Today’s Agenda in Science Class: Be Creative (Modified Assignment)

            I haven’t always liked science, and that may come as a surprise to some people, especially those who have met me in the past several years. Actually, sometimes I still dislike science. As a kid, science class made me absolutely miserable. I remember reading out of a seemingly huge biology textbook as a 4^th grader, trying to fill out a worksheet. It was incredibly boring, and I didn't understand why we had to know about, for example, rodent habitats, and why we had to read it out of a book.

            In high school, and even in college, I’ve dreaded going to a science lab class. In these classes, you are given a lab book that outlines every lab for the entire term. Each lab has a predefined list of what to do before, during, and after lab, as well as the result you should get at the end. And, oh yeah, if your result doesn't match theirs, you pretty much fail. It’s not about solving problems, but rather completing a long list of chores, and the worst part, you can't even do the chores in your own way. No wonder why so many people run away from anything science; we are led to believe science is dry, complicated, and full of strict rules.

            If so many people dislike science, or believe they don't belong in the field, then why is Breaking Bad so popular? Or even House MD? Sure, both shows are comedic, but the science ideas and concepts are unavoidable. 

            Simply, these shows are creative. We don't see Dr. House or Walter White following a lab book checklist that was given to them with answers at the end. We see their curiosity and creativeness to solve real world problems. My favorite image is Walter White and Pinkman in the middle of nowhere, using a run-down RV, in their underwear, to make meth. This isn’t the portrayal of science we are used to, but it is one we can relate to.

            The fact is, we all conduct science, most likely daily. Granted, you probably don't make meth or solve outrageous medical mysteries, but I'm sure you have fixed an electronic device problem. You observe, make guesses, and try different ideas to solve the problem. If it doesn't work, you cry because you are missing the finale of Breaking Bad, and then continue to guess, observe, and experiment until you solve it. Or in the process you come up with new questions, like where to buy the cheapest 80’’ TV since your TV died!

            I haven’t had TV problems nor have I missed a finale lately, but I have conducted science in my biology class. To receive credit for the lab units, my partner and I have to ask our own questions, do our own research and analysis, and present our findings. Of course, since it is a college class, we have to stay within given boundaries, like overall topic, certain data, and analysis tools we can use, but we are given creative license to explore our own interests and curiosities. We have the freedom to research and analyze the data in ways that make sense to us, instead of being told exactly how to carry the lab out. And unlike other science classes, the answer isn’t at the end of the lab. In fact, no one knew the answer; we have to draw our own conclusions based on our own analysis. Finally, we present our conclusions in a creative way that we are interested in and excited about. In the last unit we created a slide presentation with mostly pictures and a comical reference to Star Trek. We are able to explore our passions and use our imaginations to complete labs, and because of this, we are able to experience the fun and beauty of science.

            Science is not boring, it’s not about following directions, and it’s not what many classes portray it to be. Unfortunately, early science classes do not allow students to be creative and explore. As a result, I think many individuals whom would make great scientists are pushed away from the field. Many great scientific discoveries have come from creative individuals whom didn't do well in school, but followed their passions, persevered, and changed the world. I think it’s important for people to know that if they are having a hard time in a stereotypical, “by the book,” science course, or have bad memories from a past course, remember that, in reality, science is a creative process. Science is creative. Be creative.

   

         I like visual images, so I’ll end with this quote by Albert Einstein:

One more thing: Here's a Ted Talk snippet that uses dance to explain science ideas. (I think it's super cool!) 
Dance Your Ph.D: https://www.youtube.com/v/UlDWRZ7IYqw&feature=youtu.be&start=45&end=354 

Why Not Mauve Rhombuses?

So, I've decided to write a blog. Obvious, I know. Otherwise you wouldn't be here, unless you are a time traveler, in which case, show me how you did it.

I’ve wanted to do this for some time, for reasons I don't totally know. People say I'm a decent writer, but I don’t think I have never truly believed them. Most of my written works (poetry, story, essay) were derived from some kind of instruction sheet, an assignment, whether for school or some other entity. They all had a map, with a legend, and roads already carved out. The maps for poetry were blurry, so I did have more freedom, but still for a grade. I've always done well, I know how to follow instructions when I want to, or have to.

