Civil Rights Movement and Math

My 5th grade math teacher once said, " Math is everywhere, just open your eyes and look around. " This quote finally hit me when I was researching for my topic on the American Civil Rights Movement. Math is everywhere, even in history. As I was researching, I came across 3 interesting, math-related facts.

1. The " I Have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King Jr. lasted about 17 minutes and was one of the most greatest moments in history.

2. For every 9 applications for employment sent by Caucasians, 16 had to be sent by the ethnic minority for a positive response.

3. When reparations, a public policy to repair damages of racism towards African-Americans, were introduced, not everyone liked it. 65% of African- Americans liked this. 88% of Caucasians disliked the idea.

In my opinion, this shows we have come along way from segregation and discrimination. However, racism still exists today and we should do more to stop it. So, the world should achieve what American Civil Rights Movement sought for- equality.

Information was taken from http://www.fofweb.com/ and http://search.epnet.com/.

Can Your Tongue Really Stick to a Frozen Flagpole?

Have you ever wondered what would happen if your tongue got stuck to a frozen pole? Well, when I read the title of this article, it made me wonder and grab my attention. As I read on, I found out that if you put your tongue on a frozen flagpole, it really will stick! So, if your tongue becomes stuck , you would have to wait until a rescue squad came and got you.

How does your body try to stop it?

The tongue is covered with moisture that will freeze under the temperature 32 degrees Fahrenheit. By pumping warm blood, your body tries to warm your tongue through a process called conduction. Heat energy causes the atoms to vibrate and absorb the energy. Their temperatures increase and eventually warm the surface of your tongue.

How does it stick to the pole?

Metal is up to about 400 times more powerful of a conductor than your tongue.

In other words, the metal takes away the heat faster than your body can supply warm blood. The pole has free electrons that absorb heat energy, which steals the heat from the moisture on your tongue. As a result, the water from the moisture chills tiny openings on your tongue.

Why can't I just pull it out?

If you do pull your tongue out, a part of your tongue can actually come off.

Another painless solution would be to pour warm water at the place where the tongues touches the pole. The tongue will come out.

Personally, I believe that the only time you will stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole is when you are dared. So, the next time someone dares you to stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole- don't!

Information was taken at http://www.livescience.com/mysteries/071218-tongue-flagpole.html.

Image taken from http://www.livescience.com/.