TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My philosophy is to actively engage students in the process of science through class assignments and discussions which inform their laboratory experiences. What we know today about earth and space science is a result of inquiry. Science is a way of knowing. All students need an opportunity to experience science as a process and not just learn earth science as a collection of unrelated facts. Therefore, the process of inquiry in science and developing critical thinking skills is the most important part of this course. This means that the course emphasizes how scientists use their observations and readings to ask questions that can lead to new experiments. These experiments build on the work of others and eventually lead to additional evidence on different topics. This investigative process will be used throughout this earth and space science course. It is important for students to become excited with discovery as they ask and answer their own questions about natural phenomena that they see, read about, or experience in the laboratory and field. In addition, it is critical that students connect new concepts with what they know, with each connection they help themselves build a solid framework of earth and space science knowledge and scientific know-how. This framework will help students to enter their future, prepared for whatever may lie ahead of them. |
What is Earth & Space Science?
Units:
Next Generation Disciplinary Core Ideas (Essential Questions):
Students will work on the Next Generation Science & Engineering Practices 1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) 2. Developing and using models 3. Planning and carrying out investigations 4. Analyzing and interpreting data 5. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering) 6. Engaging in argument from evidence 7. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information |
Get To Know Mrs. MichaudI am very excited to say this is my fourth year at Windham High School! I have taught Earth & Space Science, Environmental Science, and this year I will be co-teaching Earth & Space Science and Biology! From 2009-2014, I worked at Lee Academy in Lee, Maine (up North!) where I taught AP Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Lab Biology. At Lee, I was also the Varsity Softball Coach, a Class Advisor, and a Dormitory Parent for 16 high school girls from all over the world!
I have lived in Maine all my life, but I have traveled to 38 of the 50 U.S. states, which has inspired in me a love for nature! I absolutely love to be outdoors, to spend time with family and friends, and to learn about the world around us! I enjoy hiking, kayaking, snow shoeing, skiing, and long walks on the beach with Waldo! You will hear me talk a lot about my dogs, Waldo (yes we do say "Where's Waldo?") and Watson! They usually inspire me with at least a story a week enabling me to say...guess what Waldo & Watson did! |