On their own, knowledge and humor are in different realms. But there are moments when these two worlds collide, as you’ll see in the Fun With Science Instagram account.
The page features images that can bring out the inner geek in us. And while the name may imply a focus on science, you'll also find memes that light-heartedly present language, history, and pop culture.
We've collected some of the funny and witty posts from the page. Scroll through this list, and maybe you'll learn something new today.
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We did mention that learning and humor are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but they do go hand in hand. An article published by the American Psychological Association, “How Laughing Leads to Learning,” explained it all.
The piece included inputs from professors like Dr. Ronald Berk, otherwise known as the “Humor Professor.”
As Dr. Berk explained, his goal is to create an easygoing environment as students tackle relatively complicated subject matters.
“When I enter the classroom, I want to change the entire atmosphere into one where everyone has fun with the material—even if the material is complex,” Dr. Berk said.
Other academics, like Sam Houston State University professor Dr. Randy Garner, use the same strategy to teach statistics. He believes in perfectly placed quips during lectures.
“Well-planned, appropriate, contextual humor can help students ingrain information,” Dr. Garner explained.
Don't worry, kid, it's the strong silent ones that cause an exodus.
This is what nearly caused me to give up on my dream of becoming a doctor. But like I've realised how many pathways there are, I don't have to do all the hardest subjects and I don't have to do that one really competitive, difficult, maths-intensive course. So I'm working towards my goal pathway, which honestly, I will enjoy so much more anyways.
Ohio University-Zanesville psychology professor Dr. Mark Shatz recognizes that educators aren't entertainers. However, he believes in the effectiveness of humor and its potential upsides in the classroom.
"Professors' jobs are to educate, not to entertain. But if humor can make the learning process more enjoyable, then I think everybody benefits as a result."
Humor’s effectiveness in helping students retain information goes beyond the classroom. Studies have shown that it can also be beneficial in absorbing news pieces.
A Pew Research poll revealed that comedy programs like The Daily Show and The Colbert Show revealed higher retention of facts compared to when people tuned into CNN, FOX News, or read newspapers.
However, there is a proper way of mixing funny elements with imparting knowledge. Educator Sarah Henderson said it must “enhance classroom joy and develop a sense of community.”
In an article for Edutopia, she advises sticking to humor that is both age-appropriate and content-related and sandwiching it between repetition and instruction.
Conversely, there are certain things to avoid if you plan on injecting comedy into your teaching. Henderson advises steering clear of sarcasm and humor that is forced, inappropriate, and off-topic.
But, ultimately, educators are all for using humor as a learning tool. Author and e-learning designer Julie Kuzma is one of them.
“Students who are talking, laughing or even cheering are students who are happy and engaged, and that’s something every teacher should encourage,” Kuzma wrote in an article for SmartBrief.
Private sector until risk of getting caught is too close, then transition into government.
As opposed to my donkey where grass goes in and just gas comes out. And the mule, grass goes in and sass comes out!
As the management gives discouraged workers pizza, my hair gets L'Oréal light blonde
"I hope you didn't make any plans for tomorrow "
When I had the period talk with my daughter she burst into tears tells me she didn't want to bleed every month. None of us do kiddo,
No one knows how many people are creating original thoughts as many of those people are anonymous and not in any positions of influence. In fact I would state that most people in positions of power and influence got there not for their original thinking, but because of greed and ambition.
But it feels oh so fine to dry your smaller self off in those things. Try it and see!
I need at least 8 Hobnobs. Does that count?
Let me suggest a compromise: the half-ball Earth. It is both curved and flat, so everyone wins.
Lmao, is that the "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction" bit??
Riikka I was exaggerating a little, it's not that bad it just makes me feel bad is all
Riikka I was exaggerating a little, it's not that bad it just makes me feel bad is all