenges faced by teachers today. 

Lack of Motivation 

Since this is a huge change for students too, they are still in the process of figuring everything out. Sitting at home, with no distinction between private and professional life, it is easier for students to get distracted and indulge in other activities while the online classes are going on. With no school to look forward to and no events/clubs to attend, most students feel they have no option but to sit in front of the computer screen and learn. This results in a lack of motivation, making it harder for teachers to evaluate and encourage class participation.

Engagement and Interaction

These qualities in a classroom are the most essential to ensure experiential learning. Interaction can only happen when students have their mics and cameras on during online classes. Teachers have to waste precious class time to ensure everyone is ready to engage. Sometimes, the teachers feel like they are only talking to themselves and have to constantly assume whether the students are listening, understanding, and comprehending. 

Internet Issues 

Not all students and teachers are indeed privileged enough to have access to the net for long school hours. Sometimes, slow net issues and difficulties in keeping the camera on can hamper learning. Experiential learning comes to a halt when sometimes, the net does not allow for the teachers to display videos or other presentations they may have prepared for hands-on learning. Many students have made the issue of the slow net an excuse to get away with participating and instead, get a chance to indulge in other work apart from learning. 

Lack of Resources 

Due to each student sitting at their respective homes with no access to the stationary, or other shops – teachers have had to revamp their curriculum and completely change their styles of teaching. Most activities planned at the beginning of the year have had to be replaced with something more theoretical and with equipment that can easily be found at home. Even after careful consideration by teachers, there are a lot of times that most students are still not able to acquire the needed equipment, hence wasting time and hampering the learning process.

We feel that this topic is of extreme value since, at the end of the day, it is the teachers imparting knowledge and shaping the current generations to be valuable assets for the future. It is only once we are well aware of the challenges and hardships faced by them, is when we can move on to the solutions and the process of making it better for the teachers too. 

It is important to understand that this is a huge change for all teachers. From completely having to change their curriculum, to constantly adjusting to the various issues that the students face; the challenges are numerous. It will be a good idea to make sure that wherever we, as parents and students can contribute to lessening their workload and stress, we should help out. 

At ExperiHub, we teach Science and Mathematics by bringing concepts from the real world into the classroom. We conduct science experiments and have myriad science projects for better learning and understanding of concepts. If you want to learn more about Experiential Learning and cool home experiments, browse through our Online Sessions and Youtube Channel! 

In our previous interaction with you, we all agreed that there is a need to replace the excessive use of digital media with activities that are experiential and hands-on. This will ensure the wellbeing of all children and push them to not only make mistakes but also learn from them. What makes this the best solution and a proper replacement for excessive use of electronic gadgets is that it engages children in a way that no other form of learning can. It will not only push them to ask questions but also find solutions by experimenting and challenging themselves. The best part is that when it comes to experiential learning, no method is right or wrong.

Given below is a carefully collected set of hands-on activities that can be easily performed in the comfort of your own home. These can be used to help children revise and go back to the concepts they have already learned. You do not need to go out of the way to buy any extra equipment, and just the open space that is available at your house will work. To make sure children have a variety of activities to choose from, these are a mix of all disciplines. 

Build a Museum 

This can be done by putting the furniture or showpieces at home to use. Children today have a habit of collecting objects that they like, and they can be used for this activity too. Tell your child to gather a variety of objects and create a museum from the same. Start with asking them to differentiate items and categorize them in terms of the material used, its value, the money it may have cost, etc. Let them use their organizational skills to decorate and create a museum. Once done, ask them to give a tour of their museum by putting their knowledge in history and their vocabulary skills to use.

The Apple Rotting Experiment 

This will help children understand the importance of the environment and how species react differently in different settings. Cut pieces of apples and put them in different glasses. Use solutions like oil, water, vinegar, and air for each glass and label them with the same. Give it a few days and let children draw and make predictions on what might happen the next day. Let them understand the decaying process, and ask many scientific questions that they may be curious about. 

Scavenger Hunt 

This can be an activity within an activity! All you need to do is hide clues within the boundaries of your home, exactly like a treasure hunt. Each clue can have a variety of learning activities, like math equations or science-related questions. All of these have to be relevant to the chapters your kid is studying at school. Encourage them by keeping some treasure or a few extra minutes of gadgets ready for them as a reward once they complete the treasure hunt. To make it more engaging, set a time limit to the hunt too, and let them figure out how much time is left on their own. 

