The Notebook

The Notebook

Tammy McDaniel/Upper ES

Session 6/Week 3

No, not Richard Paul Evan’s The Notebook, but the notebook of the Renaissance man himself, Leonardo daVinci. This week da Vinci’s ideas about designing bridges and towers were the focus of our quest, Laws of Physics,Newton’s Toy Company. Da Vinci wrote, “A builder who copies learns speed; a builder who adapts learns strength.” The heroes built their own bridges and towers and learned to adapt in the process.

A highlight of the week for me was a launch that posed an amoral dilemma. The Heroes were asked to put themselves in a scenario that could have harsh, possibly even fatal,consequences for someone they loved. Through Socratic questioning they were asked to make some difficult choices. They all chose to take their loved one’s place.They were also asked if they would make the same decision if it was someone they did not even like. Their choice was the same. Their selflessness made an impact on me as their guide. These Heroes have great moral character.Next week everyone will be out of school taking a break. Ms. Mariah and I are already planning some surprises fort heir return!