Miss Matthews

Hey 6th graders and families!

My name is Katie Matthews. I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. I moved to Missoula, Montana when I was in the 5th grade. I attended The University of Montana and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in the Art of Education in 2017. I am currently attending Montana State University's Graduate program to work towards a Master's of Science in Science Education.

I was a Camp Fire after school and summer counselor at Hellgate Elementary for four years. I completed my college blocks and student teaching at Hellgate Elementary.

I am extremely passionate about science education! I believe students should have the opportunity to take ownership of their learning through hands on experiences. I want my students to not only engage with the material they are learning, but to ask questions, solve problems and become independent critical thinkers!

In addition to teaching 6th grade science, I have the privilege of being the Science Fair Coordinator for Building #3 grades 4-6. I look forward to working with students every spring and hosting a professionally judged event.

In my spare time I love to ski, whitewater kayak, mountain bike, read a good book and take my Bernese Mountain dog, Sadie, camping!

Looking forward to another year of science!

Educational Philosophy

I believe students learn best when they are in a safe and caring environment. Every student needs to feel valued, accepted and heard in and out of the classroom. Every student has the right to learn, grow and achieve success. Students can have an empowered learning experience when they are challenged through inquiry-based strategies. The more engaged and hands-on students are in the classroom, the more they will be able to construct their knowledge and skills independently.

Beginning of Year Labs & Activities

This is a hands on investigation to help students get to know their teacher. Students will use scientific skills to observe clues and make inferences as to what each clue reveals about their teacher.

This is a hands on investigation where students explore what they know about scientists. Students will work collaboratively to create a list of qualities that a good scientist possesses.

This is a personal research project. Students will select a famous scientist whom they admire/look up to. Students will conduct research and create an "instagram" profile of their scientist.

This is a hands on activity. Students will participate in a scavenger hunt to help familiarize them with the classroom, lab materials, turn in bins, etc.

Throughout the school year students will use a science notebook during labs, lectures and activities. This year the science notebook will be available in hard copy (composition notebook) and digital for remote learners.

Students will create a FlipGrid video that introduces who they are, their likes, dislikes and any other important information they want their teacher/classmates to know. This will allow their teacher (me) to get to know my students better!

Yelp! Reviews

"Miss Matthew's science class is a very interactive and hands on class. She is not the type of teacher that gives you a textbook and reads from page 235 to 99,999,999,999. If you are in her class you have to be ready to stand up and speak up and make sure that if something's wrong tell her because IT WILL BE FIXED."

"Miss Matthews always had a positive attitude and was very motivational!"

"She pushed us to success in science."

"An amazing teacher! This is the only science class that gets so many more labs and doesn't have to use the textbooks. If you are in her science class, you will guarantee have tons of fun! I definitely recommend this class!!"

"She is the best teacher, she cares about her students and would do anything to help them out."

"IT WAS GREAT. It is so much fun and I learned so much! The people are so funny and nice. I suggest you try and get in this classroom for next year! You will have so much fun!"

"I loved how your class was so interactive! Unlike any class I've ever been in!"

"She helped me and other kids understand things that we didn't understand. She is THE BEST TEACHER EVER!!!"

"One thing my parents and I think you do well is you show us science in real life instead of reading a textbook and doing notes."

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