Author: Jim Christian

How Code Conquers Mars: The Seven Minutes of Terror That Land Rovers Safely on the Red Planet

Landing a rover on Mars is one of the most intense challenges in engineering and coding. With a communication delay of up to 24 minutes and only seven critical minutes for the rover’s descent, NASA relies on flawlessly tested, resilient code that must perform perfectly the first time. This blog explores the high-stakes “Seven Minutes of Terror,” the interplay of physics and programming, and lessons Earthbound coders can learn about trust, thorough testing, and designing for failure. Discover how the precision and courage behind Mars landings can inspire your own coding projects.

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Everyday Genius: How Computational Thinking Powers Your Daily Life and Problem Solving

Discover how computational thinking shapes your everyday problem solving—from baking cookies and planning your route to organising your wardrobe and managing time. Learn the four superpowers of decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm design that you’re already using without realizing. This playful guide reveals how thinking like a coder can simplify complex challenges and boost your confidence in tackling anything life throws your way.

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How Magicians and Coders Use Decomposition to Make the Impossible Possible

Discover how magicians and coders turn the impossible into reality by breaking big challenges into manageable pieces. From making a tiger vanish on stage to building a complex app, the secret lies in decomposition—the art of solving smaller problems step by step. Learn how this mindset, combined with practice and creativity, helps create amazing illusions and powerful technology. Whether planning a project or tackling everyday tasks, unlocking your own decomposition superpowers can make the seemingly impossible, possible.

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How the International Space Station Teaches Us Powerful Lessons in Global Teamwork and Problem-Solving

Orbiting 250 miles above Earth, the International Space Station (ISS) is a marvel of global teamwork and engineering. Built and operated by 15 countries, it combines diverse languages, cultures, and technologies into a single, functioning laboratory in space. The ISS showcases how clear communication, modular design, and collaborative problem-solving across cultures can overcome complex challenges—offering inspiring lessons about cooperation, innovation, and shared human goals that extend far beyond our planet.

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