In a small, well-lit 6th-grade classroom, Mrs. Parks, the affable science teacher, decided to impart a quirky yet educational lesson to her students.
She leaned forward and inquired with a twinkle in her eye, “Class, can anyone tell me which human body part increases to ten times its size when stimulated?”
A hush fell over the room as confusion sparked through the young minds.
This was quite the unexpected question for a science class, and the students exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of how to respond.
It was young Mary, known for her outspoken nature, who took the initiative. Standing up with an air of determination, she addressed the teacher: “Mrs. Parks, you should not be asking sixth-graders a question like that! I’m going to tell my parents, and they’ll surely report this to the principal, who will have no choice but to fire you!”
Mrs. Parks, maintaining her composure and with a patient smile, calmly repeated her question, “Now, class, can anyone tell me which body part increases to ten times its size when stimulated?”
Little Mary’s eyes widened in disbelief at Mrs. Parks’ insistence on pursuing such an inappropriate line of questioning.
She whispered to her classmates, her tone both scandalized and concerned, “Boy, is she going to get in big trouble!”
Mrs. Parks addressed the class once more, encouragingly asking, “Anybody?” despite the uproar and her determination to continue the lesson.
The room remained still, with the students hesitating to venture an answer, wary of the possible repercussions of another misunderstanding. Fearful of stepping into uncharted territory, they clung to their silence.
Then Billy, a shy and diligent student who had always excelled in Mrs. Parks’ class, slowly stood up, his cheeks flushed with nervousness, and with a trembling voice, he uttered, “The body part that increases ten times its size when stimulated is the pupil of the eye.”
A collective sigh of relief washed over the classroom as the answer to the enigmatic question was finally revealed. Mrs. Parks beamed with pride and acknowledged Billy’s contribution with a warm smile. “Very good, Billy,” she praised.
Mrs. Parks turned her attention to little Mary, who had been the focal point of the entire incident. With a playful glint in her eye, she continued, “As for you, young lady, I have three things to say: One, you have a dirty mind. Two, you didn’t read your homework. And three, one day you are going to be very, very disappointed.”