Introduction to Education

At the moment we are seeing the dying gasps of a failed political philosophy (merit pay, charter schools, parental interference, the LA Times browbeating teachers...).

But things will continue to get worse if we don't make the curriculum and teaching methods more interesting too. It seems to be heresy these days to say that education ought to be fun, but indeed it can be, as all the best teachers know. Let's encourage ideas that motivate kids.

Take the following idea for middle school and early secondary school science - would this be fun for kids? If you don't think so, I don't know what we can do with you.

What Is Snot?

Snot is your body's best defense mechanism, a sticky moat of protection against invading bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When it comes to where your body is open to the outside world, snot (more properly, mucus) provides a barrier against these alien invaders.

Mucus, chemically, is quite fascinating. Sugar chains are attached to a protein backbone in mucus cells, with the contraption released out into the open. These glycoprotein molecules rapidly and aggressively suck up water until they are plump, slick, and slimy. To an invader, this is a nightmare to navigate: tangled chains of protein and sugar, with every nook and cranny crammed with water molecules.

Full article here. It is by Seattle-based doctor and columnist Jonathan Golob. He should write a science textbook for middle schools.