What the Red Planet will be able to supply to the colonies of the solar system
The American scientist proposes to create on Mars the production of hydrogen, which will become one of the most valuable elements of the space economy.
In his new article, Mikhail Shubov of the University of Massachusetts in Lowell proposes to create hydrogen production on Mars after a colony is established there. The most abundant element in the universe will play an important role in the economy of the future, so such possible production could become a reality, according to universetoday.com.
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There is a lot of hydrogen on Jupiter or even on the Sun, but its production there will not be entirely profitable. Asteroids have water that can be used to extract hydrogen, but there is also little to meet the needs of the future solar system for this valuable element, Shubov says.
That is why the scientist turned his attention to Mars. Hydrogen on the Red Planet is found in water, which is in the form of ice. Scientists estimate that there are more than 5 million km3 of ice on or near the surface of Mars. Therefore, the colonists will be able to use this water to support the life of the colony, and send the rest to the production of hydrogen, Shubov suggests.
According to the scientist, the production of hydrogen will be profitable when hydrogen is massively used in the surrounding space, and secondly, the colony itself reaches such a level of development that it will be able to engage in such production.
Shubov claims that the process of extracting hydrogen can be started only when about 10,000 people will live in the future Martian colony.
However, this is not the only condition. Still, according to the scientist, it is necessary to build an infrastructure to send hydrogen beyond Mars. It should be a special launcher that will send a “package” of hydrogen into orbit.
And from orbit, the scientist proposes to send this hydrogen at first only to Earth, until other colonies in the solar system need this hydrogen. According to Shubov, this could radically change the economy of the future solar system.
Photo: Universe Today | Colony on Mars as seen by the artist
Scientists have proven that domestic cats are characterized by psychopathy
In the distant past, this behavior was beneficial for the ancestors of cats in terms of obtaining resources, such as food, territory and mating opportunities.
If your favorite cat has been acting strange lately and surprises you with outrageous and sometimes dangerous behavior, now you can find out exactly what the problem is.
As shown by a new study by scientists from the University of Liverpool and the University of Liverpool. John Moores, this behavior may be associated with the psychopathic tendencies of the animal.
The study, which involved 2042 cat owners, illustrates the development of the first-ever method available to measure psychopathy in cats.
The experts developed a detailed questionnaire that owners used to analyze their four-legged friends to determine if they were psychopathic.
The test, called the CAT-Tri +, consisted of 46 questions that asked owners to answer how well each described their pet. So, for example, the owners of cats were asked whether their pet was tormenting its prey, and not killing it right away, whether it meows loudly for no apparent reason, whether it often becomes very excitable and uncontrollable.
Also, the owners had to answer whether their pet dominates the neighboring cats and whether he purrs, attacking other animals or people. All answers were scored on a five-point scale.
The results of the study help to determine the level of “meanness” of the cat, such traits as lack of empathy and callous aggression, lack of empathy, “disinhibition” – that is, problems with behavioral restraint, as well as the level of unfriendliness towards other animals and people.
“Our definitive questionnaire measures 5 factors in feline psychopathy: cockiness, meanness, disinhibition, dislike for pets, and dislike for humans,” said lead author Rebecca Evans of the University of Liverpool.
The results of the experiment confirmed the long-standing assumptions of researchers that all cats have an element of psychopathy, since in the distant past it was beneficial for their ancestors in terms of obtaining resources, such as food, territory and mating opportunities.
Experts hope their research will help improve the relationship between pets and their owners, as well as reduce the number of cats that end up in shelters or are euthanized. The questionnaire can also be used to identify undesirable behaviors in cats and improve their habitat.
So, for example, a pet that has received a high score on a scale of insolence can be occupied with tall trees, scratching posts, since such cats like to explore and climb a lot. In this way, you can reduce the aggressive behavior of the animal both towards other pets and people, and property.
Any owner wants his pet to delight him as long as possible. Some dogs are genetically predisposed to live longer. On average, a dog lives for about 10-13 years.
Small breeds tend to live longer than large breeds. However, among the age record holders, there are not only miniature animals. The leaders in life expectancy, according to the Guinness Book of Records, are representatives of nine breeds. They have reached the age of 20 or more.
