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3D rendering of Bacteria, a type of micro-organism
The Accidental Scientist
Are you a scientist? If you are a teacher, you are! The definition of Science is “the observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena.” Isn't this what you do every day in all of your classes with each of your students? Strangely enough, however, science can be an intimidating subject for teachers and students alike.
My story may encourage you.
I had no intention of becoming a scientist. Initially, I earned a BA in English and subsequently became a CPA and attorney. In the mid nineteen-eighties, while practicing law I started representing inventors. My role was to provide legal, regulatory and other
"non-science" functions so that the scientists could concentrate on science.
However, like children, businesses take on a life of their own and eventually I founded Biomedical Development Corporation (BDC) and we began to conduct the science in house.
My knowledge of science grew accidentally. I was preparing budgets and other documentation for grant proposals to the National Institutes of Health for the “real” scientists. With each new proposal, my science vocabulary and comprehension increased—one word and one concept at a time.
I did not even know basic scientific terms. My first word was micro-organism.
A micro-organism (or micro organism or microbe) is an organism that is microscopic
(too small to be seen by the naked human eye).
As each grant was written and each experiment performed, I learned more about science and more about micro-organisms. I remember the first time I accidentally assisted with the
design of a microbiology experiment. I was reviewing a grant proposal and asked the Ph.D. scientist, “Why did you select Pseudomonas (a micro-organism found in dirt, plants, and animals) instead of Staph aureus (a micro-organism found on skin and mucous membranes)? This product will ultimately be used to treat, protect and beautify skin.”
She replied, “Using Staph aureus instead of Pseudomonas is great idea!”
The question was not intended as a suggestion. I was merely engaged in the process of learning. But I remember how thrilled I was that my observation was validated and my
idea adopted.
On a later occasion, two Ph.D. scientists were convinced that an experiment would not
work. I felt certain it would. I asked a co-worker with a high school degree to go to the lab, prepare the formulation and try the experiment. This experiment, conceived and conducted
by two “non-scientists,” provided the basis for a medical patent and numerous products to treat infections. And the idea qualified me as a co-inventor on the patent. That day I realized that each of us could have a role to play in science.
Now I'm comfortable talking about our products to scientists, doctors, and investors.
Recently, I presented at the 2007 Rice Alliance Life Science Venture Forum, where we received an award for Most Promising Company. I was most flattered when several people commented that, unlike many of the other presentations, our subject matter was easy
to understand.
Over the last 20 years, I have developed an insatiable curiosity for science. On any given day I can entertain myself within the realm of science. While I used to argue with other attorneys in the courtroom, now I argue with bacteria in the laboratory. Currently, we are developing cutting-edge educational/scientific modules that will enable teachers to quickly grasp the subject of microbiology and instill the love of learning and fascination for science in
their students.
My hope is that as you observe, identify, and explain phenomena, you will share this gift of science with your students. After all, science is all about inquiry and inquiry is the basis
for learning.
Maybe you will start with one vocabulary word—maybe it will be micro-organism.
Have fun on this fabulous journey, my fellow scientists!
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Comments on the Spotlight? E-mail us at education@klrn.org
Jean- Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures
Airs Wednesdays, April 2-9, 2008 from 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Twenty-five years ago, Jean-Michel Cousteau explored this fabled region with his father, the legendary Jacques Cousteau. Since then, an area the size of Texas has been deforested. With an intimate look at recent changes, Jean-Michel returns with a new expedition for the signature PBS environmental series, Jean-Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures. Combining science and discovery with expert story-telling and astonishing HD footage, the new season premieres with
“Return to the Amazon" www.pbs.org/oceanadventures
Nature
Airs Sundays at 7:00 p.m.
Bring NATURE into your high school classroom. Find teacher-created lesson plans and a rich video bank tying downloadable NATURE video clips into high school curricula in Living Environment/Biology and Earth Science. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/educators.html
Nova
Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
Find all your classroom tools here, including classroom activities, TV program descriptions, related NOVA resources, and interactives for students.
Now on PBS
Airs Friday at 8:30 p.m.
PBS’ Emmy-winning weekly newsmagazine NOW engages viewers by probing the most important issues facing democracy. The series occupies a unique place in the American television landscape. Hosted by veteran journalist David Brancaccio, who joined the series in fall 2003 after a decade as host of public radio's “Marketplace,” NOW pursues the stories overlooked by other public affairs broadcasts and travels the nation to shed light on the important public policy issues that have
real-world impact on working Americans.
NOW for Educators
Use this site to find excellent internet resources on science topics from health to global awareness.
Fetch
Airs Monday-Friday at 5 p.m.
Find real-world projects to extend the teachings of the television series as well as recommended books, links, and downloadable activities. And, check out the Fetch Challenge Lab at the
San Antonio Children’s Museum, where kids can be like the cast of the PBS show by participating
in hands-on science experiments, projects, and learning activities. Free with museum admission.
For more information about the Fetch Challenge Lab, contact: Lupita Castrejón at the San Antonio Children’s Museum, (210) 212-4453.
