I have been teaching science in private middle schools since 1997. Throughout my teaching career I have found the use of textbooks in teaching Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science to be insufficient for the learning needs of students. The science textbooks I have reviewed are either too simplistic or too sophisticated, aimed at a high school level, and thus inappropriate in meeting students’ needs. After reviewing the content of various textbooks, I stopped using textbooks and began teaching from my notes instead. The notes are based on lectures given in class and responses to student’s questions about the material. Using this method, I was able to specifically tailor the material to the varying academic levels of my students.
In 2000 I first started by posting study guides on the internet and I found that students were very excited about using them to prepare for tests and quizzes. Parents were equally excited at being able to access the study guides from home. The enthusiastic response from both parents and students was the impetus for my idea to put the entire curriculum on the Internet. I started doing this in 2001 via a website.
The results were striking. I found that student’s learning improved significantly. In addition, more class time was devoted to discussion of concepts, laboratory procedures, and analyses and interpretation of results. I also started updating the material on the website during the year and at the end of each academic year, keeping it current in a field that is rapidly expanding and changing. I believe this teaching tool is unique and cutting edge in that students are able to get excited about science through the use of technology.
