We had a Mad Science assembly yesterday. All fourth and fifth grade classes attended--easily over 200 students, in addition to their teachers. I must admit, out of all the assemblies that I had been to with my kids, this one took the cake. It was fun, interactive, AND educational! *gasp* At the end of the assembly, the "Mad Scientist" told the audience that he would take 3 questions. The first question was from an inquisitive student wondering when the Mad Scientist's love for science began. Legitimate question. The second question asked what was his favorite science class-- biology, physics, or chemistry. Again, another appropriate and legitimate question. So, for the last and final question, he looked at my class and pointed to a girl with her hand raised. The sweet and innocent face sounded surprised and said, "Who? Me?"
"Yes, you in the pink hoodie-- what was your question?"
"I, uhh... just wanted to know-- [Insert "mean girl" face] Do you have any friends?"
Don't get me wrong, she wasn't asking him about his socializing skills to be polite. She wasn't concerned that his Mad Science life took up too much time and that he need remember that life is so much more than work. No, she had said it in a way that implied-- YOU BIG DORK, DON'T YOU HAVE A LIFE? OBVIOUSLY NOT. YOU'RE HERE TEACHING US THIS LAME ASS SCIENCE CRAP. My jaw dropped. I was floored.
So yes, that HIGHLY inappropriate question came from someone in MY class. Not yours. Mine. And no, I don't teach them manners. I teach them to belittle people. In public. In front of large crowds of people.
To Make Anything at All
6 years ago
