My science education didn't really start until I was an adult. I went to nursing school for a short period of time before I realized that I just couldn't get use to "the hospital smell". During this stint I took Anatomy and Physiology (I&II), Microbiology, and Chemistry. I did well in 3 of the 4 classes. Chemistry has never been my forte.
As an adult I have had a lot of personal experiences that led me to become informed about several medical topics such as fertility, genetics, circulatory system (blood pressure), endocrine system (gestational diabetes), my own breast cancer and radiation, and a family history of colon cancer. I have learned a great deal about several biological conditions and treatments. I wasn't too happy about having to do this research for myself but I did enjoy the reading material. Genetics really piqued my interest. While I had some really bad luck of being diagnosed with breast cancer at 37, I am lucky not to have the BRAC gene. Science is a wonderful thing!
I have been exposed to a lot of hands on scientific learning over the past two years. Being the mother of a 4 year old makes life very interesting. As parents, my husband and I try to expose our son to as many positive learning experiences as possible. We are always looking for the teachable moments. In doing so we spends lots of time at museums. Since moving to Arlington we have spent countless hours at the Aquarium, Museum of Science, and the Children's Museum. My son has even participated in scientific research conducted by Harvard and MIT PhD candidates at the Museum of Science. We also enjoy watching Sid the Science Kid on TV. Due to the wonderful science experiences I have had with my son I am really looking forward to teaching science. I am excited to have a bunch of students to work with! And then I can come home and teach it to Kieran.
Even our vacation was educational. We went to the Sea Shore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, ME and learned about how trolleys run and we took a lobster boat tour and learned about lobsters!!
Wow- you have so many personal experiences with 'science' Arlette and I am sure that each one will add to what you bring into your own science classroom. Thank you for sharing about your medical experiences- you truly have been immersed in the power and benefits of science. It is also wonderful to read about you taking the time for those teachable moments with your son and your enthusiasm for passing on your appreciation for science as you expose him to the museums in this area...You're already a wonderful teacher!
ReplyDeleteIt is funny, all this talk of budding scientists melting snow you forget that some of these kids will grow up and discover treatments that cure cancer. And as teachers who foster the love of science we will all have a part in that! Thank you for your post, it really made me think.
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