Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
From carrying multiple beverages to performing surgery with razor sharp precision, a new controllable extra thumb has been unveiled by researchers at Cambridge University to enhance productivity. The strap-on robotic appendage is controlled by sensors under a user’s toes. A study found that nearly all of 596 testers, aged three to 96, figured out how to effectively use the device within a minute.
■Class discussion: Could the “Third Thumb” become a useful device, or is it just an interesting experiment? Could it help someone who has limited use of one of their hands? Do you think you could learn to control this extra thumb in less than minute? How long might it take to actually master the device – hours, days, weeks, months? Which new technologies have you found very easy or very difficult to learn?