Effecting change at the school level

I feel that science takes a back seat to the rest of the subjects in elementary schools these days. I make an effort to make sure that does not happen in my classroom. I also try to encourage my colleagues to do the same. One way that I am trying to help encourage them to be more proactive is inform them about the scientific-inquiry approach to teaching science. I have shared with the the articles and readings that I have had to do for my class, and they seem very interested in them. They have asked me keep sharing the info that I have with them. I am also working on grants to get more science equipment for my school.

Our New Sputnik

When the Russians launched sputnik it caused America to put an emphasis on science education. We did not want to be left behind in exploration of space. Now things have changed. In Thomas Freidman's article, "What's Our New Sputnik?" he talks about the fact that America needs to shift our priorities when it comes to science education (2010). I agree with that, because if we do not find a way to make science education more of a priority in this country then we will be left behind. It is a shame that so many kids no longer have the passion for science that we once had. I think that early elementary teachers should make it more of a priority to teach science in the classroom. We need to find ways to make it relevant to them, and show them how fun and exciting it can be.



References

Friedman, T. L. (2010, January 17). What’s our sputnik? [Op-Ed]. The New York Times [Late Edition (East Coast)], p. WK.8.
Retrieved from the Walden University Library using the ProQuest Central database.