At the heart of science lies discovery. Scientists ask a question or encounter a problem and seek to discover the answer or ask more questions. So why do we teach science in the opposite way? Today we are going to discuss traditional teaching methods and why they are no longer working in today’s classroom. 

• Teacher as the keeper of information

  • Everything is “googleable”

  • When we give students the information, we take away their ability to discover it.

  • Discovery/inquiry learning increases our student’s understanding.

• Let’s think about our “why”

  • Why did you become a science teacher?

    • To foster a passion for science exploration, expand critical thinking, and help students become citizen scientists

• So not what?

  • The age of standardized testing has driven educators to teach memorization of facts. Students across the country have lost the ability to critically think and our understanding of science has declined.

• How do we fix this?

  • In a world where students are only concerned about grades, how do we flip traditional teaching on its end? The old phase “start with the end in mind” applies here.

  • We need to let our students THINK, DISCOVER & LEARN on their own. And if you are thinking, “they can’t”, I guarantee they will surprise you!

• So where do you start?

  • Refocus your “why”.  Try to remember why you love teaching science and get back to the heart of why you started teaching. Use this free worksheet to help!

  • Find ways to infuse the love of discovery into your lessons.

    • Warm ups

    • Letting students ask questions