The Biodesign Class of 1978 was only the second class to reach the top of Yosemite’s world-famous Half Dome. They donned their backpacks and labored for 10 miles while gaining nearly 5,000 feet of elevation. The last ½ mile involved climbing a steep series of granite stairs and ascending 400 feet of twin cables up … [Read more…]
“Loren Eiseley is less concerned about man conquering nature than nature, in the form of God, conquering the human heart.” Time Magazine. AFTER nearly 75 years, I have concluded that life is mostly (if not totally) a journey into mystery. E.g. how could I have possibly guessed that a simple, innocent question from a student … [Read more…]
[Feature article in National Geographic Magazine: Dec. 2015] Excerpt: Biodesign Out For A Walk, chap. 2, Looking For A Map. “The Smithsonian Institute and National Geographic Society were selected as curriculum models of study because of their goals of integrating the activities of plants, animals, and humans. Thus, plants, animals, and man became the first … [Read more…]
Excerpt: Biodesign Out For A Walk. On an unscripted whim, I had them close their eyes and asked them how many of them had a soul? Every hand shot up. “Hands down,” I said. “How’d we vote?” someone asked. I answered, “One hundred percent positive. I guess this class has a lot of soul.” “The soul is … [Read more…]
“I love kids, but they are a tough audience.” – Robin Williams In terms of human history, mandatory education is a very recent social obligation and one that does not suit all students equally. In addition to the Biodesign Class, my yearly schedule of classes included one section of entry-level, life science students. Each class … [Read more…]