The Meeting

[Larry Barrieau]

This is my first time in any forum. I didn't know what a forum was and after reading some of the postings...I'm still not too sure. I am also very nearly computer illiterate and so I haven't a clue about most of what I've read and seen, the jargon escapes me.

But if this happens to get posted, I wanted to say what a wonderful time I had this weekend. The presenters were great and I learned a bunch. Phil Plait was especially fun. Very approachable and a regular guy. I read his book on the plane and have already used it in my 7th grade earth science classes.

I have used the paranormal to teach critical thinking to my 7th graders for over a dozen years now. I think the key to having a population of reasoned thinkers is to get them even younger... in elementary school. But I do know that it is difficult for a teacher. I have been in trouble every year for doing what I do. It's much easier and safer(careerwise) to go with the flow.
Anyway thanks to Linda, Randi, and everyone who helped put this together and I'll see you all next year.

[Mr. Skinny]

Welcome to the forum Larry.

So sorry I didn't get to meet you and all of my other friends from the forum. Perhaps I'll make it next year.

I'm glad to see you are making an effort with the children to teach critical thinking.

See ya around here.

Skinny

edited to say: see the Forum Help forum for a lot of good tips on using the JREF forum.

[CFLarsen]

(grabbing Larry by the collar)

....welcome! :)

Feel free to ask for help with your students. You'll find morons here, but you will also find an incredible source of wisdom.

And then, there's Jedi Knight, of course... :D

[Jeff Corey]

Larry,
I hope Andrew Harter's presentation was a help to you. The Skeptic Inquirer's Young Skeptic stuff might be helpful.
Watch it up there in Mass. The killed some of my ancestors up there in 1792 for being skeptics.
Jeff

[CFLarsen]

Originally posted by Jeff Corey
Larry,
I hope Andrew Harter's presentation was a help to you. The Skeptic Inquirer's Young Skeptic stuff might be helpful.
Watch it up there in Mass. The killed some of my ancestors up there in 1792 for being skeptics.
Jeff

That will be 1692, thank you very much. And was that Giles Corey really one of your ancestors?

Proof, please? :)

Welcome to the forum Larry! If anyone is mean to you just let me know and I'll have Ed smite them. Really!:D

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by Jeff Corey
Larry,
Watch it up there in Mass. The killed some of my ancestors up there in 1792 for being skeptics.
Jeff
Not before they procreated, I hope.

[Jeff Corey]

Originally posted by CFLarsen


That will be 1692, thank you very much. And was that Giles Corey really one of your ancestors?

Proof, please? :)
You are CORRECT, sir or madam, 1692.
Giles was the first Corey to get stoned in America.
Actually, he was "pressed" to death with large rocks in the Salem Village Green.

[SkepticScott]

Welcome to the forum Larry!
>This is my first time in any forum. I didn't know what a forum was and after reading some of the postings...I'm still not too sure.

Think of it as a large collection of bulletin board, one for each topic.

>I am also very nearly computer illiterate and so I haven't a clue about most of what I've read and seen, the jargon escapes me.

You'll pick it up. Don't be afraid to ask, though, we all went through the "what does that mean" period.

Re: teaching students
I'm in Billerica; where in Massachusetts are you? I'd be glad to help /somehow/ if you're nearby.

[Marc]

Originally posted by kittynh
Another NEw England skeptic! Welcome! I'm up in New Hampshire!

Come down to RI, we don't play well with others http://www.egri.co.uk/smileys/devil-naughty.gif