Why YES, We Can Write About Science

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So, I was sitting around pondering some literature to read with my kids after spring break. I was texting back and forth with one of my colleagues who teaches world history about where, or when they are going next when my attention wandered a bit to Twitter. I saw a reference to Sick Science, and of course, clicked it out of curiosity. Oh, what a treat we have been gifted with.

Now, if you are like most, you are wondering what in the world an English teacher who was talking history is doing blogging about science. Well, bear with me and I shall enlighten thee.

The first thing I noticed on the YouTube channel by Steve Spangler (other than his really great first name) is the shrinking chip bag. This one screamed out to me. Microwaves, chips, and sparks… yeah, that’s me. I watched it and was instantly addicted to this channel. Now, before you go clicking HERE, I should warn you… the little tune that plays while the experiment is conducted is a bit addictive as well. You have been warned, so go ahead and click it.

So, after watching the chip bag shrink, which was really cool, I noticed a little gem at the end. A question. Now, Spangler invites you to write in the comment section in response to his question. I saw a way to write regularly in the science classroom, and have fun doing it. All too often, science teachers struggle to get enough writing into their day. This YouTube channel screams WRITE all over the place. Just to make sure it wasn’t a fluke, I clicked several videos. Ok, I admit it, I wanted to watch them. What did I notice? A question at the end of every one I watched.

What a great way for science teachers to create writing and discussion opportunities in the classroom. Just to make sure kids would think Spangler’s experiments were as cool as I did, I called in my live in guinea pig. My daughter is still watching experiments as I type.

So, if you’ve not clicked HERE yet, do it. If you are reading this and you have not already shared it, please, share this. Let your science teachers know this is out there.