The Value of Storytime 

If you have not already made this a habit for children, now is the right time to start. Reading stories will help the child not only learn new words but also enhance his/her imagination. When you come across a new or unfamiliar word, try and strike a conversation around the term with your kid. Introduce different genres of stories and encourage your children to use their imagination and the new words that they have learned to create their own stories too. To work on their drawing skills, it is a good idea to sketch the characters along with your child.

Start a Restaurant 

This will help children revisit their language and literary skills. Use props and utensils to create a restaurant at home. Let them design a menu from scratch and use words they have learned at school. You can also use vegetables and fruits, asking your child to categorize them and learn to differentiate. Let them play the role of a waiter, owner, or even a customer to enhance their communication skills and confidence. 

Note that all these activities have been chosen to keep in mind the times of the pandemic. Apart from all this, it is a good practice to weekly check-in with your children emotionally. Taking a day off once in a while to binge on food or TV shows is sometimes a great idea too! 

A pro tip is to make sure your kids are an active part of this whole process. It is only when they are given attention, and their opinions are valued, is when they start participating and engaging themselves in activities. 

To sum it all up, we at Experihub believe that, at the end of the day, what makes a significant difference is not what your children are taught, but how they are taught. 

At ExperiHub, we teach Science and Mathematics by bringing concepts from the real world into the classroom. We conduct science experiments and have myriad science projects for better learning and understanding of concepts. If you want to learn more about Experiential Learning and cool home experiments, browse through our Online Sessions and Youtube Channel! 

Technology today has become the new normal for children. Their dependency on these devices in terms of both their personal and professional life is rapidly increasing. Internet addiction is a real phenomenon and has gained significant importance in recent times. Even though this is a topic of concern, it is not too late to divert our children’s attention in more productive directions. 

Both parents and teachers indeed have a big role to play in this phenomenon of internet addiction. Now that this issue has grown multi-folds, the next step is to move on to possible solutions and implement them in all children’s lives at the earliest. While we cannot eradicate the use of technology, we can come forward and suggest alternatives to this problem. We need to implement a solution that does not work long term but is also useful, beneficial, and the best utilization of our children’s time. 

Currently, and in the future, we suggest the best solution to the excessive use of technology is to replace it with experiential and hands-on learning. Here are a few reasons that will better help you understand the importance of experiential learning in today’s time – 

Effective Learning without Compromising on Health 

Excessive use of technology strains the eyes and makes the children extremely lazy, ultimately leading to a lack of physical exercise. Experiential learning is a better solution since most of its activities require the kids to be active and alert. It not only increases their knowledge but also challenges them to rack their brains and find answers to questions they never thought possible

Development of Important Skills 

Experiential learning facilitates the learning and polishing of skills that will come in handy even outside the educational institutions. Hands-on activities prepare students for the real world and help them understand the theory implementation in practical situations. Effective Communication, Analytical Skills, Problem Solving, Teamwork, and Decision Making are some qualities experiential learning helps develop.

Engaging and Interesting 

When you initially introduce the concept of experiential learning, children may outright say no to the idea of using their free time at home to study and learn. However, their attitude may change once they indulge in hands-on activities. What you as a parent can do, is ask them questions, allow them to be inquisitive, and introduce the concept of “do it yourself”. It will not only interest them but will also instantly grab their attention. 

Building Relationships 

Experiential learning requires teamwork and coordination. You can indulge in these activities with your child and spend more time with them. Instead of being in their room, busy with electronic devices all the time, these hands-on activities can also be performed outdoors and help create effective bonds. 

Augmented technology does not just have negative implications. Technology has grown tremendously in the last few years and continues to help children in their daily life. However, it is also important to be aware of the consequences of excessive use of technology and understand how important it is to maintain a balance. Moreover, we fully understand that children cannot sit in front of a book and mug up theory all the time. What they need is something they can work, something they can create, something of real value. Here is where experiential learning comes to play and aims to make a significant change in the lifestyle of all children. 

We hope this article achieved its goal of informing you about the increasing importance of experiential learning and how it is the perfect way to rid your child of technology and its addiction. If this information helped in any way, stay tuned for our next article on activities that you can engage your children in, all from the comfort of your own house! 

At ExperiHub, we teach Science and Mathematics by bringing concepts from the real world into the classroom. We conduct science experiments and have myriad science projects for better learning and understanding of concepts. If you want to learn more about Experiential Learning and cool home experiments, browse through our Online Sessions and Youtube Channel!

