First Year Engineering - General Courses

First Year Engineering - General CoursesThe first year engineering tutoring program offered by the Electrical and Computer Engineering Institute (ECI) includes the normal coursework and mathematics syllabus. Coursework in the first year of the Engineering program is different from the classes taught by the other schools in the IITs. First year Engineering classes are taught by professors whose expertise is in the design, testing and manufacturing aspects of engineering.Courses of the first year are delivered through an online instructor who can assist the students in all subjects. A course in Engineering is not complete without the use of a calculator. The first year Engineering Tutoring program offers the students the convenience of learning to use the calculator at home and thus be able to understand the concepts more easily.The syllabus is based on core courses which students must successfully complete before being allowed to take up independent study. These include Core Curriculu m courses such as Introduction to Electronics, Electromagnetism, Calculus, Physics, and Basic Algebra. Students must complete these courses before being able to start the independent study program.The subjects learned through the courses include the concepts of mechanical, electrical, and computational systems. A student should be able to understand the concepts well so that they can understand the mathematical applications and proofs. These subjects can be very difficult especially if the students are not prepared with them. Therefore, it is important for the students to come to class prepared with all their subjects already learned.All the topics can be well understood only if students have knowledge about them and have studied them. The topics are discussed thoroughly so that the students can get the hang of them. It is advisable for the students to attend the lectures in class even though they cannot participate in the discussions because they do not know the topics well.However , all the topics discussed in class will be completely new once the students venture into the labs and encounter the challenges of doing a lot of things. This means that students will have to come to class with a lot of experience and will need to learn how to solve problems in the labs. All the topics are well explained and there is no need for the students to be confused. The content of the courses is similar to those taught in IITs.The students will have to learn a new way of solving problems. New applications and tools are introduced to the students when they work in the labs. The students must be able to use these tools properly in the course work. These are the same problems that they face while working in the real world.All the topics in the courses are easy to understand and students can derive satisfaction from it. The students can understand how the concepts relate to the world of engineering and hence they will be able to apply them to solve practical problems. The studen ts are required to learn about various software applications because they are required in the laboratories. As a student grows older, he/she must be able to use these applications to solve practical problems.

Science Fiction Authors Of Holt Rinehart And Winston

Science Fiction Authors Of Holt Rinehart And WinstonHolt Rinehart and Winston (henceforth, the R&W) is a science fiction publisher that began publishing science fiction from 1938 to 1948. The philosophy of their science fiction novels, which began under their founding editor, Harry Harrison, and continue to this day, is 'exposing bad ideas.'Holt Rinehart and Winston's philosophy and approach to books and the market have been largely responsible for the rise of modern chemistry as we know it today. It was in 1940 that they published A Rocket Named Desire, which was largely influential in modern science fiction and specifically space science fiction. The author was famous for his pessimistic view of humanity's future and the effects of science on society. His science fiction stories were often a way of dealing with the limitations of the human species and their place in the cosmos, making him one of the first science fiction writers to actually predict futurism.In the 1950s, Holt R inehart and Winston began producing bestsellers such as The Day of the Triffids, which was considered by many to be the first modern science fiction novel. The day after it was published, the original author, Harry Harrison, died. One of the authors of that series, Alexander D. Rice, was given the task of writing a sequel, with Harrison's name removed from the credits.Two decades later, when James Gunn of Fireproof Books was looking for a good science fiction writer to take over the reins of the publishers, Holt Rinehart and Winston had once again become active in the publishing industry. They saw a great opportunity to get new attention to their science fiction, this time without Harrison as their chief creator. They found James Gunn, and together they published Hammer of the Gods. The book won a Hugo Award for Best Novel, and later the Nebula and Locus Awards for Best Novel.The second book of Holt Rinehart and Winston's chemistry series, Chemistry World, was considered by many cri tics to be their best work of the Rinehart and Winston series. In this book, one of the principal characters becomes so much more than the subject of scientific research, rather, he begins to see how much he is capable of doing and becomes the hero of the story.James Gunn's science fiction followed a similar formula as his previous book, with the only difference being the 'lesser evil' viewpoint introduced by the antagonist, who is not always the protagonist. The other changes include different races and worlds, a more contemporary setting, and a plot that focus on 'goddess worship' of the female characters.Holt Rinehart and Winston remained active, publishing books like The Algebraist, in which the human characters were turning into gods and had developed a 'science of religion.' They published Star Trek novels in an attempt to address 'the cultural issue of alien invasion.' The books included in this genre includes Star Trek Voyager: First Contact, in which the Federation is able to understand the aliens and get aboard their ship in the time before the first major encounter, The Klingon Civil War, and Last Full Measure, which deal with the backlash against global warming caused by a volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Taking Chemistry Courses At College

