I had a great time teaching this lesson! I loved how curious the students were about the bugs, none of the students were afraid to go into the buckets and touch the bugs which was great! Students were coming up to me and asking what the difference was between an alderfly and mayfly, I loved their genuine interest! The water conservation was really fun for me to see their growth throughout the week. Students even sent us letters after we had left to let us know they are continuing with the water conservation! I think the biggest thing I took away from the week, was that if you can create a connection with students and share your own true passion for a subject, then they will want to engage. It was amazing to feel the mutual respect we had for each other, us learning from their natural curiosity and creativity and them learning that they really can be scientists.
It was very interesting to see how the community changed and shifted throughout the age groups/ Everyday we got to work with the elementary students and then we went to the middle school one day to discuss college. Some students were shooting for the stars and wanted to go to college and be the next president. They were excited and passionate for their futures. Then when we went to the high school and discussed college, the students seemed to have been more discouraged about the possibility of college for themselves. Many didn't believe they were smart enough or could find a way to pay for college. It was interesting to see how the mind had been shaped throughout their educational career. We really emphasized that they are totally able and intelligent enough to go to any sort of college. I enjoyed the experiences I had talking with faculty at the schools and interacting with the students to understand their community and the values and opinions that had shaped their own lives.
-Jennifer Power