Retinas and Rectums

I have so many funny moments in my day between my kids and my students. I NEED to start writing them down as they happen. This may come as a shock - my memory isn't what it used to be.

For those of you who don't know, I teach Math and Science to grades 8 and 9. So many stories...

This past week I have been teaching the Light and Optics unit to our grade 8s. One of the things they need to have a grasp of is the comparison between a camera and an eye.

I was teaching the tough class - yes - there is one every year. They were actually sitting rather quietly (for them) as I was trying to help them see the similarities between the eye and camera.

I started with the first part - camera shutter - opens and closes... eyelids! Wow, some were listening. Then our next part, the hint was "captures the image". I gave them film - the world of digital has made this a slightly tougher connection. I started to prompt them for the eye part... we had covered it the day before. At this point my colleague that I teach math with wandered in to ask a question.

One of my really tough students looked up from his paper and started to listen. It starts with an R, I prompt. Assorted rumblings - nothing concrete. I prompt again, come on guys, what part of your eye captures the image. One student guessed - optic nerve. No I explain that sends the signal, close though - remember it starts wit an R. From the side of the room, my tough students shouts out, The Rectum!!

Class dissolves into laughter. All I can say in response is, "Now I understand why your view of the world is so different."

Sigh, "Retina."