Taking Chemistry Courses At CollegeIf you have recently been drawn into the study of chemistry, then you will be pleased to learn that you are not alone. It is estimated that ninety-five percent of students who enter college in the fall or spring will eventually want to take chemistry courses. However, because it is such a difficult subject, many students are discouraged from taking chemistry courses at first, and this could put them behind other students who take the subject earlier on in their career.The basic reason for delaying going into chemistry classes at college is the lack of proper guidance in academic growth in this subject. Students can expect that their grades will suffer, and they will probably go through a period of questioning about what is wrong with them. It is important for students to understand that in chemistry there are no black and white questions, no 'right' answers, and no right or wrong answers. Instead, students are expected to make some mistakes, and oft en these are because they are unsure about what they need to know, or they have too many questions about the subject.In order to fully understand the subject, students must get a good deal of material out of their course material. This means that much of the material discussed in chemistry classes will not be completely understood by the student. In order to continue learning in this subject, students must invest some time in their studies and make sure that they learn enough so that they will be able to apply what they have learned to new and challenging situations in their lives.It is also essential for students to continue to understand the deep thoughts that occur in the mind of a chemist. To this end, it is also important for students to be able to communicate in a way that is clear and to be able to answer questions that can be posed in a concise way. This is especially important for freshmen, who tend to feel shy about the subject of chemistry and the ways in which they think .Serious issues have arisen with students who do not have the full understanding of the subject. Many students have asked about the possibility of chemistry courses for undergrads. If students who are not taking chemistry at school are to be able to continue to learn, it is important that chemistry courses are available to students who cannot afford to go to college. It is important for students to understand that there are several different types of science courses available in the colleges and universities, and that they should feel free to choose the subject that is most appropriate for them.Classes are the best way to learn about chemistry. In most cases, however, students do not feel that they need to stay in chemistry classes very long. This means that the first two years of college can be filled with a variety of courses. Students will then be able to go to college and make connections that are both in- and out-of-school.Making friends will also help students continue to get an understanding of the subject. In general, it is important for students to have people who like the same things that they do. They will make these connections when they graduate and continue to meet new people and explore their interests. The interaction and the intellectual discussion of these people will also be good for the student to gain a better idea of the subject of chemistry.

A Game That Helps Your Child Learn About Chemistry

A Game That Helps Your Child Learn About ChemistryFunbased Learning Com Chemistry Chembalancer is the interactive and educational game that is designed to help children with their chemistry. It is very easy to use and the game provides a lot of fun and entertainment for your child. What is most interesting about this game is that you can combine the items that you have collected to make different compounds.The fun and enjoyment that you will get from using Funbased Learning Com Chemistry Chembalancer will be so much that you will forget your problems in school. One of the main objectives of this game is to allow your child to apply the values of properties to earn bonus points for doing the experiment. One can also earn extra points by doing experiments which are close to the compounds that they had selected.Chemistry is one of the more popular subjects in schools. Not only do students want to learn about chemistry but also have the ability to practice it. Chemistry helps in producin g new chemical reactions in the body and also has the capacity to protect your body against a lot of diseases.Now that you know the purpose of the game, you need to download it. Before you start the download process, you need to configure some things first. For this, you can either go to your computer's web browser and log on to the Funbased Learning Com Chemistry Chembalancer's website. It is just a matter of two simple clicks and you can start downloading the game.Once you have downloaded the game, you will need to launch it from the system tray. You can find a shortcut button or just right click in the task bar and choose 'run' option to launch the game. This is one of the easiest ways to start your game.Tfunbasedlearning com chemistry chembalancer default htm Once you have launched the game, you need to follow the instructions given on the screen. It is always advisable to read the guide in detail to avoid any problems. Even if you are unable to follow the instructions properly , you can open the game up in the task bar and follow the tutorial there.Funbased Learning Com Chemistry Chembalancer is really an educational and entertaining game. It provides a lot of fun and entertainment to the whole family. Although there are many online games that are similar to this one, it is worth downloading because it is very good in teaching and motivating the children to do their homework.

