Some Mid-semester fun

I know some of you may be wondering what in the world this has to do with Science?

Well, let me tell you.  

There is some serious science in here. For instance, this little girl - cute as she may be - is demonstrating establishment of brand new neurological pathways.  She has utilized tired and true learning skills based on modeling and usage of mirror neurons to develop her repertoire of not only carrying a tune, but of singing in harmony and even directing her ukelele playing accompanist - I assume her father - to sing the counterpoint.  That is pretty impressive for such a young child.  

More than that, the adult male who is singing with her also demonstrates some very good teaching skills where he guides rather than directs the little girl as she progresses through her song.  He demonstrates respect for her and encourages her to exercise what we in education refer to as "voice and choice".  He gives the child enough space and time for her to feel empowered in the musical exchange.  Modeling such behavior will encourage the child to develop a sense of teamwork and even self-esteem.  Through modeling,  the child knows, by direct experience that she is valued, and she will thus be inclined to treat people that way as well because it is part of her every day experience.  

I could go on more about how linguistics is playing itself out here, or even how the child is fixing her gaze as she attempts to focus on extraneous noises, but you only have so much time and this is supposed to be fun!  

Remember, science is everywhere!

Keep working hard, the semester is winding down.

Finish strong.
Mr. M

Ground Control to Major Tom - A real Spaceman sings David Bowie's "Space Oddity"

Canadian Astronaut, Colonel Chris Hadfield recently published a book, "An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth."  It is an interesting read, and it was his interview on NPR prompted me to buy the book.  If you are interested in the NPR interview, click here.

Here is a quote from the interview, 

"I've been so lucky to have done two spacewalks. If you looked at your wristwatch I was outside for about 15 hours, which is about 10 times around the world. ..."

A book review is worth the 5 semester points toward your Science final grade. This translates to a half a grade increase.  Please feel free to contact me for more details.

A nexus of art and technology

Thank you Mr. Plass

Keep Pushing Beyond All Limits...

Football Concusson Injuries - Is it Hype or Reality?

On 2 May 2012, Tiaina Baul "Junior" Seau Jr. took his life.  It is alleged that he  killed himself because of the repeated Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) he received from playing professional football.  Seau shot himself in the chest, and his family donated his intact brain for autopsy.

Seau was a linebacker in the National Football League. He had a reputation for the intensity of his playing style.  His career achievements included being a 10-time All-Pro, 12-time Pro Bowl selection, and named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.

With the passage of time since Junior Seau's death, other deaths plus issues such as dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease, whose connection was suspected to have been linked to TBI have come to light.  Such connections may, or may not bode well for the NFL who, just last year donated $30 million to the NIH for TBI Research.  FRONTLINE is posting this documentary based on research in an upcoming book by Mark Fainaru-Wada and his brother Steve Fainaru.

Here is an excerpt from the book jacket; 

" Everyone knew that football is violent and dangerous. But what the players who built the NFL into a $10 billion industry didn’t know – and what the league sought to shield from them – is that no amount of padding could protect the human brain from the force generated by modern football; that the very essence of the game could be exposing these players to brain damage.
 
In a fast-paced narrative that moves between the NFL trenches, America’s research labs and the boardrooms where the NFL went to war against science, League of Denial examines how the league used its power and resources to attack independent scientists and elevate its own flawed research -- a campaign with echoes of Big Tobacco’s fight to deny the connection between smoking and lung cancer. It chronicles the tragic fates of players like Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster, who was so disturbed at the time of his death he fantasized about shooting NFL executives; and former Chargers great Junior Seau, whose diseased brain became the target of an unseemly scientific battle between researchers and the NFL. ..."
 
This FRONTLINE story airs Tomorrow evening - on Albuquerque's PBS Affiliate, KNME at 8:00 PM.

Clearly, this documentary has the potential to incite passions - both pro and con.  Nonetheless, the focus of your response ought to be on issues surrounding the biology of trauma. Opinions are welcome, just make sure your arguments are supported with research - particularly if you are going to be passionate about it. 

Endnote: Feedback Response credits for a review of this Documentary will depend upon how in-depth you make your response.

A 1200-1500 word book-review will meet the 5 point Feedback Response requirement.  If you elect to exercise that option, just e-mail me, to let me know of your intent.

Image versus Substance; What we see as opposed to what really is...

 

In this video short, Malcolm Gladwell discusses his reinterpretation of the Old Testament story about David and Goliath - the basis of his most recent book entitled the same.  Gladwell offers nuanced insights regarding how apparent underdogs may not necessarily doomed because shortcomings only appear so because they are based on a of frame of reference that is set by prevailing perspectives.  

Gladwell echoes a phenomenon discussed by Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his provocative, ground-breaking book, "Black Swan".  Taleb's premise is that we develop a sort of veiled consciousness because we are unprepared to see what may not be obvious.  Why?  Because we are locked onto seeing a different kind of obvious that has its roots according to currently held conventions.

I have always found it fascinating that weaknesses can be strengths and vice versa - and that is what this book explores. 

Endnote: You may receive Feedback Credit for submitting commentary on this video under the 1/12 posting criteria, or you may receive the full 5 points if you decide to submit a 1200-1500 book review for the Gladwell book.  Just let me know your intent via e-mail.

Never Give Up

"...Between stimulus and response, there is a space.  In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response.  In those choices lie our growth and happiness..." 

 As you watch this video, keep in mind that while each of us might like to believe that success is something we achieve on our own, and failures are something that falls on solely on our shoulders, we never are really alone.  

When you think about it, there are people in your life who contribute to your success, and support you when you fall.   Take some time to think about those people - your parents, your family, your teachers, coaches, others very special to you, and to whom you are also very special.  Thank your lucky stars that they are in your constellation, because when you succeed, they are there to cheer you on, and when you fall, they are there to support you all the way to the finish line.  

You are never alone.

My take away from this video is that bad things are bound to happen - they are a almost necessary part of life.  However, it is how we choose to react to adversity demonstrates our character.  In other words, we really do have a choice over how we react to challenges.  

Keep up the good fight, and never give up.
Mr. M

Thank you Mr. & Mrs. H. and Mr. Mrs. S.

Be humble for you are made of Earth.  Be noble for you are made of stars. - Serbian proverb