KLEIN's
GUIDE TO
SCIENCE EDUCATION
PHOTO CREDIT: Nadene Klein at Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite National Park
What do these songs have in common: "The Batman TV Show Theme Song," "September" by Earth Wind and Fire, "I Like to Move It" by Will-I-Am, and "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" by Daft Phunk?
They are the theme songs to my science classes. They were chosen respectively by my Zoology, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physics classes during the second day of school. The guidelines that I put in place are 1) the song must be school appropriate and 2) it must relate in some way to the content of our class. Table groups collaborate in this low stakes activity to nominate a song. This also serves as a get-to-know-you activity between students without feeling like one. Then the whole class votes on the nominated songs to select our official theme song. Many secondary science teachers are not prepared, comfortable, nor apt to integrate SEL in their classrooms. Yet, somehow we must bring social emotional learning into the lab because it is required because it is what's best for our students. But how???? This SEL strategy works well for me and my students. Each time I need to call the class to order, I don't raise my voice nor sound a buzzer. I simply play their theme song. We also use it for celebrations and transitions. Since I began the 2022-2023 school year in early July while most of my colleagues are still on summer break, I thought that July would be the perfect time to share this so that you can use it when you are reunited with your students. If you and your class(es) choose theme songs, write a comment below and let us know how it went. I'd also love to hear your class theme songs!
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AuthorNadene Klein, M.Ed. has been an educator for over 25 years. She brings a passion and love for science to the classroom and through this blog to you. Archives
March 2024
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