Tweaking the Trajectory

It is dead silent, all eyes on me, my mind is wandering ferociously trying to figure out how to make this discussion change course. Tweak the trajectory. The mood is not energetic like normal with students practically jumping out of their seats ready to get started on the days activities. This, what was supposed to be a quick blurb introducing the lesson, has morphed into a moment of confusion. The topic of Genetics can be challenging with all the vocabulary and abstract concepts. Of course phenotypes we can see but the genotypes of heredity the chromosomes, genes, alleles well, they are as abstract as you can get. So blank stares continue as I briefly search for an anecdote. A real world, relevant topic of debate, heated debate actually, cloning. Just the word evokes fear in the hearts of many. Science Fiction horror stories of technology taking over the world, clones taking over our lives, basic mayhem.

"What if...?" I say quietly.....My simple use of the word cloning and students are stirring in their seats, looking at each other for confirmation that I indeed said the word. Our conversation about writing, a topic most students dread, lingered but then leaped forward with interest and anticipation. "Is one of the topics you could choose for your PBL cloning or GMO's, selective breeding, even stem cell research." "This PBL", I explained, "will be combined with your ELA class and together as teachers we will help you narrow your research, determine reliability and validity, fact or opinion." Their paper will be about fact not opinion. They will be forming their own conclusion based on their research. This is a persuasion paper and the culmination will be creating a public service announcement about their chosen topic. They were....hooked.

Tweaking the trajectory can be as simple as a word, a gesture, or even silence and contemplation. In this case a single image of fantastical, futuristic images got them engaged. They are even more intrigued now that they know cloning is not a distant future concept but a current science reality. I rarely lecture for any length of time, but when I do my goal is to never lose them. I tell jokes, change the fluctuation of my voice, and even sing or dance a little to keep them focused. Brain breaks happen a lot too, the more movement the better that is why I have flexible seating. They can get up and move quietly if I am addressing the class if they need to. But the simple act of standing at a standing desk and then sitting at a round table reinvigorates them and voila, focus. The trajectory altered, the engagement lifted, like a rocket ready to explore the unknown.