Science the Final Frontier

Why is it that many teachers find Science is put on the 'back bunsen burner' when push comes to shove with the other curriculum areas? Yes, it is covered when it is required but probably wouldn't be the first thing that most would think to incorporate into their learning space on a regular basis. 

Yet each year when I ask my students 'What kind of learning would you like to focus on?' They have always said Science. No matter what the year group or country I happen to be teaching in.  

Sometimes there are issues with gathering or the availability of resources, knowledge or mindset. Often we talk about fixed mindset and the learning pit with our students, yet teachers don't or can't apply this to their teaching. Or we talk about creativity as if this is something anyone can acheive given the right mindset, when in reality it isn't...

We can however help our students pursue their passions, ignite their curiosity and get them asking questions to investigate and learn through inquiry and play.

I'm no expert when it comes to Science but I am passionate about letting students lead the way in their learning. So to foster this I have begun to incorporate play based Science learning into discovery time and when possible workshops to guide or inspire passion projects. 

Sometimes the play is guided and other times students are free to explore. I enjoy seeing students work with people they usually wouldn't gravitate to and as a result their social skills are developed exponentially. 

The experience of a simple experiment can spark an interest or guide learning in a new direction, one that is of interest to the students themselves. Those problems that you encounter when an experiment or learning experience doesn't go to plan is the perfect opportunity to hone problem solving skills, questioning and tap into that ever elusive creativity. 

Providing these experiences for our students through Science, play based learning and inquiry will, I believe help our tamariki with those skills and passion necessary for life long learning. Science is only the final frontier if we don't let our students lead the way.