Time Wasting

From SNAIL to HITLER?



I was recently introduced to an interesting on-line activity that is a complete waste of time. SIX DEGREES OF ADOLF HITLER. The purpose of this game is to make your way to the Hitler page on Wikipedia in six steps (by clicking the links) or less. You can start with any topic you want, no matter how obscure. Let's try it.

We'll start with the random topic of 'snail'

1. snail
2. milky way
3. ancient Greek
4. Germany
5. Adolf Hitler

Let's try again...

1. pillow
2. Industrial Revolution
3. Western Europe
4. Second World War
5. Adolf Hitler

As much of a waste of time as it seems to be, it really is a great thinking activity. One that I might someday be brave enough to use in a history class. It forces you to use your brain to think about how things could be connected. Like 'pillow' - it was first mass produced during the Industrial Revolution. In order to make a connection to Hitler, it would be helpful to know the Industrial Revolution began in Western Europe. Which would then connect you to WWII and then of course, Hitler. See?

NOW YOU TRY!