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Zoo Trips
My grandmother was a bus driver and often took me with her on her field trip jobs to the zoo. At only two years old I knew the names of almost all of the zoo animals. -
First Day of Preschool
I began attending half-day preschool at a Montessori School. I learned to discover the world around me through exploration. -
Baking Cookies
My grandmother often watched me while my parents were at work. One of my favorite things to do with her was to bake cookies. I learned to measure and pour and experienced the effects of adding different ingredients. -
Butterfly Unit
In second grade, we studied the life cycle of a butterfly. Our class even got to experience firsthand the transformation with our own caterpillars. We recorded in our notebooks any changes we saw. Eventually, our caterpillar became a beautiful butterfly! It was amazing. We also were able to take a field trip to the butterfly farm. Butterflies swarmed all around me and landed on me. I loved science! -
Horseback Riding Lesson
In my childhood, I loved horseback riding. One of my first riding instructors was also a vet tech. In addition to teaching me how to ride, she also taught me about the anatomy of a horse and how to best take care of minor injuries. -
Penny's stomach is pumped
My sister's horse, Penny, was really sick. We called the vet to come take care of her. He came and explained that horses cannot throw up and that he needed to pump out the contents of her stomach. He shoved a tube down her nose and then pumped out everything in her stomach. I was disgusted yet enthralled at the same time. -
Heart Dissection
In fifth grade, I studied anatomy and learned all about the human heart. As part of this unit, my class dissected sheep hearts. I completed the dissection, but I was disgusted. It was the first time that I did not like science. -
Blue's Puppies are born
Our Great Dane, Blue, had a litter of puppies. I was there when they were born, and it was such and amazing experience. I also learned more about dogs and puppies and how to best take care of them, especially with our huge litter of 13! -
10th Grade Chemistry
I took chemistry in tenth grade. Science that year became all about math. I hated it! I felt like because I wasn't good at math I could no longer be good at science either. It was so frustrating! -
11 Grade Physics
Physics was a similar experience to chemistry. Math and science were once again synonymous, and because I wasn't good at math I felt science would be the same. However, my teacher for physics was really kind and helpful and truly wanted me to succeed. She gave me extra help, and in the end I earned an A. Although I did not enjoy the subject matter I felt smart and capable. -
AP Environmental Science
As a senior in high school, I took an AP environmental science class. Because of my disdain for my chemistry and physics classes, I did not expect to enjoy this course. However, it quickly became one of my favorite classes. My teacher was energetic and passionate about the subject. I cared about the world around me, so I also cared about the subject matter. I found everything discussed in the course to be both relatable and applicable. Even the calculations were useful and practical. -
Political Science 150
As a freshman at BYU I took a political science class. I realized that science isn't only what we traditionally think of, but that social sciences are sciences as well. I realized that research can be done in political science, and, it too, is 'real science'. -
Research Assistant
I was hired as a research assistant to work for Dr. Morrison and his team studying inferencing. I continue to work for him and love the findings we are making. However, when I tell others that I work as a research assistant they often ask me which lab I work in. It is sad that we see science and research as only happening in a lab in the Life Science Building. -
Practicum in 1st grade
Sadly, during my practicum experience I never taught or observed science being taught formally. My students did do reports about zoo animals before taking a field trip to the zoo, but the emphasis was on writing and using the computers. None of the lessons featured a single science objective.