Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?

By AtomiK Kitten, published Feb 25, 2007
Published Content: 27  Total Views: 7,213  Favorited By: 8 CPs
Rating: 4.9 of 5
While I love to think that I am smarter than the average 10 year old (especially since I have 18 years of life experience under my belt), I don't know all my state capitals (but I can read a map), I still have trouble with fractions (at least when it comes to algebra), and sometimes my third grader corrects my grammar (thank you country livin').

Yet unlike those my own age (and a few years younger) I can find Iraq on the map, I have the Preamble memorized (since 7th grade), I can name the three branches of government, and I can tell you what a bill takes to become a law.

This new "game show" only teaches us that we won't always use what we learn in school. Yes knowing the capitals of the states is a good idea, but when you're 35 do you need to know the capital of a state you don't live in? Not always; after all, we've got Google.

Although I may not always remember the exact definition of a pronoun, I can explain the concept of a fraction so a kid "gets it". Sure, my third grader may need to correct my grammar from time to time, but I only screw up because I had kids...ever heard of Deficient Noun Disease? It's where your counter becomes "that thingy" and your son becomes, "hey you". That's what you get for having kids and that's why I'm not smarter than a fifth grader...but I'd like to see a fifth grader figure out how to feed a family of 4 on $50 for two weeks. No? I didn't think so.

Will I watch it? You betcha...mostly out of morbid curiosity...partly because I want to see if my sons (ages eight and six) are smarter than a fifth grader. Yet you have to wonder...why do adults put themselves through this?

Takeaways
  • intelligence
  • tv
  • are you smarter than a fifth grader
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
 
 
To whom and where do we send questions for the show? We have one from each of our kindergarten classes at Laurel Hill School in Laurel Hill, Fl.

Posted on 04/27/2008 at 3:04:52 PM

 
I am looking for the address to send in a question so that my grandchild can try to get a computer lab for her school, from, Are You Smater Than A Fifth Grader.

Posted on 04/10/2008 at 7:04:05 AM

 
I LOVE this article...love the show, too, although I hate to be reminded that I'm not always smarter than a fifth grader. But you're right; we don't use/remember everything we're taught in school because it becomes irrelevant information. And by the way...I am SO glad I know have a name for why the names of things fly out of my head at innappropriate times. Deficient Noun Disease...love it!

Posted on 06/28/2007 at 7:06:00 AM

 
I must get a tv and start watching television again! When I moved to California and told adults, who asked, I was from Pennsylvania, they would ask is that near Philadelphia? I do not know if today's 5th grader knows all 50 states and I have long forgotten all the capitals of them. I do know I have learned things from kids in the 5th grade and younger. Like how to turn on a computer and what to do when Spellcheck tells you, you made an error typing in your name~the same way you have been spelling for a lifetime. Sounds like a fun show, but I'll bet it is fixed using the smartest kids and lest intelligent adults.

Posted on 06/16/2007 at 10:06:00 PM

 
I was wondering something, how do they pick the contestants? I mean in a show like Jeopardy you have to answer questions to prove that your intelligent level would be up the questions on the show. So what, do people answer questions and the show sees how many they miss and whether or not the show would be a challenge? Great article, sorry about the babbling. :p

Posted on 06/02/2007 at 10:06:00 PM

 
LOL you're so funny. I love your wtitings sis :) I bet those boys give you a run for your money... hehe

Posted on 02/25/2007 at 6:02:00 PM

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