Archive: Opinions

Lansing takes pride in its school system.  And in a school system that is worthy of a community's pride there are at least some outstanding teachers.  This week two science teachers really stood out as their students displayed the results of their scientific research and analyses.  (See the Schools page, under "Around Town")

Therese Arsenault and Sue Henne's classes displayed their environmental findings that were clearly high quality and beyond what you would expect of the students' age groups.  Henne reached out to other teachers who took what she had taught the kids and expanded on it in their classes, reinforcing the lessons and getting the kids to look at their work from different angles.  Arsenault got her students involved in studying their own environment, and they learned things about it they hadn't noticed before.

Making science dynamic and personal is a gift that more teachers need.  In a time when the United States is in danger of being eclipsed by countries such as China and India it is more important than ever to get kids excited about science.  We need more scientists and engineers in this country.  Anything teachers do that makes it alive and engaging means that kids may consider eventually science as a career.

Arsenault and Henne not only teach the subject, but have found ways to get the children to take pride in their accomplishments.  Both made an event out of it.  Who would think to celebrate science?  These two did, and in doing so validated the study experience on a level that their students relate to.

In both events the kids presented well, with confidence and a good grasp of their subjects.  There was an aura of excitement in the room.  I loved the snacks section at Biomes night because it validated the work the kids did in a fun way that they loved.  Each snack represented an ecology, but it was chosen by the kids.  No surprise that most of it was sweet stuff, but it was a great way to reward them while reinforcing the lesson.  I also love that Arsenault's students were encouraged to critically analyze fellow students' work in a positive and thoughtful light.  And that they will present their findings to the Board of Education.  I can't think of better validation of a job well done.

Which brings me back to where I started.  When teachers really engage kids, make it up close and personal, inspire them to do better than they would otherwise have done and celebrate their successes, everyone is a winner.  The kids are the biggest winners, but that makes the teachers big winners, too.  Lansing certainly wins, and so will our country if some of these budding scientists make a career of it.  After all, that's what good teachers do.

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