Mensa's recommended reading list for high school students offers a diverse range of classic and contemporary literature spanning various genres and cultures. The list emphasizes challenging texts that encourage critical thinking and expose students to different perspectives. Included are works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama, from authors like Shakespeare, Austen, Orwell, and Angelou, aiming to broaden literary horizons and foster a lifelong love of reading. The list is not exhaustive, but rather a starting point for exploring the rich world of literature.
A high school team designed and built a space probe named Project Daedalus, launched via high-altitude balloon. The probe, constructed using off-the-shelf components and custom PCBs, collected data on temperature, pressure, radiation, magnetic fields, and air quality during its flight. It also captured images and video throughout the ascent and descent. Successful data retrieval was achieved after landing, showcasing the team's ability to create a functional space probe on a limited budget.
The Hacker News comments express admiration for the high school team's ambitious space probe project, with several commenters praising the students' ingenuity and technical skills. Some discuss the challenges of high-altitude ballooning, offering advice on potential improvements like using a GPS tracker with an external antenna and considering the impact of the balloon bursting on the probe's descent. Others inquire about specific aspects of the project, such as the choice of microcontroller and the method of image transmission. The overall sentiment is one of encouragement and interest in the team's future endeavors.
Facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople and a growing recognition of the value of hands-on learning, high schools across the U.S. are reviving shop classes. These modernized programs, often incorporating advanced technologies like robotics and 3D printing alongside traditional woodworking and metalworking, aim to equip students with practical skills applicable to various industries. The resurgence is driven by employer demand, student interest in alternatives to college, and a desire to foster problem-solving abilities and critical thinking. These revamped shop classes offer pathways to well-paying jobs directly after graduation or provide a foundation for further technical education.
Hacker News users generally lauded the return of shop class, citing the value of hands-on learning, problem-solving skills, and exposure to trades. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes about how shop class positively influenced their career paths, even if they didn't pursue a trade directly. Some expressed concern about the cost and difficulty of implementing these programs effectively, including the need for qualified instructors and adequate safety measures. The importance of incorporating modern technology like CAD and 3D printing into shop curriculum was also discussed. A few commenters cautioned against viewing shop class as a solution for all students, emphasizing the need for diverse educational pathways. There was also some discussion of the societal shift away from valuing vocational skills and how its resurgence could address the current skilled labor shortage.
Summary of Comments ( 52 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43601190
HN commenters generally found the Mensa reading list unimpressive, criticizing it as uninspired, Eurocentric, and lacking diversity in both authors and genres. Several suggested alternative lists or resources, such as the Harold Bloom canon, "1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up," and local library recommendations. Some commenters questioned the value of prescribed reading lists altogether, advocating instead for allowing students to explore their own interests. The lack of sci-fi/fantasy and more contemporary works was also a common complaint. A few defended the list, arguing that it provides a solid foundation in classic literature.
The Hacker News post titled "The Mensa Reading List for Grades 9-12" linking to a Substack article about the same topic, generated a moderate amount of discussion with several commenters expressing skepticism and criticism of Mensa and the suggested reading list.
One of the most compelling comments questioned the value and purpose of Mensa itself, suggesting it primarily serves as a way for members to validate their intelligence rather than fostering intellectual curiosity or engagement. This comment sparked a thread discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks of belonging to such organizations.
Several commenters criticized the suggested reading list, finding it lacking in diversity and overly focused on Western literature. They argued for a more inclusive and representative selection of books that would expose students to a broader range of perspectives and cultural experiences. Specific examples of books that were deemed missing or better alternatives were offered, showcasing a desire for a more thoughtfully curated list.
Another line of discussion centered on the relevance of standardized reading lists in general. Some commenters argued that personalized reading journeys are more effective than following a prescribed list, emphasizing the importance of individual interests and learning styles. They suggested that encouraging students to explore books they find genuinely engaging is more likely to cultivate a love of reading.
There were also comments expressing concern over the lack of specific criteria used to compile the Mensa list. The absence of a clear rationale for the inclusion or exclusion of certain books left some commenters wondering about the underlying methodology and objectives of the list.
Finally, a few commenters shared their personal experiences with Mensa and offered anecdotes about the organization's activities and culture. These comments provided some insight into the community aspect of Mensa, while also acknowledging its potential shortcomings.