You know, it's really rather refreshing to update a story like this. It's been a while I've read it and I hardly remember what happens in it, and so I can look at it with sort of a new perspective, which really helps me pick out conflicting details that I never noticed when I was writing it chapter-by-chapter before.
The next few days of school were, once again, awkward between Wanda and Ralphie, but for a slightly different reason. Keesha knew there was something going on, but decided not to mention it just yet.
"Good morning, class!" Ms. Frizzle said one day the following week, as she entered her classroom for the first class of the day.
"Good morning, Ms. Frizzle," the students chorused. Just like old times.
"This morning we'll be taking a look at famous scientists of the past," Ms. Frizzle started, but she was interrupted when Keesha unconsciously let out a sigh.
"Keesha? Anything the matter?" she queried.
"Nothing... not really. Recently I've been wanting to be some sort of scientist—as you all know, I can never settle on one career for long—but I don't think I'd be very good at it. I'm terrible at math, and it's a big part of science..."
After Keesha's explanation, Ms. Frizzle got that well-known glint in her eyes. "Why, what a perfect time to bring that up!"
After only a moment more, the much anticipated announcement came:
"Field trip, everyone!"
Ms. Frizzle would not reveal their destination, not even a hint. Only Tim, D.A. and Phoebe noticed that she pulled the same lever on the dashboard as she did on the last field trip... which was actually quite observant of them, considering the rather cramped surroundings.
The van was encircled with the same tornado-like wind, this time everyone noticing, so they all guessed they were going back in time again. Though some of the more careful thinkers had already suspected this, as Ms. Frizzle had announced that their study topic was famous scientists of the past.
The class exited the Magic School Van, expecting to see another plague-like landscape, but instead a more up-to-date scene was before them.
"Welcome to the early 20th century," Ms. Frizzle said. When nobody else spoke up, she beckoned for them to follow and she started off through the old American streets.
Though it might have been thought strange that she seemed to know her way around the unfamiliar place perfectly, no one had time to dwell on the matter, because they reached their destination very quickly.
"Does anyone have an idea as to who we're visiting?"
"..."
"Famous scientist..."
"..."
"Early 1900s..."
"...Napoleon Dynamite?"
"Carlos!"
Ms. Frizzle grinned. "We'll just see." She knocked on the door and it was promptly answered by a man with rather flyabout, graying hair.
"Ah, Ms. Frizzle, I've been expecting you!"
"Hello, Al," the teacher greeted him.
"Al, as in Albert Einstein?" said Tim.
"Yes, that's me. Come in, everyone."
Einstein had them all sit in the parlous, in chairs he gathered from around the house. Once they were all settled, he addressed the class.
"My dear friend Ms. Frizzle says you are a few children she teaches, and that you would like me to tell you a bit about science, right?"
The class decided to go along with it. They nodded.
"Where to begin? There is so much. Theories, concepts, linking ideas... There is simply too much to tell all in one sitting. What would you like to know?" Einstein regarded the kids eagerly.
D.A. was, of course, the first to speak up. "What could you tell us about your Theory of Relativity?"
Einstein's eyes lit up as he explained to the class all about his famous theory, and the author didn't go into detail since she didn't want to look it up on Google.
The children were soon engrossed in his knowledgeable explanations, asking question after question.
"What else do you want to know?" Einstein asked after finishing a brief description of molecular motion.
After a moment's hesitation, Keesha asked her burning question. "What does it take to be a scientist?"
"Love of science, for one thing. Curiosity. Persistence. Imagination. Patience." He paused.
"But if I were to be a scientist, would I have a lot of trouble with equations?" Keesha asked. "I'm not good with math."
Einstein chuckled. "Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics. I can assure you mine are still greater."
There was a bit of a silence, then...
"I read that quote on the internet once," Arnold whispered.
"Pursue your dreams of science, overcome all obstacles. Never give up. That's the way to make life what you want it to be," Einstein said to Keesha, though he could not fathom why a black child would be allowed to participate in school, much less a female. Come to think of it, there were quite a few females in this group of students...
Perhaps noticing his curious glances at the girls, Ms. Frizzle stood up from her chair. "Well, Al, I'm sorry to cut this short, but we really must be getting back. We'll be sure to visit soon."
"I understand. Have a safe trip."
Ms. Frizzle and her students went back to the van and began the process of returning to the school. Keesha walked into the classroom much happier than she had that morning, convinced that she would be able to stick to this dream.
Ok, another end-of-chapter disclaimer. Since originally writing this, it has come to my attention that Einstein never said that thing about him being bad at math. In fact, he was rather amazing at math, and was very confused about how that quote got started. However, we're going to pretend that it's true in this universe, because it just makes for such a cute chapter.
Also, I know it's rather poor form to narrate my own thoughts in the middle of a chapter (that bit about not wanting to Google the theory of relativity) but hey, I kinda liked it. So it stays.