Joe teaches "Forensics in Chemistry" for 7th and 8th graders.
What's your class like? Can you describe it for us?
The class is
investigating what will eventually be revealed as a murder case. We'll be looking at clues and evidence like DNA,
footprints, fingerprints, soil samples, and pen ink, then applying
chemistry knowledge to them. For instance, we'll be using
chormotography to learn how different chemicals have different
properties in pen ink. There are certain tests to determine the chemicals in soil, like using spectrophotometers to look at
nitrate concentrations. Essentially, we'll be using the context of a murder investigation to explore chemistry and the scientific process.
What's something about you someone might not expect if they didn't know you well?
I like peanut
butter and pickle sandwiches.
What made you want to teach for SEP?
Basically, I like teaching
science and I want to excite other people about science.
What do you think is the most difficult part of the job?
Being flexible. You have to able to change your plan each session.
What do you think is the most rewarding part of the job?
I like seeing the students get excited
about science and seeing those moments when something you're telling
them actually sinks in...the “I get it” moment.
What do you think about gifted education?
I think it's important for gifted kids
to be provided with something beyond what they get in a typical class
room, like the agency of doing hands on experiments and being a
scientist.
Given infinite supplies and opportunities, what sort of class would you teach?
It would be great to have access to
more sophisticated equipment like those used in a real crime lab.
I would also love to bring the students on a tour of a crime lab.
What's your biggest pet peeve?
In teaching, it's when kids are touching
equipment they're not supposed to touch!
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