puzzles

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but the perception of the viewer matters. Optical illusions focus on the science of optics, which is concerned with both physical and psychological perceptions of light. Far from being just a game or a party trick, however, optical illusions play an important role in a number of professional fields, including dentistry, entertainment and computer programming and security. Let’s start with false teeth. Historically, dentures have been made of a variety of materials, such as bone, metal, porcelain and other people’s teeth. Today, however, many dental implants, bridges and other devices are made of resin, a sturdy substance which can be colored and molded to fit the needs of the patient. However, commercially … Continued

During summer breaks, students can forget part of what they learned in the preceding year. This phenomenon is referred to as the ‘summer learning loss’ or ‘learning slide’. There is a significant body of literature on it, particularly as it affects K-12 students. Estimates of the severity of the loss differ greatly depending on the test design, but it is a risk worth preparing against. One proposed solution calls for eliminating or reducing summer breaks. Locally, Richmond Community Schools now schedules a two-month summer vacation. Other proposals include having more frequent, but shorter, breaks spaced throughout the year; or using summer school to bolster at-risk kids. Absent a comprehensive community solution, however, a good strategy is to keep your mind … Continued

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The Practical World of Optical Illusions

Keep Your Mind Sharp with Puzzles

Indiana University East