Manufactured Misfortune/Day1 Science Project

"All right class," began Mr. Turner, "today we're starting a project that will last the next few classes into next week, possibly even longer. You'll pick one, and only one, partner to work with, then choose from one of the topics I'm going to write on the board. You're welcome to work on it here, in the library, or anywhere else you choose so long as I sign off on it. This will both in class and outside of school hours, and don't worry, you won't have homework in the meantime."

A cheer rose up among the students but was quickly stifled once Turner lifted his hand.

"However, in exchange, it will be worth over a third of your total grade for the semester, so don't think you can dilly-dally and waste this time. And just to make sure you aren't, one of you in each pairing will be responsible for daily progress reports that you'll send to my school email address after every class. Are we clear?"

A much less enthusiastic response came from the class this time.

"Good. Now, partner up while I finish writing this. Quietly, if you can."

Before he even turned around the room erupted into multiple, slightly hushed, conversations. Despite your good grades and Addison's popularity, neither of you were being bombarded with requests to be partners, yourself because you kept your grades private, and Addison because everyone knew her grades were abysmal. That didn't bother you, however, rather it gave you a helping hand in this new adventure you and X were about to begin.

As you were about to speak up, Addison turned to face you with a beaming smile.

"Oh, this is perfect! Now you can help me right away! Uh, as long as you don't mind, of course! Do you, Ron?"

She looks at you with hopeful eyes.

"Course not, this way we can figure out the best way to work with one another. Plus I'll be able to tell where you stand on the subject of science more accurately."

She looked to the side and rubbed the back of her neck.

"It isn't very good, trust me," she said.

"Don't worry Addison, I'll help every step of the way."

She looks back at you with a smile.

"Thanks Ron, and just call me Addi. It's what my friends call me."

"Okay, Addi it is then."

With that settled Addi moves her chair back to your table. She turns it sideways so she can sit facing you and rests her elbows on the table and puts her head in her hands. Consequently this causes her to rest her boobs right on the table top, pushing them against the constraining fabric of her shirt even further. You're honestly a little surprised a button doesn't pop off. In fact, given her eyes are closed right now, if it wasn't for the people here you might be able to undo a few of them without her noticing...

You shake your head clear of those thoughts. You're getting ahead of yourself, it'd be better to wait and contact X and have her debrief you on what you can and can't do.

Not a second later Mr. Turner addresses the class. Addison opens her eyes and turns to face him.

"Alright, I see you've all found a partner, correct?"

Everyone, you and Addison included, tell him yes in unison.

"Great. So here are the options."

He turns and gestures at the whiteboard where five options are listed: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Astronomy, Environmental.

"Biology has three sub-options. The first is zoology, which will be a comprehensive study on the different kinds of animal life that lives nearby. More specifically what animals you find, and I will expect pictures. Second is botany, which is more or less the same as the zoology option, but you must take samples of the plants you find as well like leaves or petals. Don't think you can go into your backyard and expect to pass. Lastly is anatomy. Unlike the other two this one involves taking pictures of your partner's body an- stop laughing, your grade could depend on this. Anyhow, take pictures of their body, label what you can visibly see, then print out cross-cuts of that part and label muscles, bones, nerves, etc.

"Moving on to the more simple ones is chemistry. Here you must choose a chemical compound that is both non-lethal and easy to replicate at home, with the right equipment of course. You'll write an essay on the compound you've chosen, and create it yourselves whilst providing proof you made it and, if applicable it's effects in action.

"Next are geology and astronomy. Now these might sound boring, but there's a catch to them. Each one can only have two groups, because those groups will be going on a trip."

He reached into his desk and pulled out two stacks of tickets.

"For geology, I have admission tickets to a nearby dig site. This dig site is famous for the fossils and uncut gemstone that can be found there, and is open for anyone who pays, or has tickets, to play armature archeologist for a day. You and your partner will go, look for fossils, gems, or anything else of note, document everything, and show me what you found. If you don't find anything, as long as you provide proof you were there the whole day searching and an essay on the experience, you'll pass. There's also a museum related to the dig site nearby, it you need some pointers on your essays.

"For astronomy, I have admission tickets to a planetarium up in the mountains outside of town. It's a bit of a bus ride there, but the tickets cover the cost. For you and your partner it will be like a standard museum visit. Go there, take the tour, see the show, take notes, write an essay, the whole nine yards. However, given that it's a tourist hot spot, the tickets also provide a great discount on overnight stays in the nearby motel. If you stay the night and partake in the nighttime activities, such as actually looking though the telescope, it's an automatic pass so long as you document it.

The class broke into excited whispers as Mr. Turner put the tickets away.

"Last but not least is environmental. While it may not be as flashy as the last two options, it's arguably the most simple. You and your partner go and spend time in nature. Go hiking, take a camping trips, go swimming at a lake or river. Do something like that, document it with pictures, and provide a written essay on the environment you were in with details on everything for the flora and fauna to the weather to whatever activities people use it for. Anything at fits the criteria.

"One final thing to note. Each option has additional activities and requirements you can do for extra credit, but that's purely optional. I have more detailed summaries of each project and its extra credit assignments ready to be printed for each group.

"Now, those are the options. Your class time is for the research and essay portions of your assignments, the field work is to be done at your leisure. Please remember that I'm always happy to answer any questions you may have. Now, choose what you want and let me know.

And before you rush up here for the tickets, make sure you really discuss if it's what you want."

With that he sat down at his desk while the class burst into conversation. Addison immediately looked to you.

"Ron, you're the smart one, which should we choose!?"

"Don't you have an opinion?"

"To me they all sound fun! Science isn't my strong suit, so I'll trust you to pick the right choice."

She spoke in earnest and looked at you expectantly.

You cycle through the options, weighing the pros and cons of each one, which would be best for Addison, if your plans with X can factor in, everything. Zoology, botany, and environmental would allow you two some more privacy out in nature, geology and astronomy guarantee you can both spend the day (and maybe night) together, while chemistry and anatomy, although trickier, might provide some more unique avenues to explore. Hopefully X can give you some good ideas.

One thing you do know is that this just got a lot more complicated than simply being her tutor

You pick:

• Biology-Zoology
• Biology-Botany
• Biology-Anatomy
• Chemistry
• Geology
• Astronomy
• Environmental