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What is Science?
by Rebecca Kai Dotlich
What is science?
So many things.
The study of stars--
Saturn's rings.
The study of rocks--
geodes and stones--
dinosaur fossils,
old-chipped bones.
The study of soil,
oil, and gas.
Of sea and sky,
of seed and grass.
Of wind
and hurricanes
that blow;
volcanoes,
tornadoes,
earthquakes,
snow.
What is science?
the study of trees.
Of butterflies
and killer bees.
Glaciers, geysers,
clay, and sand;
mighty mountains,
the rolling land.
The power of trains--
planes that soar.
Science is this
and so much more.
So into the earth
and into the sky;
we question
the how
the where
when
and
why.
Hopkins, Lee Bennett, editor. 1999. Spectacular Science. Illus. by Virginia Halstead. New
York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689812833.
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Extension
This poem can be used to emphasize the importance of studying science, and can be read and
thought about several times throughout the year. As an exercise. Have the chilren write down a question they really
want to know the answer to, and then have them make a science map. The map would be a path on how they think they might
find the answer to their question. For example, a question might be "What is the moon made of?" A science map
might be Earth>Moon>Space>Astronomy. (Essentially, you are having them make a map of keywords that they might
use when trying to find the answer.) You could spend an afternoon finding these answers, or, you could post all of the
questions and then write the answers throughout the school year, as you study the branches of science that would answer the
questions.
Another option would be to make a list of all branches of science and what they study (Zoology,
Botany, Geology, Astronomy, Physics, etc.) When the children have a science related question - ask them which area of
science they think will reveal the answer! Promote science as a puzzle that needs solving instead of a laborious subject
we are required to study. Got questions? Science answers!
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