KLEIN's
GUIDE TO
SCIENCE EDUCATION
PHOTO CREDIT: Nadene Klein at Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite National Park
I didn't post in July in part because I've been busy starting my 26th school year AND I've been chipping away at my summer reading. This summer's book of choice is The Demon-Haunted World: Science As a Candle in the Dark by Carl Sagan (1996). Though his words in the book are more than 25 years old, they are still (and sadly so) pertinent today.
There are many quotables from this book, but I'll just give this one in which Dr. Sagan touts the importance of skeptical thinking and its role in both science and society: "The business of skepticism is to be dangerous. Skepticism challenges established institutions. If we teach everybody, including, say, high school students, habits of skeptical thought, they will probably not restrict their skepticism to UFOs, aspirin commercials, and 35,000 year-old channelees. Maybe they'll start asking awkward questions about economic, or social, or political, or religious institutions. Perhaps they'll challenge the opinions of those in power. Then where would we be?" Dr. Sagan postulates, and I agree, that we would be better off. Science could progress further, people's rights would be more honored, and the public would not be duped by those controlling the media. Education is the key to bettering humanity IF it is done right, IF we teach students to think and not just memorize, IF students are encouraged to explore their curiosities, and IF teachers are given the tools and freedom to carry out this auspicious endeavor. Scientifically yours, Nadene
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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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