We’ll begin today with a note on the persuasive essay, then we’ll do a pre-reading exercise by responding to the following poem by Walt Whitman:

When I heard the learn’d astronomer,

When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,

When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide and measure them,

When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,

How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,

Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time.

Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.

Take a few moments and consider the degree to which you agree or disagree with the sentiment expressed in this poem and why. Jot down a few ideas and then we’ll share ideas in a four corners discussion.

Next you will read the essay “Science and Beauty” by Isaac Asimov and complete some analysis notes and discussion questions.

The questions and analysis notes are due Tuesday. (This is optional but if you missed questions for the narrative essay or essay of argument I highly recommend this.)