A Day in the Life at Johns Hopkins University

A Day in the Life at Johns Hopkins University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Caroline received her Bachelors degree in Writing Seminars from Johns Hopkins University. She is currently a tutor in Washington, D.C. specializing in AP English Language and Composition tutoring, History tutoring, Reading tutoring, and several other subjects. See what she had to say about her experience at Johns Hopkins University: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Caroline: The campus is located on the north edge of Baltimore. It provides a traditional campus experience quads, lots of trees, and stately brick buildings. Plenty of spots in the city are very accessible by public or university transit, and there is a campus shuttle that stops in Station North, a small arts district; Mt. Vernon, the historic district with museums, restaurants, and shops; and several other areas. There is also the Collegetown shuttle, which will stop at other colleges in the area, including Maryland Institute College of Art and Towson University. This, by default, gets you to various areas of Baltimore. The Baltimore public bus system is far-reaching and helpful, but it is not the most reliable if you are running on a schedule. The Charm City Circulator is a free public bus which you can access from Penn Station, and it is great for getting around the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, etc. Walking is also a great option. People sometimes like to reduce Baltimore to the d angers shown on The Wire, and while the city definitely does have its problems, walking is pretty safe in many areas, especially during the daytime. And in the immediate campus area, there is an abundance of security. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Caroline:I mainly took small humanities classes, and I found the professors to be very available and helpful. As long as you make an appointment, professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants are all very accessible. However, in the larger lecture classes, teaching assistants tend to be much more available than professors. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Caroline:All of the dormsare comfortable. Each room is a decent size and well-heated, and there are a wealth of opportunities for meeting people on your floor (depending on your Resident Assistant/your own initiative). The AMRs (buildings with traditional-style living) are known for being more social, but I lived in Wolman Hall (suite-style) and found that living with three suitemates (in two bedrooms) was a great way to get to know people in-depth right from the beginning. None of the dorms are more than a 10-minute walk from most academic buildings, and all have strong security. After sophomore year, though, most students live in apartments or rowhouses a much cheaper option in Baltimore than the upperclassmen dorms. As for the dining options, they are probably average for campus food. The freshman dining hall is great for socializing, as it is mostly only utilized by freshmen. There is also a kosher meal plan and a vegetarian station at every meal. In regard to socialization outside of the dorms, there are plenty of teams (ranging from competitive lacrosse, to club soccer, to ultimate frisbee, to Quidditch) and clubs (improvisational club, a cappella groups, theatre groups) to join. Some of the clubs outside of sports and entertainment can be somewhat haphazard/under-developed, but participation in and viewing of the aforementioned teams and clubs can be really rewarding. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Caroline:There is definitely a strong focus on STEM fields at Johns Hopkins University. These majors attract the most students, the programs are top-notch, and there are speakers and honor societies for various majors. The most popular humanities majors include International Relations and Writing Seminars, though some of these students have a second major in a STEM field. I studied Writing Seminars, which is the creative writing program. I have always had a passion for reading and writing fiction, poetry, and drama, and I am also interested in teaching. I did not have the sense that the university was very invested in supporting the literary community. At one point, I tried to start a literary society, but I could not gain university authorization, let alone funding, on the basis that literary magazines already existed, making a club for a community of writers redundant. However, these literary magazines do exist, and there are certainly resources on campus (and in Baltimore) for aspiring writers and artists. This is especially true if you keep abreast of the events going on in the MFA program for creative writing, which include weekly readings of graduate work and periodic readings from professional writers. Furthermore, there are some very dedicated professors who are deeply invested in developing student talent. One of my best academic experiences was doing an independent study to further a writing project. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Caroline:I had a fairly easy time meeting people and making friends as a freshman. I was very lucky with the roommates I was placed with, I met people in classes, and I went to as many university events as I could in the first few weeks, when most people are very open to meeting others. I also auditioned for a short play, and participating in that helped me meet both freshmen and students in other years. Only about 25% of Johns Hopkins University students are involved in Greek life. While most freshmen attend Greek social events at least a couple of times, I would not say that Greek life is the dominant form of socializing on campus. I did not participate in Greek life, and I have no regrets. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Caroline:I have not found the Career Center to be exceedingly helpful in pointing me toward opportunities for internship and employment, though their services in helping with resumes and offering interview preparation are a great resource for many. They also have a strong alumni network, and websites with internship/job opportunities are accessible even after graduation. Career fairs at Johns Hopkins University are generally geared toward people in STEM fields, but there are certainly a number of companies in these fields that recruit on campus. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Caroline:Dorm lounges are very comfortable, and the library is quite big, with a variety of options. Each of the five floors has a different atmosphere and a different expectation for quiet so the lowest level is great for people who need total silence for concentration, and the highest level is great for people working in groups. While the library becomes quite crowded around final exams, there is generally room for everyone, and it is accessible and spacious. The same goes for Brody Learning Commons, which is attached to the library but has more technological options, different seating choices, private rooms, and a caf. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Caroline:Baltimore is a very dynamic city. There are daily musical performances, many small theatres, tons of restaurants and bars, various professional sports teams, and some inspired, powerful community initiatives. One of my best experiences at Johns Hopkins University was volunteering and engaging on a personal level with city residents and fellow students. Most students go further downtown than the Hopkins Bubble of Charles Village at least a few times a month. Baltimore has a lot to offer, and it is not too hard to find out about events going on in the city. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Caroline:The undergraduate student body is around 6,000 people. I was generally pleased with class sizes the majority of my classes were humanities seminars, with the smallest having four people and the largest having 19. The biggest class I took was a 400-person Psychology lecture. However, even class sizes in these subjects tend to dramatically decrease after the introductory level, and there are smaller lectures, as well. One History class that I took was a 40-person lecture. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Caroline:Probably the best class I took at Johns Hopkins Universitywas a class on lyrical poetry with Professor Steve Scafidi. He wrote page-long letters of feedback for each poem we wrote. I definitely learned the most from that class about how to approach and enjoy revision of any kind of writing, and how to be both generous and incisive in my feedback of others work. Check out Carolines tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Ribosomes

