Why Science?
Of all the various academic curriculums, Science is by far the most important area of study. For elementary education Science can generally be defined as the study of the world around us: our physical bodies, our animals, our plants, our earth, our atmosphere, our water, and outer space. It is the source that allows our children to understand how all that surrounds us functions and operates. In essence, it is the vehicle which allows mankind to survive and progress as a species. Through it we are able to understand and react to everything that sustains and supports our existence. Without it our children could never grow and advance us, making our world a better place. But there has always been a much higher reason for studying Science. Science is the single academic curriculum next to Religion that brings us closer to God. Nature is the Lord screaming to us, here I am! We see Him in the mountains, in the birth a newborn baby, in the fish in the waters, in the heavens above, and in the helicopter seed that spins to the ground. Yes, Science can provide the how, but it never can provide the why. Science lays us at the foot of the Lord for that answer. Be still and know that I am the Lord (Psalm 46:10).
National Science Teachers Association - This website is must for anyone who is teaching Science and should be added as favorite to one's browser. It covers everything from standards, to professional development, to conferences, to publications, to the latest news, and even has a link to the science store. This site is nicely divided by grade levels. Membership comes at a hefty $75 per year, but seems to be money that would be well spent.
Illinois State Board of Education Learning Standards - This website goes hand in hand with the one above. Any teacher tasked with meeting expectations of the No Child Left Behind policies will want to have this website at their finger tips. It explains in thorough detail the goals of the Science curriculum.
Web Quests - Web Quests are a fantastic way to expose students to the internet. Assignments are given and students garner most of their information via the internet. Web Quests require a higher level of thinking including analysis, problem solving, and creativity. Typically, students have a main page which contain several links with regard to their assignment. Given the nature of Science's subject area, a Web Quest utilizes technology which is huge part of science.
Lesson Plans - Paraphrasing, one of my professors who attended a conference related that one of the guest speakers said, as teachers, if you're not querrying for lesson plans written by other teachers something is wrong. I did not take that to mean that evey lesson plan should be copied, instead I took it to mean that there is a wealth of information out there that is available to one and it should be utilized. Lesson plans can be
