Thumbs Taped

By Theresa J. Sedivy

Dear All,
It was an interesting experience having my thumbs taped yesterday. I kept the tape on most of the day, but I took it off so I could type the business cards. I was able to type, but I knew I'd never finish at the rate I was going. I could actually do all the things I did before, but I had to think about what I was doing a lot more. I used my index and middle fingers a lot, plus the heel of my hand. The hardest things to do were fine writing (writing on the board was okay), separating papers, and unscrewing things. Driving was not a problem, but I think I did turn the wheel and shift differently.
How could this be applied? I personally think it would be a great introduction to an adaptation lesson, or an entire evolution unit. It's something that's hands-on, and kids will probably remember it. It really makes you more aware of how you do things and the advantages a thumb has. You could talk about how thumbs evolved and why they did. You could explore what different people (Lamarck, Darwin, etc.) may have said about thumb evolution. That's my little experiment. See you all Monday.