Erin Ferland
Grade 4 & 5
Rochester, NH
December, 2010

Science Reflection

Thinking back over the past three years, I am both amazed and excited about the knowledge I have gained through Science Inquiry. I can honestly say that I had greatly disliked science and dreaded having to teach it to fourth and fifth grade students. Growing up, I had always struggled with science concepts and found it to be the most difficult subject area for me academically. I believe that would explain where my negative attitude and perspective toward science came from. I also can admit that part of me was scared of teaching science to my students, knowing that it was an area of weakness for me. I would try all means necessary to avoid teaching science including switching classes with another teach, so she could teach science and I would teach social studies. I never imagined that any program or training would be able to inspire me enough to turn my negative view completely around.

Fortunately, three years ago I agreed to take part in the Science Mentor Program with hopes that this program would help me grow as a teacher and gain the knowledge that I needed to become a good Science Teacher. Taking part in the program has helped me to grow and exceed the goals that I had set for myself in the beginning. Not only have I learned and experienced the benefits of bring inquiry science into my teaching; I have been given the opportunity to successfully develop and teach my own science inquiry unit. I have learned how to teach Science in a fun, exciting, and hands on way which has completely turned my pessimistic view into a positive one. It also shows with the excitement that I hear from my students. They are always asking, "Are we doing science today?" When I say it is time for science you can hear whispers of "yes" and excitement coming from the students. I never thought that I would actually be able to teach my students science where they would be excited to learn and participate.

Thinking back it is clear to me that having the opportunity to take part in this amazing Science Inquiry Program has helped to succeed far beyond just becoming a good science teacher, but becoming a confident and enthusiastic one as well. I am sad to know that our time together has come to an end, but the knowledge and experience that I am walking away with is beyond words. My goal for the future is to continue to expand the inquiry process into other subject areas and continue to further my knowledge on science so I can incorporate more inquiry into teaching.