Teaching Science

After reading the first chapter of Science Stories by Janice Koch, I have started to think about my role as a elementary science teacher. Both the teacher and the student need to be open minded. This is important because everyone views science differently. They also exhibit scientific thinking differently. It is also important for teachers and students to work collaboratively. Working in groups is a great way to learn. For students, they get to hear opinions and observations from their peers. Not only is it fun for them to work with friends but working together develops team work. 

As I thought about working in teams, I remembered in fourth grade when I had to work on a project with my dad. We had to invent a compact machine that could be used in every day life. My dad and I unfortunately read the directions wrong. We ended up building what looked like a ski lift. The only problem with that was the ski lift had already been invented! This was a significant misconception. It showed the importance of reading directions. I ended up getting a bad grade on the project but I learned a valuable lesson. I have always read the directions to papers and assignments handed to me after that. This will be one of the first lessons I teach my students when I become a teacher. 

Not only is learning to read directions important but being able to recite and demonstrate what is learned is as well. Being able to do a science problem or an experiment is one thing but being able to explain it to someone shows that something was comprehended. Demonstrating a problem or an experiment is the next step. One way a teacher would demonstrate something is by using technology. There are many websites that contain educational games or videos. These are used to captivate students and they find it very enjoyable. When a student is learning something they have fun with they will remember more and understand more. 

I'm sure as I read further into Jane Koch's book I will understand how to make science lessons fun for students. I am looking forward to what I learn in chapter 2.