Ribosomes Ribosomes: Ribosomes are defined as ancient molecular machines that are responsible for production of protein in all living cells. They are large (2.5 MD molecular weight or larger) macromolecular complexes composed of RNA (2/3) and protein (1/3). The ribosomes are large ribonucleoproteins consisting of RNAs and proteins, ubiquitous in all cells, which translate genetic information stored in the messenger RNA into polypeptides. Ribosome structure rDNA organization: In prokaryotes such Escherichia coli, there are three ribosomal RNAs (16S, 23S and 5S), which are organized as single transcriptional unit. In all eukaryotes studied so far, the organization of the ribosomal RNA genes is recognizably similar to that of prokaryotes, but with major differences; the size of the small subunit RNA has increased from 16S to 18S, and that of the large subunit from 23S and 28S; a new small 5.8S r-RNA has become interspersed between the 18S and the 28S rRNA, and the 5S rRNA has become separated from the other r-RNAs in a different transcription unit. The former transcription unit is generally referred to as the rRNA gene or the ribosomal DNA (r DNA). 5S genes are transcribed by a different RNA polymerase from r-RNA genes. There are generally more copies of the 5S genes than of the r-RNA genes. The human genome contains about 100 copies of r-RNA genes per haploid set. Many other species, including most plants, have several thousand copies. The r-RNA genes transcribed to give a precursor the 45S pre-r RNA, which is processed in the series of post- transcriptional modifications to the mature r RNA species. Eukaryotic ribosome structure: Most eukaryotes contain two distinct types of ribosomes: cytosolic and organellar. The cytosolic ribosomes of eukaryotic cells (other than mitochondrial and chloroplast) are 80S types. Organellar ribosomes from mitochondria and chloroplast are similar than cytosolic ribosomes and bear resemblance to the bacterial 70S ribosomes. There are two different types of ribosomes in the cytosol; one is membrane- bound ribosomes, which are attached to the cytosolic side of the ER membrane and second is free ribosomes which are not attached to any membrane. Membrane bound and free ribosomes are structurally and functionally indistinguishable. They vary only in the proteins they are manufacturing at any given time. In cytosol, a single m-RNA usually has a number of ribosomes translocating in 5to 3 direction, each making a separate but identical polypeptide chain; the entire structure is known as polyribosomes or polysomes. In eukaryotic cells, proteins are synthesized in cytosol and within organelles. In the cytosol, proteins are synthesized on membrane-bound as well as membrane free ribosomes. Proteins that are imported into organelles such as mitochondria, chloroplasts and peroxisomes are synthesized on membrane free ribosomes in the cytosol, whereas proteins that are imported into ER-golgi system are synthesized on ER membrane bound ribosomes. Bacterial ribosome structure: Prokaryotic ribosomes There are about 10,000 ribosomes in a bacterial cell which constitutes 30% of the total mass of the cell. The bacterial ribosomes occur in free form the cytoplasm. The sedimentation coefficient for bacterial ribosome is 70S which is made of 30S, a smaller unit and 50S, a large subunit. The function of small subunit bacterial ribosome comes with messenger RNA during translation and deciphering. The large subunits have the role as peptidyl transferase center and peptide bond forms at this site. img alt=bacterial ribosomes data-cke-saved-src=https://images.tutorpace.com/biology/ribosomes_5.jpg src=https://images.tutorpace.com/biology/ribosomes_5.jpg 358px;= height:= 262px;=

