BANG!

In Biology class we were learning about prokaryotic cells, and eukariotic cells, and plant cells vs. animal cells, all of which doesn't sound very interesting. But we kept getting off topic and talking about diseases.

"If you want to make a really effective biological weapon, anthrax is a good choice," said Ms. P, my Biology teacher. She continued to explain how there are three types of anthrax, and the kind that you inhale is almost 100% fatal.

Someone in the class made a comment about learning how to kill people in Biology class, and Ms. P immediately responded by launching into one of her stories.

"When I was 24 and stupid," she began, "I used to teach my classes how to make a dry bomb." (presumably a bomb that uses two powders that explode when put together.)

One day, one of her students came up to her and said, 'You know how you taught us how to make a bomb yesterday?'

'Yes,' she said hesitantly. 'Well, I made one,' said the student.

'Where is it?' Ms. P asked.

'I have it with me--In my backpack.'

"This kid was smart enough to know that he shouldn't leave it at home, and he didn't know what to do with it now that he had it, so he came to me," Ms. P told us.

"And he made a lot. I used to make just a little bit, and put it on the edge of a drawer, and then asked a student to close the drawer and it would go BANG! But this kid made a lot!"

So what did they do? Exploded it of course. There was nothing else they could do to get rid of it.

As soon as she finished her story, the entire class started asking, "so how do you make a bomb?"

"I'm not telling," said Ms. P.

I couldn't help but think, though, about how exciting and fun it would have been to be in that kid's situation--having to secretly set off a bomb with this crazy Biology teacher. I guess it's not a good thing that I think that sounded like fun, but...

-Rebecca