Grade 8

Study: You Really Can ‘Work Smarter, Not Harder’

Source: The Atlantic

Studying or practicing a skill non-stop may not be the ticket to achieving your goals, according to this study.

The 10 Most Intriguing Science Breakthroughs of 2023

Source: Bloomberg

It’s too early to know what the greatest scientific discoveries and achievements of 2024 will be, but now that we’ve had some time to reflect on last year, here is one site’s opinion on what the Top 10 most intriguing advancements of 2023 were. Which ones do you agree with? Are there any you think should have made the list?

The piece of Paris in this year’s Olympic medals

Source: NBC

The bronze, silver and gold medals won at this year’s Olympics are a unique piece of Paris itself – each is embedded with an original piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower.

96th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee Ended in a Sudden, Rapid-Spelling Tiebreaker

Source: USA Today

What does it take to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee? Nearly 250 students from all 50 states found out in a competition that lasted three days, covered fourteen rounds, and ended in a rapid spelling tiebreaker, with the winner spelling 30 words in only 90 seconds!

Billie Eilish & Finneas, Ludwig Göransson and More Record-Setters at 2024 Oscars

Source: Billboard

When the Academy Awards were held on March 10, 2024, Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell set a record by becoming the youngest people ever to win two Academy Awards. That’s an impressive achievement, but it wasn’t the only record set that night. Read about other records in this article.

Failing early in your career can make you more successful in the future

Source: CNBC

“Describe a time when you failed,” is a common and tricky prompt that often comes up in job interviews — and for good reason.
According to a new study out of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, your past experiences with failure could predict your career success in the long run.

8 Ways Highly Successful People Carry out Successful Plans

Source: Lifehack

Whether it’s for a school assignment or a larger goal for your life, these tips can help you make the most of your time.

Why Olympic Bronze Medalists Are Happier Than Silver Medalists

Source: Time

Could it be possible that finishing a race in 3rd place may make you happier than coming in 2nd? Science says it is very common, and the ‘why’ has everything to do with our perception of the most likely alternative outcome.

What Are the Yips? The Unfortunate Phenomenon Impacting Athletes

Source: NBC 5 News (Chicago)

Have you ever seen an accomplished athlete suddenly perform as if they’ve completely forget how to play their sport? If so, you’ve seen “the yips”–the sudden and unexplained loss of an athlete’s typical skills–in action. The yips are basically the opposite of achievement. Learn more about a term that started in golf, quickly moved to other sports, and is increasingly being used in other fields like politics, business, and education.

Great Accidental Discoveries

Source: Goethe Institut

While hard work is a good path to success, there is another route that some people have followed: the simple accident. Some of the world’s biggest discoveries and inventions have happened by accident. And yet, to see a mistake and not think of it as a failure, but rather as a new and unexpected form of success, takes a special kind of industrious mindset.

What is imposter syndrome and how can you combat it?

Source: TED Education

Feelings that one is a fraud who doesn’t deserve their success, known as imposter syndrome, is an extremely common phenomenon. Why can’t so many of us shake feelings that our ideas and skills aren’t worthy of others’ attention?

From Biggie to Kendrick: super-producer Pete Rock on hip-hop’s golden ages

Source: The Guardian

Learn about all about music producer Pete Rock’s incredible career and influence in the music industry.

The Benefits of Optimism Are Real

Source: The Atlantic

In this article, Emily Esfahani Smith examines two films, Silver Linings Playbook and Life of Pi, to delve into the relationship between optimism and resilience.

Malorie Blackman’s ‘dynamic imaginary worlds’ win her the PEN Pinter prize

Source: The Guardian

Learn about this incredible author’s commitment to representation and justice through storytelling.

5 Ways to Find Career Ideas

Source: The College Board

Do you already know what kind of career you want to pursue? Then you are lucky—and unique. If, like most of your peers, you don’t know “what you want to be when you grow up,” consider the helpful tips in this article.

Wildlife and celebrity photographer reveals secrets behind most iconic shots

Source: CNN

Check out this article for a close look at the incredible life and photographs of world-renown photographer, David Yarrow.

16-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Defeats World Champion Magnus Carlsen

Source: NY Times

Read about how a teenage chess wiz takes down a record-holding world champion.

Jessie Diggins wins first-ever U.S. Olympic medal in cross-country sprint

Source: NPR

Meet Jessie Diggins, the American skier that made history at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Shirley Raines, who brings beauty and hope to Skid Row, is CNN’s Hero of the Year

Source: CNN

CNN Hero of the Year, Shirley Raines, changes the lives of homeless people living in Skid Row one haircut at a time.

Six Native Artists and Their Works Receive Major Recognition

Source: Smithsonian Magazine

Native American artwork will be showcased at the Smithsonian in a way unlike ever before. Read about the amazing artists behind these extraordinary works.

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