science fair showcase
i went to the "science fair showcase" in the library today after school to show support for my kids. my role as teacher/goddess was to circulate among my students, ask some probing questions, and give good feedback. i saw projects about fire, batteries, robotics, mir, and other sciencie topics... and then i got to F.B.'s board about a chemical engineer and the following conversation ensued:
(laughing) "how'd you pick that topic, F.B.?"
"she was on a list of scientists. why?"
"are you serious?"
(innocently) "yes, ma'am."
(losing control, walking away, shaking with laughter) "i just think that's a really... interesting... name. it has potential."
student's girlfriend: "ms. a, you're turning red."
pause, as student and his girlfriend tilt their heads and scrutinize the board.
student: "i wonder if she choked to death."
yeah, his project was on ellen swallow richard. i have a dirty, dirty mind.
epilogue: i looked up ellen swallow richard when i got home tonight. she actually WAS an engineer. MIT has a building named after her. i want to be the student who has classes in the "swallow dick" house.