Australian cattle dog
A dog of this breed, named Blue, has lived in Australia for 29 years and five months. The pet died on November 14, 1939. Blue has been considered the consummate long-liver among dogs for over 80 years. The average Australian herding dog lives between 12-16 years, according to the American Kennel Club.
Beagle
A Beagle named Butch has lived in the United States for exactly 28 years. The dog died in 2003. As a rule, dogs of this breed live from 12 to 15 years, however, Butch was able to exceed all expectations.
Pug
The average pug lives between 12 and 15 years, but Snooki from South Africa was able to outgrow those numbers. The pet has pleased the owners for 27 years and nine months, he died in 2018. The list of centenarians also includes a pug named Piccolo. He has reached the age of 23.
Border Collie
A representative of this breed is native to the UK. A pet named Bramble lived to a ripe old age. His life expectancy was 27 years and seven months. The animal was vegan. In general, border collies rarely live longer than 17 years.
Labrador Retriever
One of the most popular dog breeds does not have a natural predisposition for a longer life. Labradors live for about 12 years, but a dog named Adjutant has reached the age of 27 years and three months. The pet died in 1963.
Shiba inu
A dog of this breed, named Pusuke, was a Japanese long-liver until 2011. The pet lived for 26 years and eight months. On average, Siba Inu dogs live about 12-15 years, writes The Scotsman.
Dachshund
It is not uncommon to see a dachshund that has reached the age of 16. This breed is considered one of the longest lived. There is also a record holder among its representatives. A dachshund named Chantal has lived in the United States for 21 years and three months. She passed away in 1988.
Toy poodle
Another miniature breed that usually has a long lifespan. Toy poodles often live up to 18 years or more. For example, a pet named Seamus from the United States has reached the age of 20 years and nine months. The animal died in 2014.
Chihuahua
This breed is also renowned for its significant lifespan. Some representatives live up to 20 years. For example, a dog named Megabyte, originally from the United States, has delighted its owners for 20 years and eight months. The pet died in 2014.
According to experts, genetics plays a major role in the life span of a dog.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called end of 2021 for a global partnership against climate change
The Chinese authorities have presented a guidance document on how China intends to achieve its carbon neutrality goals according to a new development philosophy that sets out key concrete goals and measures for the coming decades.
By 2030, China’s carbon dioxide emissions will peak, then stabilize and then begin to decline. By 2060, China will be carbon neutral and have a complete green, low-carbon and circular economy, the document said.
It was jointly distributed by the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party and the State Council.
The plan outlines five important tasks, including achieving a green, low-carbon and circular economy, improving energy efficiency, increasing the share of fossil fuel consumption, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and increasing the capacity of ecosystems to absorb carbon.
Meanwhile, Chinese President has called for a global partnership against climate change.
“The international community must work together to tackle global challenges, in particular terrorism, climate change and threats to cybersecurity.”
Xi said this today in his speech before the solemn assembly on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the restoration of China’s membership in the UN.
“Climate change is a serious signal that nature is giving to humanity,” he said. “Countries around the world must take real action to protect nature, to stimulate green regeneration, green production and environmentally friendly consumption, to promote healthy lifestyles, to create a harmonious model of coexistence between man and nature, and to promote the environment should be an inexhaustible source of sustainable development, “said Xi Jinping.
Experts from China, meanwhile, are developing a method to extract oxygen from lunar soil, writes the South China Morning Post, citing the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
The corporation believes that oxygen can be extracted from the lunar soil, which is rich in titanium oxide and iron oxide, by heating to high temperatures (about 2500 degrees Celsius). As a result, according to Chinese experts, it is possible to produce up to 30 kg of oxygen from 100 kg of soil.
Experts note that other useful materials such as silicon, iron and titanium can also be extracted from the lunar soil.
According to CASC, oxygen production can be done with a fully automated solar-powered device.
Beijing is actively developing a national space program, developing meteorological, telecommunications and navigation satellites, as well as lunar exploration technologies.
Chinese scientists are also working on a project to study asteroids and Mars, planning to begin intensive exploration of its surface in the near future.
European Union drives use of standardized terminology in Member States with funding for SNOMED CT
SNOMED CT: The global language of healthcare
The EU will provide its Member States with 60 per cent funding towards SNOMED CT membership until 2027, via the European Health and Digital Executive Agency.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, March 2, 2022 – At the end of 2021, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency took a firm step towards increasing the semantic interoperability, re-use and the cross border exchange of health data.
