The Stories

2 essays for a slower afternoon.

The Man Who Makes Math Feel Like Magic

Steven Strogatz became one of the world's most beloved math explainers by showing that math is beautiful, not scary — hidden in fireflies, bridges, and love. A look at how he does it, and one idea teachers can borrow to make math feel like magic.

Begin reading3 min read

The Teacher Who Bet His Life on a Pendulum

Saturday Delight

2 min read

The Teacher Who Bet His Life on a Pendulum

A teacher rests a heavy steel pendulum against his chin, lets go, and doesn't flinch as it swings back at his face. The "trick" is a single law of physics — and the most honest lesson a classroom ever holds: knowledge you'd bet your life on.