In order to be scientifically-literate, students must overcome a fear of science. They must be able to understand scientific processes and concepts. They should have the skills necessary to find answers to questions about which they are curious. They should also be knowledgeable in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
There are several ways that I promote scientific literacy. In order to keep students aware of advances in the scientific community, I discuss "Science in the News" daily. I use resources such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, CNN, and www.earthweek.com. These resources provide science news information in areas such as technology, advances in medicine, discovery of new species, discovery of new items in space, and information on natural disasters, just to name a few.
I also encourage discussion during class time. I remind students that it's good for them to be curious. When they ask questions, even when I know the answer, I often respond with, "Let's look that up." I do this so I can model various methods of researching information. I stress that it is important to get information from reliable sources.
We also started a STEM club and a Science Bowl club in our school this year. These students will work on science projects that will further increase their knowledge of scientific processes and concepts.
Finally, I am considering making a solar cell in the classroom. I want to do this because I want them to see how solar power works first-hand, and I want information about alternative energy sources to be ever-present in thier minds.
After the tsunami hit Thailand in 2004, I organized a tsunami relief campaign in my school. Our students traveled to the Thailand Embassy in Washington DC to present the donation. We met with the officials of the embassy and the students requested that the funds be used to assist building a new school for students in Thailand.