The European Union will provide its Member States with 60 per cent funding towards SNOMED International membership until 2027, via the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). The goal of this initiative is to allow the residents of participating member states to easily access and share their own health data in their own language with healthcare providers as they travel in the European Union.
According to the European Commission, the objective of the agreement is to facilitate the use of a standardized terminology to express clinical meanings for clinicians and to benefit the citizens of the European Union. An important step toward building stronger, more resilient and accessible health systems, it also attempts to better manage the fragmentation and vulnerabilities of disparate health systems that were revealed throughout the COVID-19 crisis, noted SNOMED CT Expo 2021 Keynote Speaker Dr Andrzej Ryś, Director responsible for Health Systems, Medical Products and Innovation at the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission. “There is currently a fragmentation of standards used to express clinical concepts, which hampers the semantic interoperability of health data sharing and the ability of the European health data space from reaching its full potential.”
One of the benefits cited in the agreement is SNOMED International’s approach to translation. Currently, entire or part translations of SNOMED CT are available in a number of languages and dialects, including United States English, United Kingdom English, Australian English, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Lithuanian, Swedish and French. Translations in other SNOMED International Member countries and elsewhere are also in progress. Germany, which also became a Member in 2021, has formed a working group that includes Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg to launch a joint German-language reference translation of SNOMED CT. SNOMED International’s translation tooling can also be used to support additional translations of SNOMED CT by Member countries/territories or groups of Members that share a common language. Ahead of formal membership by France, a collaborative group formed of representatives from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Canada are working to develop a global French translation of SNOMED CT.
SNOMED International CEO Don Sweete hails the agreement as a creative and effective approach to encouraging the adoption of a common health terminology across a diverse group of countries, each with its own language and degree of digital health readiness. “This agreement falls in line with the SNOMED CT Case for Investment, which outlines why countries invest resources in the clinical terminology and how SNOMED CT meets the clinical terminology suitability requirements of the EU community,” said Sweete. “Partnering with an organization such as the European Health and Digital Executive Agency facilitates the adoption and implementation of SNOMED CT across Europe and significantly contributes to our goal of a single global language of health and supporting patients and citizens to better manage their own health.”
Founded in 2007 by nine charter nations, which has now grown to serve 42 Members globally, SNOMED International is a not-for-profit organization that owns and maintains SNOMED CT, the world’s most comprehensive clinical terminology. With over 350,000 concepts, SNOMED CT is not just a coding system of diagnosis. It also covers clinical findings like signs and symptoms and tens of thousands of surgical, therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Also within the scope of SNOMED CT are observables and those concepts representing body structures, organisms, substances, pharmaceutical products, physical objects, physical forces, specimens, etc. needed to be recorded in or around the health record.
For more information, visit www.snomed.org or email info@snomed.org.
Commission invites interested parties to share views on the Revision of the Detergents Regulation
The Commission published today a public consultation on the Revision of the Detergents Regulation. The Commission seeks the views and experiences of all relevant parties on how to improve the current legislation in order to achieve clear, simplified and updated rules that allow for innovative products and sustainable new practices; burden reduction for manufacturers and clearer information to consumers; and an optimised protection of human health and the environment.
These include overlaps with other pieces of EU chemicals legislation such as the Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and the Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. It points out unclear information to consumers, an increasingly complex regulatory framework for detergents and the need to update the legislation to adapt it to recent market developments and consumer practices.
The Detergents Regulation lays down specific rules for placing detergents on the EU market. The Revision of the Directive contributes to the EU Green Deal and its chemicals strategy for sustainability that aims to better protect the public and the environment against hazardous chemicals and encourage innovation in developing safe and sustainable alternatives. It also contributes to the EU Industrial Strategy and its 2021 Update by assessing the need to introduce digital labelling for detergents as a means of providing clearer information to consumers.
The European Parliament wants more support for Ukraine and tougher sanctions against Russia following its invasion of the country.