Global warming and the change in climate are topics that have been trending in the news for years now, and scientists are constantly researching and showcasing their rising concern over these issues. The rising temperature of the atmosphere is a phenomenon that is becoming alarming by the second. Over the years, the changes in the climate have affected society in disruptive ways. Scientists predict calamities like heat waves and large storms are likely to get more frequent due to climate change.

Weather and Climate

In definition, Climate is defined as weather conditions over a long period of time and space. Its average duration of being observed is 30 years. It describes larger areas like cities/countries, and its records are maintained by the concerned centers of a particular place. Different places have different climates, which depends on a variety of factors like rainfall, changing seasons, temperature, humidity, precipitation, etc.

On the other hand, weather refers to the short-term conditions of any place, any day or any time. It can vary over minutes, hours, and days according to the different places in the world. The troposphere is the closest to the ground, and that is where changes in the weather are normally observed. The weather of a particular place can be predicted through factors like direction, temperature, air pressure etc.

Weather and Climate are often used in the same conversation but can be a bit confusing too. Even though they are interrelated, the difference between the two is significant. In the simplest of terms, the main difference between the two phenomena is the duration. While Climate is more or less the average weather status of a specific place over a long period of time, the Weather refers to the short-term changes in the environment. It can be used in our day-to-day conversation about the atmosphere and how it is changing.

To understand better, we have come up with a list of important differences between the two terms. To better understand trending and alarming issues like Global Warming and Rising Temperatures, the foundation is to realise the difference between Climate and Weather.

What are they affected by?

The climate consists of factors like sunshine, wind, rain, humidity, temperature etc. More or less, the climate is made of long-term observations of the environment and atmosphere at a specific location.

The weather is affected by multiple ranges of factors like pressure, cloudiness, temperature, wind, flooding, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, and much more. While sometimes it can be just one of these factors, mostly it is a combination of all.

What do they affect? 

Climate has more long-term and deadly effects. Since climate change has been a concern for many years now, it has significantly affected people’s livelihood and will continue to affect even more in the future. Agriculture and Industries are two major sectors affected by climate.

Weather usually affects day-to-day routine and chores. Sometimes, we do not know till the very last what weather has in store for us. It can hamper transportation, daily plans, agriculture, public services etc.

Whom are they studied by?

The study of climate is known as climatology, and a reputable and recognised organisation known as the Climate Prediction Centre predicts climate.

The study of weather is known as Meteorology and is observed by the Meteorological Department in short spans of time. Different locations have different departments.

How are the changes in both observed?

The climate takes a long time to change, and even though the departments are at work around the clock, its changes come to notice after a longer period of time. Even though the climate is constantly changing, significant observations take time.

The weather condition changes frequently and so can be observed over short spans of time. In fact, sometimes, it can just be a matter of minutes before you observe a new change.

In conclusion, the weather has its effect for a few minutes/hours, whereas climate change lasts for a longer time and has more long-lasting effects.

Today, scientists worldwide are trying to understand both of these phenomena better and  wrap their heads around what the Earth has in store for the future. Unfortunately, the studies show a wide variety of predictions, and it will take a while before scientists and researchers reach a common consensus.

Now that you have understood how both Climate and Weather work, you are ready to understand, research, and deep dive into major issues like climate change, rising temperatures, global warming etc.

At ExperiHub, we teach Science and Mathematics by bringing concepts from the real world into the classroom. We conduct science experiments and have myriad science projects for better learning and understanding of concepts. If you want to learn more about Experiential Learning and cool home experiments, browse through our Online Sessions and Youtube Channel!  

References- 

1. “Difference between weather and climate” Rachna C., June 30th, 2019. https://biodifferences.com/difference-between-weather-and-climate.html#KeyDifferences
2. NASA – What’s the Difference Between Weather and Climate? NASA, February 1st, 2005. https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/noaa-n/climate/climate_weather.html

For us to understand and comprehend this definition, it is important to know about both Physical and Chemical changes. A perfect example of this is a burning candle. The burning of a candle can be classified as a chemical change, while the conversion of a candle into wax is a physical one. If we dig in more deeper, chemical equations have been developed to simplify expressions of a chemical reaction. 

