The New Year is a great time to take stock. What have we learned? What mysteries have been solved? Where should we go from here? A Reality Revival offers an opportunity to hold up to the world our current understanding of reality as illuminated by the discoveries and explorations of science. It is a chance to help educate ourselves about what we know and why, what mysteries have been solved and what questions we have answered. It also affords us a chance to question the unrealistic ideas that circulate widely within our societies and play the "Back to Life, Back to Reality" theme song (musician forthcoming) at concert volume.

Science is our most precious tool, wrote Albert Einstein. It provides us not just with one tool but an entire toolbox of skills and instruments that can help us to navigate through reality. Skepticism and critical inquiry are to be found within the tool kit of science and when we employ them throughout our lives we stand a better chance at reaching our goals and making our dreams come true. We have an advantage in that these tools allow us to probe the very fabric of reality, thereby steering our choices and behaviors in a way that fits well with such a reality and is more likely to work and get the results we desire.

If you're interested in planning a Reality Revival, here are some ideas for activities to include:

Solved Mysteries Production

Much like the Unsolved Mysteries prime-time television program, think about how you might put on a similar production, via skits, show-and-tell, school projects, or as a class newsletter. Generate interest and excitement by first explaining the mystery to be solved and the odd and unusual characteristics this mystery may hold or the difficulties that exist in solving it. Explain the facts that have been observed and any details of the phenomena. Conclude with how science was able to solve this mystery and what details were gleaned from the scientific investigation. When all is said and done, stamp the mystery SOLVED with as much pomp and ceremony as you can muster.

Annual Science Discoveries

In addition to the discoveries and explorations that have been made in the past, place special emphasis on the past year's achievements in science. Students can tackle a particular field and choose an advancement that has been made in this area. Displays, exhibits and lists can be created and presented to others. Students can also pretend to be a historical figure that discovered or invented something worthwhile in the past. They can give a first hand account about their discovery or invention to the rest of the class.

More ideas? Let us know!