Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Science Education- The RIGHT Way!!!!

Today DV and I went to our local science museum.

Let me tell you, I was so pleased! There were SO many classes taking field trips and having a ball it made me all sunny inside!

Formerly, I taught high school chemistry. The experience gave me an appreciation for what is lacking in early science education. No one teaches the kids that science is fun!!

Chemistry is SO cool (can be anyway)! I couldn't even get some kids interested in explosions or other really exciting demonstrations- shockingly some student even found making and eating homemade ice cream (to demonstrate the freeze-lowering properties of salt) boring.

It was an uphill battle all year to get my students to realize that science can be fun. However, I think the main problem lies with early science education or lack thereof. Most elementary teachers that I knew didn't have enough time/background to do much with science. And, what they did do came from handouts.

No wonder students think science is a chore!

So- I think science education, especially for elementary students should be like going to the science museum. Lots of variety- cool demonstrations- relevant concepts!!!!

OK- I'm off my soap box now.

I hope DV has good science teachers...

3 comments:

Special K ~Toni said...

Yep! I am one of those who just doesn't 'get it' when it comes to science. Luckily my 13 yo loves it and gets it! Mythbusters is his favorite show. Favorites are when they blow stuff up.

Heather said...

The Heir would love to see you blow something up. haha!

One Tired Mom said...

I know what you mean. I taught a high school biology summer course last summer and I couldn't get the students interested in anything! It drove me nuts!! It was bad enough I turned down the job for this summer.