Teaching Math and Science

Teaching Maths & Science—whether online or in the classroom—means real experiments in the lab, not just theory! Hands-on learning deepens understanding and sharpens exam skills to boost those grades. #STEMeducation #GCSE #ALevel #ScienceTeaching #Mathstuition

 

Fixed or Zoom Lens

The age-old question of whether to choose a fixed focal length lens or a zoom lens remains relevant. Generally, fixed focal length lenses have larger apertures, although advancements in zoom technology have made this less common. Using a fixed lens often requires you to move the camera more, which can lead to better photographs rather than just casual snapshots. 

Devil’s Coach Horse Beetle

Spotted this stowaway on my boat by the Thames — a Devil’s Coach Horse Beetle!  Not the crew I expected, but definitely one with attitude. Raises its tail like a scorpion and smells worse than wet socks when annoyed! #RiverThames #BugLife #RoveBeetle #SailingSurprises

The insect in the photo is a Rove Beetle, likely from the Staphylinidae family. One commonly seen species along rivers and wetlands in the UK is Ocypus olens, also known as the Devil’s Coach Horse Beetle.

Key Features:

• Long, slender black body

• Very short elytra (wing cases) exposing most of the abdomen

• Prominent pincers or mandibles at the front

• When threatened, it raises its abdomen like a scorpion and may emit a foul smell

Habitat:

• Common across the UK, especially in damp environments like woodlands, meadows, compost heaps, and riverbanks.

• They are predators, feeding on other invertebrates.

Caution:

While they don't bite humans often, they can pinch if handled and may secrete a smelly fluid as a defence.

Ace Pro

Two distinct advantages of the Ace Pro are its long recording time and a long-lasting battery. Together, these allow longer recordings to be made, which is ideal for a boat race. 

Downwind sailing

Having spent ages sailing upstream and watching all the other boats disappear into the distance, turning at the mark and coming back downstream and downwind, we could keep up with the fast Phantoms.