“Captain’s Log, Supplemental: The Enterprise Has Encountered An Alien Life Form Who Has Identified

I believe in free education, one that’s available to everyone; no matter their race, gender, age, wealth, etc… This masterpost was created for every knowledge hungry individual out there. I hope it will serve you well. Enjoy!

FREE ONLINE COURSES (here are listed websites that provide huge variety of courses)

Alison 

Coursera

FutureLearn

open2study

Khan Academy

edX

P2P U

Academic Earth

iversity

Stanford Online

MIT Open Courseware

Open Yale Courses

BBC Learning

OpenLearn

Carnegie Mellon University OLI

University of Reddit

Saylor

IDEAS, INSPIRATION & NEWS (websites which deliver educational content meant to entertain you and stimulate your brain)

TED

FORA

Big Think 

99u

BBC Future

Seriously Amazing

How Stuff Works

Discovery News

National Geographic

Science News

Popular Science

IFLScience

YouTube Edu

NewScientist

DIY & HOW-TO’S (Don’t know how to do that? Want to learn how to do it yourself? Here are some great websites.)

wikiHow

Wonder How To

instructables

eHow

Howcast

MAKE

Do it yourself

FREE TEXTBOOKS & E-BOOKS

OpenStax CNX

Open Textbooks

Bookboon

Textbook Revolution

E-books Directory

FullBooks

Books Should Be Free

Classic Reader

Read Print

Project Gutenberg

AudioBooks For Free

LibriVox

Poem Hunter

Bartleby

MIT Classics

Many Books

Open Textbooks BCcampus

Open Textbook Library

WikiBooks

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES & JOURNALS

Directory of Open Access Journals

Scitable

PLOS

Wiley Open Access

Springer Open

Oxford Open

Elsevier Open Access

ArXiv

Open Access Library

LEARN:

1. LANGUAGES

Duolingo

BBC Languages

Learn A Language

101languages

Memrise

Livemocha

Foreign Services Institute

My Languages

Surface Languages

Lingualia

OmniGlot

OpenCulture’s Language links

2. COMPUTER SCIENCE & PROGRAMMING

Codecademy

Programmr

GA Dash

CodeHS

w3schools

Code Avengers

Codelearn

The Code Player

Code School

Code.org

Programming Motherf*?$%#

Bento

Bucky’s room

WiBit

Learn Code the Hard Way

Mozilla Developer Network

Microsoft Virtual Academy

3. YOGA & MEDITATION

Learning Yoga

Learn Meditation

Yome

Free Meditation

Online Meditation

Do Yoga With Me

Yoga Learning Center

4. PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMMAKING

Exposure Guide

The Bastards Book of Photography

Cambridge in Color

Best Photo Lessons

Photography Course

Production Now

nyvs

Learn About Film

Film School Online

5. DRAWING & PAINTING

Enliighten

Ctrl+Paint

ArtGraphica

Google Cultural Institute

Drawspace

DragoArt

WetCanvas

6. INSTRUMENTS & MUSIC THEORY

Music Theory

Teoria

Music Theory Videos

Furmanczyk Academy of Music

Dave Conservatoire

Petrucci Music Library

Justin Guitar

Guitar Lessons

Piano Lessons

Zebra Keys

Play Bass Now

7. OTHER UNCATEGORIZED SKILLS

Investopedia

The Chess Website

Chesscademy

Chess.com

Spreeder

ReadSpeeder

First Aid for Free

First Aid Web

NHS Choices

Wolfram Demonstrations Project

Please feel free to add more learning focused websites. 

*There are a lot more learning websites out there, but I picked the ones that are, as far as I’m aware, completely free and in my opinion the best/ most useful.

