This summer I had the unique opportunity to spend some time with "Jake" Jacobs a.k.a Mr. Wizard. Jake Jacobs is actually the fourth Mr. Wizard. Jake is an incredibly interesting person who has spent a lifetime educating kids about science. He spoke to a group of educators half his age (myself included) and his presentation was amazing.
When asked his opinion on the current state of education, in particular science, Jacobs responded by pointing out how protecting our kids is killing creativity and robbing them of valuable learning experiences. I could not agree more. In our effort to protect our kids, we have done away with bunsen burners, scalpels, matches and just about anything else that could harm our kids. We argue that kids can do virtual labs and virtual field trips, and be safe and sound. Problem is, our kids are less safe and less sound than ever.
In our race to incorporate technolgy into the classroom, let's not forget what technology is and fight for the less sexy technology to make a comeback in our schools, things like hammers and drills. Maybe, let a kid burn his finger, so one day he might know enough not to burn down a building. There is an idea! Teach kids how to control fire before they make their first PowerPoint. Maybe, kids should build a computer before they surf the net and create that myspace page, and by build I mean physically put it together, not order it to their specifications. Maybe after a kid cuts his finger with a knife, he will be less likely to cut off his finger one day.
The hot stove teaches best, let's fire up the bunsen burners!
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