Talking in the Library

Study Break: American History

Are you about up to your limit in finals studying? There's more than one way to get info into your brain. Let's try a little video. Maybe you're taking American Constitutional History or US History to/since 1877. (Maybe you can tell me what happened in 1877 that makes it such a breaking point?) In any case, here are a few videos to help you learn some basic American history.

The Presidents, explained in song by Jonathan Coulton.  Now needs a new final verse, but still great:

One I've already linked on this blog, but still can't get over. I blame the 80s.

 

Hope a little history in song gets you through a final or two.

Happy Friday Video

It's the Friday before finals week and if you work at K-State you just got paid. Take a little break and enjoy this delightful song I picked special for you. (Please take note that this is the original and good version of this song)

Happy Friday everyone

Doodle your way to an A in math

OK, maybe you need a break from studying for your mathematics final, but you can't really afford one. I'd suggest watching this video and trying a little doodling. It feels like a break, but you might end up with some understanding that you didn't have before.

There are several more videos in Vihart's YouTube channel about drawing and math, all worth checking out if you have the time.

Study Break: Literature

I know finals are almost over, but surely there's a covey of Brit Lit students out there, trying to differentiate the Bronte sisters and to remember what the yellow fog is about in "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock."

That last one may not be as helpful as I hoped.

Bonus points if you know which work featured here isn't Brit Lit.

Triple bonus points if you can discuss why one author may be claimed in both British and American Lit.

Hale Storm 2K10

So, we had a couple extra people drop by Hale Library last night around 11pm, you may have heard.

From my spot behind the Help Desk, it was a success for a first-ever Libraries rave on campus! Highlights included a guy in a banana suit, crowd surfers rumored to include a K-State basketball player, and someone dressed like a dragon.

Ravers managed to dislodge one of our directional signs, but it was scheduled for replacement anyway, and was returned to us by an awesome student who you'll see holding a giant "EMAW" sign in many of the videos. Other thoughtful ravers included the students who offered to collect trash, sweep, and vacuum after the rave ended.

We're collecting video to a YouTube playlist, let us know if you see any other great ones. You might also check out this Twitter search for links to more videos and photos.

Study Break: Art History

Oh, this is a fun one for me: I never took Art History!

Still, I was able to name a handful of works featured in the 70 Million video:

and then there's "Meet James Ensor" by They Might Be Giants

and then...let's talk with Big Bird about what we see in a painting.

Here's a cool video of the sculptor Augusta Savage at work:

Study Break: Biochemistry

We'll continue in a science-y vein with this study break for anyone fighting their way through a biochem class this semester.

This will get stuck in your head and you'll never forget what glucose does:

Trouble keeping all the elements straight? Let They Might Be Giants help:

And finally, and awesomely, the Krebs cycle, as demonstrated by the OSU Marching Band:

Good luck on all your biology, chemistry, and biochemistry finals!

Study Break: Physics

So, finals week approaches. We can tell because the crowd levels in Hale Library are rising.  That means it's time to kick off our study break series: fun videos about topics you might be trying to cram into your head.   We're starting with a shoutout to everyone preparing for the General Physics finals that fall next Tuesday night.

It's always good to test out Physics problems in the real world:

Music and fire, explained by a guy who looks vaguely like John Lennon:

Finally, a rap about the Large Hadron Collider:

Good luck on your Physics finals!

Psychology Study Break

For all of those poor souls still studying hard for psychology, use your mnemonics!

Or, the Animaniacs

Ah, Phineas Gage! Fond memories....

And finally, let's test your awareness (no worries, you will not be graded on this test):

Taking a study break from the maths...belatedly

Mea culpa. Someone over in Cardwell was anxiously awaiting a math study break, and I didn't get this posted in time.  However, if you want a good ole fit of nostalgia over pi and other math stuff, here you go!

Trying to remember pi? Give a listen to Mathematical Pi. If you are a visual learner, there's a video, too.

Trying to figure out the base-12 system? School House Rocks and Chavez are here for you:

Little 12 Toes - Chavez

Bart Simpson, however, is of no use:

Fortunately, we always have xkcd: