Author: Anthony Teles

  • Apprendre la cuisine au four

    Pour beaucoup de gens, la cuisine est un endroit inconnu. Les ustensiles, les ingrédients et les appareils ménagers compliqués et menaçants sont tout autour de vous. Pendant, la nourriture est un besoin vital. L’école enseigne les calculs et les formules, mais n’explore pas assez les compétences de vie fondamentales. Cuire au four est un bon moyen de s’aventurer dans la cuisine et de gagner de la confiance dans ce monde nouveau. Alors que la cuisine est un art, cuire au four est une science.

    Les cuisiniers confirmés sont des adeptes de l’improvisation, changeant les ingrédients et en essayant de nouveaux plats. La cuisson au four peut,  elle aussi, intégrer de nouvelles idées, mais c’est très important de bien suivre les recettes pour obtenir les bonnes réactions des différents ingrédients mélangés dans les bonnes proportions. Faites une recherche pour une recette simple, comme celle des biscuits. En général, les sites internet vous donnent le temps qu’elle prendra et son niveau de difficulté. Avant même d’entrer dans la cuisine, prenez le temps de lire et relire la liste des ingrédients et les instructions.

    Lorsque vous avez trouvé la recette idéale, cherchez les vidéos You Tube qui vous montreront le procédé pour ce plat en particulier. En regardant la vidéo, n’oubliez pas de prendre des notes, et rassemblez physiquement tous les ingrédients dont vous aurez besoin. Vous pourriez avoir besoin d’aller à l’épicerie, mais vous pouvez apprendre à connaître les ingrédients de substitution que vous pourrez utiliser. Pas de beurre ? Essayez de la compote de pomme. Plus de sucre ?  Utilisez du miel.

    En général, vous devriez laisser les ingrédients sortant du réfrigérateurt se réchauffer un peu avant d’être utilisés. Cela vous donnera le temps de relire encore la recette. Quand vous commencez, suivez la recette à la lettre. Cela peut vous paraître fastidieux, mais en adoptant cette façon de faire, vous apprendrez ce qu’il faut savoir des différents Ingrédients et ustensiles. Par exemple, quand vous aurez compris comment  bien casser un œuf, vous pourrez apprendre à séparer le jaune d’œuf. Certains le font à la main, d’autres à la cuillère, ou encore en le transférant d’un morceau de coquille à l’autre plusieurs fois.

    Essayez quelques modifications de plusieurs plats cuits au four. Il existe apparemment tout un éventail de biscuits, de gâteaux, de muffins et de pains avec des niveaux de difficultés différents. Mais assurez-vous de refaire ceux que vous avez déjà faits. Certains seront mieux réussis que d’autres – en fait, plusieurs de vos tentatives ne seront vraiment pas bonnes.  Cela arrive à  tout le monde, et c’est important de prendre des notes dans ces cas-là, pour déterminer ce qui n’a pas fonctionné. Tout comme les ébauches de dissertation, ça prend plusieurs essais pour en arriver à un bon résultat.

    Au fur et à mesure que vous gagnez de la confiance dans la cuisine, envisagez d’obtenir plus de matériel.  Un saupoudroir permet de retirer les grumeaux d’ingrédients secs. Des bols de différentes tailles facilitent la préparation  séparée des ingrédients avant de les mélanger dans un plus grand récipient. Des tasses de mesure pour de la nourriture liquide et sèche permet de mieux réussir la recette. Des contenants Tupperware et des sacs de congélation sont idéaux pour conserver vos créations à partager, et vous permet d’en faire plus.

    La nature scientifique de la cuisson au four avec des quantités bien précises d’ingrédients secs et liquides se mélangeant dans le four pour un résultat désiré, crée un moyen idéal d’étude et d’analyse de l’art de créer de la nourriture. A partir de là, vous pourrez vous essayer à d’autres plats et d’autres façons de cuisiner. L’école offre beaucoup de leçons utiles, mais au fur et à mesure que vous grandissez et vous vous lancez dans la vie, vous serez bien content de pouvoir vous nourrir.

