Introduction- About Me.

I have always grown up around children and always had an interest in helping people. Putting the two together, I have gained a strong interest in helping children learn one day. During my high school time, I was an avid babysitter. I would take a babysitting job as much as I could. I also took part in a program called, "Early Childhood Education." This program was a two year program that I attended half day during my Junior and Senior year of high school. This program is where I gained such a stronger interest in becoming a teacher. I learned how to form lesson plans and how to work with young learners. After completing my certification here, I attended college where I am a History Major with a concentration in Elementary Education. I hope to graduate with my Bachelors and attend school for my Masters in Special Education. I would love to become an Elementary Special Education teacher. Right now, I work in a two and three year old class at a daycare. Working with children everyday is such an amazing part of my life. I love impacting their lives and helping them with whatever I can. I am so excited to see what my future has in store!

Science Fair Project

During my time in Science Methods course so far, we have mainly been preparing for lessons we are going to teach the class. We have also gotten to choose a topic that we will study more. This topic will be made into a project that will be shown at the Elementary School's Science Fair. The topic I have chosen to focus on is, How does color affect memory? I feel this topic is essential as well as interesting! I look forward to learning more about this topic.

Observations

Going into week 5, I have already learned so much through my science methods course. So far, two out of four groups have presented two lessons each to a 5th grade class. My group is approaching next and I have learned so much to complete for when I present my two lessons. Each group had a different topic. A Direct Instruction lesson as well as an Inquiry lesson was presented to the students. Students were kept engaged and were able to complete different activities during each lesson. During the Direct Instruction, students were to listen to the lesson be introduced and what they will be learning about. During this lesson, they complete guided practices to keep them focused. During the Inquiry lesson, the teachers generally review what was learned in the last class (Direct Instruction). Teachers then give students a problem they are to solve. I have learned that students seem to like Inquiry work. They can put their heads together and come up with great ideas!

"Scientific Me" Essay

Here is the LINK to my Scientific Me Essay. Our Professor had us complete an essay about our past experiences with Science. Included in the essay, I had explained my experiences from Elementary School up until now. Science has always been an interesting and essential subject for me. I enjoy doing hands-on activities that have to do with Science and I cannot wait to teach it to young learners in years ahead.

Drawing of Professor Charles Hair

Pictured is my drawing of Professor Charlies Hair. During our first day of Science Methods class, the Professor had asked us each to draw our best pictures of what we think a science teacher/class would look like. I chose the name because it was the first silly name that I could think of. Each student was given 5-10 minutes to draw their pictures without looking at anyone else's pictures.

It was very interesting to walk around the room afterwards and look at all of the other students drawings and names of their scientists. Each drawing shared something so similar. Most students drew their scientists with glasses as well as crazy hair. Most had a lab coat on as well. Each student had also came up with different and unique names for their Science teachers. Most of the names consisted of Dr. or Professor which was interesting.

I think the activity the professor had us complete was essential and exciting. It really gives each of us a chance to use our minds and begin with the important factors of what may be in a science classroom as well as what a Scientist/Science teacher may look like. I can't wait to study more and learn how to teach young children all about Science!