Borland Educational

Science

The Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, now comprising 19 museums and the National Zoo, the Smithsonian is the largest museum/education/research complex in the world.

Exploratorium
SF's famous hands-on science education museum and "public learning laboratory." Visitors experience wonders of science through direct interaction with incredible exhibits.

Exploratorium: The Tinkering Studio
Collaborative space in which artists, educators, scientists, museum goers, and creative muses can join forces for the sake of making something cool out of science.

New Scientist: The Collection
Thematic quarterly publication of the New Scientist. Each superb issue features articles digging deep into “the current state of science in various disciplines.”

Cosmic Eye
Epic video journey from the realm of the everyday to macrocosm, microcosm, and back, through the magic of logarithmic zooming. See also: Orders of Magnitude.

Everything and Nothing
Fascinating BBC documentary presented by professor Jim Al-Khalili blending physics, philosophy, and history into a far-ranging yet digestible feast for the mind.

Planet Earth
Words fail. Epic BBC documentary series by the venerable Sir David Attenborough. An homage to the Blue Planet and its many living miracles. Planet Earth II here.

PBS Space Time
Fascinating series of short episodes exploring delicious, odd topics in theoretical physics that bends brains and blows minds. Hosted by engaging explainer Dr. Matt O'Dowd.

Invention

Must-Have Ingredients for a Successful Invention
Entrepreneur.com provides insight into factors involved in successful inventing. Article here contains Ideas and advice on taking a newly invented product to market.

How to Make Money From Your Invention
WikiHow further breaks down the main steps involved in turning your great idea into a successful product.

From Invention to Patent
Comprehensive reading list of detailed articles by ipwatchdog covers the entire process of invention from conception to patent.

Making

Why the Maker Movement Matters
James Fallows of The Atlantic introduces the Maker Movement and the reasons it could catalyze surplus creativity to become a new engine of the world economy.

Makezine
"Making is a meaningful form of personal expression that fosters creativity, builds community, and encourages the collaborative practice of innovation." Read Make!

Maker Faire
Billed as the “Greatest Show and Tell on Earth,” Maker Faire is a playful "festival of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness – a celebration of the Maker Movement."

Maker Camp
Online and traditional summer camps "for kids over eight interested in hacking, technology, DIY projects, crafting, learning." Make Mag article provides details.

Reviews

“Standardized tests are a necessary step in applying to colleges, and, with his support, I was able to achieve the scores I needed to be competitive. I am currently finishing a degree in physics at the University of Chicago and am immensely grateful for his help four years ago. His test taking strategies have also been very useful on the GRE while applying to graduate school physics programs. Thank you again, Chris!”

Ben F. (Student: 2013)

"[Chris’s] methods are extremely effective and he is one of the kindest, most supportive men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

"Working with him has been one of my best academic experiences and I congratulate Chris on his hard work and dedication to the success of his pupils."

Harrison M. (Student: 2017)

“His competence, compassion and ethics as a tutor are exemplary.

"Chris is a wonderfully friendly, sincere and caring human being. His personality is delightful, making the sessions enjoyable.”

Judy S. (Client: 2006)

"The students benefited from [Chris's] assistance, and we found him very personable, helpful and eager to learn new teaching techniques and philosophies.

I feel he would be an excellent addition to any tutoring staff."

Linda N. (Employer: 1980)

"I enjoyed working with Chris because he could explain things I did not understand and make them clear to me. Chris was very patient when it took me a while to understand things."

Martha S. (Student: 1993)

“Chris is a phenomenal math, PSAT, and SAT tutor. I studied with him for over three years and am so grateful for all of his invaluable knowledge and the confidence that he instilled in me as a math student.

"Now, years later, the same standardized test-taking skills that he taught me for the PSAT and SAT are helping me immensely in my LSAT prep.

"Chris is patient and efficient in his teaching. I would highly recommend him to everyone!”

Gary C. (Client: 2016)

"Chris Borland tutored my son and did an excellent job. He obviously is a very well qualified teacher and I recommend him without reservation."

David C. (Client: 1980)

Chris is also incredibly supportive, and recognizes when confidence is lagging. He holds his students accountable by giving them specific work and challenges and also rewards their gains, and is able to pivot his teaching style if a certain way of explaining things isn't working.

"I highly recommend Chris to any student who is studying for a standardized test ..."

A.S.M. (Client: 2021)

Most importantly, you taught Joey to understand that hard work does reap its own rewards. Joey did well enough in school and on the SATs to gain acceptance to a number of UC Schools, of which he chose UC Davis to attend. Thanks Chris for you effort and diligent tutoring of Joey the last three years, we really appreciate all that you did for him.

Larry L. (Client: 2005)

"Chris tutored my son for the SSAT test and … it was worth every penny. My son responded very well to him and developed learning strategies that [he's] using to this day."

Michal V. (Client: 2014)

"[Chris] has a keen sense of the orderly nature of learning, and did a particularly good job of helping students with the organizational work needed to excel at math ... one of the best young teachers I've seen."

Bruce S. (Administrator: 1985)

"[Chris] is patient, understanding, enthusiastic and always guides Andrew in the learning process with a very positive attitude. If Andrew gets distracted, Chris is able to guide him back to the subject at hand by being assertive, yet respectful. His focus on Andrew's progress has resulted in a very noticeable improvement in Andrew's skill level in Algebra, his attention to detail, his neatness, and his self-esteem..."

Karen C. (Client: 1999)

"Chris Borland has provided test prep tutoring for two of our three children, one for the SSAT and then the ACT, and the other for the SSAT. They both dramatically improved their scores as a result of his tutoring and were accepted to their first-choice schools.

Jennifer C. (Client: 2020)

"Fantastic tutor. We set a goal for my SAT score, and with Chris's help I got there. Has years of experience and knows the test inside and out. Cannot recommend more highly."

Jack R. (Client: 2014)

Chris is patient, knowledgeable and was helpful in identifying my weaknesses and addressing them. My work with Chris on test prep also helped me in the classroom resulting in improved grades both my junior and senior years. He is easy to work with and never made me feel stupid. I highly recommend Chris Borland for test prep and math tutoring.”

T J (student: 2018)

"Chris Borland tutored my l4 year old twins for several weeks before they took the SSAT test for entrance into private schools. He has a very good rapport with kids and makes the sessions fun and interesting.

Chris's strategies about standardized test taking proved to be excellent. Both boys improved their scores significantly and openly attributed their success to their work with Chris..."

Anne C. (Client: 2003)

“Worth every penny!

"As the high school application process in SF is already stressful and time consuming, I was looking for an efficient strategy for my B/G twins to prepare for the SSAT. Chris has deep experience with test prep and presented a very clear, efficient, and effective strategy for the twins to follow. His approach resulted in a huge increase in test results.

"We would highly recommend him to anyone for standardized test prep!”

Irene L. (client: 2018)

Knowledge is Power