My Splendid Science Story*

Here's one for you (a joke, the only joke I grew up knowing)...
             Why did the mushroom go to the party?  (read, scroll down and find out!)

 

Ever since when I can remember, I have always loved science. I grew up exploring the outdoors and always wondering about different features in nature. I use to wonder what stars were made of and how far away they were, I wondered how plants grew and why a lot of them were green, I wondered why it rained and how it was possible, I wondered where rainbows came from and if there was a pot of gold at the end... So many things I was curious about and wanted to explore for answers! Science is something that is everywhere and always around us. You cannot escape it (which is a good thing)!

When it came time for school, I always looked forward to science class, because it is something everyone can relate too, or atleast I thought so. In my elementary years of school, I remember a few different scientific experiments and activities we did that I loved. The first one that pops up in my mind is from 2nd grade, when everyone in the class got their Monarch Butterfly (which of course it was not yet a beautiful butterfly to start). Each student got their own larvae and each day we watched it grow and change. We collected data and made observations. I remember how amazed I was when the larvae began to construct its cocoon. Then finally the moment everyone was anticipating, the butterfly emerged and spread its wings! Then my fellow classmates and I walked out to the front of the school with our butterfly and set them free! That was probably my first most memorable science experience I have had.

Field trips were always something I looked forward too for science class. The Museum of Science in Boston was and still is one of my favorite places to visit; there is just so much to see and experience. I also remember visiting the Butterfly Place in Westford, Walden Pond, the Christa McAuliffe Center in Framingham and all the times we would take small field trips just to explore the woods behind the school.

Then there is the experiment that no one can forget... dissecting frogs! (I also dissected a squid, not as interesting). Being introduced to this experiment, I was nervous and didn't know what to expect. To be honest I was very disgusted with the whole thing, but that doesn't mean I still didn't enjoy it! (My partner did most of the cutting.) The whole experience was very new to me and I learned a lot from it. It was interesting seeing first hand what the inside of a frog looked like. It was a great experience that would not be forgotten (can't forget the smell either). Then I found out when you get to high school you can dissect cats in anatomy class! (One class I chose NOT to take!!.. =( poor kitties).

As I got older, through middle school and highschool, science became more "traditional." Science was just about reading the material, answering questions at the end of a chapter and memorizing terms for a test. Especially through highschool, there were less field trips and "cool" experiments. Science in high school was mostly about chemistry and physics, which I had a difficult time with. The experiments we did were interesting, but really not too fun. I started to get turned off by science, but when I got to college I took life science 1 & 2 and really enjoyed it, not because we did experiments, but just because the information and material was just so interesting to me.

So I would come to a conclusion that I really enjoy life and earth science. I am very excited to learn how to teach science and spend time with the little kiddos, sharing my experiences and enthusiasm!


And the moment you have been waiting for....
       -- Why did the mushroom go to the party??

          Because he was a FUNGI!! .... get it? FUN-GUY... =)