Unfiltered Story #342032

To end of out unit on evolution, we have someone coming in to show us a study on sharks and how they have evolved. Before that happens, we are tasked with showing our students a video on Sharks that talks about evolution in some way.

Me: Okay class, so I’m going to give you a choice on which documentary you want to watch. One is a more science based documentary or we can watch the ‘mockumentary’ discovery realease on Megalodon. Now keep in mind, for that video some of it is fictionalized. However, what they say about evolution and other animals being discovered is real. So which one will it be?

For those who haven’t seen the Megalodon mockumentary, basically they weave fact with fiction and make it seem like Megalodon is still alive. Unsurprisingly, the whole class agrees to watch the Megalodon video, but I still stress that parts of it will be fiction. We begin watching it, and the class loves it, while I point out whats real and what’s acting. There is a long part where they explain the history of Megalodon, etc., and since its all fact, I don’t say anything for awhile. Then it gets to the part where they create a huge chum line to catch Megalodon. It’s obviously computer animated and I make a comment about this. Suddenly, I hear a voice from the back.

Student: Wait, it’s not real?

I look at the student confused for a brief second, when all of a sudden I realize that this student had missed my explanation at the beginning of the film and had come in half way through. He sat there for almost 30mins thinking this was real and growing more and more afraid of the ocean. Luckily, I was able to clear it all up and he felt much better.