Effecting Change

As the only sixth grade science teacher in my building, my only science colleagues are the seventh and eighth grade science teachers. Unfortunately, our eighth grade science teacher, who has been teaching less years than me, refuses to take suggestions or advice from others. He is very dedicated to working straight from the textbook and does not wish to stray from it. Needless to say, he and I do not see eye-to-eye on what science education looks like. I struggle with him on a regular basis as to the progression of science skills students should possess has they move through the middle school. We did however hire a new seventh grade science teacher this past year and she has already tried several inquiry-based labs with her students. It has been great to work with her and share the ideas I have gained through my masters program. Through the next school year, I hope to work with her to develop expectations for our students so that their science skills can continue to grow. In the fall I will be hosting a student teacher for the first time. I believe this will be an excellent opportunity to work with another science educator to share the ideas of STEM and inquiry-based learning.

Where I would like to see a greater connection is with the elementary students. Teachers at the elementary level are required to teach great deals of reading, writing, and math, leaving little time for science or social studies. My hope would be to collaborate with these teachers to develop ways to integrate science into their math and technology time frames. I also believe that pulling science into their reading and writing would be extremely beneficial as it introduces students to informational reading and writing.

I realize that in a district that stresses the importance of reading, writing, and math, science tends to take a back seat. My overall goal is to help others see how science can actually connect to any subject and to stress the importance of our students exploring STEM education.

Is Our Sputnik Upon Us?

Friedman’s article brought up some points that I believe we, as Americans, are sometimes afraid to face. Without a doubt I believe in personal sacrifices in order to help others, but you must wonder how much of help are we? When do we need to step back and focus on ourselves? With national, state, and local budget talks constantly in the media it does concern me that we are sending so much of our money overseas while we have such struggles here at home. I hear within my district and through friends at other schools the cutbacks and layoffs that are taking place. The state of Michigan cut over $100 billion from its school budget this year. I keep thinking, with a lack of money and therefore resources, how can we make such post-Sputnik changes? What will cause us to finally realize that a spark within our own system is needed?

Data and tests show that American youth are below average in math and science in comparison to other countries. Shouldn’t this be enough of a wakeup call? One of the leading countries produces less than average students. Our focus needs to be on these subjects and producing students that possess skills that cannot be outsourced to other parts of the world. Children are our future. Actually, I would change that to say educated children are our future. Educated in such a way that they are prepared for global competition and hold skills that are unique and desired by other countries. I believe a change such as this take both monetary investments and a change in mindset at the federal, state, and local levels.