    Sources:

    Clift, Cortney. “25 Essential Baking Tips and Tricks for Beginner Bakers.” Brit+Co. http://www.brit.co/new-bakers/

    Roberts, Anna Monette. “Baking Basics: 10 Tips For Beginner Bakers.” Popsugar. http://www.popsugar.com/food/Tips-Beginner-Bakers-24477467#photo-24477467

  • Le calme dans la tempête

    De plus en plus, les machines, les ordinateurs et l’intelligence artificielle accomplissent des tâches auparavant exécutées par les hommes. Pourtant, de façon paradoxale, nous menons des vies beaucoup plus actives et agitées. Pour le meilleur et le pour le pire, notre capacité à mener les affaires plus vite fait que les affaires vont plus vite.  La méditation est un moyen très efficace de faire face aux devoirs, au travail à temps partiel, aux bruits et aux lumières de la ville. Cela peut ressembler à de l’inertie, mais la méditation amène le calme et le silence à votre esprit, quelles que soient l’agitation et l’effervescence autour de vous.

    Il existe différentes façons de méditer et les gens personnalisent souvent leur pratique individuelle. Certains méditent en se concentrant sur une sensation  corporelle en particulier, comme la respiration. D’autres utilisent un objet comme point central. D’autres encore utilisent une forme de méditation dans laquelle ils remarquent tout ce qui se passe dans leur environnement, tout en restant calme et sans réaction.

    Cela peut se faire dans votre chambre avant ou après le coucher, au dîner, dans le bus ou n’importe quand, du moment que vous ayez au moins 10 minutes disponibles. Des études démontrent que méditer quotidiennement peuvent faire une différence pour votre santé mentale et émotionnelle en aussi peu de temps que huit semaines. Ça peut réduire le stress et l’anxiété, ainsi que vous aider à supporter des blessures  ou autres douleurs physiques.

    En plus, votre mémoire et votre créativité pourraient mieux fonctionner. Des chercheurs à l’université de  Leyde ont trouvé que la méditation où l’on remarque tout ce qui se passe autour de nous sans réaction, aide les gens à générer  de nouvelles idées. D’autres recherches ont indiqué que la méditation vous aide à ignorer les distractions et à améliorer la mémoire.  C’est bon, en particulier pour les examens.

    D’un point de vue scientifique, la méditation affaiblit les connexions du cerveau entre les sensations qui causent l’anxiété et votre conscience. À la place, il y a plus d’activités du cerveau dans les régions dédiées au raisonnement logique en vous aidant à mieux cerner le test pour lequel vous étudiez ou les problèmes entre vos amis.

    La méditation est une activité solitaire qui vous aide à mieux interagir avec les autres. Des études indiquent que les personnes qui méditent régulièrement, développent des parties du cerveau associées à l’empathie et la compassion. Cela vous permet de réduire les coups de colère ou de tension, ainsi que d’aider à régler calmement des problèmes entre amis.

    En plus des effets mentaux, la méditation vous aide aussi physiquement. Une étude révèle que ceux qui la pratiquent régulièrement ont une meilleure réponse immunitaire au vaccin contre la grippe. Ce coup de pouce au système immunitaire peut vous aider à rester en santé et vous éviter des absences à l’école et aux activités extra-scolaires.

    Une autre étude note que méditer peut protéger vos gènes. Certaines protéines, appelées télomères sont fortifiées en se défendant contre les maladies. Cela n’a sans doute pas de conséquence maintenant mais sera important pour votre santé à long terme.

    La méditation a beaucoup d’effets positifs mais ils ne sont acquis que par beaucoup de travail et d’efforts. Par expérience, je sais que c’est plus facile à dire qu’à faire. Vous devez décider consciemment, tous les jours, de délaisser votre téléphone et le monde agité autour de vous pour un petit moment. Dans ce monde de distractions, ne rien faire est tout un défi.