During an extraordinary session in Brussels on 1 March to discuss the EU’s response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “The Russian invasion into Ukraine is part of President Putin’s destabilisation agenda. It is a path that will bring the Kremlin in direct confrontation with Europe and the rule-based world-order. It is a path that pits authoritarianism against democracy. It is a path that we cannot allow him to walk unchallenged.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the Parliament live from Kyiv. He spoke about the losses sustained by Ukrainians defending their country and and also thanked the EU for its support: “We are fighting for our rights, our freedoms, our lives, and currently – for our survival. We are also fighting to be equal members of Europe. So now, prove that you are with us.”
In a resolution adopted by an overwhelming majority on the same day, members strongly condemned Russia’s illegal invasion and called for stronger sanctions against Russia. They also called on EU countries to provide Ukraine with defensive weapons more quickly, targeted sanctions against people responsible for high-level corruption in Russia and Belarus as well as the end of “golden visas” for rich Russians.
MEPs also urged EU countries to work towards granting Ukraine EU candidate status.
As the Winter Olympics have drawn to a close we find out what happened to second chance learner Eddie the Eagle, the unlikely hero of the 1988 Games.
Eddie the Eagle’s iconic ski jumps at the 1988 Winter Olympics at Calgary endeared him to the world as the lovable underdog. Even those too young to remember the Games may have seen the eponymous film starring Taron Egerton as ‘Eddie’. His performance, finishing last in both the 70 and 90 metre events, along with his thick glasses worn under goggles that often misted up, caught the imagination of the worldwide media. But since achieving fame as the unlikely star of those games Michael Edwards (his real name) found a new direction in life through returning to learning.
His story is an inspiration to all those who dream of success yet face huge barriers. He had no equipment, little access to training facilities and no money. He was sleeping in cars, barns and even a psychiatric hospital in Finland because it was a cheap place to stay, all whilst training to achieve his dream of heading to the Olympics. It’s clear that what this plasterer from Cheltenham had in spades was a dogged determination to succeed – something he attributes to ‘middle child syndrome’.
Calgary 1988 turned Michael into a media celebrity, appearing on ‘The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson’ alongside Burt Reynolds.
“My feet didn’t touch the ground for about three years,” he says. “I was travelling all over the world, opening shopping centres, golf courses and having a whale of a time. But what I really wanted to do was carry on ski jumping.”
Sadly a change in the qualifying rules for competitions meant he couldn’t compete at an elite level any longer. Disappointing as that was, for Michael it was all about taking part rather than just winning. His comment on the 2016 film sums up his sentiments:
“They did such a great job with the film because it really captured the heart, spirit and essence of my story. Just getting to those Olympic Games was my gold medal. “
Fame was sadly not accompanied by fortune. All the money he earned from the Calgary games went into a trust fund which was badly managed. As a result Michael was declared bankrupt after retiring from competitive ski jumping. Working with the lawyers who put together his bankruptcy case sparked an interest in studying law.
“Law is very analytical so it suited my way of thinking. It’s an interest I always had.”
To gain a place at university to study law – his ambition – meant that Michael needed to gain more qualifications. So in 1998 he enrolled on a number of distance learning courses with the National Extension College. This meant he could study at home in his own time.
“It was a nice easy way back into education and I really enjoyed it,” he says. “I loved that flexibility. I could study whenever I had an hour to spare. I always thought that I might be able to go back to education at a later point. It’s amazing how flexible education has become and now anybody can start and stop education at any time”.
Michael gained a place at De Montfort University to study for a degree in law as a full-time student, having saved up enough money and supplementing it with part time work. Taking law up professionally is something that wasn’t feasible for him after completing his degree, as becoming a solicitor or barrister involves completing a legal practice course costing £20,000. His passion for law means that he reads law books for pleasure. And there are always other avenues open for someone with a law degree and Michael’s determination.
One opportunity cropped up out of the blue when Michael came back from Calgary and his manager organised him to sing a song called ‘Fly Eddie Fly’ which reached about number 50 in the charts back in 1988. Then a few years later Irwin Goodman wrote a song about ‘Eddie the Eagle’ and invited him to duet with him in Finland (though sadly it ended up as a solo project after Goodwin passed away from a heart attack shortly before he was set to record the song). That song reached number two in the Finnish pop charts. Michael spent six months singing in pubs, clubs and music festivals in Finland, but no-one translated the lyrics so, to this day, he never knew what he was singing about!
