The thing I get from it is this: children are not bogged down by the preconceived ideas at the level that adults are.  They are able to “see” or perceive things that could be overlooked by an adult. As such, the study was useful in two areas: 1) one being the area of science to which the kids’ study contributed, 2) the other being in the realm of psychology/neuroscience in exploring how people perceive the world.  It raises the question: How can we become more childlike — in science, and in other areas of life?  How can we harvest the power of play?

Khan Academy offers free educational videos in math, science, computer science, finance/economics, humanities, and test prep.

This has turned into a favorite educational resource for homeschoolers and other students needing supplemental education.

While many people hold negative perceptions of rats, owners of pet rats are usually eager to describe the positive attributes of their pet, including their playfulness and affection. Science is now backing up their claims.  Study results have found that a rat will work very hard at freeing another rat that is trapped, learning how to unlock a clear container; when the container is empty or holds something like a stuff animal, the rat is not likely to bother.  Rats who also had a container containing chocolate would unlock that, but their were apt to set some chocolate aside to share with their fellow rat.

Click here to view article.