Running head: WHY SCIENCE?

Why Science?

Jerika Baldin

0546514

Dr. Bartley

Lakehead University

ED-4262

September 18th, 2017

WHY SCIENCE?

My past experiences with science shaped my perspective towards learning and teaching this

beautiful subject. Throughout my educational degree I have encountered teachers who changed my

outlook towards science for the better. These individuals all possessed similar characteristics. They

were highly enthusiastic, innovative, and passionate towards their specific area of expertise, which

resulted in students entering class everyday eager to learn. Their lessons were very interactive which

created a welcoming learning environment for all. It created an atmosphere where students were able to

learn from the teacher, as well as, through interacting with their peers. In addition, many of my past

science teachers would constantly make connections to real life situations. It is extremely important for

teachers to remain up to date on the nature of science; technology, science and the environment. The

teachers who I look up to the most are one’s that never stop learning. Science is involved in everything

we do, so relating it to the real world is crucial. I highly recommend this teaching tactic to all teachers.

The curriculum may teach students how to do something; however, exceptional teachers help their

students understand the “why” by applying subjects to real life situations. It increases the students

interest in the subject when they are able to see how they can apply what they have learned in their day

to day lives.

One teacher in particular that inspired my passion to learn and teach science was my grade twelve

physics instructor. He took the time to construct lessons that involved a variety of learning methods

such as, the use of video technology, hands on experiments, group projects, etc. Everyone learns in a

unique way and at different rates, so using multiple approaches to teaching ensures all students are

given equal opportunity in understanding the material. This specific teacher planned and prepared a

different activity for each lesson that yielded a physical representation of what we learned in class that

day. For example, we set off bottle rockets, designed our own rollercoasters, and participated in a

science Olympics event. From partaking in these experiences when we reached the test date we were
WHY SCIENCE?

able to think back to a real-life object or event rather than trying to recall the information from a lecture

note. I, without a doubt, have never learned more about the world than I did in his classroom. This

exceptional teacher also influenced me to get involved in the science community. He took the time

outside of class to organize a science club and other science related events in and around our school.

This gave students the opportunity to explore science in a relaxed environment. As you can see, he was

the type of teacher that went above and beyond the curriculum expectations to show students that

science is not something we should fear, but rather embrace, which is the type of teacher I strive to be

someday.

On the other hand, I did have a few teachers that taught very dry lessons which often lead to

student’s lack of motivation and desire to learn. These teachers did not have a positive impact on life

through science. Their inability to engage students influenced me to want to teach science so that future

students do not have to go through the same thing I did. Teachers that portray these characteristics often

instruct their lessons through lecturing and note taking. This approach to teaching is not ideal in

creating a positive learning environment. Promoting inquiry requires that teachers ask good questions

to prompt student thinking. In my future classroom, I plan to create a safe and inclusive atmosphere that

encourages student contributions. My ultimate goal is for my students to enter into a classroom where

students and the teacher are respected as co-questioners. There are many teachers opposed to this style

of teaching as it deems them to be at the same level as the student, but that is not the case. This teaching

approach simply allows the students to further develop their ideas and conceptual thinking. An

individual who emanates a passion for their subject area directly influences their students interest.

When a teacher thoroughly enjoys a particular subject, and expresses their love through their lessons it

often heightens student’s curiosity, resulting in them becoming more interested in the topic at hand. I

hope my love for science inspires my future students to pursue science at the post-secondary level. In
WHY SCIENCE?

addition, I think it is highly important that teachers develop a positive relationship with each one of

their students. In doing so, the students will feel more comfortable to approach you with questions

and/or concerns. As future teachers, we are responsible for ensuring the proper intellectual development

for all students. Once you have developed a relationship with your students you now possess the ability

to adapt your lessons to suit the needs of all different types of learners to guarantee everyone has equal

opportunity to be successful.

Students entering into classes like science or math are often nervous and immediately resort to

thinking their abilities are not good enough. As a future teacher, I hope to transform students outlook

towards challenging subjects. Once students are able to get past the fear of learning these difficult

subjects they will get to see the beauty and power behind them. Science is everywhere around us and

for that reason alone everyone should learn a portion of science before they complete their secondary

education. From melting ice, to flying across the world, and everything in between, these phenomena all

involve some aspect of science. All students need to be more informed about the world around them

and it is through the subject of science that they will accomplish this. The world is constantly changing

and you will never fully comprehend these concepts until you understand the theories behind it. For

example, we could look out the window in the fall and see the colours of the leaves changing and is it a

truly beautiful sight to see, but we will not fully understand until we ask ourselves why this happens.

Once you have figured out the “why” of basic topics you are able to transfer your knowledge to real life

applications. Even if you are not invested in the topic of science it is a subject that teaches you how to

be a critical thinker. Thinking critically is fundamental to learning and is essential to becoming a

functioning member of society. Learning science will broaden your horizons and open many doors for

you in the future. Science is the backbone to research and if no one was exposed to the subject of

science our world would not have evolved into the beautiful place we call home.