Foldscope: The World’s First Paper Microscope
Have you ever heard of a Foldscope? It’s a paper microscope that costs just under $2 to make. These inexpensive microscopes are changing the way that everyone from students to scientists can see the world. Here, btw takes a “closer look” at how it came to be . . .and why this little invention may […]
SAT Test Now Fully Digital
For the first time in the United States, students taking the SAT college entrance exam this spring will use a computer instead of paper and pencil. The test is now completely online. In the fall of 2021, the College Board (the organization that administers the SAT) tested a pilot version outside the United States. This […]
Black History Month: Bessie Burke’s Education Legacy
In 1911, Bessie Bruington Burke made history as the first African American teacher in the Los Angeles, California, public school system. Just seven years later, she made history again when she became the school system’s first African American school principal. Top of Her Class Burke was born in Los Angeles in 1891. Several years earlier, […]
The New FAFSA: Faster to Complete But Frustrating Delays
Are you a high school senior who plans to attend college or career school after you graduate? Or maybe you have a sibling, relative, or friend who attends or is planning to attend college next school year? If so, you may have heard about the changes to Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. […]
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Increase Enrollment
During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous factors caused Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to experience a significant rise in student applications and enrollment nationwide. While enrollment rates rose at HBCUs, American colleges and universities overall suffered record-breaking enrollment declines. How, then, did HBCUs attract new students and increase their numbers? Here btw takes a closer […]
YOU DECIDE: Should Community College Be Free?
Have you thought about your plans following high school graduation? Community colleges are a great option for many students. They are often closer to home and less expensive than traditional four-year universities. Many community colleges offer flexible hours for students who choose to work or raise a family at the same time. Presidents Obama and […]
Stuff YOU Should Know
Sojourner Truth’s Legal Petition In 1828, Isabella Van Wagenen walked into a courthouse in Kingston, New York, to petition a white man to release her nine-year-old son, Peter, from illegal enslavement in Alabama. Peter was released from enslavement on March 15, 1828. It is believed that this case was the first time that an African […]
Stuff YOU Should Know
Fake Snow at the Winter Olympics The Winter Olympics has been affected by climate change. In fact, all the downhill skiing events this year have taken place on fake snow. That’s because, despite the freezing temperatures in Beijing, very little snow has fallen. The Winter Games have used artificial snow for several years, but this […]
Stuff YOU Should Know
Booster Approved for Kids Aged 12-15 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now approved the Pfizer booster shot for children ages twelve to fifteen. The FDA also shortened the length of time the people need to wait before receiving their booster, from six months after their second shot to only five months. This decision […]
AAPI History Required in Illinois Schools
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population represents less than six percent of the total U.S. population. But there is more effort being made to better teach this group’s importance in the history of the United States. The state of Illinois has taken steps to require more study of Asian American history as part […]