Thoughts on Science 2

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.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Thoughts on Science

Composition & Movement

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

The school year is ending and as educators it is important that we take time to review the learning that has taken place in our schools.  We should take a look back to what has taken place throughout the school year, as well as look ahead to the next year.  We focus on science by defining it and exploring the mayor components of it as we present these concepts in our classrooms.

Science

Defining science proves to be a challenge due to the wide range of specific areas that it covers.  From astronomy to zoology, the areas that fall under the category of science are each unique in their own form and field, yet they share many common strands that connect even those areas where there may seem to be nothing in common.  We focus on the area of physical science, which can be defined by two words: Composition and Movement.  Our students should be developing and understanding of these scientific concepts, as well as a comprehension of the importance of such scientific concepts.

Composition

The composition aspect of physical science attempts to best describe what makes up all that surrounds us.  To give two specific examples, composition can be defined as cells and atoms.  The most common approach for educating our students in the composition of physical science is through the subjects of biology and chemistry.  Students should learn and apply the concepts learn in these areas to every day events, as we continuously see and experience examples of these.  Students who gain understanding into the composition of physical science should become aware that this knowledge is not limited to cells and atoms, as these two examples, after further study, allow students to realize they are also composed of many other parts.

Movement

The movement aspect of physical science attempts to best describe the motion of that which surrounds us.  To give two specific examples, movement can be defined by the forces and actions that result from these forces.  The most common approach for educating students in the movement of physical science is through the subject of physics.  Students should learn and apply the forces and actions that result in movement to events they experience in their daily lives.  Students who gain an understanding of the movement aspect of physical science should also gain an understanding of the effects that forces and actions have, as well as how to apply them.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.