Knock knock 2026

^{Dear Student: Space Manufacturing News}

A startup who is making ‘Chips’ in Space? Ahem…not the snacks. In space, there’s microgravity & vacuum, which lets atoms line up more perfectly. On Earth, gravity can mess with how tiny crystals grow. That means scientists can make super-pure semiconductors — the tiny parts that power phones, laptops, electric cars, and future tech remotely.

This is a new field, which means:

• New jobs

• New research

• New discoveries (even for the stock market perhaps)

^{(Mom’s Napkin Math) Knowledge=Leverage - Students interested in the stock market should take note: building your uni-warchest with future-facing sectors like Space Forge and advanced semiconductors is how you stay ahead of the market curve— long before the headlines catch up.}

^{Dear Homeschooler: School Upgraded for 2026}

A classroom reality every teacher knows: one ‘textbook’ size does not fit all. When I was reading about the Learn Your Way tool, instantly I thought of how this helps every parent who is homeschooling their kids. _{^{(Currently in testing, Google Labs is experimenting to see what works before a full launch)}}

In traditional school classrooms, education experience is shared — teachers, curriculum specialists, counselors, the kid sitting next to you at lunch, all play their role. Homeschooling parents over many years have had to build that system alone. Now that’s what’s changing.

Tools like Google’s LearnLM offer homeschoolers something schools have long had: adaptive support. One lesson can be transformed into text, visuals, audio, or mind maps — helping parents explain concepts without starting from scratch and helping kids learn in the way their brains prefer.

^{(Mom’s Napkin Math): The support system you all needed.This tool doesn’t replace parental involvement. It reduces exhaustion.}

Happier teachers (& parents) make better classrooms. Even if that classroom is a kitchen table.

Campus 🎯 Shots

Not every student needs to start from scratch.
Sometimes the smartest move is learning from someone just a few steps ahead.

I have been quietly following Miguel Bavier for about a year now — not because of a flashy launch or a viral moment, but because of something rarer: consistency with purpose.

From Lisbon, Portugal, Miguel has been quietly doing the thoughtful work of connecting high school students with professionals & college students across different career paths through Teen Talks Podcast— offering students something rarely given early on: perspective.

What stands out isn’t just the global reach he’s built from Lisbon, with listeners across 15+ countries. It’s the intention behind each conversation. Being accepted opened doors to guests far beyond his personal network — from the President of Microsoft to Sarah Wayne Callies. Every episode helps students explore their futures without the pressure of a single “right” path.

Why his work stands out:

• He builds before he broadcasts
• He brings different generations into the same conversation
• He uses his voice with intention

What I value most is the layered impact and sustainable ambition — no rush, no hype. Just consistent learning, curiosity & contribution.

Where to catch him next:
Miguel will be speaking at the iFuture Summit on January 30, sharing his perspective on AI through the lens of the next generation, alongside leaders shaping the future of technology. All the Best Miguel!

^{(Mom’s Napkin Math): As a student, connecting with someone like him is a win-win — especially in today’s tech-driven, socially connected world.Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities start with a simple hello.}

Notice Board 📰 

• Happy Birthday Wikipedia Homework was never the same again

• Scroll Toll Guilt + Charity Actually Works (Psychology 101)

• Changes to admissions tests for 2027

• Purdue the first U.S. university to impose AI graduation requirements

The Shout-Out 🔈️ Section

Since this newsletter is a free platform for students it feels right to shine the spotlight to other free, student-led & or other purpose-driven initiatives out there. From charities & volunteer groups to campus clubs and community initiatives—these are the people quietly doing the work, creating impact, and making things better without asking for much in return.

If you’re a student group, nonprofit, or volunteer initiative creating positive change, this space is for you too. Sometimes all it takes is visibility for a good idea to grow.

The goal: To help every child learn to read — so reading becomes the gateway to lifelong learning.

Supporting global literacy 👉️ Ways to Get Involved

• Help curate digital reading lists

• Support outreach campaigns

• Aid research and resource development

• Volunteer as a digital literacy advocate