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 Michael Shimko has added and Science Explorer I to their wishlist Sep 24, 2010
Mr. Michael Shimko
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Elmer L Meyers Jr Sr High Sch
Hometown:
West Pittson, PA
Class Information:
Room Number: 222
Students per Class: 27
Class Description:
I teach earth and space science. the class is made up of general education students which include mostly students that are not 'looking forward' to learning more about science (before they get to my classroom). I also teach 8th grade integrated science. I cover physical and chemical science topics in that class. From day one, I try to involve the students in relevant activities each day so that they can see how science is really a part of their daily lives and it can be enjoyable to be life-long learners.
Position:
earth and space science teacher
Needs:
Technology is very important in my classes. Most of the students that enter my classes are not looking to enter a science field in the future, so it is an everyday challenge to help them appreciate how the information they are learning today will affect their lives now and in the future. Technology helps to bridge that gap because they get very excited with the technology and I can show them how the scientific information and the technology work together.
My Philosophy:
My philosophy is to bring the natural world to my classroom every day in a way that will excite my students to be life-long natural science learners. I do not dictate to my students. I do not lecture them with facts to memorize. I try to put them in an environment that allows them to explore and expand their knowledge base and skill set. Whether it is by giving them activities to get 'dirty' with, or by using technology, I want them to do the work. I want them to develop a desire, a compassion for learning new things about the natural world, that will continue to motivate them beyond the classroom setting.
Personal Information:
About Me:
I am a natrual science fanatic. I love being outdoors. I love teaching outdoors. I had the wonderful privilege of starting my teaching career at a nature center in Ohio using educational animals and also getting to treat injured and orphaned wild animals. I do my best to share my enthusiam for the natural world with everyone I come in contact with.
College and Degrees:
High School - Wyoming Area HS - Pennsylvania College- King's College - Pennsylvania B.S. General Science with a minor in environmental studies College - Eastern Kentucky University - Kentucky M.A. Master of Arts in Teaching degree with an emphasis in Biology Highly Qualified statis in Biological science, Earth and Space Science and General Science for 8-12 in PA
Activities:
I love to be outdoors: kayaking, canoeing, hiking, playing sports (golfing, baseball, bowling, and more), gardening, playing with pet cats (6), biking, jogging I love playing music: learning guitar, tin whistle, low whistle, Bohran I love volunteering my time in a bible education work
Favorite Books:
the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures The Science Teacher magazine ScienceScope magazine newsweekmagazine Discovermagazine What Einstein told his Barber The Physics of Superheroes DiscardedScience
Interests:
see activities
Employment History:
cashier at Toys'r'us internat Brukner Nature Center and Wildlife Rehabilitation Unit (2 summers) Teacherat George Rogers Clark HS, Winchester KY behavioral aide at Step-by-Step child support agency Teacher at E.L. Meyers HS in Wilkes-Barre SD, Pennsylvania
Why Do I Teach?:
I teach because I love being able to give my students a piece of my excitement for the natural world around me. The rush of excitement that comes when I see my student show an interest in the topic we are studying, or come back to school and tell me how they were outside and ... My love for teaching began while working at a nature center and wildlife rehabilitation unit in Ohio, and it just keeps growing.
Average number of students in class:: 26 students
Number of students I teach:: 135 students