I made these last year as an attempt to help my students improve their number sense.

Directions: Print these out double-sided, cut out the cards, then follow the instructions on the handout.

Despite the directions being on top, I usually have to model the process for my students first. I’ll watch the student attempt it or check on them to see which cards they have trouble with, which has helped me diagnose what skills they lack (which are sometimes surprising for a high school level, but this allows me to address it now instead of never).

I welcome any feedback on how the instructions and activity can be improved.

Link: Number sense flash cards (DOC)
Link: Number sense flash cards (PDF)

Keep in mind I’m in LAUSD, so my posts may be more relevant to teachers in LAUSD.

Q: Can I download a YouTube video to my computer to show in class later?
(Some background info on this question: All LAUSD schools block access on their networks to YouTube (and other sites). Even if you don’t have this problem, you may want to save a YouTube video in case you don’t want to rely on having internet connection during your lesson.)

A: Yes. There are several methods to save a YouTube video onto your hard drive, but this one is probably the most convenient and straightforward: http://www.zamzar.com (works for PC and Mac). Click the “Download Videos” tab. Enter the video URL, and the format of the video you’d like to download (try “.avi” if you’re not sure). Type in your e-mail address and hit the “Convert” button. You’ll be e-mailed a link, which you click to save the converted video file. The site has conversion tools for various other types of files. There are other sites that do the same or similar things.

Q: Can I “make” a PDF file?
A: Yes. Macs have this feature built in. If you try to print a file, there might be a “PDF” button somewhere. I don’t have access to a Mac right now so I’m not sure. For the PC, you can download and install free software: http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp. You’ll need to download/install both links on the left side of that page. Once you do that, you’ll be able to create a PDF file out of anything you would otherwise print to a printer. For example, if you’re in MS Word, you go to File => Print, and instead of selecting your usual printer, select “CutePDF Writer” (screenshot below). When you hit the “Print” button, you’ll get to choose the file name and location to where you’d like to save the PDF file.

Ramit Sethi elaborates beautifully on this in his blog post “Your College is Not a Technical School“.

Think about your current priorities and where you’re committing your time. Are you doing things so you’ll be better?… or just so you’ll look better?

There’s a post with some great advice on applying to a job you’re really interested in. The site’s focus is finance for young graduates, but really touches on the many aspects that make achieving your goals possible, such as eliminating barriers, starting early, and knowing you don’t have to be the smartest person in the room.

Read the article: How a pro does it — My friend Rachel made $1,000 an hour negotiating a new job

This “new” site will pretty much be my old “Quarter-Life Comics” site, with the addition of random guides. I enjoy learning new things and documenting what I learn for others to learn from, so I hope people find some valuable stuff here. Also, since it’s usually stuff I learn and not exactly things I’m a lifetime expert in, I welcome any feedback, corrections, and additional edumacation you can offer.

Feel free to leave comments (now applicable to the comics, too :oP :o) ).

I used to think it was simple, probably like many other people think. Just look for an “organic” label, right? Recycle = good, right? It’s easy to do these things and feel good about ourselves, thinking we’re saving the world.

Instead, making a green decision actually has so many factors to consider. I bought some towels made of bamboo (they’re so soft! :oD). Yes, apparently bamboo can be made into a fabric. Bamboo grows quickly and naturally doesn’t need pesticides to ward off insects. Wow! Buying bamboo clothing and towels must be a green decision! According to (the summary referencing) this article, apparently it’s not so simple. The material is environmentally friendly, but the process of making the fabric is not.

Take some other examples. Think buying organic fruit is the greenest option? Take into account factors such as harvesting techniques and shipping methods, then maybe buying local is more earth-friendly. Another obvious example is the Prius. Hybrid = saving the world? Debatable. What else do we need to take into consideration? If the materials are green, the processes are chemical free, but the goods are made by people being paid pennies a day, is that still considered a green product?

It seems impossible to grasp the whole picture and consider every factor before we buy a product, but it’s no excuse to stop trying. I think as long as we make an effort and keep a healthy dialogue (or debate) going, then we’re heading in the right direction.