Revive your algebra skills at Khan Academy

American educator Salman Khan, a graduate of MIT and Harvard, started the Khan Academy in 2006 for the purpose of making “a free, world-class education available for anyone, anywhere.” Khan, a mathematician by training, features videos of an electronic blackboard on which he works out math problems while explaining them in voice-over. His site has expanded its offerings until now it not only hosts lessons in math, but also computer programming, economics and even art history. Site registration is free, and those who complete courses can earn “badges” for their accomplishments. The lessons are aimed at a college preparatory level. Still, if I had to brush up my algebra, I would click right in to Khan Academy. Khan Academy lessons are available through free apps, too.

Khan Academy
http://www.khanacademy.org

Take science classes from MIT for free online

MIT began to offer virtually all of its course content over the web for free in 2002 through its OpenCourseWare (OCW; http://ocw.mit.edu) program. Many of the classes have been translated into eight languages, including Chinese, Spanish and Turkish. OCW has a separate program for independent learners called OCW Scholar (http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/ocw-scholar/). These courses are more complete than typical OCW offerings and feature supplemental multimedia materials. Subjects covered include biology, mathematics, and microeconomics.

MIT OpenCourseWare
http://ocw.mit.edu

Take college-level classes online for free at the Online Learning Initiative

Free college-level online classes have been available since 2001, when Carnegie Mellon University introduced its Open Learning Initiative (OLI). Today, OLI offers 18 introductory-level online classes in a variety of subjects including Biochemistry, Statistical Reasoning and Elementary French. Students affiliated with the university pay a fee to have their tests graded and receive credit for their work. Independent learners, on the other hand, are welcome to work through the pre-recorded lectures for no charge, but they will not be quizzed nor receive credit. Still, they are encouraged to establish a free account with the OLI site so it can track their progress. OLI designs their courses with measurable learning outcomes, which gives them the tools to “iteratively improve our courses and improve the teaching and learning experience.”

OLI
http://oli.cmu.edu

Fight teen trolls with help from the Cyberbullying Research Center

Dr. Sameer Hinduja of Florida Atlantic University and Dr. Justin Patchin of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire work together to research the causes and consequences of cyberbullying. In addition to advice for parents and teens about how to prevent and deal with cyberbullying, the professors provide a current list of anti-cyberbullying laws by state: http://www.cyberbullying.us/Bullying_and_Cyberbullying_Laws.pdf.

Cyberbullying Research Center
http://www.cyberbullying.us

Out-of-state college students, ensure your voting status at Campus Vote Project

College students living away from their home state face particular challenges in some states when they try to register to vote. In Florida, for example, all voters must present proof of permanent residence, which is difficult for out-of-state university students. The Campus Vote Project is a non-profit organization that works “with students to remove barriers to voting on campuses across the country.” If you are an out-of-state college student, visit this site to see what you must do to make your vote count.

Campus Vote Project
http://www.campusvoteproject.org

LittleBits teaches children how to use microcontrollers

“It is easy to learn how to use these controllers,” says Travis Good, editor at Make magazine. “Even kids can do it.” They sure can with a kit from littleBits. On these microprocessor boards, each color is an input, a processor, or an output. The parts snap together and in only one way so that it is impossible for inexperienced users to make a mistake. Kids can prototype systems without worrying that they will damage the parts by lack of knowledge. LittleBits are pricier than the plain Arduino. A starter kit costs almost $90.

littleBits
http://littlebits.cc

Play Phylo to help scientists sort DNA.

The Internet Book of Life

It just seems like you are matching square colors in a pretty Flash game. But the colored squares represent the four nucleotides of DNA. You are actually comparing sections of genetic material across species, looking for the best alignment (and possibly mapping areas that cause disease.) The site is Canadian and so can be played in both French and English.

http://phylo.cs.mcgill.ca

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Find information about tax-free 529 plans at Savingforcollege.com

It has been said that a college degree has become necessary for success in adult life. But with tuition costs soaring and governments cutting funding for state schools, how are you going to pay for it? Savingforcollege.com offers free state-by-state information about 529 plans, the tax-free way to invest toward your child’s college costs. Download their Family Guide to College Savings for some tuition tackling tactics.

Savingforcollege.com
http://www.savingforcollege.com

Make sure the kids are covered with Insure Kids Now

The Medicaid program, in place since 1965, provides health coverage for children in families at or slightly above the federal poverty level (FPL). The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA), brought low or no-cost coverage to families with incomes up to $45,000 for kids up to 19 years old. Families with children can visit this site to see if they qualify for the program, or they can call 1-877-Kids-Now (1-877-543-7669). In Spanish: http://espanol.insurekidsnow.gov/enes/.

Insure Kids Now
http://insurekidsnow.gov

Suck Away Cavities with Dr. John’s Lollipops

UCLA microbiologist Dr. Wenyuan Shi discovered that an extract of licorice root kills the bacteria that causes tooth decay. (https://www.drjohns.com/Resources/PDF/dj/licorice-safety.pdf) To get that herb into the mouths of babes, he mixed it with orange-flavored sugar-free candy. The result, called Dr. John’s® Candies Herbal Lollipops, will banish bad bacteria from the mouth for three to six months. The lollies are to be savored twice a day for ten days. 20 pops cost $10. What an enjoyable way to get fresh breath and banish cavities!

Dr. John’s® Candies Herbal Lollipops
https://www.drjohns.com/?i=herballollipops