Things I have enjoyed most:
- Students saying, “YAY Science!” when I enter the room with my push-cart full of materials.
- Providing tactile materials for students to learn from and making that a priority in my teaching.
- Seeing students safely struggle to make something “work” as we go through the engineering design process.
- Being forced to learn about new technologies as our world is ever-changing and bringing them into our science curriculum when applicable.
That last point is what I have been reflecting on most. It is truly incredible how many of the structures of teaching have remained familiar and traditional, yet over time so much has changed. For example, the use of solar panels. In my experience of learning about electricity and energy in elementary school we were extremely lucky if were were able to get to use a battery, wire, and lightbulb to learn about circuits. I remember my science teacher modeling this at the front of the room, and a handful of students being able to "test it out". The bulk of my scientific learning at that age came from textbooks and the occasional Bill Nye video series when my teacher had the clunky tv and VCR signed out from the equipment closet. Now, my students work in cooperative pairs and are using solar panels pairs, a fan and motor, led lights, buzzers, and even learning about power plants, why blackouts happen and converters of energy. I have seen the engagement and participation skyrocket when being able to use these types of materials to further learning.
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| Students using a solar panel to create a fan and motor system |
As teachers we are lifelong learners, but I have found that I truly appreciate learning and teaching about new technologies that will potentially help solve energy issues in our future. I did not initially know how a solar panel functioned before teaching about them, but now it brings up in depth conversations about ways in which we can save energy in our city, but also around the world. These are the important conversations that students should be having in their classrooms. Hands-on materials can truly help spark those topics and be a great platform to begin those meaningful conversations.
At the end of the day though, what’s more fun than having your students go home and say, “Hey Mom, In science class I used a solar panel today!”? I am glad that gone are the days of solely teaching out a textbook with a scarce amount of hands-on materials being used.
