Mrs. Parks, a 6th-grade science teacher, decided to test her students with a rather unusual question one day. She asked the class, “Which human body part increases to ten times its size when stimulated?” The room fell silent as the students exchanged puzzled glances. No one dared to answer—except for little Mary.
Mary stood up, clearly upset, and said, “You shouldn’t be asking sixth-graders a question like that! I’m going to tell my parents, and they’ll report you to the principal. You’ll get fired!” Mrs. Parks, unfazed, ignored Mary’s outburst and repeated the question. Mary’s jaw dropped, and she whispered to her classmates, “She’s really going to get in trouble for this!”
The teacher continued to wait for an answer, scanning the room. Finally, Billy, one of the quieter students, stood up nervously and said, “The body part that increases ten times its size when stimulated is the pupil of the eye.” Mrs. Parks smiled and replied, “Very good, Billy!”
Then, she turned to Mary and said, “As for you, young lady, I have three things to say: One, you have a dirty mind. Two, you didn’t read your homework. And three, one day you’re going to be very, very disappointed.” The class erupted in laughter, and Mary’s cheeks turned bright red. It was a moment no one in the classroom would forget anytime soon.
