Learning Outside the Classroom

In 2008 I became a Mad Scientist. which is to say I began my employment for Mad Science of Greater Salt Lake, where I designed my own physics and rocketry course for elementary school children.  This has helped me learn to consider the level and ability of my students when presenting information. I have revised the course material from time to time as needed to help children understand the concepts presented. One of the biggest challenges I face in working for Mad Science, is that I travel to many schools and work with a very diverse set of children. Each school I visit has its own ‘personality’ regarding behavior expectations and classroom management styles. As I continue to visit more and more schools as a Mad Scientist, I learn more techniques, and revise current techniques, for classroom management so that I can have an orderly, but still fun and interesting environment for the children to learn in.

During the spring semester of 2011,as part of my EDU 1010 class, I was able to observe a high school physics class at Hillcrest High School in Murray, Utah. Despite my only being present once a week, I was able to get to know some of the students, and began to help explain some concepts that they were struggling with. I enjoyed my time in the classroom, and look forward to future classes that will hopefully let me continue my field experience with students.