Solve System of Equations by Graphing.

Solve System of Equations by Graphing. System of equations are the set of linear equations consisting of different variables and constants arranged together. Solving system of equations involves finding the values of the variables given in the equations. System of equations can be solved using different methods and one of such methods is by graphing. In graphing, the given equations are graphed on a coordinate plane and the point where the straight lines intersect, that point gives the value of the variables. If there is no point of intersection between the lines, then there is no solution. Example 1: Solve the system of equations, y = x and y = 2x by graphing. To graph the equations, we need get their coordinate points. This means for y = x, the coordinate points can be (0, 0), (1, 1), (-1, -1), (2, 2). Similarly for y = 2x, the coordinate points can be (0, 0), (1, 2), (-1, -2), (2, 4). When the coordinate points are plotted on the graph, they have the common point (0, 0) which is their point of intersection. Hence the solution of the equations is x =0 and y = 0. Example 2:Solve the system of equations, y = x and y = 3x - 2 by graphing. This means for y = x, the coordinate points can be (0, 0), (1, 1), (-1, -1), (2, 2). Similarly for y = 3x - 2, the coordinate points can be (0, -2), (1, 1), (-1, -5), (2, 4). When the coordinate points are plotted on the graph, they have the common point (1, 1) which is their point of intersection. Hence the solution of the equations is x =1 and y = 1.

