Exploring Science through Memoir

Kassie Woodard, High School Science, William A Hough High School

Curriculum Unit (pdf)

Synopsis:

This curriculum unit looks at the impact of memoir on science and how it can be used to build a more personal understanding of science. Often science seems like a very clinical set of topics–facts and theories that have long been determined. I would have students look at how science affects those that have performed it and made some of the scientific breakthroughs that are so well known. I would also have them look at how science affects their own lives and see where they use science on a daily basis by having them write about the ways in which if affects them. It could be as simple as them writing about their favorite cookie recipe that their grandmother made and then discussing the chemistry behind baking. This could be expanded to have them find ways to tweak their recipes to make the cookies even better.