Earth to Class

From Peter Saracino

I've got a good one for Observation vs. Inference.

After I lay the 1st day ground work: rules, etc. I start talking about observation vs. inference.

I then hold a yellow "candle" in my hand and light it. All the while I'm talking about Ob. vs. Inf. and then ask them to independently write down 5 observations and maybe an inference or two about this "candle" in my hand. (I never call it a candle...........................)

This is right at the end of class, mind you1

When they are finished - and perhaps a minute before the bell rings, I blow out the candle and begin eating it.....wick and all!!

The "candle" is a yellow cheese stick and my "wick" is a thin sliver of Brazil-nut that likes to be lit.

Processing the "demo" will have to wait to the next day but that is on purpose.

If I can have them thinking about "things" in the interim, I've succeeded in suspending the teachable moment until the next day...........I still have them under my "power" so to speak.

Careful about the brazil-nut wick. Be sure to "douse" it with you fingers and perhaps a bit of your saliva.............so it isn't so hot.

Good luck and use this idea if you can.

Pete Sar

PS: Great school year to all!!!