Grappling With the Complexities of Science

“We sand away at the interesting edges of subject matter until it is so free from its natural complexities, so neat, that there is not a crevice left as an opening. All that is left is to hand it to [students], scrubbed and smooth, so that they can view it as outsiders.” Quotation by Lisa Schneier

Lisa Schneier is trying to say that as teachers we don't let students grapple with the complexities of science because we are too afraid they won't understand. Instead of presenting them with the messy truth we simplify topics until they aren't even the truth. When students view something as an outsider they are not given the opportunity to get personal with the subject matter but instead simply view it meaninglessly. Schneier metaphor describes the wrong way to teach. Unfortunately, teachers have become prone to this model because it seems like simplifying material is the best way for students to understand. However, students don't need teachers to cut aways at the material, students need to explore concepts for themselves. Science isn't a neat subject and students can't be sugar coated to think that it is simple and easy. In order for students to understand the depth of science they must be given the opportunity to explore it in its true existence.

Teachers are sometimes frightened by the thought that their students might explore and discover parts of science that they are unfamiliar with. Students might then ask questions that teachers can't answer. I will admit this is a scary thought! The truth is as teachers we can not possible know everything! The sooner we come to that realization and the sooner we allow our students to realize that, the better off we will all be. We should not confine our students to our knowledge but encourage them to investigate beyond. We can't be afraid to learn from our students. We need to help them find the answers they are looking for if we can't answer them. As teachers we can help them research answers on the internet or contact experts who they can interview.