Running head: WHY SCIENCE?

Why Science?

Monique Czaczkowski
0488464
Lakehead University
Faculty of Education
EDUC-4260
Prof. Wayne Melville

WHY SCIENCE?

Science is all around us; from rivers and fields to life-saving vaccines science drives our
existence. In fact, we are the result of science. It explains not only how our body functions to
keep us alive but it also influences our every day actions from what we choose to eat, how much
exercise we take part in, or when it is time to sleep. From a young age, we interact with our
environment, asking questions about little things that intrigue us and hoping to find the answers.
Science allows us to be active, hands-on learners and provides the opportunity to ask questions,
collect information, test ideas, problem solve, and apply what we have learned. Science strives
on communication, helping us make sense of the world around us while fueling our desire to
detect new advances. It is the foundation for an innovative culture. My interest in science is
driven on a more biological approach with a focus on human health. The need to understand why
things happen has always interested me especially when dealing with the human body. For
instance, what medication will reduce pain or what type of exercise will reduce childhood
obesity. The universe is dynamic and this encourages us to relate concepts uncovered by past
scientists to current day problems, in hope of helping future generations. For me, science
displays endless possibility. As a future educator I will strive to educate my students on scientific
concepts in an engaging way to motivate my students to act on their curiosities and develop the
attitudes they will need to uncover scientific phenomena.
My past experiences shape my perspective as a future teacher and will influence how I
believe science should be taught. Growing up in Thunder Bay, I was constantly exposed to all
forms of science within its natural habitat. From fishing at numerous lakes or planting gardens at
my grandparents house to playing sports outside with my brothers I often questioned the steps
needed in order to complete these activities. Essentially I was observing, an important step in
science. Although I was not aware of the scientific investigation I was performing because I

WHY SCIENCE?

believed only very wise, old individuals were able to perform science in laboratories, this led me
to question why things happened. As a child you typically enjoy whatever you are good at and
during elementary school and middle school, I performed well in school so I concluded for
whatever reason I must like science and every other subject. At this time, I was not aware of
what science actually was or why it even interested me. It wasnt until grade 10 science that I
became aware of my natural curiosities towards scientific developments. My teacher during that
semester was very influential. For the first time during my education he made science interesting.
He enlightened us through investigation multiple scientific concepts, which have stuck with me
today. I still remember when he poured liquid nitrogen over the desk thinking it would cause a
mess but instead it boiled and evaporated. His enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge about science
as well as his genuine concern for his students still stands out to me today. There are many things
already uncovered by scientific theorists but even more to be found. Science provided me with
possibility and this influenced by decision to study biology at Queens University. For the first
time I was able to explore courses that interested me such as genetics, molecular biology, human
physiology, nutrition, and psychology. I did well in these courses because I enjoyed them.
Contrast to elementary school, I did not enjoy them because I did well. Looking back on my
education I realized how influential my teachers were and the positive impacts they had on my
learning. This, along with my Thunder Bay roots directed me back home to Lakehead University
to study education and hopefully one-day expose students to their natural curiosities about
science just like my teacher did to me.
As a future teacher in Ontario, I believe it is important to integrate the numerous
resources we have available including the curriculum documents and technology into teaching
strategies that work for you and most importantly your students. It is essential that as a teacher

WHY SCIENCE?
you find ways to engage all types of learners. By doing so, there is a greater possibility that you
will spark their scientific interests and fuel their curiosity. It is crucial that students not only
understand the scientific laws and theories but also are able to uncover connections and
relationships and apply this to other topics as well, whether it is societal, technological, or
environmental issues. The curriculum document states, The primary goal of science is to
understand the natural and human-designed worlds and realize that it is dynamic and create
activity with a long and interesting history. As a learner myself, I realize the importance of
learning through investigation. I believe this is one way I can ignite a passion for learning in my
students and promote them to act on their curiosities. As a teacher I want to encourage students
to investigate the endless possibilities of science and take risks, just like past scientists such as
Darwin did.