Scientific Me!

When I First Became a Scientist

When I think of what science is to me the word EXPLORATION always comes to mind. Scientists are contantsly exploring the world around them and asking questions which lead to DISCOVERIES. My first official scientific experience that I can remember is for a Science Fair project in either 1st or 2nd grade. I made rock candy. The experiment was simple it called for a plastic cup, a sugar water mixturem a string and a pencil. The string got tied down the middle of the pencil and laid on top of the plastic cup with the string dangling down into the sugar water. Then we waited... There was no guarantee it would work but all we could do it try. I do not remember how long we had to wait but it was along the lines of several days. At the end of the experiment we had to lift up the pencil and see if the rock crystals attached to the string. To my luck it WORKED! I had completed my first successful science experiment and could not wait to show my class. That is all I can remember when it comes to acutal science experiments.

But...

When we consider that science happens every day all around us and that we are constantly questioning, exploring and discovering new things it makes my experience as scientist much more advanced. As kid I enjoyed playing outside, I did not like getting dirty and was not huge fan of bugs but my sisters and best friend were so I had no choice! We would dig for earthworms and would get really excited if we ever noticed mushrooms growing in the dirt. We went camping as a family often and behind our campsite was woods and a creek. Everyday we walked around the creek looking for salamanders or frogs or ANYTHING we could find. 

Most of my science experiences were outdoors. It was not may favorite subject in school, but I did enjoy biology. I hated Earth Science and dont even get me started on CHEMISTRY!! 

Despite it not being my favorite school subject, I do have a positive outlook on Science, it has brought our world into the future. We have science to thank for so much today. I do look forward to building my knowledge and learning to become an AWESOME science teacher!

I will try to remember for my students one day that just because it seems hard and we may not like it, that does not mean that I cant make it FUN!