Think Like A Scientist

The Google Doodle today honors Maria Sibylla Merian, one of the world’s first scientific illustrators. Maria’s passion for insects and flowers would change science forever. Maria lived at a time when few women ventured into the sciences, and yet she became one of the world’s most talented scientific illustrators. During my science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) workshops I introduce teachers to reflective journaling in the STEM and science classroom. Reflective journaling is quite different than the traditional science notebook which tends to be teacher-driven as opposed to student-driven. Teachers maintain reflective journals during the training, and return to their classrooms to introduce their students to reflective journaling as well. I imagine Maria did quite a bit of reflective journaling during her days. To delve deeper into Maria Sibylla Merian’s impact on science, and to view her illustrations and a video of her nature illustrations check out the following article by Grrl Scientist in Guardian UK here.

Just finished viewing a great short film on the future of technology and education. I liked the main premise of the film being that our past and current educational system in the United States does not allow for creativity and critical thinking in students. Instead students must fit into the system, or else… Check out the twenty minute film on the future of technology and education here. I view the movement of implementation of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) practices in the K-12 classrooms as a step in the right direction. STEM education practices are built upon developing and strengthening critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Thinking outside of the box is encouraged. Imagine all the magnificent minds our country let fall through the system due to the traditional practices of teacher driven lectures, and route-memorization of irrelevant facts