    Sources:

    Cooper, Belle Beth. “What Happens to the Brain When You Meditate (And How it Benefits You).” Lifehacker. http://lifehacker.com/what-happens-to-the-brain-when-you-meditate-and-how-it-1202533314

    Loria, Kevin. “7 ways meditation changes your brain and body.” Business Insider. http://www.businessinsider.com/how-meditation-changes-your-brain-2015-1

  • Eco Trades

    Eco Trades

    Imagine helping to save the environment, just by going to work. Working in an eco-trade might not help you to change the world, but it could make a difference. Working in an area such as solar energy, for example, can be a good career while also helping to improve the world.

    How much do you know about the trades? When your home or school has a problem with lighting, an electrician can help fix the issue. If the sinks are plugged, a plumber is the one who knows what to do. Tradespeople deal with all kinds of issues related to the buildings that we live in and the machines that we use.

    Plumbing and electrical work are some examples of regular trades, but eco-trades are different. Although they still deal with the places where people live and work, they use materials and techniques that leave the earth as unharmed as possible. The might work with natural materials or energy-efficient sources of power, but they try not to use up too many resources or to create problems for the natural world.

    One of these eco-trades involves solar energy. You probably know that some of the traditional types of energy, such as coal or gas, can be very dirty. Fossil fuels produce a lot of pollution, and they will eventually run out since the world’s supplies are limited. Solar energy is part o the solution. The sun warms the earth, but its rays can also be converted into energy for heating buildings or running machines. People who work with solar energy help to provide a very important option for our society.

    Becoming a solar energy specialist usually requires both education and experience. Certification as an Environmental Professional is available for people who have at least five years of experience in environmental work and who have a diploma or degree in the field.  Many universities or colleges have courses related to eco-trades, including the Canadian Solar Institute in Ontario. Online courses are possible, but students also need to get practical experience through working with other tradespeople.

    People working in this field can make good salaries. Solar energy system installers earn about $49,000 per year, and the system designers can make about $55,000 per year. Installation work is more physically demanding, and it can involve work in bad weather conditions. Solar panels are often on the roofs of buildings, and installers should not be afraid of heights. Design work is mostly indoors, but people in this area might sometimes have to visit the places where the solar panels are installed.

    Solar energy and other eco-trades are growing fields, although jobs are likely to be limited to bigger cities in only certain areas of the country. Ontario has a lot of work related to solar energy, but other provinces might have fewer opportunities. If you are willing to move to where the jobs are, working in eco-trades such as solar energy can be a good career choice.

    Bibliography:

    Blackwell, Richard. Solar Power Surging to Forefront of Canadian Energy.”

    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/solar-power-surging-to-forefront-of-canadian-energy/article19786759/

    Canadian Solar Institute. “About.” http://solarinstitute.ca/about.html.

    Eco Canada. “Environmental Professional (EP®) Certification.”

    http://www.eco.ca/certification/.

    Payscale.com. “Solar Energy System Installer Salary (Canada).”

    http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Solar_Energy_System_Installer/Hourly_RatePayscale.com. “Solar Energy Systems Designer Salary (Canada).”

    http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Solar_Energy_Systems_Designer/Salary.

  • Transferable Skills that Make Valuable Employees

    Transferable Skills that Make Valuable Employees

    The skilled trades encompass a wide range of jobs, from construction trades such as electricians, carpenters, and plumbers to industrial trades such as machinists, tool and die makers, and millwrights.  There are also service trades, such as dental hygienists, automotive technicians, large equipment mechanics and culinary chefs.

    At first glance, many of these careers in the trades don’t have much in common, and it is true that every trade has its own specific set of technical skills and knowledge.  But whether you want to advance in your current trade, or change trades to work in a different field, there are some skills that carry over to any job.

    These are called “transferable skills,” which are skills and experience gained through school, internships, and jobs that are useful no matter what trade you work in.

