REFLECTIONS

Why should students have to study science and technology in a social studies classroom?  Throughout history, science and technology changes how societies act and live.  Since the social studies incorporate the changes caused by science and technology, it is a theme that should be taken seriously in the social studies classroom.  Science and technology has the power to change society and even to destroy society.
 When I am planning a lesson, I look at the NCSS guidelines to make sure that I am incorporating the themes whenever possible.  Sometimes it is hard to focus on science and technology and how they change society because of the SOL’s.  I have discovered this year that a lot of times the SOL’s determine how in depth a teacher goes into any one subject.  However, I try to demonstrate how science and technology affects society whenever it is necessary.

A lesson where I incorporated this theme was a lesson concerning the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan.  This lesson was implemented using a direct instruction and discussion format.  Many of the students had no idea of the destruction caused by the explosion of each atomic bomb.  Once the students viewed pictures of the aftermath and saw in numbers how big the destruction zone is, students were filled with questions.  This was one the most devastating acts of war ever unleashed on the human race.  The Atomic bomb would forever change the face of war and society.

The class focus turned to discussing how the United States dropping the atomic bombs on Japan changed society.  Many students really enjoyed this aspect of the lesson, where they could voice their opinions and their questions.  It seemed that many students did not realize how much dropping two bombs on Japan actually changed the world.

In my future classroom, I will continue to incorporate science and technology into my lessons when it is necessary.  I would also like to try to team teach lessons with science teachers, so that I may learn from my colleagues.  It would be good to deliver this lesson when science classes are discussion nuclear reactions.  Educators should allow students to see history and social sciences in many different lights.  I hope to be one of these educators.