Sarah Olinghouse

Commentary: Our Apartheid—The Imperative of Multiculturalism in Science Education

Wed, Mar 04, 2015 11:03 AM
multiculturalism

This article stresses the importance of including more minority groups in science, specifically increasing the number of African Americans and Hispanics in science. The commentary suggests that the reason there are so few minorities in science is that the curriculum marginalizes minority groups. Therefore, it is important to takes steps to make science more welcoming to minority groups. It suggests specific steps for making science more welcoming. First, acknowledging the aspects of science that students are included and excluded. Second, help students see how science relates to them. Third, valuing classes that add more students to science, and placing less emphasis on “weed out” classes. Fourth, highlight the importance of the process of discovery, and place less importance on “facts”. Fifth, emphasize the student involvement in increasing knowledge, rather than assuming the teacher is the sole source of knowledge in the classroom. Sixth, acknowledge the difficulties certain groups have had in science, and the biases of science. Finally, acknowledge the negative effects that seemingly neutral tests can have on certain groups. The article states that the reason it is important to increase diversity in science is because having multiple viewpoints in science can lead to greater discoveries and understanding in science. This article was a nice quick commentary on the importance of implementing multicultural teaching practices in science classrooms, and easy steps to take to help make the classroom more multicultural.

Interdependence of Life: Population Balance in Biomes

Tue, Mar 03, 2015 4:41 PM
Biomes

This science object was a little bit boring; however, it had very important information. I think studying biomes may be more interesting through videos that show just how different plant and animal species thrive in the environment. The activities did make it a little easier to understand and interesting.

Coral Reef Ecosystems: Ecosystems in Crisis

Thu, Feb 26, 2015 11:12 AM
Education on coral reefs

We hear so much about coral reefs. We know they are important. We know they are beautiful. We know they are in danger. Unfortunately, most of us do not really know much more than that. I have always been interested in coral reefs, but they were never really discussed in significant detail in my classes. After completing this I feel more informed about WHY coral reefs are important, and WHY they are in danger. I also never knew coral reefs could have such a significant effect on the effects of tsunamis. After completing this I feel far more confident in my ability to teach students about the important impact of coral reefs, the dangers they face, and most importantly what we can do to help protect them.