Want to be a scientist? Eat an economist!

[seasat]

I'm not kidding. Here's the title of the article.

Scientists Are Made, Not Born - Fed Economists

Actually, I agree with the article. I think an aptitude for science and mathematics is nutured. My wife is a brilliant high school chemistry teacher with a dual degree in math and chemistry plus graduate level work in biochemistry. Her success was due in part to very supportive parents who instilled a love of learning at an early age and growing up out in the country. Growing up in the country, she developed a lot of mechanical skills helping her folks around the farm. Because of that we make sure that our nieces get toys, such as blocks and legos. These types of toys help build logical and mathematical skills.

[drm604]

1. LOL

[Lisa]

2. they don't call it "the dismal science" for nothing!

Worried for their lives, no doubt. (No wonder the economics department at my university has relocated to a different building -- they used to share space with anthropology, sociology, geography, etc., all disciplines which are hoping to be accepted as scientists!)

Seriously -- I know a lot of people from my elementary and high school classes who were more creative, and better at research and critical thinking (and self-discipline) than I am -- and even though they got better grades than I did, most of them are now in non-scientific jobs. I was lucky and got a lot of encouragement from my family (and from my instructors, all the way through to college) -- I now teach science, but I always think that there are plenty of people out there more qualified than I am.