Education: November 2007 Archive Page

NY Times:

On one hand, as children we're taught that everyone makes mistakes and that the great thinkers and inventors embraced them. Thomas Edison's famous quote is often inscribed in schools and children's museums: "I have not failed. I have just found ten thousand ways that won't work."

On the other hand, good grades are usually a reward for doing things right, not making errors. Compliments are given for having the correct answer and, in fact, the wrong one may elicit scorn from classmates.

We grow up with a mixed message: making mistakes is a necessary learning tool, but we should avoid them.

Politico.com:

Only 20 percent said they'd exchange their vote for an iPod touch. But 66 percent said they'd forfeit their vote for a free ride to NYU. And half said they'd give up the right to vote forever for $1 million.

Joe Napsha writes in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Downtown Greensburg could have a hands-on science center for children and adults at the former Mellon Bank building if two natives can make their dream a reality.

An interactive science center would feature a wide range of exhibits featuring sight, sound, motion, light and gears -- "anything with science involved," said Douglas Lingsch, 43, a businessman who lives in Bedford in Bedford County. He and his wife, Mari-Pat, hope to open the Discovery & Interactive Science Center in the fall of 2008 or 2009, he said.

They anticipate creating an attraction similar to the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, Douglas Lingsch said.

Sign me up to volunteer!