Science Super Star: Aiko Keen
April 8, 2020
We are thrilled to recognize Aiko Keen, a 2nd Grade Teacher at Bridges Academy in Oakland, as a 2020 Science Super Star!
Aiko continuously interconnects different types of learning, which leads to an all encompassing deeper understanding of not only the topic at hand, but of learning in general. This 
school year, her classroom explored the life cycle of mealworms, observing how they grow and change in every period of their life.
Her students used prior knowledge, outside readings, in classroom posters, and discussions to make predictions of how the mealworms would change over time. They used their learning logs and science notebooks to collect data and label their scientific sketches. Aiko encouraged her students to question their own beliefs, and by observing their mealworms they were able to debunk previously held misconceptions (such as mealworms needing dirt for survival).
Thougout the experiment, students began to compare the life cycle of the mealworm to other animals. Some of her students began to comprehend that the humans, too, have a life cycle, as we start small and grow and change and eventually die. The way Aiko relates her lessons to the real world, and meshing multiple subjects together has a profound effect on her students:
| “One student is not yet developed in reading or writing. He can draw pictures and label them with help, but writing is laborious and challenging. Having the hands-on experiences and giving space for Science Talks has made him more engaged in learning and wanting to participate more during this time of the week.” |
Aiko not only advocates for her students to learn from their mistakes and try new ways to learn, but she is always on the look out for how she can adjust her teaching, as well. For example, she noted that she wanted to find a way to incorporate more math next time she does an experiment! Her and her class always return to a central take-away: “the surprises and being ‘wrong’ about our initial thinking is not only okay, but its a part of what excites scientists to explore more!”
To keep her students engaged in the community, Aiko tries to have her class meet a diverse set of mentors. From hosting BASIS volunteers to visiting Sausal Creek, her students are gaining a sense of how big their community is. They also are getting the chance to learn that scientists are more than someone working in a lab in a white coat – Science takes many forms!
Aiko’s helpful tips for other teachers?
| “Maybe try to utilize different ways for students to express their thinking and learning. Like, if you are starting with notebooks, then add in Science Talks. Later, add in a poster presentation, for example. Keep layering in another form of expression one at a time to keep different students engaged and motivated and learning from their own work and others’.” |