By Julie Johansen
Castle Dale Library hosted a night for adults in connection with its quest for STEM exploration through a grant received from the National Science Foundation.
The Foundation chose the topic of Pushing The Limits of Knowledge. “Land of the Painted Cave,” by Jean M. Auel, was the literature for discussion. Librarian Roxanne Jensen gave a brief sketch of Auel’s books from the 1980s up to 2011 when this book was published. Other books of Auel include “Clan of the Cave Bear,” “Valley of the Horses,” “Mammoth Hunter” and “Rites of Passage.” These books describe what early people were like 30,000 years ago.
Emery High Language Arts Sterling Scholar Angelina Giroux gave a biographical history of the author. “Something that is learned can change humanity,” Auel is quoted. This was evident through Auel’s description of Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon man.
A couple of science foundation videos were included in the discussion. These videos explain the process of obtaining knowledge comes from challenge, questioning, assuming nothing or to open your eyes and start thinking. Four depths of knowledge were displayed as recall, skill and concept, strategic thinking, and extended thinking.
“If you don’t experiment you don’t know what your boundaries are,” Jensen said.
Culminating the evening were guest speakers Keith and Carolyn Randall. They discussed the changes they have seen in their lifetimes, from bare survival at the end of the World War I to the fluidity of today’s living.