No time for Science

I was talking to one of my friends who teaches in Metro the other day and she had a few words that contradict what we are trying to get across in this class. She didn't understand why I was having to talk a full class on science, in her words there is barely any time at all for science or social students in the classroom. She said you are lucky if you can just tie it into reading or math. Keep in mind she is just one year outside of school and she has already reverted back to what we are taught exactly not to do. It is funny how outside pressure can make you change so quickly what you believe is best for your classroom.

This is the problem in America. We have put so much emphasis on reading and math that teachers feel pressured to focus on these two subjects. I agree, there is a short amount of time in the classroom, but science and social studies need to be at the forefront. In every single reading or math lesson that you plan, you can find a way to tie in science to the lesson. Science can be tied in in a way that does not make it secondary to math or english.

I suggested to my friend that she spend part of the summer lesson planning new ways to tie in science. Regardless of what any administration thinks, science and social studies are just as important. There is time, you can find time in the classroom.

Even in an ESL class, you can find information on how to bring science into the classroom. Science actually puts ESL kids on an even playing field with other students because science is universal. The moon is the same regardless of where you are located. Science allows students on all levels to explore together.