http://tinyurl.com/5er56t

im fortunate to ahave a very good friend who teaches highschool science that we can visit at the beginning of summer break... who will show us all the cool stuff.

But the seizure of that guys lab? W.T.F?

That is insane. It seems like maybe we're starting a cultural backlash to this kind of idiocy and overprotection, though. I heard a story on NPR about a dude who runs a "tinkering camp" where kids use table saws and construct boats they attempt to take out on the water and all sorts of "dangerous" projects. Maybe chemistry sets will resurface soon.

I think I know the guy you mean, mcglory. And I think he's pretty much absolutely right. I can't remember how much emphasis he puts on supervision and being taught how to use things like tools and chemicals and fire properly. In my mind, it's the "being taught" and "supervision" parts that are absolutely key. And I don't know how many parents still know how to do that stuff properly, or would take the time out of our busy crazy days to do that with kids.

I keep having this experience: Stranger meets me, SO, and Baby T-Rex. All of us have blue eyes. Stranger says, Baby has such beautiful eyes, do you think they'll stay blue?

Freshman bio, people. Basic genetics. Very basic. And these people get to vote?

T-Rex - at least they're not asking if the baby is wearing contacts. :)

I find this story chilling.