Teaching Science

Science is a very in depth subject that has many different disciplines. Shandelle Wiliford had been teaching several different subjects in science for around 20 years. From anatomy to biology, she strived to show and teach her love of science. Her dedication to the science field drove her to want to share this knowledge with others. Wiliford explains that science is an exciting discipline where students can expand their own observations and investigations through fun experiments (S. Wiliford, personal communication, February 3, 2021). This to her is an integral part in a student’s life not only in school but also outside of the classroom (S. Wiliford, personal communication, February 3, 2021). Science is a self exploratory discipline, where they can structure their investigations on their own to encourage engagement in the subject.

The pandemic has forced science teachers to navigate their lessons on a computer screen. It seems like it would be a difficult task to do as experiments in a classroom is a different experience than in your own living room where it may not be in front of you. Shandelle used her creative thinking skills on how she could keep her students engaged during this time to keep science fun. She explained that in her Biology class they dissected a flower together. She had the students get their own flowers, as she used a USB microscope to show her own dissection up close through the screen. She said it gives her students the opportunity to experience the experiment as if they were in the same place, and they get the full visual experience in their living rooms (S. Wiliford, personal communication, February 3, 2021). The students remain engaged with the lessons as they get to still do some hands on experiments. Shandelle explains the shared experiences encourages investment in the class (S. Wiliford, personal communication, February 3, 2021).

Shandelle discussed what aspects are important for teaching science during a pandemic. She says patience, although it seems small, is essential in fostering the student’s education (S. Wiliford, personal communication, February 3, 2021). Everyone is frustrated, the online experience is new for everyone. Sometimes the internet does not work, the audio cuts out, or the screen glitches. She explained to not only be patient with the discouraged students, but also with yourself (S. Wiliford, personal communication, February 3, 2021). Having good resources and organizational skills can also help manage teaching science in a pandemic. Shandelle talked about how she did extensive research on useful websites that had interactive experiments and learning activities for her students to use if they were unable to get the materials on their own (S. Wiliford, personal communication, February 3, 2021). There are credible websites that contain fun experiments from making a volcano to interacting with the solar system. Shandelle says these types of online lessons can keep the students from being bored due to all the powerpoints and lectures, to keep them interested and excited (S. Wiliford, personal communication, February 3, 2021) .