She stated that she wants to go on a nature walk and wants to identify the various flowers along the trail. I thought to myself, "I don't have time for this." She stood there grinning saying, "It will be so much fun for us to look at plants and then find them in the book." After seeing this excitement how could I say no. Plus, this is a way to supplement her education. Science education is quite lacking in the United States.
Here is West Virginia's average scores for grade 8 http://nationsreportcard.gov/science_2011/g8_state.asp
West Virginia scored 149. The national average was 151. This was based on a points scale 0-300.
Grade for WV = 49.7%
National Average = 50.3%
Can we say FAIL?
Let's get back to where I was going with this... I began asking questions.
Question 1- What do we need to know to be able to identify flowers?
Answer- The color of the flower.
Question 2- Do all white flowers look the same?
Answer- No.
Question 3- Why not?
Answer- The have different shapes of petals. Oh, and they have a different amount of petals.
Question 4- Is that all?
Answer (after thinking a bit)- They aren't all the same height and the stems and leaves are different.
Using critical thinking skills (a few open ended questions on my part) we determined what types of things we needed to look for when identifying wildflowers. I feel we are prepared to go on a hike now. We have our wildflowers book, notebook and pencil and a lust for learning.
I feel that if the test scores are going to improve in science that something needs to be done in the educational system. I'm not sure of the answer. Maybe not teaching to pass a test would help. Maybe they need to do more hands on projects. Maybe they need to incorporate more technology.
I do not have the answer but apparently neither do those in charge. Until then, I have no problem supplementing my child's education. At least I know she is learning something. It may not be needed to pass a test but she is developing other skills (critical thinking) and learning about something she is interested in.
Tonight, we hike!
I agree the science education is lacking in the school systems. Though it is great that you are helping your daughter in science, the school system should more dedicated to providing students with an education in science because there are very few parents who actually take the time to help their students learn like you do. I know many teachers that say they do not have enough time in the day to teach science because they are expected to produce such high scores in reading and math on the state test. Though I think it is important for teachers to strive to reach high test scores, our scores in science are lacking. There are many professions out there that involve science and are just as important as reading and math. Science is apart of our everyday life and our children should be learning about it! I do not know the answer to this issue either. Maybe longer school days so the curriculum can fit? Or maybe have the overall test mean something versus just math and reading? Hopefully the school system figures out this issue so students can be better educated in science education. Until then, have fun on your hike!
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