Middle School Science Project Mistaken for Bomb
This story is really a sad example of how hysterical some Americans are becoming. In San Diego, a nervous Vice Principal mistook an 11-year old’s science project for a bomb. According to the description:
Luque said the project was made of an empty half-liter Gatorade bottle with some wires and other electrical components attached. There was no substance inside.
Millennial Tech Magnet Middle School was initially put on lockdown while police investigated, then eventually evacuated. The “bomb” was x-rayed and the student’s house was searched. All turned up nothing, and the item appeared to be what the student claimed: a homemade motion detector.
Authorities decided not to discipline the child but did recommend counseling for the boy and his family. Not sure what anti-social, pro-science behavior they’re trying to counsel for, but that sure was generous of the school, huh?
The worst part about this story (other than the hysteria, invasion of privacy, and the unnecessary search of the home) is that the Vice Principal obviously has no clue what’s being taught there. Didn’t they ask the child what is was? Request a demonstration? Talk to the science teacher or the parents? You have to wonder about a school where the educators and administrators jump to such elaborate conclusions.
[Via BoingBoing]
teacherninja Said,
January 17, 2010 @ 12:51 pm
Reminds me of the guy who invented Tickle Me Elmo and had all these weird schematics and doll parts all over the place. He kept being investigated because the authorities thought he ws the unabomber.
Lesley B. Said,
January 20, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
Glad he got to finish the Tickle Me Elmo doll, my son adores his!