Now that we have a fair idea of what Chemical Reactions and their components are,  let us discuss a topic slightly more interesting. Did you know that there are a bunch of Chemical Reactions that account for changing the history of the world? These reactions have not only changed the way mankind looks and perceives the world, but they have also become a major landmark in the journey of all of us humans.

Let us enlighten you with a discussion on 6 of these reactions that are renowned and popular to date –  

Polymerisation of Polyethylene

Two scientists, who were trying to react ethylene and benzaldehyde accidentally discovered Polyethylene in 1933.  Instead, they discovered a waxy material that turned out to be a polymer (Substance made up of multiple units) of ethylene. The material was developed as a film and used as insulation for wires and other components. Its structure and manufacturing were a highly guarded secret since it made electrical components light enough to place in planes. Today, polyethylene is the most produced plastic in the world.

Plastic revolutionised the world. They come in various forms and are high in demand since they are easily moulded, resistant to heat, and cheap to make.

Ozone Destruction

While Mechanical refrigeration technology has been in common usage since the 1800s, refrigerators encountered multiple problems due to limited technology. As a solution, two scientists set out to find a much safer refrigerant. As a result of mixing multiple chemicals, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were found to be much safer.

However, CFCs had an unknown problem at the time; their molecules could lead to massive depletion of the ozone layer. Today, they have been replaced with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that are mainly non-toxic and non-flammable.

Synthesis of Urea  

The theory of Vitalism states that living systems are governed by completely different systems than non-living ones. However, Friedrich Wohler, a German Scientist, changed that in 1828. He was working on trying to synthesize ammonium cyanate. When he reacted to various substances to produce ammonium cyanate, he produced white crystals. These were later identified as urea.

This meant that urea was an organic compound and disapproved of one of the basic principles of Vitalism. Later, this laid the foundation for the field of organic chemistry.

Combustion of Hydrogen

In the late 1700s, a new theory came to notice. The concept said that all inflammable substances contained a fire called phlogiston, and during combustion, the phlogiston would be lost to the air. Antoine Lavoisier was a scientist who was very apprehensive of this theory. After a few years, he combusted inflammable air (hydrogen gas) with normal air; the product was water. This experiment laid the foundation for modern chemistry.

Even though Chemistry was an underdeveloped science during those times, water became one of the components where most of the roots of Chemistry are rooted today.

Water with Carbon Dioxide

As you all know, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is mainly known for its role as a greenhouse gas. However, there is another side to CO2, where it reversibly reacts with water to form carbonic acid. This carbonic acid then breaks down into bicarbonate and then carbonate ions. This acid gives us the sensations in the fresh soda we drink.

In fact, this CO2 reacts the same way with water in the ocean too. The ocean absorbs roughly one-quarter of the CO2 that is released every year.

Saponification

It is a fact that oil and water do not mix well and the reason for this is a theory known as polarity. While water molecules are polar, oil molecules are not. However, this becomes a major problem while cleaning dishes; the grease does not mix with water and stays on the dish.

The answer to this is Soap since its molecules have both polar and non polar parts. While the polar part mixes with the water, the non polar part mixes with oil. This results in the oil forming small droplets in the water that are easily removed. Decades ago, soap was originally made by heating salt, ashes, and animal fats together in water. Today, soap is made by reacting sodium hydroxide/potassium hydroxide with fatty acids.

While these are just a handful of notable chemical reactions, they are essential to know for a student interested in STEM Learning. These experiments give us an idea of how they changed the way we live today and encourage us to keep experimenting and playing around. 

You never know, you may end up writing history!

At ExperiHub, we teach Science and Mathematics by bringing concepts from the real world into the classroom. We conduct science experiments and have myriad science projects for better learning and understanding of concepts. If you want to learn more about Experiential Learning and cool home experiments, browse through our Online Sessions and Youtube Channel!

References: 

“Chemical Reactions and Equations”, BYJUs. https://byjus.com/chemistry/chemical-reactions/

“10 Chemical Reactions that changed the world”, Mark Thomas, 9th May, 2018. https://listverse.com/2018/05/09/10-chemical-reactions-that-changed-the-world/

Without a doubt, this type of modeling is gaining immense popularity and has many prospects for the future. For this purpose, we want you to fully understand what the term means, how it is beneficial to society and what its real-life applications are.

3D modeling, in the simplest of terms, is a technique in computer graphics that is used for producing a 3D representation for any object. As the name suggests, the representation is called a 3D model and can be done with any object, living or inanimate. According to your own whims and desires, these 3D objects can either be generated automatically or even created manually. You can also go ahead and create a full physical representation of your personalized model by using the technology of a 3D printer!

