The Science of Theft

Chapter 7 - Start Line

"Who here likes the Indianna Jones movies?"

Most of the class raised their hands.

"Great! Everyone, including those who do not enjoy cult classic films, follow me outside."

Jacks' class seemed interested in an outdoor lesson.

"Quiet," Jack instructed the class once they were outside in the grass lawn. "Listen to me. This isn't all fun and games."

"Do you feel the sunshine on your skin? That warmth is the result of UVA, UVB and UVC rays, a marvelous combination that lowers blood pressure, increases endorphin production and generates Vitamin D from the cholesterol stored in cells of your exposed skin."

"So your saying you care about our health enough to let us go outside?" Matthew asked.

"Everyone needs time outside to clear their minds and relax. I'll hold class wherever I think you all will learn the easiest. I also urge all of your to go outside at least one hour everyday. I promise it will help you deal with the stress of the school year."

"Okay..." Danielle rolled her eyes Stephenie, her "best friend for evs".

"Let me ask you all this: Why would I bring you outside in DIRECT sunlight when our classroom has lots of windows with shades that I can leave up or pull down to black out the room?"

"You aren't looking to block out light...so we're doing light sensitive chemical reactions today. Without the sterile environment of the classroom. And no fire extinguishers."

Andy was half right. Jack admitted that he needed to establish more trust between himself and his students.

"There should be no need for fire extinguishers with the experiment we will be doing today. However, that does not mean that I didn't bring one with in case there are any accidents of origin other than our work. That is why I brought the safety cooler, full of all our this classes safety gear. A lesson that we covered last week.

Let me make this clear: I will always prioritize the safety of each of you above anything else. That's why we spent the first week of class going over safety protocols. This cooler has everything in it that you need."

That said, everyone take your lighters or any other flammable items and store them in this cooler. You will get them back at the end of class. Your cell phones go in too. Those are a huge distraction."

Once that was done Jack had the class sit in a large circle around him.

"Take one and pass the others around."

"Glass panels?"

"Glass panels."

"Why are you giving us little glass panels?"

"These glass panels are part of your second week assignment."

"Part? Alright." Susanna peered through her small hand sized panel. "What's the rest of the assignment?"

"That is for each of you to find out. And I stress find. I expect all of you to submit your paper by the end of the week."

"What?" There was a lot of commotion as students lurched forward with uncommon alarm.

"You have an hour and half left of class. I suggest you hurry. I'll be at my desk setting up next weeks assignments. Don't forgot to bring all of our classes equipment back inside with you before the final bell rings."

"Wait! Where are the instructions? What are we supposed to do Professor O' Connell?" Susanna looked shocked at his abrupt departure.

"You can read chapter two of your textbook to understand what you need to do. You have everything that you need out here with you. Use what you know to find a solution to the problem before you."