Well, My Door Is Thicker Than Yours!

Today, I gave my class a lab to complete. They were to make table salt (NaCl) by mixing an acid with a base. I love lab days because I have a lab assistant who sets up the lab and helps guide the students during the lab. So, that frees up my time to be able to talk with my students about their lives. I find these days to be really fun for the students and myself. Today, I got into a conversation with a group about what they want to do after college and what their folks do for a living. One of the boys said that his mom is the Assistant Director for DEA at the U.S. Embassy. I responded that he must have a nice place to live. I asked him about the size of his entry door, a wierd question you might think. He holds up his fingers about a foot apart and smiles. He responds that it is thick for a door, especially when it is wood on steel; but it is designed for protection.

But, before I can marvel at the door, he motions to his friend in class and asks him to tell me how thick his door is. This kid holds up his fingers about two feet apart. I said he must be joking, but he shakes his head no and smiles. I asked him what his folks do for a living. He told me his dad is the Head of Commerce between the U.S. and Colombia. So, I ask if he helps to sell food or cars or other goods. He says no. His dad sells rockets. "Oh! Rockets, huh? Wow, so that is a pretty thick door then?"