To understand better, let us dive a little into the mechanisms of creating a 3D model. Someone who works with these models can be called a 3D artist or a modeler. The artist uses specific software to manipulate the points in virtual space. These points are termed mesh, also known as a collection of points that form an object. All these points are then mapped into a 3D grid and joined together in various shapes. Each point has its own individual position on the grid. By combining all these positions into shapes, the surface of the object is finally created.

While most models are exported to other software for games or movies, some create hyper-realistic scenes by using slightly complicated algorithms. The application of 3D models is also used in various mediums like architecture, engineering, illustration, commercial advertising, etc. Apart from these, let us discuss a list of 5 main fields where 3D modeling these days is considered the priority –

Creative Careers

The value of 3D modeling has been significantly increasing for a few years now. There is an extensive market for 3D models that exists online, and now that the world is making digital use the new normal, its value is as high as ever. Engineers and Architects use this type of modeling to plan and design their work. Most Hollywood movies use 3D modeling for special dramatic effects, speed up the production process, and cut costs. Finally, Animators are dependent on 3D modeling to give their ideas life and make them seem realistic.

3D Printing

The applications for 3D printing are vast since 3D modeling is needed to create designs before they reach the printer. This printer initially started with businesses and is now moving on to a legit customer base. We can easily build prototypes, manufacture replacement parts and create specialist tools. As the prices for 3D printers come down, more and more regular people are beginning to use them. 

Media

3D modeling is the best way to entertain people in today’s times. Even though creating special effects and on-screen characters have been a part of the media for years now, 3D modeling can also help create worlds that do not exist in real life. Professionals can easily remove or add items, and the models will be so realistic that viewers will not even realize that it is nothing but just a model. 3D modeling is the reason video games these days have become so addictive and believable. Be it advertising, publishing, or marketing – all media sectors use 3D Modeling in one way or another. 

Interior Visualization

This application refers to not only residential interiors but also retail spaces. 3D modeling helps to see buildings’ interior before the spaces are filled with furniture, color, and lighting. It helps the customers get a real-life idea of how the finished room will look and easily add and change items. 

Site Layout

3D modeling can be used to communicate the location of various equipment and landscape elements. Other utilities like gutters, piping, natural gas lines, etc. can also be easily mapped. Accessories such as benches, swings, and other playground equipment are also made possible through 3D modeling. Getting an idea about the rough layout helps the team get clarity about their placements and gain more information they need to place equipment at any given period of time. 

In simpler words, 3D modeling has made life easier for most of us, and it continues to do so. As time changes and technologies become more advanced, the phenomenon of this type of modeling will grow to be more popular and helpful. Knowing how 3D modeling works and putting it to use is a great skill to have in today’s time! 

So, would you like to take up 3D modeling as a hobby or a profession? No matter what you decide, we suggest you give it a shot for sure!

At ExperiHub, we teach Science and Mathematics by bringing concepts from the real world into the classroom. We conduct science experiments and have myriad science projects for better learning and understanding of concepts. If you want to learn more about Experiential Learning and cool home experiments, browse through our Online Sessions and Youtube Channel!

References – 

“What is 3D Modeling & What’s It Used For?” , Josh Petty. https://conceptartempire.com/what-is-3d-modeling/ 

“Guide to 3D Modeling.” , TOPS Marketing, Data Modeling. https://www.takeoffpros.com/2020/04/27/guide-to-3d-modeling/

In today’s world, STEM education has become necessary for students to compete in a global economy and be prepared for the future. To spark an interest in STEM careers in students’ minds, introducing them to this whole new world gets much easier through hands-on and experiential activities. These activities are not only inquiry-based, but they also activate critical thinking in the mind of the learners. 

We have come up with a list of exciting activities that will open children to a new world of information and urge them to think in the direction of STEM subjects. To make it easier, we have classified these activities by subject – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. 

