Mrs. Sweeny

Mrs. Sweeny is the teacher who pairs Mandy Straussberg and Max Hampton for a biology presentation about the mouth. She hopes forced cooperation will end their constant teasing and arguments, but the students initially divide the assignment and work separately. Max plans to contribute nothing so Mandy will receive her first failing grade. After Mandy responds to his loneliness with unexpected kindness, he changes course and builds a mechanical jaw that chews, cracks walnuts, and explodes in smoke during class. Mandy hides her polished model so his effort can be noticed. Mrs. Sweeny gives her an A, recognizing that the most important work was not the perfect project but Mandy's decision to encourage a classmate she found difficult.