What have Michael’s experiences taught him about learning and life?
“A lot of sportspeople, especially elite athletes, have trained from about five years old and all they’ve ever thought about is their sport and competing. When it comes to an end they’re lost. It’s only a very small percentage of athletes who go on to become trainers or pundits on television. But you can use the skills that you had in your sport to find something else. See if there are any courses locally or ones you can do from home. And be ready for any opportunities that come your way.”
Above all Michael’s experiences both as a sportsman and mature student have taught him perseverance.
“I had to fight tooth and nail for any kind of attention in sport, but that gave me tremendous resilience. Once I put my mind to doing something, I would go for it and that was the same with law. No matter how many people say ‘No, no it can’t be done’, I want to prove to them that it can. There’s always a way to learn and that’s what I like about education now; it can fit any lifestyle. You can always make time and study. I encourage many people to never stop learning.”
Although Michael never even came close to winning a medal he was the only British athlete who achieved a place in ski jumping at the 1988 Games. That in itself is a huge achievement.
Press release distributed by Pressat on behalf of The National Extension College (Part of the Open School Trust), on Tuesday 1 March, 2022. For more information subscribe and follow https://pressat.co.uk/
“On February 24, Russia deployed its military into Ukraine. Bombs and shelling have continued to escalate as people flee their homes and desperately seek safety.
War has been steadily waging over the last eight years in Ukraine, leaving more than 850,000 people internally displaced and almost 3 million people in need of humanitarian aid. The current escalation in conflict will have devastating consequences for the civilian population and humanitarian needs are expected to rise.
Ukraine officially declared itself an independent country in 1991 as the Soviet Union collapsed and the Cold War ended. Since then, the country has been forming closer ties with the European Union and with NATO. Russia, however, sees these ties as an economic and strategic threat to its own security. In 2014, Russia invaded and subsequently annexed the Crimean Peninsula and began backing pro-Russian separatists in parts of eastern Ukraine that want to separate from the country.”
The following are resources for teachers interested in teaching the conflict in Ukraine.
Women’s History Month
It’s March and that also means that it is Women’s History Month. Women’s History Month has its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed an act which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed another additional legislation which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.”
Below is a list of resources for Nebraska Educators to access and use lessons relating to Women’s History Month.
The Executive Board of the Nebraska State Council for the Social Studies is seeking nominations for the 2022 Social Studies Teacher of the Year awards for Congressional Districts 1, 2 and 3 as well as the Carter service-learning award and the prestigious Paul Beck award. There is also an award for an outstanding clinical practice teacher. All public and private school teachers who teach social studies at the elementary or secondary levels are eligible.
We hope that you can assist us in soliciting nominations of deserving teachers. Each year we encourage administrators and teaching colleagues to nominate teachers for these awards. If you would be so kind as to spread the word and/or make an online nomination.
The posted deadline is March 11. We appreciate your help with this endeavor. Social studies teachers are encouraged to attend the annual conference at the UNO Center for Community Engagement (pre-conference workshops June 2, conference June 3).
Teachers, are you interested in a way to incorporate more geography into your classroom? This app, inspired by Wordle, presents a new and entertaining way to introduce students to different countries around the world!
Worldle was inspired by Wordle, according to its creator, Antoine Teuf, a 31-year-old Web and video game developer who lives in Montpellier, France — but it is not the same game.
Wordle and Worldle are, of course, similarly named, which has some social media users confused. But Teuf, in an interview with The Washington Post, said he doesn’t want Worldle to be seen as “a copy of the original Wordle game” but rather a “tribute” to it.
Where Wordle gives players six chances to guess a daily word, Worldle users have six tries in which to guess one country or territory based on an outline of its shape alone.
When Worldle players guess a country that is not correct, they are told how far and in which direction it is from the correct country on a map.
Worldle users can make the game more challenging by choosing to either hide the image of the country or territory, or to rotate the image in a random direction.
Like Wordle, Worldle can be played once a day, and users can share their results on social media in little green, yellow and black square emoji that symbolize how quickly they got the correct answer.
Players from around the world have shared their Worldle results on Twitter under the hashtag #worldle, showing the game’s global reach, along with jokes and memes comparing the two games.