Test-Taking Tip How to Review an Exam Before You Take It

Test-Taking Tip How to Review an Exam Before You Take It We all know the feeling; sitting there anxiously awaiting the teacher to come by your row of desks and hand that stack of tests to the person in front. You watch that stack get smaller and smaller as it gets closer to you until finally, you have it. Thoughts are racing through your mind about how well you studied that last set of notes or whether you should have looked into thatmath tutoring. The second you place that exam in front of you and pass the rest of the pile to the student behind you, a deep breath is taken and you are ready to dive in. Nervous or confident, you just want to get started so you can finish quickly and get the heck out of there. Diving right in isnt always a good thing, however especially in this case. Immediately scribbling away from question to question in numerical order can sometimes hurt you. Why? Because you have no idea what lies ahead on the exam. For all you know, the first ten questions could be the hardest and the remaining twenty are right up your alley. But if you waste the first half hour of the period working through those first ten, you will have missed out on a great deal of time that could have been spent excelling on the simpler ones. You may also want to check out this test-taking tip: how to clock out other test takers. The more specific concept of time management, though, is a different discussion. Reviewing the entirety of an exam before starting in on it is important for a number of reasons. Appropriating Your Comfort Level:Regardless of the outcome, youre going to be content with the fact that you scanned the entire thing first. Itll result in youa)knowing the whole thing is going to be a breeze,b)feeling the bear of a challenge coming on, orc)accepting the balanced mixture of good and bad that is most tests. Even if it ends up making you more nervous, at least youll know upfront rather than gradually getting more freaked out as the minutes pass. Getting continuously worked up as you go page by page will only lead to more time being spent agonizing over your next steps. By getting a solid idea of what is expected of you first-thing, youll have the correct attitude needed to approach and work through the test adequately. Knowing Where Hints/Help Can Be Found:Some teachers overlook the fact that accidental clues have been worked into their exams as they wrote them up. For instance, the factual context given for one question may be the answer you need for another question, or at least a really good tip-off. The answer to a true/false question that youre absolutely confident about could help you determine the information needed to solve another problem. Of course, giving the test a quick initial run-through is the most efficient way to spot these unintended hints. Sure, you can always discover them little by little as you go through the test in order, but that can involve a lot of flipping back pages and erasing scantron bubbles that you just dont have the time for. Become familiar with which questions have details in common before you begin so you know the areas to check as you go along. Avoid having to do the search later and identify these small open-book substitutes immediately. Determining Your Method of Attack:We touched on this with the time management mention, but this is in more direct reference to the order you will follow. Why follow the questions in the order they were given just because they happened to be written out that way? All that matters is that in the end, you have completed them all to your best ability. Honestly, most people cannot ace a test by doing everything in the given order. If your strength is short answer questions, jump into those and give them all youve got before you do anything else. If multiple choice is your weakness, save it for last. If youre working through a particular section whether its your strong suit or your flawed area and you get stuck on one question, move onto the next one and come back! Whenever you find yourself taking slightly more than the average amount of time on one problem,move on. Maneuver around the test as efficiently as you can within sections, bouncing between sections, etc. Treat it like a puzzl e where you look at everything youve got and put together the most obvious pieces first. Eventually, you will be left with only those questions, or pieces, you were stuck on (which hopefully wont be too many) and youll have the remaining time to dedicate solely to them. A successful plan of action is truly the way to go if you want to draw up this kind of perfect progression. You may also want to check out these tips on how to mentally prepare for test day. So, before you start racing your pencil down those pages, calm yourself and momentarily review what youve got ahead of you. Of course, remember not to spend too much time on this preparation practice. Make sure you do not get too distracted and end up throwing away more time by overly-planning your attack method. Keep this time short and useful; the beneficial aspects will roll right in.

