Whole Brainers
What are the two "rival schools" that the author is referring to in the text?
Whole Brainers and Localizers
Which sentence from paragraph 20 shows that the Localizers' research was limited by a lack of technology?
"Unfortunately, the Phrenologists have no way of knowing which part of the brain controls what" (20)
How does P.T. Barnum make his fortune according to the author in paragraph 2?
He made his fortune at the circus from tricking people.
What does the phrase "spins a great yarn" mean in paragraph 4 while describing Alton Blackington as a source of information about Phineas.
Alton Blackington might have made up many details about Phineas Gage's time at P.T Barnum's American Museum in order to make his story more interesting and entertaining. It's ultimately not reliable as a source of information.
What is our school slogan?
Burn Bright!
Which word in paragraph 18 helps the reader understand the meaning of "rival" in reference to the Whole Brainers vs. the Localizers?
"divided" (18)
How does the author feel about the Phrenologists' belief in the science of bumps on the head?
He is amused by it.
Which quote from paragraph 2 best supports the idea that P.T. Barnum made his money through tricking people?
"Barnum's special genius was 'improving' the unusual. Hype and humbug made Barnum's museum a roaring success" (2)
Which sentence from paragraph 24 proved the best evidence that Phineas' behavior changed after his accident?
"We have been informed by the best authority that after the man recovered, and while recovering, he was grossly profane, coarse, and vulgar, to such a degree that his society was intolerable to decent people" (24)
By following all Torch Expectations (task oriented, own our learning, respectful, collaborative, and helpful)
How was the brain structured according to the Whole Brainers?
It's a jelly cloud!
The brain is one "whole intelligence" and any part of the brain can give instruction or thought.
How was the brain structured according to the Localizers/Phrenologists?
They believed that "organs" inside the brain control specific functions. They thought that different organs could control different personality traits/emotions.
What does the phrase "spins a great yarn" mean in paragraph 4 while describing Alton Blackington as a source of information about Phineas.
Alton Blackington might have made up many details about Phineas Gage's time at P.T Barnum's American Museum in order to make his story more interesting and entertaining. He is ultimately not reliable as a source of information.
Why does the author include paragraph 21 between paragraphs 20 and 22?
1. To explain how later researchers will be able to use technology to visualize brain activity in ways that researchers in 1850 weren't able to
2. To support the claim that Phrenologists in 1850 have no way of knowing for sure which parts of the brain control what.
Name one thing that you've learned about ELA in Ms. Thompson's class and explain it a bit.
Answers will vary (Ms. Thompson decides if it is correct)
Which quote from paragraph 23 on page 276 shows how the Whole Brainers thought Phineas proved their case?
"Therefore, say the Whole Brainers, the whole brain must be able to preform any function of one part" (23)
In paragraph 25, the author states, "Dr. Sizers's report is wonderful news for the Localizers/Phrenologists"
Why was it "wonderful news" for the Localizers?
They thought that change in Phineas' personality proved that an injury to a specific part of the brain only affects a specific function of the brain.
Is Alton Blackington a reliable or unreliable source for information about Phineas Gage?
Find a quote to prove your answer.
Unreliable
"But that's as far as the details go, and Blackington's sources can't be found."
How would you summarize the first passage (paragraphs 18-27 starting on page 274)?
One group thinks the brain is one interconnected mind. The other group thinks the brain is divided into specific areas that control specific things. Ultimately, the human brain is both localized and interconnected.
What do we do every Friday?
DANCE PARTAYYYY!!!