The Flip Side is on a mission to help bridge the gap between liberals and conservatives.
We’re a one-stop shop for smart, concise summaries of political analysis from both conservative and liberal media. Our goal is to become a news source for liberals, moderates, independents, conservatives, and even the apolitical.
It’s hard to convince liberals to watch Fox or conservatives to watch MSNBC. But if everyone takes 5 minutes a day to read The Flip Side, we’ll have a starting point when talking to our friends and neighbors.
I know this newsletter is sent to secondary social studies teachers, but if you know an excellent educator in grades K-3, please share this amazing opportunity with them! Application deadline is March 15, 2022.
Personal Finance Institute Opportunity for Teachers (2 Locations)
Any full-time educator of grades K–12 who teaches American history (including state and local history) is eligible for consideration. American history may be taught as an individual subject or as part of other subjects, such as social studies, reading, or language arts.
The 2022 award will honor exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers. Eligible generalist and specialist teachers in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and US Territories are encouraged to apply.
IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES:
Deadline for 2022 nominations: April 30, 2022
Deadline for 2022 nominees to submit supporting materials: May 30, 2022
Admissions are Now Open!
The FPA is proud to announce that the 14th annual Great Decisions Teacher Training Institute is now accepting applications from teachers across North America.
If you apply today, you will have the opportunity to join a top-tier group of fellow educators for one week of intensive international affairs workshops with policy makers and experts in New York City.
Participants will receive travel stipends and free hotel accommodation during the institute, as well as visits such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Federal Reserve, and the United Nations.
If you or educators you know are looking for a way to integrate new techniques, materials, and perspectives into the classroom, do not pass up this opportunity to join the Great Decisions Teacher Training Institute!
Register or by emailing teachers@fpa.org and requesting an application form.
Applications are due Friday, March 11th, 2022.
LAW-RELATED EDUCATION TEACHER OF THE YEAR $3,000 AWARD
For the past sixty years, the American Lawyers Alliance has been active in its support of public education, citizenship awareness and various service programs. Recognizing the vital role that teachers play in law-related education, the ALA began in 1985 to sponsor Law-Related Education Teacher of the Year Awards.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of these four awards is to honor public and private High School teachers who have made significant contributions in law-related education and have developed programs that meet the following criteria.
Furthered the understanding of the role of the courts, law enforcement agencies and the legal profession
Helped students recognize their responsibilities as well as their rights
Encouraged effective law-related education programs in their schools and communities
Increased communication among students, educators and those involved professionally in the legal system
NOMINATIONS:
Nominations for the 2022 Law-Related Education Teacher of the Year Awards may be submitted by the applicant, school administrators, other teachers, students, lawyers, judges, professional members of the community, or any other interested parties by March 15, 2022.
The American Lawyers Alliance is a charitable, educational and nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote understanding and appreciation of the law and the American legal system.
Visit the ALA website for an application and information about this award, including information about previous winners.
MyImpact Challenge is a civic engagement contest hosted by the Bill of Rights Institute. Our goal is simple: foster a robust understanding of citizenship and get students active in their communities now!
Submission is open to US citizens and US based young people between the ages of 13 and 19 years old on January 1, 2021. Submission must be received by 11:59 pm PT on Sunday, May 1, 2022. Only submissions entered through MyImpact Challenge’s online portal will be accepted for the contest. The contest is designed for one student per entry, but groups of up to five students may submit as a single group entry. Prizes awarded to group entries will be split evenly between entrants.
Each submission must include the following:
An essay of up to 1,200 words expressing the student’s a) understanding of the ideal of “E Pluribus Unum” and how their project furthers that ideal in their community b) How their project furthers at least one Civic Virtue and one of Founding Principle as defined in the Bill of Rights Institutes “Principles and Virtues.”
A report of up to 2,000 words detailing a student’s completed or in-progress civic engagement project. Report must include the following components.
The inspiration for the project.
The project plan.
Details of the project’s execution
At least two examples of the project’s demonstrated impact on the community.
How the student(s) grew in understanding of the role of Civic virtue, knowledge of their communities, and their ability to support or impact them.
Visual documentation of the student’s project and its results in one of the following formats:
Photographic Only: No fewer than ten and no more than twenty high-resolution still photographs, submitted in either JPEG or PNG format.