    Communication Skills

    Whether you are a roofer, an electrician, or a crane operator, communication skills are one of the most essential transferable skills.  While it is important to hone your technical abilities, every successful workplace relies on strong and clear communication between coworkers, clients, and supervisors.  You have to be able to both explain a problem and understand the solution, write reports and maintain records, and communicate with many different people each day, all of whom will have different levels of knowledge.  Being a strong communicator is a transferable skill that will always serve you well.

    Listening Skills

    Usually going hand in hand with communication skills, having solid listening skills is something that will be useful in any trade.  This involves being able to listen to clients and coworkers when they share knowledge or explain a problem, paying close attention when being trained on a new task, and will help you become a more knowledgeable employee.

    Teamwork Skills

    Another essential transferable skill is knowing how to work well in a team.  Every workplace involves working with many diverse people in order to complete tasks and projects.  This means cooperating, being considerate and respectful of other people and their ideas, and both doing your part to the best of your ability as well as helping others as needed.  Employers want tradespeople with strong teamwork skills because they know these people will make good employees.

    Leadership Skills

    This is a vital skill for any job, and one of the primary qualities necessary for people working in the trades who want to advance in their career.  For people in the trades, having strong leadership skills means that even if you change the trade you’re working in, you will still make a good team leader, project manager, or supervisor.

    Sources:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradesman

    https://www.randstad.ca/job-seeker/job-tips/archives/transferable-skills-that-are-useful-in-any-job_474/

    http://cds.sdce.edu/Assessment/Understanding-Skills

  • What are the Benefits of Working in the Skilled Trades? Part 2

    What are the Benefits of Working in the Skilled Trades? Part 2

    A previous article discussed three benefits of working in the skilled trades: the plentiful options as to which trade you would like to pursue and practice; the enviable salaries; and the job satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that come with working with your hands. Part two of this article series will go over three more benefits.

    Pursuing trade school and apprenticeships is cheaper and faster

    Depending on which trade you pursue, the corresponding program at a trade school is likely less expensive than a program at an academic institution. Once you become an apprentice, you actually earn as you learn. Plus, the Canadian federal and provincial governments offer financial incentives in the form of grants during and after your training.

    This path is also a faster way to land not just a job, but a career, as trade school programs and apprenticeships tend to be shorter (depending on the trade). The immediate benefit of this is that you can start finding work sooner. The more years of experience you have, the greater the demand will be for your skills.

    Opportunities to do more

    What does it mean for a job to have growth potential? If a job does not have growth potential, you are stuck doing that job until you quit or retire. This may appeal to some of you, but for others, you would probably like to be able to move up, take on management roles or training roles, for example. The great thing about skilled trades is that the job is what you make of it. If you want to be doing the exact same thing day after day, you can!

    And if you want to be move into more adjacent roles, like management or training, you can! If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and some work experience, you may even consider opening your own business. Doesn’t being your own boss sound exciting?

    You are unlikely to be replaced by robots any time soon

    Job security is no longer a reality of today’s workplace, but people will always need the skills of mechanics, plumbers, and locksmiths, just to name a few. These are jobs that only trained professionals with their specific skillset can do, not robots. (Or at least not yet). Moreover, work requiring tradespeople cannot be outsourced to another country. There is just no way.

    It is past time for the stigma attached to skilled trades to die, because given the many benefits to working in this industry, it is a practical option for many people, regardless of background. Consider your own circumstances and interests, the skilled trades may even be your best option.

  • How to Save Money for School

    How to Save Money for School

    You’ve most likely heard the costs for university and college. All the residence, tuition, extra fees; it’s crazy! Getting ready for college or university can be very stressful and frustrating; especially when it comes to money. Trying to save money for school may be difficult when you feel as if you’re not saving enough. Although there are numerous ways to pay for your education such as government funding, scholarships, bursaries, awards and maybe help from your parents, you should also start to save some of your own money for school. Here are some simple, mostly stress-free ways to save money for school:

    Get a part time job

    Although the most obvious and easiest way to save money, it is the best way to save. If you don’t have a part time job, start applying for one that interests you. Whether in retail, food, etc. I’m sure you’ll be able to find something. If you already have a job; great! If you have the time, ask for more hours. With every paycheck, putting much of your pay into a savings account and keep the rest for yourself.

