Thursday, April 19, 2007

LINKS Learning for Kids: Math: Illustrated Lessons

Many children and people in general learn visually. A visual mathematical tutorial can be a useful introduction or refresher for those wanting to excel.

Math is the language of symbols. The way we work with numbers tells us a lot about their relationships, patterns, and the ways they change. Math helps us describe both similarities and differences and also helps us think and solve practical problems.

In this section, you will find some fun ways to learn about math. You can start out with Estimation of Length, Place Value and Weight and Capacity. If you want something more challenging, take a look at Line Symmetry, Patterns and Tangrams. Try some of these at home with your family!

Get started at LinksLearning.org.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Invisible Octopus

Normally, you will learn that invisibility doesn't exist in nature. But this video seems to show an invisible octopus.

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This Octopus turns invisible and visible at will. Just watch.

For accuracy, this is quite possibly a cuttlefish and not an octopus, though they are related. The cuttlefish is quite possibly the smartest invertebrate on the planet. They have a pretty advanced brain structure, most likely adapted because they have to be able to control the vast number of color changing cells within their body.

There was a pretty interesting special on them on the Discovery Channel about a week ago, although I can't find a link for the show right now. Keep your eye out for that show, but in the meantime, see the Invisible Octopus.