Archive for category Science Education
Distance Learning Firefigher Degrees – Online Fire Science Education
Posted by admin in Distance Learning, Science Education on November 15, 2011
Distance learning or online college classes for a degree in fire science is making it easier for firefighters to obtain entry-level and advanced degrees in fire science. As the fire service progresses and becomes more science based, many departments are requiring additional education and degrees for promotion of firefighters.
An online fire science degree is ideally suited for the professional firefighter who wishes to be promoted into officer positions. Because of a firefighters typical work schedule, it is difficult for the potential student to attend a traditional or campus based college or university. Geographical location is also a road block to obtaining a formal degree in fire science. If the fire house has computer access or wireless capabilities, the firefighter can get and complete assignments online during down time at work.
Depending on the level of degree the student is seeking, classes will include fire behavior, fire suppression, incident command, fire prevention, fire inspection, fire investigation, public safety, hazardous material operations and command, personnel management and other general classes. Read the rest of this entry »
There’s More to Science Education Than Just Teaching Science
Posted by admin in Science Education, Teaching Science on November 15, 2011
Most secondary schools hire teachers for a specific subject area and schedule the subjects to be taught independently of each other. As a result of this fragmentation, students often miss the importance of applying what they learn in one class to what they learn in their other classes. In the teaching of science, communication and math skills should be incorporated into the curriculum; but not every science teacher does that. However, as a home schooling parent, you have a golden opportunity to give your child the interdisciplinary education that is necessary for future success while he or she is learning science.
One of the most frustrating things I encountered while teaching high school was student resistance to using proper grammar, or even full sentences, while writing their lab reports or doing homework. The protest “This is science, not English” would always get my blood boiling. How could they not understand that the results they got on their science experiments would be useless unless they could properly communicate them to others?
The same holds true for inaccurate math work. Many scientific conclusions are based on data that are summarized mathematically or in graph form. If the math work is performed incorrectly, or if the results are not displayed in the proper graphical format, the results are meaningless. Even so, many students will claim “foul” when the teacher corrects their math in a science class. After all, “That’s a different subject, isn’t it?” Read the rest of this entry »