Fourth graders are amazing. They soak up so much of the world around them, listening even when adults think that they have tuned out. They are always learning and forming opinions about the world around them based on the games they play, the shows they watch, the videos they search, what their friends talk about, what their teachers say, and what their parents instill in them.
We have recently read a story that has stirred much discussion in our classes about what is true, what is false, and what is simply a theory. As a science teacher, I try to teach my students to be "good scientists" by investigating all things closely, including their textbooks. I show them that what appear to be facts are not always facts, but sometimes theories that are presented in a way disguised to llok like facts. I encourage them to look into the texts, to check the references, and to be sure that they are not being misled. When it comes to theories, we must all make decisions about what side or angle we will choose to look from, and I encourage them to dig deep and look hard, as they make decisions about what theories they are willing to accept and refute.
So this is where you, the reader, comes in. I am always looking for different sites that I can lead my students to to find valued scientific research presented for what it is. If you know of sites that are student-friendly that would be good resources for 10-year-olds to dig through and get information, please pass them my way. Or if you have any insights about bridging this barrier I would love to hear from you.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
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