Student Invincibility.

One of the biggest misconceptions that my students have is the notion of human invincibility.

How do you effectively address this?

The idea that humans are immune to nature is a very common problem that I see in the classroom. It's so bad that it keeps students from fully appreciating how big of an impact we have on the natural environment.

Some students are also extraordinarily reluctant to even listen to the possibility that we're animals. This is related to the whole idea of evolution and origin of species we discuss that get some students really riled up.

I just can't see how to address this since this is a significant form of bias to think that you're on top of the food chain or to think that the forces of nature don't apply to you because you're human.

Isn't it strange how we place ourselves on this evolutionary high horse? I suppose it's a product of upbringing. Though I know that some of these kids have been through more than I could possibly imagine, it doesn't change the laws of nature.

Ah well...