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How about masterpost of GCSE advice? :)

general advice

tips for year 11s (1) (2)

gcse regrets

back to school tips from the hogwarts houses

exam season

super important!! make things easier for the examiner

20 things to do before exams

how to cope with exams for uk students

exam organisation printables

how to get good grades and still have a life

how to become a good test taker

tips to have a nice routine

dealing with stress in academia

how to balance life and school

motivation

study tips for a procrastinating mess

little activities to boost your study motivation 

getting stuff done; lack of motivation

tips for a productive study day

becoming a morning person

your day is not wasted!!!

studying when you really don’t want to

how to get started

how to survive bad school days

10 ways to have fun whilst you study

how to enjoy studying

motivation does not correlate to being a good student

english literature

8 interesting literary techniques

some simple macbeth quotes

how to do amazing single word analysis easily

how to get an a*/ 8 or 9 in a lit essay

argue your way into a grade 8/9 lit essay

annotated jekyll and hyde pdf

love and relationships poetry guide

power and conflict poetry guide

power and conflict poetry workbook

romeo and juliet key quotes simple & complex

romeo and juliet practise questions

macbeth revision guides (1) (2)

macbeth quote discussions

an inspector calls workbook

an inspector calls mindmap/cards

unseen poetry revision guide

jekyll and hyde structure and narrative form

pop me an ask if you’d like me to make more masterposts for any specific texts, i’d be happy to!

english language

paper 1 mini mocks

paper 1 - question 4 tutorial

paper 1 - infographic 

paper 2 mini mocks

paper 2 - non fiction - the greatest showman revision

paper 2 - planning

how to do amazing single word analysis easily

top tip - adopt a persona

extend your vocabulary

maths

how to study maths

edexcel higher tier revision checklist

practise paper & mark scheme generator

online maths tests

solutions and tutorials

notes and worked examples

edexcel necessary formulae quizlet

how to memorise formulae

science

the government’s rules on combined science for all exam boards

aqa combined science required practicals

bio notes (1) (2) (3)

biology glossary

chem notes (1) (2) (3)

chemistry glossary

physics notes (1) (2)

physics quizzes

physics glossary

freesciencelessons (youtube) (website)

primrose kitten (youtube) (website)

languages

how i taught myself gcse french🇫🇷

10 unusual language learning tips

100 reasons to learn a foreign language

100 reasons not to give up on your target language

how hermionie granger would study a language

improve your language skills

gcse spanish revision workbook

french movies

how to study a foreign language using fanfiction

the little prince in 32 languages

@lovelybluepanda

side note: when looking for language resources online, gcse level is equivalent to b1 on the cefr scale :)

humanities

guide to new spec history

how to study history

edexcel history resources

hehehe fun fact!!!!!

aqa religious studies resources

whole of aqa geography paper 1 video

how to study geography (1) (2)

plant lacey: geography revision (youtube)

edexcel history - elizabeth yt playlist

edexcel history - whitechapel yt playlist

edexcel history - weimar and nazi germany yt playlist

edexcel history - crime and punishment yt playlist

essay subjects

structuring essays

tips

substitutes for ‘shows’

misc

bitesize

bitesize app w/ flashcards (ios) (android)

gcsepod

seneca learning

revision world

s-cool

studywise gcse directory

englishbizhope this helps :)

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60′s & 70′s Groovy Cookbook design

(x)(x) (x)(x) (x)(x) (x)(x) (x)(x)

Things To Do During A Pandemic

We are all probably bored at this point. Wondering what we can do to keep busy if we are stuck at home. So, here’s a list:

- Learn to play that instrument.

- Start painting.

- Learn to knit.

- Get your family together and learn how to play poker or another card game.

(Only if you all live in the same house obviously! Don’t invite people over. Lock that door! lol)

- Learn to crochet.

- Make a zine or two or three and digitize them.

- Start a cyber study group.

- Learn a new language.

- Take a class or two online.

- Start or tend a garden.

- Learn to cook a new recipe or how to preserve food.

- Get a couple board games.

- Get a new video game or two.

- Start a blog.

- Write that novel.

- Work on fan fiction.

- Get through your TBR list.

- Download Hoopla from your library and take some of “The Great Courses”.

- Watch a symphony livestream.

- Learn the basics of Yoga, Tai Chi, or Qi Gong.

- Start a fitness program at home.

- Walk your dog.

- Go to the park.

