Author Archives: Naomi Patten

About Naomi Patten

Future Science Educator Miami University Class of 2019 Follow me on Twitter @MsPattenScience

Try and Keep Up

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Naomi Patten

Science teaching. What could be so hard about it?  Besides the lesson planning, difficult micro-level concepts, keeping the curiosity alive in the classroom, and helping students succeed on standardized tests. Oh, and let’s not forget keeping up with the constantly … Continue reading →

Posted in Challenges for Science Teachers | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Classroom Survival Kit: Managing the Chaos

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Naomi Patten

Ah, classroom management.  The dreaded topic of teachers, new and old alike.  As future teachers, we’re constantly stressing over how we should manage our classroom–should we be tough right from the start to demand respect, or focus more on building … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc | 3 Comments

Embracing the Budget

Posted on April 1, 2018 by Naomi Patten

School is expensive. Ideally, we as teachers come in with grand ideas for the experiments and projects we have planned for our students, all involving inquiry and margin-based learning that fosters creativity.  We want students out of the textbook and engaging … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc | 5 Comments

Where I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Naomi Patten

This past week, my methods class took the Strengths Finder 2.0 Test to determine our strengths.  They varied in categories, but there was one trend that I found particularly interesting– In talking about our strengths, we all seemed to focus … Continue reading →

Posted in Strengths in Science Classrooms | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Diary of a Wimpy Teacher

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Naomi Patten

I’m curious to know how many people have a diary. It doesn’t have to be a physical one, with fluffy pink edging and “MADDIE’S JOURNAL” written across in giant, sparkly letters (though, if there are any Maddie’s who have that, … Continue reading →

Posted in Research in Science Education | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Light Up The Holidays!

Posted on December 3, 2017 by Naomi Patten

It’s that time of year again! Kids are getting antsy in their seats, teachers are looking forward to the break, and everyone is excited.  After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year–though, in the classroom, it may be … Continue reading →

Posted in STEM Activity | Leave a comment

Unstoppable

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Naomi Patten

Repeat after me: I am unstoppable. That statement has power.  Even just uttering the words makes me feel courageous, ready to take something head-on and tackle it with everything I’ve got.  It’s passion and bravery and strength and endurance–everything we want … Continue reading →

Posted in Equity | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Taking Notes with Invisible Ink

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Naomi Patten

Can you read this? Of course, you can read the text when I type it clearly, but in the above picture if I were to grab the black light and sprint off in the opposite direction, you’d probably be pretty … Continue reading →

Posted in Making Thinking Visible | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

A Letter to Future Chemistry Teachers

Posted on October 20, 2017 by Naomi Patten

Perhaps the most helpful article I have ever read pertaining to my future as a chemistry educator was “Advice to My Intellectual Grandchildren” by J. Dudley Herron.  Herron worked as both a science educator and as a researcher of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Constructivism | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Who Packs Your Parachute?

Posted on October 6, 2017 by Naomi Patten

  I have a question for you: why do we teach teamwork in schools? While you think about that one, consider this story- Charles Plumb was a jet pilot for the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam war.  He had been … Continue reading →

Posted in Cooperative Learning | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments