Four Pillars of Practicing Science Together

I have been a publishing scientist, a public (Title I) high school science teacher, a kindergarten homeschooler, a private school 5th grade science teacher, and a mom of curious kids. I have experienced science and science education and different levels and made some observations about what I believe authentic science learning looks like. Science education (formal and informal) can and should look like the practice of science. It can and should be a lifelong practice that grows with a person, but doesn’t fundamentally change. The four pillars are: Science is done in community; There are no facts in science, only data that support more and more refined understandings; Science is creative and multisensory; Primary sources are important for science practice at every level.