I haven't written much since I've been in college. My first semester I took freshman writing, but I really didn't think of annotations as writing. Since I'm a math major, most of my classes have been calculus and physics. I've probably written over 90 single spaced pages of lab reports, but I don't think all that technical goop qualifies as writing. If you want to read about the moments of inertia of complex discs and other nerdy things, let me know, and I'll post them...although, I don't know why you would want to...like eating dry turkey.

I have missed writing. Perhaps I only miss it when I get fed up with doing pages and pages of calculations. Or perhaps doing endless math makes me realize what I'm not, but want to be, doing.

I want to do something different. And since I can't board the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-E, I guess this blog will have to do.

This blog isn’t “Mauve Rhombuses,” it’s “Blue Rectangles.”  ...and for good reason.

I took 11th grade trigonometry with Mrs. Rapson, and I have to say, she was right, the unit circle was the most important lesson covered...that, and SOHCAHTOA. It was my favorite class that year, and probably the most useful...I’ve used trig concepts on every college math and physics homework, and test.

Trig was my second to last class of the day, study hall being my last.  It was also her prep, so I stayed in her room and did homework, if I had any.  One day in the middle of the year, I didn’t have anything to do, so I decided to do the monthly puzzle posted in the back of the room.

The puzzle was:

How many squares in this 3x7?

I started adding all the blue boxes, then the green and cyan boxes, then the purple, then I continued with 3x1’s, 1x3’s, 3x3’s, 2x4’s, etc. I think I counted 247 total...it took my EA, Brenda, and I a good 30-45 minutes. I wrote the answer on a post-it, gave it to Mrs. Rapson.  She said “no.” I think Brenda and I looked at her in complete astonishment. She sat a couple feet away, I'm sure laughing silently, while I fooled around with this puzzle. I may have been a little mad because she didn't interrupt me. She continued, something like "key word, squares." lightbulb! You know how Homer Simpson says "doh?" Well, I said "rectangles." It stuck. Now, anytime I do something completely stupid but overall harmless, "rectangles!" The "blue" is is short for blueberries, and "blueberries" has the same meaning. Not totally sure where it came from, I just know Brenda and I started saying it when we did something dumb and laughed it off.

"Blue Rectangles" seems very fitting for this blog title, cuz I'm bound to make mistakes...grammar, spleilng, composition, content. I do not have an extensive vocabulary either. So, go read a dictionary if you want to get your fill of big words. You ain't gonna find 'em here.

I took away 5 lessons from the square puzzle:

1. Rectangles are not squares, but squares are rectangles.

Rule #2

2. Read and listen carefully, you'll save time. Or don't, and learn things you will never forget.
3. Even when it doesn't seem like it, people do care and want the best for you.

I was surprised Mrs. Rapson didn't say anything when I was counting rectangles, and a little irritated. After, I realized why she did it, and I respect her more as a result. I still wish I was in her class at times.

4. More enforcement that mistakes are not a bad thing. Perfectionists can't be perfect.
5. Squares are rectangles, but rectangles are not squares.

I've shared the story behind the title, but not what I want it to represent. My hope is to write about my life (duh), the good, the bad, and the untold. Rehashing what many already know about me seems boring, for all parties. Let's talk about something new.

I want to write about music, share interesting quotes, questions, and ideas, and talk about what I'm learning (nothing too technical, I promise). I also want to write about my various writings, the stories and meanings. I get asked a lot, but I almost never share.

Finally, some housekeeping rules:

1. No vampire slayers.

2. Contained liquid nitrogen is fine. Just don't splash it around.

3. Please don't forget a No. 2 pencil.

4. Comment, contact, connect, capture, captivate, care, craft, create. If you wish, contact me anonymously.

6. If you want notifications about new posts, let me know! I’ll post on the Blue Rectangles Facebook page too. You can also give me contact info under “Contact Me” if you want some other type of notification (email, text, tweet, snapshat…etc). No BCC crap from me!

7. I’m not a shoelace dealer.

8. Visit my art and poetry site: www.dees-knees.com

9. Whatever you do, don’t break rule #5.

10. Do not rip on my Oxford Commas.

Feel free to comment on my Facebook too.

Peace.