Adrienne McGaha

Jeremy Nixon

Introduction to Teaching Middle School Science

3 February 2020

Why I Want to Be a Science Teacher

One of the major factors that makes me want to become a science teacher is that I

genuinely enjoy the content. I have always loved chemistry and biology, in particular, and think

that I could teach these and other science subjects factually and passionately. I have always

found science very exciting and intriguing. There is nothing worse than being taught by a teacher

that does not truly love their content area. Whether I am teaching fourth grade or ninth grade, I

find interest in the material and know that I can teach science content in an exciting and

hopefully engaging way. I truly think that the best way to get students excited is to be excited

and full of energy yourself. Since I have always genuinely enjoyed science and know what it is

like to have a good, engaging science teacher versus a poor science teacher. I know how much a

teacher can impact whether or not the students understand and enjoy the material. I want to be

the teacher that is passionate and loves what they are teaching and can make the students love it

too.

Science is something that can be so easily applicable to the everyday lives of students. In

science, I can show students exactly why what they are learning is important and give them

specific examples of how they deal with science in their everyday lives. I think science is so

important because it explains so many seemingly simple things that occur in our everyday lives.
 I also think it is important for students to learn how to draw conclusions after completing

an experiment. It gives them a chance to figure out the “answer” for themselves, rather than a

teacher simply telling them the answer and having them memorize it. I cannot think of anything

more fulfilling and gratifying than watching the “lightbulb go off” for a student. I love watching

kid’s reactions when they realize they understand something. I enjoy watching kids feel good

about themselves after figuring something difficult out. I feel like this feeling is even more

prevalent in science because you are literally watching them figure it out during labs.

Additionally, I think that getting a good science foundation is extremely important. While

it is important to get a solid foundation in all subjects, the basis of all sciences are based around

the overall basics. It is important to truly understand the basic concepts because that will set

students up for success as they go into high school and even college. It is also really important to

introduce science as something interesting at a young age because this is the only time the

students will be exposed to certain concepts. That could possibly be the area that they choose a

career in, but if the teacher does not present the material in an effective way, they may never

know that they are gifted or interested in that area.