My biology teacher shows pictures of the Chimp!

[murielm99]

I want a teaching endorsement in general science, so I am taking biology this summer at our area's community college.

My teacher is good and loves his job. His parents taught at a community college, too, and he thinks it is an important educational niche to fill.

I was already impressed with his teaching before we got around to defining what a species is, something that is not all that easy.

He included a picture of a nematode worm in his powerpoint presentation, and told us that they have 75% of the same genes as humans. 75% is not enough to make us the same species.

Then, he asked us, "How about chimps? They have 98% of the same genes as humans, but we are not the same species."

He then showed a whole series of pictures of * next to a chimp, making the same gestures, using the same facial expressions! Most DUers have seen those pictures already, but it was really funny in the context of the class.

The best thing about it was that everyone laughed.

Of course, if I did that in any of my middle school classes, I would have parents all over me. I envy his freedom. He made my day.