Lightblub Moments

So I gave my students a science test the other day. I like to put a question on the end of the tests I give that asks them what their favorite part of the unit was. This serves a couple of purposes. First of all, it helps me know if they really were paying attention to anything I did in science, even if their test score doesn't necessarily reflect it. It also makes me feel better about taking the time, energy, money, and effort to put together science experiments and things that I swear won't be part of the unit the next time when the kids act like buffoons during the demonstration or experiment.

The last unit we did was on electricity. We did some activities with static, watched a few Bill Nye videos, and I had a great inquiry lesson where the kids got to experiment with a battery, a light bulb, and a paper clip to see if they could create a complete circuit. On the test question, one of my students wrote that her favorite part was "when the light came on." Initially I laughed at the answer, but in thinking about it, I decided that is my favorite part, too. I love seeing students get the "ah-ha" moment. The excitement that follows is contagious. I think that is one of the main reasons I enjoy being a teacher. Being able to see the understanding click on in a student's mind is an experience unlike any other. So yes, when the lights come on, it's a great moment. Now if only the light had come on with this particular student . . . . her test score might have been a little better!