SCIENCE 

1. Water Cycle in a Bag – Make this is group/pair activity. Grab a transparent sandwich bag and use a permanent marker to draw a sun, cloud, and water on it. Fill it with ¼ cup of water and four drops of blue food colouring. Cover its lid and use tape to hang the bag on the window of the classroom. Sit back and watch it work. The science behind this is that the limited amount of water on Earth has to change periodically. This is called the water cycle. Over the next few days, children will see water evaporating into vapour and slowly change back into condensed liquid, just like a cloud. Finally, they will notice that the air cannot hold the water anymore, and hence, it falls down in the form of precipitation and therefore it can be called it.
2. Oil Spill – This activity is simple and can be modified according to the age group of the children. Here, take a large container and mix oil and water. Add a few feathers to this combination and provide the children with equipment like spoons, sponges, cotton, paper towels etc. Ask them to try and separate the oil from water and the feathers. This shows how drastically oil spills can affect the environment. Students will observe how oil affects the feathers and how difficult it is to separate it from water. You can further teach them about environmental change and the ill effects of such calamities. 

TECHNOLOGY 

1. Coding a LEGO Maze – Through the use of Lego mazes and instruction cards, students begin to use different codes and act as the “user,” one who is building something of value. They will be the ones guiding you through the maze, understanding command codes, and estimating from the perspective of a third person. This will help students to start understanding and learning the basics of coding. The best part is that it can be modified according to the needs and expertise of the children. They will learn to make predictions, minute calculations, and do sequencing.
2. Creating a Stop Motion Animation – You can use the Stop Motion Animation App for ease of activity. All you have to do is decide on a backdrop; it can be as simple as a window or anything fancy. Gather toys and other props that can create motion and be included in your animation. Put your shooting device on a stand and use the app to start making a movie! Give students a chance to experiment and use their creativity. There are not one but many benefits of this activity. It not only supports storytelling but also teaches children the mechanics of movie-making. They can learn to experiment, test, and plan out where a story is heading. Finally, it encourages problem-solving and critical thinking.

ENGINEERING 

1. Jelly Bean Building – For this, you can use marshmallows and toothpicks. All you have to do is ask the students to try and connect toothpicks with marshmallows. Tell them to observe the shapes that hold together, ones that are interesting to look at, shapes that do not have any symmetry etc. You can modify these questions according to your understanding. This activity will make students understand the design behind structural engineering. Make them use structural thought and technology, challenging them to make different structures with these materials.
2. Up, Up and Away – Provide the children with a limited set of supplies. Some important ones are tape, straws, wooden dowels, paper, cardboard, and clay. Leave it to the children to come up with designs and tweak their product to construct an airplane. While some may look at pictures to get a fair idea, others may use their knowledge of wings and technology. Make sure the students make the airplane fly as the end result. This project is open-ended and very hands-on. Students can use their prior knowledge, research skills, and innovation, and creativity to design an aircraft of their own. The lesson can be one of trial and error as well as teamwork. 

MATH 

1. Math Hunt – While this is one of the easiest, it makes children get out of the classroom and go out into the field. All you have to do is take up a math worksheet, handpick a few Math questions and create a hunt. Number these chits and hide them around the playground or the classroom. Keep at least ten clues and let children open the next one only when they solve the first question. This can be done in groups. Sometimes, it is all about these simple activities that spark an interest in children. You can make this a weekly or a monthly habit, one that students look forward to.
2. Nerf Gun Math – Gather plastic cups, a permanent marker, something to keep a record, eye protection, and a nerf gun kit. Instead of nerf, you can also use a ball. Write your numbers (can vary according to age group) on a cup and set them up in pyramid form. Make this into a small competition and get the students shooting at the pyramid! This lets students identify the number on the cups and calculate the total points they have scored. It will not only be fun but also challenging to count and add. 

While these are just a handful of activities, they are enough to equip the children with all they need to know about STEM subjects! Ample STEM activities are floating around on the web, but not all of them are authentic, and not all of them fulfill the purpose of giving out knowledge and useful information. It is on you to choose wisely and decide what is the most appropriate for your children.

A wise tip is to make sure that you, as a teacher, are thorough with your instructions and try to shuffle between subjects when introducing these activities to the students. We are confident that once you have a fair idea of how these activities work, you will have enough knowledge to create such experiments of your own too! 

We wish you all the best with introducing these to your children and look forward to them engaging and interacting with enthusiasm! 

At ExperiHub, we teach Science and Mathematics by bringing concepts from the real world into the classroom. We conduct science experiments and have myriad science projects for better learning and understanding of concepts. If you want to learn more about Experiential Learning and cool home experiments, browse through our Online Sessions and Youtube Channel!  