    Spend less money

    I don’t know about you but I tend to spend quite a bit of money whether it’s going out to a restaurant, the movies, buying some new book or clothes. By spending a lot of money, it doesn’t allow you to save a lot. You can save money by spending less. Try eating in more and cooking meals, watching movies at home, renting books from the library or go thrift shopping. (At least it’s cheaper) I’m not saying don’t go out at all, but by finding alternative ways to save money can be equally fun!

    Put spare money in a jar

    This one is pretty self explanatory: whenever you have spare money in your wallet, car, between the couch cushions, put it in a jar. As well, there are multiple techniques such as putting $5 in a jar per day, couple times a week, etc. Pinterest has many ways of methods of saving by putting money in a jar.

    Do free stuff

    Another way to save money is to try doing more free things (or things that don’t cost as much). There are a variety of free things you can do in your city such as public skating, yoga and other fitness classes (although it may not be free, they tend to be less expensive than a gym membership), hiking, biking, going to the beach, etc. I’m sure you will be able to find some fun, free things to do that can help you save your money.

    Create a budget

    When it comes to spending money on yourself or others, it can be difficult to try to spend as little as possible. Christmas is the worst time to spend a lot of money, as there are so many deals. A way to make it through holidays, birthdays or any other celebration that requires spending money is to create a budget. Try sitting down and figuring out how much you’re willing to spend without going overboard and still having money to put away into savings.

    Sell clothes

    Although there are many organizations that you can donate clothes to such as value village or salvation army, try selling your clothes first. Depop is an app that allows users to buy and sell clothes. There are many other apps and websites like poshmark, copious, and many more! If nobody buys your clothes, you can always donate them.

    Do more D.I.Y’s

    Buying items for your house, room or just things in general can be costly. If you’re able to, try to be crafty by making more of these items. Pinterest is a great website to use to find easy D.I.Y’s (Do it yourself).

     

    Hopefully it doesn’t seem too hard to save money now with some new methods and techniques to save. Luckily, there are ways you can save to maximize the amount you put away for school!  Happy saving!

    Reference:

    http://mashable.com/2013/09/03/clothes-resale/

  • How to Save Money to Pay for College or University

    How to Save Money to Pay for College or University

    When you start thinking about attending college or university, it can seem like an expensive task. Tuition, books, and residence fees add up to a pretty hefty price tag, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. There’s a lot you can do when you’re still in high school to save money toward paying for college or university.

    Start Saving as Early as You Can
    The sooner you start saving money for school, the better. The best way to do this is to open a separate savings account at your bank, where you can deposit money you want to save for school. This way, your money will also earn some interest for you.
    You should also work out a budget of what it will cost to attend the college or university program of your choice. Schools and programs will vary in cost, but by looking at a wide variety of schools you will have an average price range to use as your savings goal.
    Once you know your goal amount, make sure you put money into your savings account as often as you can. A little bit at a time is all you need, such as money from your allowance or birthday and holiday gifts. You’ll see – it will add up pretty quickly.

    Earn Money Working Part-Time or During Summer
    Many students have part time jobs in high school. If you’re already working, then you can easily save money by putting some money into your savings account immediately after each paycheque. By doing this first thing each payday, you can make sure you save before you spend it.
    However, not every student has the opportunity to work during the school year, whether due to family obligations, sports and clubs, or parents who prefer you focus on academics. The thing to remember is that there are always breaks, such as spring break and summer vacation, which are an ideal time to pick up some work.

    There are many flexible jobs for students, as well. These include retail, food service, babysitting, camp counsellor, yard work and snow removal, washing cars, and even dog walking, to name just a few options.

