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Informal Science

Keeping Students Engaged in the Science Classroom

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Emma Nelson Emma Nelson 615 Points

I was not too fond of the science classroom for most of my life. I was always confused, and the class pace moved way too fast. I felt left behind, and when it came to the tests, I always struggled. I think most of my issues are that I was just not interested in it. I would catch myself thinking about anything other than science. Maybe if I were more engaged in learning, I would see what others saw when learning in the science classroom. I am worried that because I am not science-driven, that will reflect in my teaching. How does one keep students actively engaged in the science classroom even when I am not over the moon about science?

Tasha Tuck Tasha Tuck 265 Points

I felt the same way when I was going through school. It was not till I got into high school that I became excited about science and that was all due to the teacher I had. He found ways to make science relevent in students day to day lives by  including students' names and intrest into the questions he assiged us. I use this method in my own classroom now and my students respond well to it. I also like to find fun activities/lab that are hands on and tailor those to my students. For example, I have a class of mostly athletes, so I try to find lab activities I can turn into a compatition or where they are racing a clock. I think if you make your lessons personal to the students, they will become more excited to see participate in whatever activity/lesson you are presenting to them. 

Melinda Garcia Melinda 650 Points

I must agree with you, I think it is important to make sure that science lessons and activities are fun for the student. The goal is to keep them engaged and ensure that they are learning at the same time. I think when a student finds a personal connection to the lessons, they are able to focus and become invested in the lesson. 

Brad Tanner Brad Tanner 30 Points

100% agree   If there is a personal connection it's a beautiful learning experience :) --

Isarely Salinas Isarely 320 Points

It's wonderful to hear about your journey with science education, and I can somewhat relate to your experiences. I always loved science but in my case, I had some discouraging teachers when I got to high school. Your story is a testament to the impact that teachers can have on their students' love for learning.

I'm so glad to hear that you found an inspiring high school teacher who made science come alive for you. It's clear that their approach left a lasting impression and influenced your own teaching style. Incorporating students' names and interests into your lessons is a fantastic way to personalize the learning experience and make it more engaging for them. And turning lab activities into competitions or time-based challenges is a brilliant idea, especially for a class of athletes.

I couldn't agree more with your philosophy that making lessons personal to the students is key to sparking their excitement and involvement. It's evident that you're a dedicated and passionate educator who truly cares about your students' learning experiences. I'm sure your students are fortunate to have you as their teacher, and they'll likely remember your classes with the same fondness and enthusiasm that you remember your high school science teacher's lessons.

Keep up the great work, and thank you for your commitment to nurturing the next generation's love for science. Your efforts are making a real difference in their lives!

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