Television and on the big screen: Superheros, mutants, "Guardians of the Galaxy." Villains are trying to destroy the planet, don't worry the X-Men or Avengers are there to save the day. This phenomenon of humans needing extraordinary beings to protect us is everywhere. Now don't get me wrong, I am a huge Marvel and DC fan. Dr. Who is my favorite show on television. But, in the classroom I make a point of using these supernatural and fantastic guardians as examples of astonishing, phenomenal and unparalleled design. I have my students create their own, using real science to explain how they manage to be so strong, fast, pliable and invincible. This brings these characteristics into perspective. Their bodies must function the way a normal humans does, just with alterations or improvements. Comic books, films and serial dramas all depict these mythical characters as our saviors, I want to make sure in my classroom that every student sees themselves as their own warrior of words, champion of challenges and defender of opinion. Cape or no cape , students are the true chevaliers.
I have said this many times, "It is not my intent to teach my students science but to teach them how to teach themselves science." Self-reliance comes from confidence and determination. But more importantly it comes from recognizing your own strength. Being self-aware. Every one has doubt. It follows us, but if we can help our students become superheros of their own learning then they can create strategies where they can possess similar traits of their favorite protectors. They will not be able to fly or climb tall buildings with spider fingers, but they will be able to analyze data, sift through insurmountable information to find the reliable and valid evidence needed to support their claims. The most important trait of any superhero is to be able to think for themselves. To be able to make informed choices, whether positive or negative, they make them, own them and then fix their errors. They take risks, are willing to stumble to the ground but then pick themselves up in a battle and continue the fight. These skills may be masked behind the memorable and obvious "traits" of these pillars of strength but they are there. They are the reason these characters exist, why they are so wildly popular and iconic- deep down they are just like us. Ordinary people.
Resilience is every much a part of being a superhero as any other trait. Hulk gets knocked across a forest only to stand back up again more angry and determined. Even Thor and Captain America get knocked down. Superman has his 'cryptonite' that can force him into weakness. The list goes on. The important thing is not that they have a vulnerability but that they recognize that they do. That they continue with their cause knowing they can fail or get destroyed. They forge ahead despite the overwhelming strength of their enemy. I tell my students "Resilience is a part of all of us, we survive every day. We need to remember that it is not a tool we can use rather a function of our minds and bodies. We simply need to make it our super human strength." If we model self-reliance and resilience through our actions- tell them our stories- students will begin to write their own narratives of success. They will embrace change and adversity because they will know in every ounce of their being that they are extraordinary. Superheroes are fictional. But we are very real. Every one of us has the power and strength to fight ignorance, fear and doubt. It is us that will change the world, every action at a time. Battling injustice, conquering our fears and overcoming any thing that is thrown our way.
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