The Zula Patrol
Airs Sundays at 9:30 a.m. starting April 20, 2008
Move over George Jetson! The 21st Century's newest space team, The Zula Patrol, has arrived. Stalwart Captain Bula, brainiac Professor Multo, feisty hot-doggin' space pilot Zeeter, the amazing space pet Gorga, and twin flying companions Wizzy & Wigg are the lovably wacky characters who will take our pre-Kindergarten through 2nd graders on a roller coaster fun ride across the Universe - and teach them critical facts about science and astronomy in the process.
The only 3D/CG animated children's show that focuses on the important curriculum of science and astronomy, The Zula Patrol is an entertaining and educational TV series that combines zesty family entertainment with proven educational elements. With a secondary goal of encouraging core values of non-violence and tolerance, the show encourages whole-family participation and interest in learning about science and astronomy, in a fun, comic style.
Visit the Zula Patrol online at www.zula.com for more great resources and games for K-2 students, parents, and teachers alike!
PBS interviews Bruce Ellis (Dallas Independent School District) and Miguel Guhlin (San Antonio Independent School District) regarding the PBS TeacherLine programs they've implemented in
their districts.
http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=fcac7694cf648430358c
PBS TeacherLine courses are approved by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and count towards required CPE hours.
District course licensing and ELL/ESL courses are now available! For more information: hcustard@klru.org, 512-232-9406.
Special station pricing is available for individual course registrations. Call Malinda McCormick at
210-270-9000 or e-mail her at mmccormick@klrn.org, to register for your course at lower rates than nationally advertised!
PBS TeacherLine Courses for Science
SCIE500 Teaching Elementary Life Science - Special Collection: Teachers’ Domain, produced by WGBH Boston
Enhance your understanding and teaching of life science. In addition to developing content knowledge, you will be introduced to the constructivist learning model, learn a range of effective teaching methodologies and experience a media-rich learning environment which you can use with your students.
SCIE130 Fostering Collaboration, Inquiry, and Critical Thinking in Middle School Science
Subjects: Science, Instructional Technology, Instructional Strategies
Grades: 5-8
Hours: 30
Science can engage and encourage students to think critically and logically. In this course, you will learn to integrate technology into the classroom to encourage students to ask questions, collaborate with others, and explore and evaluate data. Discover software and Web activities designed to help your students organize and consolidate their thinking and analyze ideas clearly.
RDLA225 Teaching Writing in Science
Subjects: Science, Reading/Language Arts
Grades: 6-12
Hours: 30
Learn to assess students’ understanding of science concepts by integrating writing instruction into your curriculum. Help your students engage in persuasive writing tasks, and develop an instructional plan over the length of the course for using writing effectively in your classroom. Put your plan into action and gain insight from the experience.
PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection
Get Connected!
In the drive to improve teaching practice and student achievement, many schools and districts are turning to instructional coaches to support school-wide improvement and enhance classroom
practice. Coaches need high quality resources and professional development so they can lead the way in reform initiatives and deliver on specific district instructional and student performance goals.
At PBS TeacherLine, we support professional development from the classroom forward. Our new
PBS TeacherLine Peer Connection service will help you build a customized, practical professional development program for your teachers by providing sustained and targeted support for coaches.
KLRN Connect
Click and Engage
Log-in to KLRN Connect and start using these great classroom resources today! (In order to view you must be logged in to KLRN Connect)
Not a subscriber of KLRN Connect? Click here
K-12 Thematic Focus: Science
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Animals Grades K-8
Tap into students’ fascination with animals to teach the alphabet,
WWII—and many aspects of biology, of course--with these featured video clips, lesson plans, discussion guide, and activities.
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Biomes and Habitats Grades 3-12
Tour the world's biomes for a look at the diverse ecosystems found on our
planet—and see why monitoring both is critical for our future.
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Science as Inquiry Grades 3-12
Real scientists take you behind the scenes to unlock the secrets of
scientific inquiry.
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Icons of Science Grades 3-12
Go behind the scenes to meet some of the giants of science. From the earliest recorded time in human history through the 21st century, great minds have shaped the course of scientific thought and discovery for ages to come.
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Lesson Plans and other resources for the classroom
Are You a PBS Teacher? You are if you use digital media to teach! Sign up and join thousands of classroom teachers, home educators, media specialists and professional development providers who use PBS and public media resources to engage students. When you register, you will receive:
- Access to select PBS resources
- A personalized page with resources aligned to your subject & grade
- A customized local station program schedule
- A 10% discount coupon for PBS Shop for Teachers
Need more science resources? Check this out:
PBS Teachers Resource Roundup
Media Infusion
Visual Media in the Science Classroom by Anthony Augustin
April 22nd is Earth Day, the day set aside to celebrate the gains we have made in protecting our environment and to advance new ideas for continuing the effort to clean up the earth. As I was preparing new Earth Day lesson plans for my environmental science and earth science students, I realized that the tools I needed to accomplish the task were at my fingertips. I just needed to select and use them.Continue reading
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