It's Hard Work Being a Genius

Aim: How do we compare and contrast physical genius to intellectual genius?


Do Now: Check out the inspirational poster to the right and explain how it might connect to our discussion of genius.

Today we will complete the reading of "The Physical Genius"  and consider how it applies to your brain--or should we say your mind? 

When you hear the expression “Use it or lose it” do you first think about your body or your mind? We all know that if you don’t use your muscles, they’ll atrophy. (If you don’t know what “atrophy” means, look it up at https://www.vocabulary.com/ )

Today we’ll read the second half of “The Physical Genius,” considering how all this information applies to your brain.

Step 1:  Read the second half of “The Physical Genius” for the answers to the following questions. Post the answers on your blog. Don't forget to give some context.

1. Beyond having physical ability, what sort of personality is needed to be really good at surgery, according to neurosurgeon Don Quest?
2. How might this type of personality apply to academic endeavors such as taking Regents exams or writing research papers?
3. What is the scientific explanation for practice making perfect? Hint: Explain chunking.
4. Explain the importance of imagination in being a physical genius.
5. What, according to Gladwell, ultimately separates the genius from the “merely very good.” Explain.

Step 2: In your opinion, how does the importance of practice in physical genius compare and contrast to the importance of practice in intellectual genius? Write a two-paragraph reflection in Google Drive stating your opinion and supporting it with specific and relevant evidence from the article. After you have spell-checked, grammar-checked and have had a partner review your reflection, share the link on your blog.

Final Reflection (for extra credit): If you could be a genius at anything, what would it be? What’s stopping you?