    Start a Registered Education Savings Plan
    Known as an RESP, these are specific bank investments designed to help families save money for a child’s education. These plans enable parents and other family members to contribute to pay for school, and the younger the child is when the RESP is opened, the better.
    These investments offer benefits with taxes, as well as government matching of contributions up to a specific dollar amount each year. This makes an RESP a valuable way to save for school.

    Apply for Scholarships and Grants
    While not saving money per se, scholarships and grants are a great way to offset the costs associated with college and university. There are many scholarships for whatever program you want to study. The qualification requirements will vary, meaning you will always be able to find something to apply for. Some scholarships can even be applied for as early as your third year of high school.
    Scholarships and grant opportunities can be found all over, from local businesses and organizations in your town or city, as well as province-wide and Canada-wide.

    Student Loans
    It’s not always possible to save the entire amount you will need to cover the cost of your education – and that’s okay. Student loans exist for exactly that reason: to ensure that students who want to attend college or university can do so.
    Many banks offer student loans for educational purposes, and there are also government student loan programs, such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). These programs are valuable resources for students to help finance their education. The terms of the loan will vary depending on the source, but often include better interest rates and different repayment options than a standard loan.

  • Creating a Realistic Budget for YOU in Post-Secondary

    Creating a Realistic Budget for YOU in Post-Secondary

    By Gavin Mercier

    So, you’ve graduated high school, or are going to. So you’ve moved to away to school, or maybe you’re staying home. So you’re living alone for the first time ever, or maybe you have a roommate. So you’ve saved up for this moment, or maybe you haven’t. So you’ve got a job, or maybe you don’t need one or don’t have time for one. So you’ve taken a student loan, or got a scholarship, or applied for bursaries, or maybe your parents are paying your tuition. Whatever your situation is, it’s important manage your money in post-secondary. However, whatever your situation is, it is unique. There isn’t an easy way to budget your money that works for everybody. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t an easy way to budget for you.

    Essential Expenses

    The very first thing you should do is to take a look at your essential expenses – things that you can’t live without. If you’re paying for rent, that is going to be your most important expense – and your biggest. However, no matter what happens, you will be glad to have a roof over your head.

    Next, food. According to Statscanada, the average Canadian spends around $250 per month on food and drink. That is a lot of money, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend that. Look at what you can afford, and more importantly, what you need. You might have to give up those fancy foods expensive snacks for a while, or at least until they go on sale. Only buy what you need, and try your best to eat it before it goes bad. That way, you don’t waste money buying food that is just going to spoil.

    Income

    Next, look at how much money you make or is being provided for you. Weigh that amount against your essential expenses. Ideally you should have more income than expenses. If this isn’t the case, consider cutting down on a few things or getting a job (if you don’t have one already.)

    Lifestyle

    So, you know how much money you have to spend each month, but what about money that you want to spend? Post-secondary isn’t a time to count nickels and stay inside all the time; it’s supposed to be one of the best times of your life! See what you have left over after paying your essentials, and use that money on your lifestyle – paying for your phone, hobbies, or going out. Don’t be afraid to spend a little money to have fun, just make sure you don’t overdo it. Keep track of how much money you have and try only taking what you need when you go out. That way, you can avoid spending more money than you mean to. Finally, try not to spend all of your leftover money. Try putting a little bit away each month in case of emergencies. This way, you have a safety net if you slip up, and extra money for your own financial goals in the future.

    Budgeting money isn’t easy. It takes time and effort to create a good budget plan that works, and everyone is different. Make sure that your budget fits what you need, and not the other way around. Your budget shouldn’t determine the lifestyle you live, but you should be prepared to make some sacrifices in order to make a budget the fits with your lifestyle.

