Teaching science will always be important because it teaches our students how the world works. I work in an elementary school every morning, and I like to ask my kids how school is going and what they are learning. I have never once had a child tell me about a science related activity. They all tell me about the books they are reading and the math they work on everyday. There is nothing wrong with reading or math, in fact, they are essential to a student’s education. Does that mean science isn’t that important? There is no way these students will be fully prepared if we continue to leave science out of the classroom. Every aspect of daily life has something to do with science. We need to make it a focal point in our classrooms.
That is a really good point. Now that I think of it, whenever I ask kids about their day they don't mention science at all. I think we need to find time to fit more science into our daily schedule because it is a very important subject to learn.
ReplyDeleteI once again agree. You don't hear a lot about science in the younger grades at school. I had a teacher tell me that she tries to fit in Science at the end of the day, but it may get bumped if the schedule doesn't allow or because of teacher fatigue. I was slightly confused by what teacher fatigue meant. I think science is all around us like Katelyn said so it is important to include that! I always thought science was interesting and fun so of course I would include it in my class. Do elementary students taking the ITBS have to take the Science portion anymore? For some reason I don't think they have to anymore. That could be a reason why it is so easy for teachers to just push Science aside.
ReplyDeleteYou are right that science is important in everyday life. However, this can be taken too far. If you didn't understand the concept density, you would likely still live a very normal and productive life. So then why teach science? Consider how you might use science instruction to work toward your goals for students.
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