Science is an organized process which builds and unifies knowledge in the form of tangible testable predictions and theories about the universe. It is the application of science to solve the problem or create a new one. Science has many aspects and includes physical sciences like Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Biology and genetics which provide us with the ability to understand the workings of living organisms and how they interact with the environment. There are various scientific disciplines that together form the discipline of science. Examples of these include physical sciences such as physics, astronomy, biology and genetics, chemical sciences like chemistry, physiology and genetics, social sciences like sociology and psychology, and life sciences such as botany, anatomy, immunology, medical sciences and biology.
Teachers play a significant role in science teaching. Effective teachers encourage students to explore scientific issues, draw original and meaningful pictures, practice problem solving, use deductive and inductive reasoning, and express themselves creatively. Effective science teaching also involves students following a series of steps which collectively build up scientific knowledge.
Science projects can be used as a powerful science lesson strategy. Teachers should encourage their students to participate in science projects because they help develop science concepts, produce testable ideas, and set up an opportunity for hands-on science experimentation. A good science project gives the student the opportunity to explore the science behind a topic and gain a better understanding of how it works. The project also enables the student to apply scientific knowledge and acquire additional information about scientific issues.
Teachers also need to establish clear goals and objectives for science teaching. Teachers should motivate students to learn and become better scientists by setting clear and achievable goals and objectives, determining suitable ways to measure student achievement, designing appropriate study materials and setting appropriate standards of testing. Setting appropriate goals and objectives is necessary for teachers to have clear expectations about how students will perform on standardized tests, and how they will achieve the goals. Specific goals and objectives help students understand the nature of science, how to collect data, and how to organize and present their results. Specific objectives also motivate teachers to teach science effectively and to pursue quality science lessons.
Professional development is another important element of effective science education. Teachers should consider professional development opportunities available through professional organizations such as the National Standards for Teachers, the Council for Quality Education, and the National Science Association. Teachers should also consider professional development opportunities offered by school districts and community colleges. Such professional development opportunities can help teachers to become more effective and to develop their professional skills so that they can help their students to learn more effectively.
Science teachers need to have a clearly defined vision of the next horizon for their students. A successful teacher always works toward that vision. A vision is more important than a promise. It’s far too easy for someone to say “I’ll try” or “I’ll settle” while many times that promise never materializes. So, when it comes to developing a vision for teaching science, teachers must take the time and invest the resources necessary for professional development.