50+ Fun and Interesting Facts About Italy

50+ Fun and Interesting Facts About Italy Brooke Neuman There are so many fun, interesting facts about Italy that its hard to compile just one short list. Whether youre planning your next vacation to Italy or youre just curious about this fascinating culture, learning everything you can about the country will make you even more impressed with all Italy has to offer. Here, weve compiled the top 50 most interesting facts about Italy that we think youll enjoy. Fun Interesting Facts About Italy Interesting Facts About Italy: History Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world, welcoming some 46 million foreign visitors annually. Its also the fifth most populous country in Europe. Vatican City in Rome is the smallest country in the world and is led by the Pope himself. Another interesting fact about Italy, the capital city of Rome is almost 3,000 years old. The colors of the Italian flaggreen, white, and redhave special meaning. Green represents hope, white represents faith, and red signals charity. Italy boasts the eighth largest economy in the world. Interesting Facts About Italy: Language Many musical terms are written in Italian because early composers from the Renaissance era were Italian. Of all the Romance languages, Italian is the closest to Latin. From Venetian to Sicilian, there are dozens of Italian dialects used throughout the country. There are only 21 letters in the standard Italian alphabet. The Italian alphabet doesnt have the letters J, K, W, X or Y. Interesting Facts About Italy: Superstitions Don’t be surprised if your hotel in Italy doesn’t have a 17th floor. Italians believe that this number is unlucky because when the Roman numeral for 17 (XVII) is rearranged is looks like VIXI, which means “I have lived,” a symbol that’s associated with death. Italians believe that the  corincello charm,  which resembles a chili pepper or a small horn, will protect them from the evil eye. According to Italians, placing a hat on a bed is bad luck. Traditionally, when priests  visited the dying to give them their last rights, they  would remove their hat and put it on the bed. If a cat is crossing the street, don’t be the first one to cross it’s path. It’s believed that black cats are a symbol of witchcraft and the devil. Dont give someone your best wishes. Instead, say In bocca al lupo” or into the wolfs mouth, as this means good luck. Italians believe that if someone brushes over a single person’s feet with a broom that he or she will never get married. Interesting Facts About Italy: Geography Europe’s three active volcanoes, Etna, Stromboli, and Vesuvius are all located in Italy. Italy has more earthquakes than any other European country. There is bronze statue of Jesus Christ submerged in the Mediterranean Sea off San Fruttuoso. The island of Poveglia is said to be so haunted that public access is prohibited. Almost four-fifths of Italy is either mountainous or hilly. Interesting Facts About Italy: Arts Sciences Italy is home to the world’s oldest university, the University of Bologna founded in 1088. Some of the most well-known artists and authorsincluding Dante, Da Vinci, and Michelangeloare from Italy. Italy has more masterpieces per square mile than any other country in the world. Ballet originated in Italy during the 15th century and it was  Catherine de Medici who introduced it to France later on. Many of the most influential scientists and mathematicians were born Italy, including Galileo Galilei and  Alessandro Volta. Interesting Facts About Italy: Law In the city of Turin, dog owners must walk their pooch at least three times a day or risk being fined. Woof. Unless you want to pay a hefty fine, don’t eat or drink while sitting on church steps or within a church courtyard. In 2012, the town of Falciano del Massico in Campania made it illegal for residents to die because the town’s cemetery is full. On the beaches of Eraclea on the Venetian Lido, it’s illegal to make sandcastles or any other kind of sand structure. Fun Facts About Italy: Culture La famiglia is very much a part of the Italian culture. In fact, it’s common for single children to live at home until their 30s. According to Italian culture, you must respect your elders.  Always stand when an elder person enters the room. Fashion is also important in Italy. After all, some of the world’s most sought after designers, such as Armani, Versace, and Prada, hail from Italy. Italians are known for communicating with hand gestures and facial expressions. Theyre also known for being late! First impressions are important to Italians, so be sure  to demonstrate respect and politeness toward othersespecially  in a business setting. Fun Facts About Italy: Food Wine Unsurprisingly, Italy is the world’s largest exporter of wine. However, it’s the second largest producer of wine after France. On average, Italians eat half a pound of bread a day. What’s more, estimated pasta consumption is 70 pounds per person annually. Bread is not meant to be an appetizer. Rather, Italians use  it  to wipe the remaining sauce off their  plate. When dining in Italy, don’t ask for salad dressing or other condiments. Olive oil is the only acceptable “condiment” in Italy. From Cappelletti to Cavatelli, there are over 140 types of pastas. Some of these pastas are only native to specific regions. Check out this interesting fact about Italy: Italians consume over 45 bottles of wine per year, per capita. Fun Facts About Italy: Inventions In 1948, Roy Jacuzzi invented the jacuzzi using specialized water pumps to help his son who was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. You can thank Bartolomeo Cristofori for developing the very first piano in 1698. Other musical instruments invented in Italy include the violin, the guitar, and the organ. In 1896, the first ice cream cone was created by an Italian immigrant who settled in New York City. No wonder why Italians love caffeine, the espresso machine is an Italian invention built by  Angelo Moriondo in 1884. Pretzels were actually first made in Italian in 610 by an Italian monk who gave them to children who learned their prayers. Fun Facts About Italy: Sports Italy has hosted the Olympics three times in 1956, 1960, and 2006. Italy has won the World Cup four times, the most Word Cup wins second to Brazil. Believe it or not, volleyball is a very popular sport in Italy. In fact, the Italian Volleyball League is one of the most well-respected and talented leagues in the world. Italy is host to one of the three most famous bike rides in Europe,  â€œGiro d’Italia” (Tour of Italy). Hopefully, these  fun and interesting facts about Italy have inspired you to finally take that trip to Italy youve always dreamed of. But before you jet off to Italy, make sure you take some Italian lessons so you can speak to the locals and learn even more fun facts about Italy firsthand. Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher