Psychologist B.F. Skinner was born in 1904. When asked about the future of ...See MoreWriting prompts by James Wayne for March 17 - 23 have been posted and are linked below. Following is just a sample of the stellar prompts for next week. (BTW, the first prompt for March 19 will resonate with some readers here. Perhaps we can discuss on this board.)
Psychologist B.F. Skinner was born in 1904. When asked about the future of computers, he said, “The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do.” What do think he meant by that?
In 1942, two American scientists describe element 94, which they named “plutonium,” after the newly discovered planet. If you discovered a new element, what would you name it? Describe what a new element might be like, and why you chose the name you did.
French scientist Louis Pasteur began work on a vaccine against anthrax in 1877. Pasteur had already proved that microorganisms cause disease, and had invented a way to purify milk and other liquids that cannot be boiled. This process was named pasteurization, after him. If something was to be named after you, what would you like it to be, or to do?
In the past decade, I have been greatly moved and honored to win numerous awards and been nominated for more still. My curriculum night presentations are always standing room only, because I’m the funny teacher who is going to make that half hour come to life with hands-on science, leaving them running to administration to sing my praises. ... My efforts pay off in children happily learning at high levels. Like so many of us here, I’m a doer, always thinking what more I can bring to my school and my students. Two years ago, I was lauded for my students receiving extremely high state test scores.
So, I hope you will excuse me if I’m a little grumpy that my name will be printed in newspapers and posted online as an inferior teacher in need of serious improvement. [Click below to read the rest.]
With so much "heavy" news being reported this week, this is a great article offering interesting tips for using current events in the classroom. Please pass it on!