Building Science Skills One Step at a Time

While contemplating how one exhibits a scientific way of thinking, I came to the conclusion that one must think scientifically and mathematically, simultaneously. Obtaining a scientific way of thinking contains the ability to memorize and perform mathematical equations. This may scare a few people away from thinking scientifically about various things because they believe they cannot memorize formulas and perform them correctly. I believe that with practice and time, anyone can begin to think scientifically. 

While creating a definition of how one can become a scientific thinker, I remembered a time in my life where I had a misconception about the way something worked. In my physics class I took during my senior year of high school, I had a difficult time relating certain formulas with particular problems. When deriving the completely different calculations than my peers, I came to the realization that my way of thinking about this type of physics problem was incorrect. I accepted the fact that I had an alternative misconception; I applied the correct formula with the assistance of my peers and derived the accurate and acceptable answer.

Because my peers had taught me the correct way to perform the troublesome physics problem, I believe they improved their understanding of the topic, as well. They seemed more confident in their mathematics problems within the physics class. It is extremely important for students of any age to not just recite what they have learned in class, but to also demonstrate and get the opportunity to teach the new materials and context to others.

I am a firm believer that technology has helped me learn immensely. Since technology has the ability to constantly evolve, it keeps me on my toes, prepared to learn new information about technology each and every day. Technology is a major part of my everyday life now that it has improved greatly just through my life-time alone. If children learn about technology at an early age, they will become more comfortable with it. They will improve even more with their technology skills if they teach skills to others, just as my peers in my physics class had shown during my senior year. It was a nice experience for me, as a future teacher to notice the effects and importance of hands-on teaching to others of materials that were just learned.

"Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow."
- Ronald E. Osborn