Creativity and Tentativeness Now at 3.3 Torres_P04

“That’s what makes science fun,” said the girls’ father. “The difference here is next week you will get to open your boxes. You’ll see exactly what is inside. In contrast, scientists may spend a lifetime of research trying to solve similar problems. But they never get to open the box, metaphorically speaking of course. Put the boxes back where you found them. Then come upstairs and have breakfast.”

The girls ran past their parents on their way to the breakfast table.Their parents stayed a moment in the hallway. “Bob,” their mother whispered, “I did not think we were getting the girls tablets? Aren’t we waiting until Christmas?” Bob just smiled. He never was good at keeping secrets. “So, what is in the boxes?” their mother asked.

Bob replied, “The contents of the boxes are a lesson in thinking like a scientist. They need to learn to be creative. Not just with birthday presents. But also, when constructing likely conclusions based on evidence.”

The girls’ mother just shook her head. She knew her husband. Only he would hide presents in a place where he knew the girls would find them. To him, this was just an exercise. “Don’t you feel bad?” asked their mother, “Now they have their hopes up.”

“Stop worrying,” their father replied, “I had planned to get them new tablets this weekend. But they will need to be wrapped in such a way the girls won’t know what is inside. Well, until they open them!”

“Bob, you are crazy but a great father.” She ruffled his hair and headed to the kitchen.