Life/Science 101: Fast Track to Credibility!

How fast can you go from "rookie" to "established veteran" in the eyes of students? Well, in one of my sections it took less than ten minutes! Here's how it played out . . .

I started my first class with a free-write in response to the following claim, projected on the board:

Claim: Biology is the most critical science for citizens to be fluent in.

Why do you think I would say that? What are the arguments that support that statement? What are the arguments against it? (take 2 minutes to write your responses down on paper).

Students dutifully responded on paper, shared some thoughts in small pairs and trios, then volunteered responses for me to record at the board. Here are a few:

- If everyone understands basic biology they can understand how organisms function and hopefully take after the positive attributes. 

- We should understand how we impact organisms and our environment (to minimize damage or maximize positive impact)

- Biology is always around us, so we should have a good basis of understanding

- Biology is one of the sciences that impacts our well-being directly (germs)

Some excellent thoughts about design inspiration, environmental impact, and human health and well-being. "Great," I'm thinking . . .  these folks are big-picture people. Then, from "Artie" (not his real name), I get this:

"Well, you're a Biology teacher . . .  of course YOU would say that!"

Ten minutes in and I've got cred. With Artie, anyway. 

I'll take it.