- Go for a hike.

- Go for a picnic.

- BBQ anyone?

- Go foraging.

- Watch some livestreams.

- Start a livestream with your friends.

- Spring clean.

- Press flowers.

- Start a diy project you’ve been putting off.

- Write for a digital magazine or two (Brontide Journal and Optopia are accepting submissions).

- Start a journal.

- Practice photography.

- Learn calligraphy.

- Practice self care.

- Learn how to sew or mend.

- Old movie night. I suggest Vincent Price.

- Make a comic.

- Make pixel art.

- Make digital art or learn how to use an art program.

- Make some jewelry.

- Learn how to carve.

- Start a newsletter.

- Subscribe to a newsletter.

- Wood burning stuff.

- Ceramics.

- Write poetry.

- Write an essay.

- Video chat with friends or family.

- Chess.

- Write or act out a play with family or friends you’re staying with.

- Listen to podcasts.

- Curate some new playlists.

Rich Chocolate Ice Cream

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hobbies masterpost! You

a really excellent way to reduce anxiety is to pick up a new hobby. find something you’re interested in, learn it, then use it as a healthy and productive way to cope.

learn to play guitar

learn how to make interactive stories with the free program Twine

learn how to make pixel art

learn another language

learn how to build a ship in a bottle

learn how to develop your own film

learn how to embroider

learn how to make chiptunes (8-bit music)

learn how to make origami (the art of paper folding)

learn how to make tumblr themes

learn how to make jewelry 

learn how to make candy

learn how to make terrariums

learn how to make your own perfume

learn how to make your own tea

learn how to build birdhouses

learn how to read tarot cards

learn how to make zines

learn how to code

learn how to whittle (wood carving)

learn how to make candles

learn how to make clay figurines

learn how to knit scarves

learn how to become an amateur astronomer

learn some yoyo tricks

learn how to start a collection

learn how to start body building

learn how to edit wikipedia articles

learn how to decorate iphone cases

learn how to do freelance writing

learn how to make your own cards and

learn how to make your own envelopes

learn how to play the ukulele 

learn how to make gifs

learn how to play chess

learn how to juggle

learn how to guerrilla garden

learn how to chart your family history

learn how to keep chickens

learn how to do yoga

learn how to do magic

learn how to raise and breed butterflies

learn how to play dungeons & dragons

learn how to skateboard

learn how to do parkour

learn how to surf

learn how to arrange flowers

learn how to make stuffed animals

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Writing x Characters When You Aren’t x, A Masterlist

x: a variable used to represent something unknown.

We’ve seen an influx of questions about how to write stories based around characters of color, disability, non-binary, etc. when the author does not fall into these categories. Rather than have these posts take over the site, we’ve decided to compile a list of resources to help our fellow writers become more educated about writing what they do not immediately know. However, this list is not the end-all-be-all of knowledge; one should always try to learn from someone with first hand experience in any topic. The world is constantly growing and changing, and because of that, there will always be more to learn. The admins at Plotline Hotline want to help writers form respectful, informed, and realistic characters that broaden the narrow range we see in literature today. 

*Be wary that some of the topics listed below contain sensitive material. Reader discretion is advised.* 

As always, the links I found to be especially apt will be in bold. Topics are listed alphabetically, excepting the “other” section.

Culture

Appropriate Cultural Appropriation

What is Cultural Appropriation? [1,2,3]

Cultural Appropriation Is, In Fact, Indefensible

Voice Appropriation & Writing About Other Cultures

Diversity, Appropriation, and Writing the Other [List]

Disability

Writing Disibilities [1,2,3,4,5]

Guides to Writing Deaf or Hard of Hearding People

National Association of the Deaf - Resources [List]

World Federation of the Deaf

Using a Prosthetic Device

Prostehtic Limbs (Character Guide)

How NOT to Write Disabled Characters

A Guide to Disibility Rights Law (United States)

Timeline of Disibility Rights in the United States

Social Security Disability: List of Impairments, Medical Conditions, and Problems [List] (United States)

