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Secret of the Wild Child

Viewing Ideas

Before Watching

1. This episode examines the "nature vs. nurture" controversy. "Nature" is the "you're just born that way" part of development and includes the genetic features that people inherit from their parents. "Nurture" refers to the way people are affected by their environment, and includes such factors as upbringing, training, and education.

2. Brainstorm a list of behaviors or traits that may be the result of "nature" and a list of traits affected by "nurture." One example of a "nature" trait is eye color. A person's preferences in clothing styles might be determined by "nurture."

3. Discuss and define with your students the difference between nature and nurture. Are some things affected by both nature and nurture? What about speaking? Walking? Loving? Intelligence? Body size? Try creating a third list of behaviors or traits that is affected by both nature and nurture.

After Watching

1. Discuss with your students how this show affected them. Have them write a paragraph describing how they feel about the way Genie's parents and the psychologists treated her. How would they have modified her treatment by the psychologists and foster parents?