Universal & Environmental
Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas
We are arriving to the end of the school year. As educators, it is important that we make time to look back at what has taken place in our classrooms, as well as look ahead to what we might be facing next year. The learning that has taken place must be reviewed so we may serve our students further by examining their understanding and comprehension. Science is a mayor focus of education, and it must be defined and explore as we present scientific concepts to our students.
Science
The challenges we face when presenting science to our students lies in the many individual areas of study that together make up the sciences. We attempt to group areas of study which share many similar commonalities, however all sciences are interconnected and can be applicable to other areas. One can focus on archaeology and vulcanology, yet both in time may come to an area where they eventually merge and overlap. Universal and Environmental are two words that can help us define the areas of Natural Science. Developing an understanding of these areas can help our students grow as scientist, and as such, develop their own comprehension of the importance of these scientific concepts.
Universal
Natural science is universal. The study of the universe, from galaxies to systems, is the largest of all the sciences, based primarily on the physical nature of the universe. As educators we can approach the education of this area by teaching our students and encouraging them to learn from astronomy to geology. The formation of the earth and the formation of the universe should be studied by our learners so they may develop an understanding and appreciation for all we have, the space where we exist, and the time it has taken for it to become today. We are part of the universe and in turn that makes the universe alive. It is forever changing, and very little is available as knowledge to us today. Student's should develop an understanding of earth and the universe, and learn to apply this knowledge to develop growth in understanding of this area.
Environmental
Natural science is environmental. The study of the environment, and its capability for supporting life can prepare us to face the changes we face in the environment in which we live. Two areas of study which we could present for students to learn are geography and climatology. Students should be encouraged to further their understanding of the environment. Their knowledge in this area will help them understand past environmental events, present environmental concerns, and future environmental dangers which may result in the loss of life support. As educators we should encourage learners to study the environment, and the scientific areas which address it.
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