Experience the Emily Dickinson Collection at Amherst College. Explore photos of the poet’s handwritten poems and letters.
Author Archives: admin
Do Something
Whether it’s disaster relief, anti-bullying, or animal adoption, find a cause that matters to you. What will you do to effect positive change?
Animation basics: The optical illusion of motion
This video explains how a human characteristic called ‘persistence of vision’ is the key to motion in animation.
10 Facts about the Emancipation Proclamation
Read ten facts about the 1863 Proclamation, one of the most important documents in the history of the United States.
Destination America
What is it about the United States that convinces citizens of other nations to leave their homes and lives behind? Visit this site to explore the answers, along with the personal stories of immigrants from Guatemala, Iran, Tibet, the Soviet Union, Taiwan, and Mexico. While you’re there, be sure to browse the photo archives and genealogical resources.
What if the Secret to Success Is Failure?
What role should character development play in education, and who should be responsible for teaching it? Is failure an essential part of success? Discover how two very different New York schools address these questions.
In-groups, out-groups, and the psychology of crowds
It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing the world as “us” vs. “them.” However, it’s much more constructive to take a step back and see how much “they” really are like “us.” A psychology professor provides some background and tips for avoiding bias.
Risking It All for Science
More people have died diving in underwater caves than climbing Mt. Everest. Any error or bit of bad timing could be fatal. But these caves hold scientific treasures that many divers consider worth the risk.
American Experience: Freedom Riders
In 1961, a diverse group of activists rode interstate buses to several southern cities, violating laws that did not allow African Americans to sit at the front of the bus or alongside white riders. This simple act sparked violent responses that drew attention to the civil rights cause. Explore the route and hear the voices of the Freedom Riders through this interactive site.
Why Are Eyewitnesses Unreliable?
“I saw it with my own eyes!” A statement from someone who witnessed an event is usually taken as absolute proof of the truth—but how reliable are eyewitnesses, really? Charles W. Bryant digs into some of the problems with relying on eyewitness testimony.
Proudly Bearing Elders’ Scars, Their Skin Says ‘Never Forget’
Descendants of Holocaust survivors remember and honor their loved ones in many different ways. Read how some are trying to keep these events fresh in the minds of those who did not live through the times.
The Harlem Renaissance
Did you ever wonder what the Harlem Renaissance looked like? See for yourself by watching a video about this age of discovery for modern African-American literature, art, and music.
Imagination Can Change What We Hear and See
The “power of the imagination” often seems an exaggerated term. However, according to a recent study in the field of neuroscience, the mind is capable of sending sensory signals that can seem quite real. Read on to find out more about this twist of perception.
Where the Buffalo No Longer Roamed
Though the Transcontinental Railroad made transportation of goods and people across the country much more convenient, there were a number of negative results, including the decimation of the buffalo population and war with Native American tribes.
Brain Scans of Hoarders Reveal Why They Never De-Clutter
Would you have trouble parting with your favorite things? A hoarder is a person who collects items and can’t discard any of them. Often, the homes of hoarders are completely full, with only enough room left to walk from room to room. A new study using brain scans helps shed light on why people behave this way.
Underwater Volcano Is Earth’s Biggest
What phenomenon of nature can be massive, yet go unnoticed? Tamu Massif is an inactive volcano that lies under the northwest Pacific Ocean. See what scientists are learning about this relatively recent discovery.
Widow of Murdered Civil Rights Leader Medgar Evers Moves Beyond Hatred
In 1963, civil-rights activist Medgar Evers was murdered in his driveway by a white supremacist. Evers’s widow, Myrlie Evers-Williams, has carried on his legacy and spoke recently about the civil rights movement and her hopes for the future.
A dangerous idea offers hope for girls in Afghanistan
We sometimes take our freedoms for granted—for example, the freedom to learn. One Massachusetts woman, Razia Jan, has worked tirelessly to ensure the right to an education for girls in her native Afghanistan.
This Is Your Brain on Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s writing style can be challenging to read. Not only did he write four centuries ago, but he also played with language, coining new words, rearranging syntax, and using words as different parts of speech. Now, researchers have discovered that this last feature—using a noun like child as a verb instead, for example—excites the human brain because it is so unexpected.
The ‘maker movement’ creates D.I.Y. revolution
In recent years, increasing amounts of screen time have contributed to a growing sense of disconnection with the physical world—hence, the birth of the “maker movement,” or a return to hands-on creation. Read about how “makerspaces” are attracting people with different interests who all want to create things they can hold on to.