1. A Shot Of Reality The Complete Answer To: “Why do I have to do this?” and “When will I EVER need to know this?”

2. FACT #1 The United States public education system’s goal is to teach students to be well-rounded individuals who will be able to either: 1.Enter college, pick a major, graduate, and get a professional career 2.Be able to attend a vocational school and become a member of skilled trade (eg. Plumber) 3.Be able to succeed in the service sector (eg. MacDonald's)

3. “Why do I have to do this?” 1.This class is part of becoming a well-rounded student 2.Taking a variety of classes in high school allows you to find what you are interested in other than texting and going to 3.To graduate from high school, you need to take at least two years of science (AKA: You need to pass this class!)

4. “When will I EVER need to know this?” Honestly, it depends on what you are whining about: 1.Temperature, Weather, and Measuring = Um, you encounter those a lot! 2.Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion, Ridge Push, and Antarctic Bottom Water = Yeah, other than this class, you might not ever need to know these concepts That’s thinking about the small picture I want you to think about the BIG picture…

5. FACT #2 A high school diploma and college degree are not options anymore. YOU NEED THEM! Here’s what they tell an employer: 1.I have the ability to learn and complete the tasks asked of me 2.I am comitted to work hard *EVEN IF I DON’T WANT TO DO IT SOMETIMES*  3.I can adapt to new ways of thinking

6. FACT #3 On average, the more education you receive, the more money you will make, and the less you will be without a job (AKA: No degree = No Monee) *This Is The United States Average*

7. “But we live in California…” I’m glad you said that… Salary Based On Education (2008) --California--Yearly Average ($) StateAverage: 37,363 -Less than high school graduate 19,797 -High school graduate (includes equivalency) 29,791 -Some college or associate's degree 38,044 -Bachelor's degree 53,826 -Graduate or professional degree 75,117

8. “How does California compare?” You Are Here

9. “Dude, I’m gonna make bank!” Not so fast…

10. “You want how much for THAT?” You Are Here

11. “Silly, Mr. Fox, I can get by with very little money” Alright smart guy, let’s do some math… “But this is a science class” Hush! This is my class; you’re mine now! Oaky, you want to make this much per year “Once I’m out of here, I’m gonna make me some money” $29,791 ÷ 12 months = $2,483 per month Salary Based On Education (2008) --California-- Yearly Average ($) StateAverage: 37,363 -Less than high school graduate 19,797 -High schoolgraduate 29,791 -Some college or associate's degree 38,044 -Bachelor's degree 53,826 -Graduate or professional degree 75,117

12. “So, how much does it cost to live without my parents?” * Know this up front: I will NEVER fudge facts during this class, these are REAL costs! “OMG! I’m screwed!” Better find a bunch of roommates! Good times, eh? ItemAvg. Cost House Mortgage $2,500 Utilities $400 Car Payment $250 CarInsurance $120 Gas $150 Food $500 Health Insurance $150 PersonalHygiene $100 Entertainment $500 Cell Phone $50 Cable/Internet $100 TOTAL $4,820 YOU MAKE $2,483 YOU’RE SHORT $2,337

13. FACT #4 Living on your own costs a lot and is stressful. Go ask your parents if you do not believe me! If you listen to me, you will average at least $4,100 a month… … by yourself!

14. “People that work in skilled trade make next to nothing” WRONG! 2010 Salaries In California Source: www.indeed.com AWESOME Site JobAvg. Salary Plumber$47,000 Electrician$48,000 Pipe Fitter$46,000 Crane Operator$49,000 Carpenter$36,000 Chef$48,000 Personal Chef$80,000 Heavy Duty Equipment Technician $51,000 Ironworker$44,000 PowerlineTechnician $66,000 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer $98,000

15. Moral of the story: “Why do I have to do this?” “When will I EVER need to know this?” Why? 1.Get a good job 2.Make good money 3.Move the heck out of your parents’ house 4.Make the most of your life! So you can: