We are all Scientists

Dragonfly Investigation

"Ms. Kacee, why are there people here? Like, how did we all get here? You know, on Earth?!" asks a dark-haired, 6 year-old in the middle of our math lesson. 

Like all young children known for their off-topic but intriguing questions, she is trying to understand the world around her and her role in it. We have wonderful opportunities like this to stoke these natural curiosities in our children and adults. 

We enter the world as scientists. When we learn to walk it because we have observed the phenomena in those around us. We have hypothesized that we can do the same and because we are human beings, naturally built for walking, we are easily able to implement this new skill into our lives. While the ability to replicate the science is important to consider, we must also understand that each person is The Scientist of their own lives, constantly uncovering their own (and others') hidden potential. We must think in terms of both natural and social sciences and use those as the foundation of our standards for the advancement of the human species, as well as, the conservation of our natural resources. 

My favorite response to almost any question from my students is, "what a GREAT research question!" Gathering evidence from multiple sources, including our own and others' experiences and using that new knowledge to challenge an understanding is the foundation of every single advancement known to humankind. We are all Scientists and we must challenge and support one another to evolve through research, thought, and experimentation.