Change Beyond My Classroom

Going beyond my classroom to ensure that all students are receiving a high-quality science education is important. One example of this is how I utilize district resources to bring science activities into our school.  Specifically, I rented Star Lab, an inflatable planetarium. I used the Star Lab to engage my students in a unique experience that helped them learn about our earth and solar system.  In addition, I worked with other science teachers in my school to use the Star Lab during a school-wide science night. The science night was aimed at bringing parents into the school, and helping them understand more about our science program.  My initiative to bring Star Lab to our school gave all students and their families an opportunity to gain knowledge about science education.

An additional action I took to bring high-quality science instruction into my school was attending a class focusing on combining science with the common core state standards.  With the information I gained, I was able to share with my school’s science department. I was able to communicate unique strategies for using more writing and reading in the science classroom.  Sharing these resources and information gave my colleagues an opportunity to plan lessons that are both rich in science content and language arts skills.

There are always challenges when trying to implement new approaches in teaching. Some of my coworkers have not been supportive in wanting to apply hands-on activities or fully incorporating other subjects into the science classroom.  I believe that students must become involved with science activities to learn the concepts behind them.  Science is about asking “why” and discovery how things in our world work.  Sitting at a desk does not tap into this natural curiosity. Luckily, my administrators are supportive of my efforts to bring more lab experiences into the classroom. As a result, I will continue to implement these activities regardless of the lack of participation from my colleagues.  Hopefully my coworkers will see the benefits of this experience from my modeling. 

Global Competition

I was surprised by the content of the article “What’s Our Sputnik?” I was expecting commentary focusing on the technology of our time.  Instead, Friedman discussed many political choices that have affected the culture of our country. He used Sputnik as an example to illustrate how competition with the Soviet Union inspired Americans to become aware of our deficit in science education.

Sadly, we have returned to a time where the emphasis on the importance of science education has dwindled. There is a greater concern for personal identity and possessions than for education. Until families begin to value education over superficial desires, we will struggle more and more with national improvement and global competition. 

So, what can be done to reignite the interest in science and technology that Sputnik provided?  Well, Friedman suggests we adopt an attitude like that of the people of Taiwan; “who, through hard work, have amassed the fourth-largest foreign currency reserves in the world. They got rich digging inside themselves, unlocking their entrepreneurs, not digging for oil. They took responsibility. They got rich by asking: "How do I improve myself?" Not by declaring: "It's all somebody else's fault. Give me a handout" (Friedman, 2010). Once Americans realize that individual responsibility is at the heart of change, we will begin to transform the values of our nation.

As a teacher, I am in a unique position to discuss these important character traits with my students to instill positive changes. I am able to inform my students about the need for careers in science.  I can encourage them to take on the personal responsibility of working hard to help benefit their classroom, school, homes, and community. I am concerned about the educational state of our country, but hopeful that individuals in America will choose to make a change that will benefit the greater good. 

Reference:

Friedman, T. L. (2010, January 17). What’s our Sputnik? [Op-Ed]. The New York Times [Late Edition (East Coast)], p. WK.8.