DON THOMSENS MAGIC BEAUTIFUL MYSTERIOUS SCIENCE

I began teaching "shop" in 1970. After 12 years I began picking up occasional assignments in Science, Reading, Math, PE, Graphic Arts, Semantics, etc. By my 20th year I had evolved into a Science teacher with occasional alternative subject assignment. I spent the remainder of my 42 year career pioneering and promoting SPED and ESOL mainstreaming programs in Science, even prior to IDEA mandates.

I gave up on manufactured textbooks in the 90"s. My desire to complementary unitized texts was lost when publishers began using several uncoordinated books for presentation. Teacher expertise in the subject was substituted for administration of prescribed, "canned" lessons. Therefore, I began using slide shows to present concepts and units. Fortunately my knowledge of Science allows me to animate and embellish the concepts of the subject units, often without aid of additional reference. My foundation in Industrial Science has been solid in forming hands-on Science and reading lessons, production of demonstration and lab materials, and test equipment, and forming useful, meaningful, and entertaining class activities. I have always felt that people who state that their hardest subject was Science, were not instructed using methods kids relate to and understand. Therefore I use the "sneak up on them" approach to teaching. As they have fun in my class they are learning but don't realize I'm directing that to happen. My goal is to have students leave with an abundance of Scientific information, problem solving skills, analyzing and reasoning skills, and with the view that Science is their favorite subject. My purpose as an educator is to challenge students to think and be responsible, and to provide them with the skills necessary for survival in the ever-changing world of the twenty-first century. To survive, they will need to be able to think critically and creatively, while working cooperatively to solve problems. Science is the perfect mechanism for developing these skills. Science also provides the unique opportunity of having fun, as they learn. Thus, the purpose of my science class is to use human drama and magic of Science as a tool to support students in the development of skills that will lead to a lifetime of achievement.

I have earned numerous in building accolades as well as nomination for the Disney American Teacher Award.

Colorado State University with a BS (Industrial Science) in 1970. University of Northern Colorado 1983 with a MA (industrial Technology) and endorsement in Special Education and Vocational Education.

Married for 46 years, I have two children and four grandchildren. My family is education oriented with both my daughter and daughter-in-law, and more than a few cousins being educators. We all have strong philosophies and commitments to producing the best educational opportunities possible for our students.