WEB LOG:This is a live videostream of a piece of tar pitch under a bell jar. This piece of pitch has been sitting there since 1930 not doing very much except the odd movement every decade or so. It's the longest running continuous laboratory experiment due to the unusual qualities of pitch: despite technically being in liquid form at room temperature, a lump will shatter like a solid under a hammer blow. Left to its own devices, however, it will behave like an inconceivably slow dripping tap.
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Clevernotes.ie
It's that time of year where Leaving Cert students turn their mind to mock exams, note gathering and grinds. Clevernotes.ieis an online resource that offers an alternative to grinds. It provides study notes, video guides and advice from contributors including Irish authors and teachers of English, Irish, French, home economics, biology, geography, business, German and history, with more to be added. A nice addition is the interactive test for Irish and French orals – students can record and compare pronunciation.
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The Hidden Science Map
Scientists are everywhere. They pass amongst us disguised as civilians. It’s surprising how many people still see science in terms of “them versus us”. This initiative aims to put the average scientist on the map, literally. The interactive map shows scientists by field, gender and geographic location, and would make an interesting classroom activity. There is, however, a dearth of Irish entries.