Video Only: One video of no more than five minutes, submitted in MP4 format
Mixed Photographic and Video: No fewer than five and no more than seven high-resolution still photographs as well as one video of no more than two minutes. Photographs must be in either JPEG or PNG format, and video must be in MP4 format.
This document was compiled by the Council of State Social Studies Supervisors as a way to communicate the wealth of professional development opportunities available to social studies educators. A special thanks to all of the organizations who helped contribute to this work and to the many organizations who are offering high quality social studies professional development for social studies teachers across the country. Many of the opportunities below are offered free or low cost, but some opportunities do have a cost. When opportunities are highlighted in yellow, it means there are not yet 2022 updates for that particular program. The document will be updated through the spring of 2022. Please email Stefanie Wager at stefanie.rosenbergwager@gmail.com with any questions, comments, or to add programs to this list.
Historical scholarship and perspective to help make a better world.
The Lepage Center brings historical scholarship and historical perspective to bear on contemporary global issues and has created different activities and funding opportunities to promote the importance of historical scholarship, methods, and inquiry for the public interest.
Our 2021-22 essay competition invites students to reflect upon the following question:
How can the study of history help us understand contemporary challenges we face in the world today, such as COVID-19, migration, and climate change?
What are the essay requirements?
The essay should be a maximum of 500 words.
The essay should be framed by an argument and supported by evidence.
All sources (including internet-based sources) must be cited appropriately
How to submit an essay?
Participating teachers will collect essays from their students and submit them to lepage@villanova.edu by May 1st, 2022. The best essays will receive an award.
For patients at Novovolynsk Hospital in western Ukraine, the sound of air raid sirens has suddenly become a common reality amid the military offensive in the country. Patients must move from a modern facility above ground to a 1950s-era underground bomb shelter with a rudimentary set-up that can fit up to 300 people.
“In one day, the air raid sirens went off at 5 separate times. Our patients are mostly the elderly and some are on crutches and facing acute health needs. They cannot keep travelling down to the bunker,” says Mr Oleh Shypelyk, Head of the Hospital.
The Hospital is equipped with 3 operating rooms. An emergency department provides regular medical care and 6 teams tend to the wounded. Each hospital building is equipped with a generator to ensure a continuous supply of electricity.
Health workers are preparing for a range of scenarios should the Hospital become a target in the military offensive. “The main needs are additional generators to ensure electricity supply to the ward with COVID-19 patients – they should stay separate from others – and to the maternity hospital, as women have to give birth regardless of whether there is a war or COVID-19,” explains Mr Shypelyk.
“We also need to provide at least 2 generators to the shelter, because in case of bombing, we will not be able to transfer all equipment to the shelter. We also need additional surgical equipment. If hospitals are to be shelled, we must be prepared for that.”
“Health workers must be protected in order to continue to save lives,” says Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative to Ukraine. “Similarly, health facilities must be protected and remain functional, safe and accessible to all who need essential medical services.”
The oxygen supply situation, meanwhile, is also at a very dangerous point in Ukraine. Trucks are unable to transport oxygen shipments from plants to hospitals across the country, including in the capital Kyiv.
Despite the challenges posed by the current situation, WHO is actively looking at solutions to increase supplies. This will likely include the importation of oxygen (liquid and cylinders) from regional networks. These supplies will need safe transit, including via a logistics corridor through Poland. WHO is also working to ensure a supply of oxygen-related medical devices and trauma treatment supplies.
The WHO Director-General has announced the release of a further US$ 3.5 million from WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) to purchase and deliver urgent medical supplies. WHO’s humanitarian health support is expected to increase following further needs assessments. This assistance complements the trauma care and medical supplies which WHO helped to pre-position in health facilities.
“We will continue to deliver care and support people across Ukraine affected by this military offensive,” concludes Dr Habicht. “Health for all, in all circumstances, lies at the heart of our mission and mandate.”
The Flip Side is on a mission to help bridge the gap between liberals and conservatives.
Admissions are Now Open!
MyImpact Challenge is a civic engagement contest hosted by the Bill of Rights Institute. Our goal is simple: foster a robust understanding of citizenship and get students active in their communities now!
Historical scholarship and perspective to help make a better world.
