You've probably heard of RSA, a public-key cryptosystem - it's what makes your credit card transactions, etc. secure. But this isn't the only kind of cryptosystem! There is an alternative that takes up less memory and is a little faster; this uses the mathematical theory of elliptic curves. Here, we'll introduce what an elliptic curve is, and why these things are very special. We'll then use this specialty to build a cryptosystem, and see how it's in some ways both better, and worse, than RSA.

Climate change is the biggest challenge facing our generation -- but how bad is it, really? How does it affect people and ecological systems across the globe and here in the US every day? More importantly, what you can do to protect your future? You’ll learn about: - The science behind climate change and climate models - How regions, cities and people are being affected - Renewable energy, climate policy, and other potential solutions - What YOU can do in your home, school and community PS: we will NOT be talking about polar bears (although polar bear-lovers are welcome!)