How to Write Disabled Characters: An Opinion Piece

Artificial Eye Resources [List][Various]

Adapting to the Loss of an Eye

Misconceptions and Myths About Blindness

Blind Characters: A Process of Awareness

Writing Blind Characters [List]

Types of Learning Disabilities [List]

Diversity

A Guide to Spotting and Growing Past Stereotypes

How to Prepare to Write a Diverse Book

The Diversity of Writing

Why Diversity Matters for Everyone

Writing a Driverse Book [1,2,3,4,5]

Diversity, Political Correctness and The Power of Language

Diversity Book List [List][Books]

Basic Tips To Write Subcultures & Minority Religions Better 

Basic Tips to Avoid Tokenism

Gender

GLAAD Media Reference Guide - Transgender

Creating Well-Written Trans Characters

A Few Things Writers Need To Know About Sexuality & Gender Expression

Trans (Character Guide & Bio Building)

A Non-Binary Person’s Guide to Invented Pronouns

Gender Neutral Writing [List]

Keeping a Trans* Person a Person  

Suggestions for Reducing Gendered Terms in Language [Photo]

How to Review a Trans Book as a Cis Person

Writing Characters of Different Genders [List]

Understanding Gender

Gender Spectrum Resources [List]

Gender History

Illness 

Writing Chronic Illness [1,2]

The Spoon Theory - Also pertains to disibility

About HIV/AIDS

Sexually Transmitted Diseases [List]

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sex and Gender Differences in Health [Study]

All Chronic Illness Topics [List]

Coping with Chronic Illness

All Cancer Types

A Day in the Life of a Home Health Aide/Health Coach

Fiction Books With Chronically Ill Main Characters- Not Cancer [List][Books]

Neurotype (Including Mental Health)

Writing an Autistic Character When You Don’t Have Autism

Depression Resources [List]

What to Consider When Writing Mental Illness

Stanford Psychiatric Patient Care

Inpatient Psychiatric Questions and Tips

Don’t Call Me Crazy [Documentary]

(Avoid) Romanticizing Mental Illness [1,2]

A Day in the Life of a Mental Hospital Patient

State-run vs. Private Mental Hospitals

Mental Disorders

Mental Hospital Non-Fiction [List][Books]

National Institute of Mental Health - Mental Health Information [List]

Writing Autistic

What Causes PTSD?

Remember, Remember: The Basics of Writing Amnesia

ADHD Basic Information

What is a Learning Disability?

What is Neurotypical?

Race

Writing Race: A Checklist for Authors

Transracial Writing for the Sincere

Is my character “black enough”

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack

Challenge, Counter, Controvert: Subverting Expectations

Writing With Color: Blogs - Recs - Resources [List]

Writing People of Color (If you happen to be a person of another color)

7 Offensive Mistakes Well-Intentioned Writers Make

Description Guide - Words for Skin Tone

Religion

Religion in Novels: Terrific or Taboo?

How to Write a Fantasy Novel that Sells: The Religion

Writing About Faith And Religion

From Aladdin to Homeland: How Hollywood Can Reinforce Racial and Religious Stereotypes 

Sexuality

Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity [List]

Writing Gay Characters [1,2,3]

American Civil Liberties Union - LGBT+ Rights

LGBT+ Rights by Country or Territory

History of Gay Rights

Gay Rights Movement

LGBT+ Culture

Gay Myths and Stereotypes

LGBT+ Studies Web Sites [List]

LGBTQ Youth Issues

LGBTData.com

Overview of Gay and Lesbian Parenting, Adoption and Foster Care (United States)

Other

How Doctors’ Offices—and Queer Culture—Are Failing Autistic LGBTQ People

Five Traps and Tips for Character Development

Developing Realistic Characters

I hope that this list will provide topics a writer may not initially think to research when writing. If there are any resources that you think would be fitting for this list, please let us know! We want to have as many helpful sources as possible to maximize learning opportunities. 

Stay educated,

xx Sarah

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Happiness Will Come To You.

Barbie, The Plastic Religion by Marianela Perelli and Pool Paolini (2014)