I feel like there are many ways to write this blog. I have found connections on many different levels. The most obvious connection to my curriculum is the biodiesel and its connection to my thermochemistry unit in chemistry. I had the opportunity to teach a group of research apprentice students this week at NC A&T and they were excited and interested to learn more about alternative fuels. I realize they know a lot about the different types of energy we use in the world, but they have not considered the impact an alternative fuel source has on our economy, the environment and even our health. One goal of this summer experience for these students is to give them confidence in their thinking. They are learning, through research, that the answers are not always clear cut and printed in a book. I think that should be the goal for students at all levels – to become independent thinkers. Yes, learning the chemistry along the way is nice too, but I think I’d rather equip a child with the skills necessary to think through a problem instead of just giving them some information.
Research students making biodiesel
The other major connection I’ve had during this Fellowship is the feeling of being the student again. I have worked at home in the evenings like a student with homework and I have worked in lab during the day like a graduate research assistant. It’s a powerful reminder of the pressure our own students are under when they are seeing material for the very first time. This week was a lot of fun because I had the opportunity to teach and to be taught. I am working on making my own biodiesel in the lab and running some tests on it to see how the reaction worked. And, just like my students, I feel the stress of wanting to “do it right.” Only time will tell for my reaction, but I think that the stress of being a student will stay in the forefront of my planning for this coming year and I will work to make my lessons engaging but not overwhelming for those students who just want to “do it right”!
Crude biodiesel from soybean oil
How cool is it that you got a chance to teach research students! We are so glad the Kenan Fellows Program has been able to provide you with this kind of opportunity. Thank you for a great post and for sharing these awesome pictures.
Amneris
Marci, I love how you look at the big picture that goes way beyond chemistry content when you think about how to educate your students.
Marci,
I too have felt the stress of being the “student” It is difficult working in the lab during the day and then try to put that information into words or even try to develop a lesson plan later that day. I am encouraged though as I complete a little bit of the process piece by piece.