MRs. Sheffield

I am so excited and honored to be teaching 8th grade science here at Saint Paul Catholic School! I have been teaching since 2024, and I can truly say I’ve found my calling. 

Before entering education, I spent 18 wonderful years working as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. My passion for science started early, sparked by reading the Bible—especially the Book of Genesis—and grew stronger through my middle and high school science classes. I’ve always been drawn to the hands-on, inquisitive nature of science and knew from a young age that I wanted to work in the field.

Throughout my career in the clinical laboratory, I found joy in teaching others—whether training colleagues, mentoring new hires, or serving as an adjunct instructor at Columbus State Community College. While I valued those experiences, I discovered my true niche while volunteering at my church. Years of teaching Sunday school and working with youth helped me realize that God was leading me to teach younger students—and I’m so glad I listened to that calling.

In my classroom, I strive to make science real and relevant. I love incorporating hands-on activities and real-world connections to spark curiosity and deepen learning. It’s a privilege to help students explore God’s creation through science.

A little about me personally: I’ve been married to my husband Jason for 22 years. We have two amazing children—Violet, who is in 8th grade, and Vernon, who is in 6th. We also have six beautiful hens! We live in Granville and enjoy hiking, camping (glamping: ), traveling, and (I’ll proudly say) eating—yes, that counts as a hobby!

What 8th Grade Science Looks Like

This year in 8th grade science, students will explore a wide variety of exciting and foundational topics in Earth, Life, and Physical Science. We’ll begin by learning about the structure of the Earth and the forces that shape it—including plate tectonics and earthquakes. From there, students will study Earth’s history through the lens of geologic time, examining rock layers and fossils to understand how our planet has changed over millions of years.

In the Life Science portion of the year, we’ll investigate life cycles, heredity, and genetics, followed by an engaging look at how organisms change over time. These topics help students understand the patterns of inheritance and the role of DNA in shaping living things.

Later in the year, we’ll shift into Physical Science, where students will dive into the forces of motion and explore the fundamentals of electromagnetism. This hands-on unit helps them understand the science behind many of the technologies we use every day.

Throughout the year, we’ll be joined periodically by guest speakers—including Engineers from The Ohio State University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering—who will lead students in interactive, real-world STEM experiences. Other guest presenters will also share their expertise, connecting classroom learning with exciting careers in science.

We will culminate the year with our annual interdisciplinary Engineering and Design Science Fair, the capstone experience for our 8th-grade students. Based on a scientific or engineering question of their choosing, each student will conduct a study using the engineering and design process, write a comprehensive research paper, and present their findings. These presentations will be shared with a panel of scientists, engineers, and other career professionals from the Westerville community, offering students a powerful opportunity to engage with real-world experts and showcase their hard work.

I look forward to a wonderful school year and to helping your child grow in both knowledge and faith!