Robin Taylor-Fabe
M.Ed. Learning & Teaching, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Teaching Philosophy
Important skills I want to teach my students
I want my students to gain the ability to ask scientific questions, discover connections, and conduct investigations to make sense of phenomena that they observe in the real world. I want them to understand that they have the capacity to find the answers to questions they may have about how the world works, and that the answers are within their reach. In addition to all this, it is important for me to nurture students’ curiosity and help them find joy and excitement in science. I hope that by instilling joy in science from an early age, their experiences in my class will inspire students to continue to explore STEM fields throughout their education.
Teaching methods to reach these goals
Our science curriculum, Twig Science, is a phenomena-based approach, meaning that students are given a real-life occurrence that sparks curiosity about how the world works. Their job is then to conduct a series of investigations to explain the phenomenon from every angle, providing them with both practical knowledge, as well as the knowledge that they have the faculties to understand any question they may have about the world. I focus on hands-on activities as frequently as possible, and I teach students how to record data and use scientific reasoning from an early age.
My favorite projects
In a unit on energy transfer, fourth graders build tissue box cars and explored different methods of propulsion, including balloon and rubber band, and observed the effects of friction on their car’s path. Ultimately, they designed mechanisms to slow the car in order to protect its ping pong ball inhabitant. This was one of several hands-on projects students worked on in this unit. They received direct instruction on how to successfully navigate a group project, and navigated these challenges well. They added their own creative flair to the cars at every opportunity, creating a high energy, high interest experience.
What I like best about teaching at Seven Hills
I appreciate the relationships I am able to forge with children and faculty alike, and the way that every teacher has a personal connection with every student they teach. In the morning before school, I run a makerspace, which we call the Creation Studio, and I have a consistent flow of students who come to my classroom of their own accord to create and explore. I love that even our youngest students feel a sense of autonomy when given the chance to explore their interests with a teacher’s guidance.