Brainstorm The Daily Northwestern

This episode of Brainstorm covers environmental policy and culture Prof. Eli Suzukovich III’s “Maple Syrup and Climate Change” course, which combines lessons about indigenous philosophy, climate change and the economics of the sugar industry. Students also get hands-on field work opportunities as they navigate the sweet history of maple trees on campus.

Evidence suggests students learn to read the best through a method focused on phonics. This approach teaches students to associate letters with sounds, so they’re able to figure out unfamiliar words. But for decades, schools have used a different approach. Now, advocates, educators and parents are pushing for a move to evidence-based reading instruction.

From the Lakefill to the quads, bunnies are hopping their way into the hearts of Northwestern students. In this episode of Brainstorm, The Daily spoke to Northwestern students, a professor and an urban ecology expert to answer the question gnawing at Evanston residents: What’s with all the bunnies?

Far from the lightspeed space travel of science fiction, real-life astrobiologists apply disciplines ranging from computer programming to molecular analysis in order to study alien life. The Daily spoke with three scientists to ask: How are we looking for life beyond Earth?

What does it mean to have a relationship with nature? For Indigenous kids, especially those who grew up in urban areas, this question can have complicated answers. To support these relationships and fill in what western education might miss, researchers in Northwestern’s learning sciences program, in partnership with other universities, community members and educators, are developing science learning environments for Indigenous youth and their families. Brainstorm spoke to some of the student researchers working on the project.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator divides the world’s personalities into 16 different types. While the labels it produces may be alluring, is there any science behind the test? The Daily spoke to Northwestern MBTI experts and enthusiasts to find out.