Vision of Science

Vision Statement

At the beginning of this science methods course, I had no clear vision of what science learning in my classroom would look like.  My original vision statement was more a reflection on myself as a student of science than a plan of action.  Through the studies of this course, I have a more definite idea of how science will be taught in my classroom.  The standards emphasized in this block (student learning, diverse learners, instructional planning, instructional strategies, learning environment and assessment) provide the framework for this new vision.

            It is difficult to imagine how learning will take place in the classroom without first discussing the classroom environment.  Obviously, there should be plenty of space as well as the resources necessary to investigate the questions students have.  In addition to adequate resources, the learning environment should be a safe place, where students feel comfortable asking questions, sharing discoveries, and pursuing knowledge.

            In an effort to create an effective, safe learning environment for my students, I will need to find out exactly who my students are.  There are six questions that can be asked to obtain this information.  Who are my students?  What are their lives like?  Where do they live?  What interactions with nature are possible for them?  How do events that shape my students’ lives become opportunities to learn science?  How are my students’ beliefs about the nature of science informed by their cultural backgrounds and their gender? By asking these questions and using that information to inform my instruction will enable me to better teach to the diverse group of learners in my class.

            During this semester I have come to learn that the children should be at the center of teaching.  Students come to the classroom full of experiences that affect their future learning.  I have also learned that students have three roles as learners:  the active learner,...