Brain Sparks: Math & Science Made Simple! by Danielle Pitter

Original Proposal (Mar. 23, 2025)

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-13 18:45:17 UTC

This is the original proposal for this project, written on March 23, 2025.

UPDATED Proposal (Apr. 13, 2025)

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-13 18:47:13 UTC

This is the updated proposal for this project, written on April 13, 2025. I rewrote this proposal because my topic and personas needed changing for better understanding of this project.

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-13 18:48:28 UTC

Here are the personas this choice board is based on.

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-13 19:05:43 UTC

Welcome to Brain Sparks, a fun, informative, and education spot for math and science. This choice board is designed for both adults and teens to understand math and science, especially those with various learning styles. This choice board has categorized resources like books, videos, podcasts, and images.

The sections highlighted in blue are for adults. The sections highlighted in yellow are for teens.

After exploring this board, please check out the activity to show your work from this project. Also, please fill out the survey to provide feedback on ways to improve my content.

The Manga Guide to Electricity by Kazuhiro Fujitaki

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-13 19:40:31 UTC

This Japanese manga book series is perfect for teens who want visual outlook on complex topics like electricity. I chose this book because it's a great blend of storytelling and science!

The Manga Guide to Linear Algebra

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-13 19:50:32 UTC

Here is another Manga Guide to Linear Algebra, this one by Shin Takahashi. I chose this book because teens can learn about basic math operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, while reading a teen romance.

The Calculation of You and Me by Serena Kaylor

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-13 20:17:06 UTC

I chose this book because I thought it had an interesting take on YA romance with autistic representation. 1 Sentence Summary from Goodreads: When Marlowe’s boyfriend dumps her because she isn’t romantic enough, she’s determined to prove that she can be good at love & that she’s more than the weird math-obsessed girl everyone sees her as; so when she’s paired up for a school project with Ashton, who dresses in all black, wears eyeliner, and writes love songs, Marlowe proposes a deal: Ash will help her write love letters and in return she will help with his band’s marketing.

Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-13 20:31:16 UTC

Written by high school computer programming teacher Gene Luen Yang, I chose this book because it seemed like an interesting concept to push students' thinking skills further. This graphic novel is also filled with illustrations to keep readers engaged.

Alice Jones: The Impossible Clue by Sarah Rubin

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-13 21:31:36 UTC

I chose this book because one of the positive reviewers tested it out on her students and they loved it. This story is a great way for young people interested in math and science mixed with humor and family dynamics.

Becoming good at math is easy, actually

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-13 21:43:31 UTC

This is a little long (15 minutes), but I chose this video in hopes that it would be helpful/relatable for teens who can't concentrate and understand math. Instead of trying to understand math, all it takes is a bit of practice!

Word Problems: Study Hall Algebra #2: ASU + Crash Course

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-13 21:54:27 UTC

This fast-paced video on word problems can help students who have trouble concentrating on word problems. I chose this video because not only is it funny and quirky, but host James Tanton does a great job of providing tips, tricks and examples on how to solve word problems.

Solving Problems: Study Hall Algebra #1: ASU + Crash Course

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-13 22:00:47 UTC

Another video from Arizona State University and Crash Course about how math is a language. Teens might find math to be a completely different language. I chose this video because it helps narrow down math as a language instead of just numbers on a page.

Introduction to Biology: Crash Course Biology #1

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-13 22:35:47 UTC

This is a newer version of Biology Crash Course videos, hosted by Dr. Sammy. This video breaks down biology into smaller parts for teens to understand topics like life's characteristics, viruses, and life beyond Earth. I chose this video because of it's colorful animations, humor, and fascinating concepts.

Platform Analysis Worksheet

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-14 02:33:18 UTC

The purpose of the platform evaluation worksheet is to engage learners in the task of comparing and evaluating a variety of tools for use with their community.

The science of laughter - Sasha Winkler

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-14 02:58:45 UTC

This is a fun short video on how laughter is produced, narrated by Sasha Winkler, and directed by Hanna Rybak. I added this video because I thought it would be a cool way to learn about how humans laugh, and the science behind it.

