Research has shown that connecting science to the real world is an effective strategy for engaging students in science. Showing the relevance of science can stoke students’ curiosity and sustain their interest in science — a critical challenge schools face today.
“The challenge isn’t getting children interested in science. It’s keeping them interested,” said Ride, president and CEO of Sally Ride Science.
A way of keeping them interested is by bringing to life the inspiring personal stories of current day scientists and engineers. Real stories or books should be available in the classroom so students can read at any time. These stories and books should be about different careers in earth, space, health and environment science.
Through these books, students learn what scientists do, how they got there, and why they enjoy it. It also encourages students to think about their own interests and futures.
I thought this was interesting to keep in mind. I think this can be done with any subject. It will definitely keep the students engaged.
I definitely agree that showing students how science relates to real life keeps them engaged! I love the idea of having students read and learn about scientists and what they do. This gives students realistic goals to work towards and can strike an interest for a future career. I think you are more likely to keep students interested if you are able to help them find something to stay interested in. Exploring these options opens many doors for students!
ReplyDeleteWhat age group are you talking about? For older and younger students hands on learning, I feel, is the best way to keep students engaged in science learning. I agree it is important to introduce students to current day scientists, I'm just not sure reading about them will keep the their interest. If you can involve them in a project related to the scientist or career path you are talking about or they are reading about maybe then their cutiosity will be stoked and their interest in science sustained.
ReplyDeleteNicole, I loved the quote you added in your blog. I think it addresses a lot of students in today's schools. I agree that we should give students examples of real scientists, but it would have been nice if you had given an example of some of the books you were talking about in your blog. Using examples of scientists in the real world would make a great resource in the classroom. I think students have a specific idea of what a scientist is and it doesn't necessarily match up with the real thing. These books may give them a better idea of what a real scientist looks like!
ReplyDeleteHelping students find science in everyday life is so important in keeping students engaged. By providing them with books and real life examples this shows them that science is important and will be used in their future. It also shows them that science isn't just nerdy people in lab coats making "potions" but that science is intertwined with many occupations and aspects of life.
ReplyDeleteI really like this post. I wrote one of my blog posts on how it's important to make learning something real for students and make it a part of their life. Science should not be something only done in the classroom. Science was not meant to be kept in the classroom. Science needs to be experienced by the students in order to keep them interesting. I really liked the quote you had in here. Students often lose interest and it's part of our job to help students stay interested in what we are teaching.
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