Diving into Memories

Aim: How does memory relate to "I think therefore I am"?

Quick Write: Think about one of the most important memories you have. Indulge yourself in it. Can you taste it? Smell it? Feel it? What if that memory were taken away from you? Would it still exist?

Today, we will listen to a podcast about “the most severe case of amnesia ever documented” and evaluate how it relates (or doesn't relate) to locked-in syndrome.

We’ve been reading the true story of a man who lost everything except his memory. In this quest, we’ll consider the true story of a man who lost his memory but nothing else. Consider: How does this relate to "I think therefore I am"?

Step 1: Listen to this podcast of a Radiolab episode devoted to the science of memory. In this segment of the podcast, Oliver Sacks tells the story of Clive, a musician who suffered “the most severe case of amnesia ever documented.”

Step 2: Complete this 3-2-1 worksheet as you listen. Alternatively, you can take notes using the Cornell note-taking sheet or the Reciprocal Teaching Worksheet available in the classroom.

Step 3: After you have listened to the podcast, discuss your 3-2-1 worksheet with a partner or your class.

Final Reflection: You previously interpreted the quote “I think, therefore I am.” Interpret the quote once again as it relates to Clive. In other words, does Clive know he exists? Does he exist? What does all of this say about memory? Finally, what’s your brainy explanation for Clive only remembering love and music? Post this final reflection on your blog.

Reminder: This week we will be reading the memoir seminar style. Although everyone is responsible for reading all of the memoir, each student will take charge of a section of the book for a day, teaching a lesson and leading the discussion. The sign-up sheet for sections is in the classroom as is the student-created rubric for grading your lesson and lesson plan templates.


A reminder that before you left for Spring Break, you should have synthesized all of our heavy thinking about the soul and science into a cartoon that gives a graphic reflection of your opinion on the human vs animal debate. The cartoon counts as a project/test/quiz and is worth 50 points. You might also check out this site. Show your readers your opinion on what and how animals think as opposed to what and how people think. Be creative with your graphic story. (Don’t forget that writing conventions still count.) Post your cartoon to your blog using screen capture. (Shift, command, 4) Thanks, Tajmah!

Remember independent reading books? Time to start thinking about your reading projects. Here's a list of suggestions. However, other ideas are encouraged. Just run them past me.

Argument Essays are way overdue!!!!!!

*****Always check Engrade for your up-to-the-minute progress in this class.*****