Curriculum Minutes - Creative Science Teaching for the 21st Century

Reflection of “What’s Growing In Our Neighborhood?” - 2nd Grade Lesson            Ginny Townsend’s teaching approaches in which she guides 2nd grade students in a study of the vegetation in the neighborhood of their school demonstrates inquiry learning. Having students collect data by taking pictures as they walk around the neighborhood and journal their findings, Townsend is having students participate in scientific processes scientists use to make observations about the world around them (Joyce, 2003). The data is then examined and classified using digital resources. Students then synthesize information by creating a PowerPoint presentation to create a “virtual plant walk” and share it with other classes and parents (Joyce, 2003).            This student-centered lesson provides students with the experiences to develop science literacy and conceptual understanding of how organisms are categorized. By having students gather data using digital tools and journaling, this represents auth

Stereotypes in Education Stereotypes about educators exist in our society. I have experienced many stereotypes early on in my career. The second year I started teaching was the year Oklahoma had its’ teacher walkout. During this time, I realized how teachers are viewed by society. When teachers asked for a livable wage it was proclaimed that teachers did not really care about their students and that we should not teach for income. This brought me to the realization that education has been built on the idea of martyrdom and has been precariously constructed on the unpaid overtime of degree holding professionals. The gaslighting phrase of “Teachers teach for the outcome, not the income.” is intended to make teachers feel like they are making this sacrifice for the greater good when in reality it is devaluing the expertise and professionalism educators bring to the profession. I want to believe that these stereotypes can change, but there must be a shift in the current zeitgeist.  My reac