Our educators: Sue Tachna

Periodically, we’ll publish short interviews with our educators. They are scientists, engineers, and amazing teachers. Today: Sue Tachna.

What made you interested in this work? Why did you want to be part of the SiE team?

Children are natural scientists; I love teaching science. Provide some structure and hands-on experience to children’s innate curiosity about the world around them, and they learn so much. I love being part of an organization whose mission is based entirely on this idea.

What aspect of your work are you most excited about right now?

I am always excited when I see children absorbing new ideas as they learn. Studying the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning framework, our modification of it, and its potential for use with elementary students is also interesting to me, professionally.

Why do you think elementary science education is so important?

Elementary science education teaches students to think critically, observe closely, construct ideas based on evidence, and communicate those ideas about the world around them. It’s a very accessible way to learn for students with all sorts of learning and language differences. The opportunity to develop critical thinking skills in children will help prepare them for success in their future adult lives.

What advice would you give to a kid who wants to be a scientist?

Be curious. Keep asking questions. Then read, test your ideas, write and test things out again to try to obtain answers. Repeat. Forever.