Presentation at Rosemead High School

A couple weeks back, I was trying to figure out how to get involved with Rosemead science education. A wise member of my department suggested that I start by giving a talk. I wrote to Ms. Washington and mentioned my interest. She replied and expressed support. We decided that Wednesday, December 20 was the best time for this talk.

I compiled a talk focusing on the following points:

• What science is
  
• Why study science
• Debunking myths
• How to study science
• Research on extrasolar planets
  

To my surprise, I found that I was to give five talks.

I tried to go for a combination of humor (Denzel Washington, Salma Hayek, and Rowan Atkinson, a.k.a. Mr. Bean and the phenomenon of hot people moving in groups to illustrate the scientific method), drama (science not as a fuzzy feeling, but as a real way out of the ghetto and away from the drive-bys), and frank truth (money matters; they have to study harder than others, since they will be facing prep school kids). I don't know if I had an effect, but there was stark silence when I mentioned the murder of a Gabrielino student (also named Ryan) in a shooting incident during daylight hours two blocks from my house.

Anyway, the talk is now posted on my meager website.

It was great to see Donny Quick teaching at RHS. Donny is a good guy; I have known him and Teresa for a while, and admire them very much. Hopefully he'll be able to do good, and do well, in those familiar classrooms.