The Infinite Monkey Cage Podcast

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-14 03:32:34 UTC

Can trees talk to each other? What might aliens look like and the burning question of our time, are strawberries alive or dead? This funny podcast is hosted by scientists Brian Cox and Robin Ince, mixing comedy and worldly outtakes on life. I chose this podcast for those who would want an eccentric take on scientific discussions.

The Math Dude Quick and Dirty Tips to Make Math Easier

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-14 03:44:53 UTC

Don't let this podcast's title turn you away! This podcast hosted by Dr. Jason Marshall presents clear explanations of math equations, terms and principles. I chose this podcast because I thought it would be a great way for teens to understand math in a more simplistic way.

What is the hardest subject for you in school?

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-14 20:32:44 UTC

Check out this interactive activity based on this choice board to see how you're feeling about math and science.

Survey

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-14 21:04:17 UTC

I would love to know what you think about the curation choice board! Please answer the questions below for me to gain feedback. Answer as best as you can.

Mathematics Subject Guide from Rutgers University Libraries

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-15 03:00:46 UTC

Research guides (also called LibGuides) contain other resources about various topics. I chose this LibGuide because it has important resources related to math and physics that adults may find useful.

Biology Subject Guide from Rutgers University Libraries

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-15 03:07:43 UTC

I chose this LibGuide because it has important resources related to biology that adults may find useful.

"Astrophysics for People in a Hurry” by Neil deGrasse Tyson

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-15 03:31:44 UTC

Here is a quick and mind-opening review of space, time, black holes and the universe. I chose this book because I think this could help busy adults.

Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words by Randall Munroe

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-15 03:45:39 UTC

Written by Randall Munroe, a former NASA roboticist, this book is written in the form of Up Goer Five, using only drawings and a vocabulary of the 1,000 most common words. I chose this book because it's a brilliant way of narrowing down complicated scientific phrases into simple terms.

In Pursuit of the Unknown: 17 Equations That Changed the World by Ian Stewart

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-15 03:56:58 UTC

This book presents the history behind some of the most well-known equations, like E=mc² or Pythagoras. I chose this book because each chapter describes how each equation shaped society.

Math Class Doesn’t Work. Here’s the Solution. by Jo Boaler (Time Magazine)

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-15 04:03:57 UTC

I chose this article because this is a good analysis about why people experience performance anxiety when exploring math. If schools put the focus on learning and exploration instead of performance, then maybe more students can enjoy math.

I Was a Bad Student Who Became an Astronaut. Let’s Stop Telling People They Can’t Be Good at Science by Scott Kelly

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-15 04:22:36 UTC

This article shows a testament from Scott Kelly, a former U.S. Navy captain, former military fighter pilot and test pilot, and a retired astronaut. He was a bad student, but he ended up being an astronaut! I chose this because I thought it might be inspiring towards those who are considered bad students by aspire to work in STEM careers.

The Way We Teach Math Is Holding Women Back by Jo Boaler

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-15 04:30:58 UTC

I chose this article because this could encourage women and girls to pursue more STEM related careers and read up more on math.

Math Shorts Playlist

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-15 04:49:25 UTC

This Youtube playlist are full of short, fun videos for single math concepts. I chose this because I wanted to find shorter videos that even adults can understand or refresh on.

Coursera: Introduction to Mathematical Thinking

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-15 04:57:21 UTC

Coursera offers free (and paid) courses for people to improve their learning skills. I chose this course as an introduction to mathematical thinking.

Radiolab - Signal Hill: Caterpillar Roadshow

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-15 05:15:15 UTC

This podcast molds science, philosophy and culture through powerful storytelling. I chose this episode because it dives deep into butterflies and how they can teach the next generation.

Science Vs Podcast

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-15 05:30:23 UTC

This podcast helps debunk outrageous scientific myths and fads by comparing them with real facts. I chose this podcast because it may help some adults understand misinformation in science.

Reflection

daniellepitter7 — 2025-04-15 18:15:25 UTC

Read my thoughts and takeaways on this project in the reflection above.