We spotlight Kimberly Aguilar and Elizabeth Diaz, CRS Science Super Star honorees, who teach at New Highland Academy in Oakland. There was no shortage of real-life connections in Kimberly and Elizabeth's classrooms. Above all, these teachers want others to know of the benefits of hands-on learning.
May 5, 2020
We are honored to name Kimberly Aguilar and Elizabeth Diaz, 1st Grade Teachers at New Highland Academy in Oakland, as 2020 Science Super Stars!
Above all, these teachers want others to know of the benefits of hands-on learning. They routinely turn their lessons into something their students can materialize, and advocate the process for those who want to teach more science:
"Make it hands-on! Start from the big picture and make real world connections."
There was no shortage of real-life connections in Kimberly and Elizabeth's classrooms. One of the first units they covered was on the phenomena of day and night with their students. Students excitedly explored shadows, and how they are affected through the cycle of the day. (Educational Cat in the Hat videos helped too!)
The teachers helped take the excitment of observing shadows into forming a deeper curiosity of learning how and why the shift between day and night occur. Making connections is an instant way to solidify learning in a student's mind.
Despite the fact that this was a unit covered in fall, students remembered and referenced it months later. One student pointed out that it was cold because it was winter, which is when we are furthest from the sun.
Both teachers have also been incorporating environmental learning into their curriculum. After visiting the Chabot Space and Science Center, where the students were able to participate in a Astronauts Training program, the children found a sense of wonder in their planet. They learned all about the specialness of Earth, and began to discuss ways to help conserve the planet.
The children, with this newfound passion, had planned a program where they would teach the school and community about the dangers of trash and how to practice the 4 R's.
Elizabeth and Kimberly make it a point that there is meaning to be taken away from every lesson, for every student. The flexibility of science helps engage students who struggle in other subjects. They shared one student's story to illustrate this notion:
"One student who struggles with being engaged was completely engaged during all of our hands-on science activities. It helped him focus his energy."