References – 

“More than 30 resources for STEM Project based Learning Activities” Wabisabi Learning. https://wabisabilearning.com/blogs/stem/36-stem-project-based-learning-activities

“11 Engaging Stem Activities for Kids that will foster curiosity” Brianna Flavin, 26th August. 2019, www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/simple-stem-activities-for-kids/

Do you remember all those months we have spent waiting for a cure, hoping to get out of this situation as soon as possible? Well, the wait was definitely worth it! 

Even though we are highly fortunate that trusted and professional doctors all around the world have come up with a vaccine for this pandemic, it is important to make sure that we are clear about how it works and reacts to our body. While multiple debates are going on about the vast aspects of the vaccine, the question that everyone is seeking an answer to is; is a single dose of Covid 19 vaccine sufficient to keep us safe?

The answer to this is 2 fold – while some doctors support just one dose, others feel it is essential to get 2 booster shots.

To name some, Pfizer, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Moderna, Sinovac, and Sinopharm are the various types of vaccines that have been approved for the masses. Here is an authentic and original take on what the creators of the top 4 vaccines have to say about only getting a single booster shot –

UK’s Vaccine Committee

The committee used a different method to calculate the efficiency of the vaccine. Instead of observing from Day 1 of getting the first booster shot, they only looked at days 15-21.

The efficacy of getting just one booster shot jumped to 89% since it is not being diluted by the high number of infections that take place before the vaccine begins to show its effect on the body. In fact, they also observed that the recovery of the immune system stays more or less the same whether you take one shot or two.

Pfizer

The first dose of this vaccine is roughly 52% effective. It shows no signs of infection or any disease symptoms even after 2 weeks of getting the dose. Out of 36,523 participants in phase 3 of the trial, only 82 developed symptoms in the late future.

However, only getting one shot comes with its drawbacks. Firstly, the protection does not kick in until at least day 12. Secondly, getting two booster shots proved to be 95% effective at preventing disease.

Moderna

After drawing a comparison, it was found out that while just one dose of vaccine can provide 80.2% protection, two doses can provide 95.6%. However, the time gap between getting 2 doses is about 28 days and hence, it poses threats to the subject’s immunity. 

While Moderna believes that just getting one dose is sufficient, they are not sure if the immunity from a single vaccine will continue in the long run or drop off after a certain stage.

Sinovac

This vaccine is slightly unusual as it has been trialled in various countries, all of which have produced different results. The researchers have altogether removed the possibility of a single dose being sufficient.

According to researchers in Turkey, two doses are 91.25% protective, while scientists in Indonesia say it is only 65.3% effective. There are other countries who range their estimation for 40-50% as well.

The results have been viewed with some scepticism and there are ongoing studies to reach a common consensus.

The fact of the matter is that getting two booster shots is not new to vaccines. At the end of the day, two vaccine shots are guaranteed to give us best results. Here is a common suggestion of some of the most renowned doctors– “Do not think one dose is better than none. If you have the chance of getting two shots, please go ahead without thinking twice.”

Moreover, the doctors are urging all citizens to make sure they are well aware and updated with the workings and after effects of the vaccine. Keep in mind that nothing about the vaccine is written in stone and as in when the research progresses, the results keep changing with time.

Finally, one last piece of advice is to continue to maintain social distancing as it is essential till the time adequate coverage of the vaccine is attained. With the limited initial availability of the vaccines, let us make sure we take precautions to avoid the further spread of the pandemic.

In simpler words, while the announcement of vaccines may sound exciting and relieving, all of us need to wait a while longer before we can resume and get back to our normal routine lives.

We hope all of us stay safe, patient, and emerge out of this pandemic stronger and united as ever!

At ExperiHub, we teach Science and Mathematics by bringing concepts from the real world into the classroom. We conduct science experiments and have myriad science projects for better learning and understanding of concepts. If you want to learn more about Experiential Learning and cool home experiments, browse through our Online Sessions and Youtube Channel!  

References – 

“Is one-dose COVID-19 vaccination better than two?” Dr. Liji Thomas, 6 Jan. 2021, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210106/Is-one-dose-COVID-19-vaccination-better-than-two.aspx

“Is more than one dost of the Covid-19 vaccine necessary?” John Whyte, 16 Jan. 2021, https://www.webmd.com/coronavirus-in-context/video/vaccines-dosing

“Can you still transmit Covid-19 after vaccination?” BBC, 3 Feb. 2021, https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210203-why-vaccinated-people-may-still-be-able-to-spread-covid-19