Science Process Skills

     As a science teacher, I don't just teach science content. I also need to teach process skills.  When my students need to use a piece of lab equipment, I know I need to teach them how to use it beforehand.  On science assessments, students also have to be able to solve problems.  While I often show examples of how to solve such problems, I am trying to make an effort to explicitly teach students the steps they need to follow to solve any of that type of problem.

     For example, this week we are studying genetics in biology.  While doing Punnet square problems with students in class, I noticed that when I did the problems on the board, the students could answer my questions, but when I asked them to set up the problems themselves, they looked at me with blank stares.  I realized that this was not their fault. They need a clear set of steps to follow to set up the problem.  I assumed that watching me set up the problems would teach them how to set up the problems.  They needed me to teach them how to set up the problems themselves.  As I grow as a teacher, I hope to be able to anticipate where students might have trouble so I can help them more effectively.