Calculators
may harm math skills
Psychologists at the University of Saskatchewan found that using
a calculator during early school years leads to poorer performance
in more complex math classes when students reach university.
The researchers compared the math performance and solving strategies
of three groups of Canadian university students: Chinese educated
in China, Chinese educated in Canada and non-Chinese educated
in Canada.
The Chinese students who were educated in China performed far
better in complex math classes. Their improved performance was
associated with lower calculator use in primary and secondary
school.
(Source: CBC News Online)
Winnipeg
man wants piercing bylaw
For a lot of teens body piercing is a hip accessory or fashion
statement. But some say piercings are also dangerous if done
by someone who doesn't know what they're doing.
Eric Johansen is a Winnipeg tattoo artist and body-piercer.
He thinks it's time for city officials to pass rules on piercing.
Johansen says he's seen young people who have been scarred by
piercers and he's heard horror stories about unsanitary shops.
The chair of Winnipeg's Protection and Community Services Committee
has asked for a report on how body piercing is regulated in
other cities.
(Source: CBC Manitoba)
Teen
loses fight against swearing in class
An Ontario teen says her fight against swearing was worth it.
Samantha Robinson, 17, went before the Waterloo Region District
School Board. She wanted the board to give students the right
to refuse, without any penalty, to swear or use racial slurs
while reading literature.
The board voted six-to-three against her request, saying it
should be dealt with by school officials. Some told her they
have bigger issues to deal with.
(Sources: Canadian Press, National Post)
Families
sue makers of violent games
The families of some of the victims of the Columbine massacre
are suing companies that make violent video games and sex-oriented
web sites.
They are asking for five billion dollars (American) from 25
entertainment companies, including Nintendo, Sega, Sony Computer
Entertainment, and Time Warner, as well as the creators and
publishers of the game "Doom.''
During their investigation, police found a videotape of one
of the killers with a shotgun on his lap, calling out, "Arlene."
Arlene is a character in Doom.
(Sources: CBC Online News, Associated Press)
New
game consoles debut this fall
Nintendo and Microsoft are trying to catch industry-leading
Sony, who released their Playstation 2 late last year.
The Nintendo GameCube and Microsoft's Xbox want to attract as
many gamers as possible, but both are taking different approaches.
Nintendo is aiming for the mainstream video game player. They
hope to attract their loyal following of gamers that also purchased
their N64 console and Game Boy hand-held machine.
Microsoft is targeting hard-core gamers. Microsoft hopes serious
video game fans are willing to pay more to get the most advanced
technology available.
(Source: Canadian Press)
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