  • How to Navigate the Canada Council for the Arts

    How to Navigate the Canada Council for the Arts

    It is difficult not to find a single artist or professor at any given university who has not at least applied for a Canada Council for the Arts grant. Known to be extremely supportive of the Canadian artists, the government is its main affiliate. Created to promote the study of art and support the steady production of works in the arts, the council funds Canadian artists and organizations. After university, it is common for students to be worried about debt and funding their projects. Taking on a substantial project like a novel, or an exhibition, or a film can require not only a lot of money for equipment and research, but a great deal of time. Holding an unrelated job can severely get in the way of the growth and quality of a project. And that is where the Canada Council for the Arts can come in.

    Your first step is to create an account and register your profile for validation; this could be a personal profile or a company profile—whether it is visual arts or writing, you will be assessed based on your experience, the strength of your application and project, and your credentials. Once you have gone through the registration steps your profile will be reviewed by Canada Council staff and validated. After this process, you can apply to different grant components.

    Every year the council receives around 16,000 grant requests; these are reviewed by panels of artists. In the past, the council has awarded nearly 5,000 grants to organizations and artists that totalled in more than $150 million. While this is a great deal of money, the sheer volume of applications means that your application needs to stand out.

    Know the assessment criteria

    Visit the website and make sure you follow the guidelines directly. Know what the assessors are looking for in your particular field and how much attention to focus on each point like budget estimates, time estimates and travel needs.

    Research and be prepared

    Be sure to include thorough facts to demonstrate the intended impact of your proposed project. It is extremely important to edit multiple times for grammatical and spelling errors. Having a second pair of eyes to check over it always helps. Provide detailed background information on your field of practice and past work. Be straight to the point and express that your project is well planned and that it can be carried our smoothly. You are representing Canadian artists when you win a grant, and so the council chooses these winners with a lot of serious consideration.

    Finances

    Be careful not to claim bad health, financial need or other personal issues as reasons for requesting Canada Council financial support. The idea is to focus on the positive impact that your project will provide to the public. You are not pitching yourself, but rather the talents careful creative efforts that can spawn a project that will touch people.

    Works Cited:

    www.canadacouncil.ca

  • New Discoveries in Space

    New Discoveries in Space

    2016 was a big year for space news! While there was one unfortunate blunder—the ExoMars mission sent a lander and an orbiter to Mars but unfortunately the lander crashed into the surface of the planet—a lot of missions last year went extremely well. Scientists are constantly discovering new things, and as we get more technologically advanced the discoveries will only keep piling up. So advanced, in fact, that we may get to one day live on other planets. So what exactly is new in space news?

    Gravitational waves

    In February of 2016, the first ever direct detection (or finding) of gravitational waves were discovered. What this means is that scientists have found ripples in space that stretch and flatten space itself. While these are invisible, they are extremely powerful and very, very cool. These ripples (or waves) carry information about objects and the events that created them. These waves came from black holes that were swirling and running into each other. Stay tuned for plenty more news about this finding in the coming years.

    A new planet beside the nearest star to Earth’s sun

    In August scientists found a planet orbiting the star Proxima Centauri. This star is the nearest star to Earth’s sun. Scientists have called this new planet Proxima b, and it has the mass of about 1.27 times Earth’s mass. What this means is that there is a very strong possibility that the planet could be habitable. In other words, it may be possible for organisms to live on Proxima b.

    Ices deposit found on Mars

    A very large ice deposit was found on Mars. It is about the size of New Mexico (which is huge!) and its volume is close to the same as Lake Superior’s volume. What that means is that humans would find the ice deposit extremely helpful for drinking water purposes if they ever settled on Mars. One step closer to a real life Star Wars situation…

    Water plumes on Europa

    The Hubble Space Telescope found what looks like plumes of water spewing from the surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa. What this means is that there may be a portion of liquid water ocean deep below the surface of Europa. Wherever there is water there is the possibility of life. NASA may want to launch an orbiting mission to sample this water. They have plans to send an orbiting probe to study Europa in the near future.

    Works Cited:

    http://www.space.com/35099-most-amazing-space-astronomy-discoveries-of-2016.html