/sci/ - Science & Math

>Remember guys, there is no such thing as a dumb question! :3

Any teachers here?
Why do 7-10th graders turn their brains off when in class?
>Be teachers assistant
>Working with really entertaining and passionate general science teacher for 9th graders
>At the beginning of class he poses a question then has a discussion where he gives easy to understand explanations for why something is
>Today we learned about Radioactive decay
>Teacher uses visual aids, shows the kids videos and draws pictures explaining it
>Right after showing a video he picks a random students and asks them what radio active decay is
>"I don't know"
>Asks another student
>"I don't know"
>Gives the students 5 more minutes to discuss radioactive decay
>What is radio active decay
>"I don't know"
>Teacher is visually hurt and upset"
What the hell is wrong with pre-teens and young teens? Why do they willingly sit in class with do nothing and turn off their brain? Is there any solution at all to this? How can these children expect to even work at mcdonalds?