Baker Demonstration School science teacher Natasha Itkin recently spoke with Pioneer Press about why she thinks science is awesome and why she likes teaching middle school students.
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Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
A: I’m 29. I was actually born in Ukraine and moved with my family to Chicago when I was only three years old. This is my second year at Baker; before that, I taught high school students at a charter school on the south side of Chicago.
Q: How did you become interested in science yourself, and how did that interest transform you into a teacher?
A: I think science grew on me. It was when I got into university. I studied neuroscience at (the University of Illinois at Chicago) because I thought looking at brains, studying them, was incredible. I graduated with an undergrad degree in 2008 and I realized that one thing I liked best about science was the interactive aspect, teaching and learning. I applied for the Urban Teacher Education Program, (https://utep.uchicago.edu) a secondary teaching program offered at the University of Chicago, and I fell in love with teaching.
Q: You’ve taught science in both high school and middle school. Any thoughts on the difference?
A: Teaching middle school is a bit of a change, but I’m really enjoying it. Middle school students are so open to new ideas and ways of creative thinking that it’s really neat.
Q: What would you say to people who question the need for science education?
A: I’d tell them that everybody uses science. Any time you’re outside playing, exploring, asking questions, you’re using scientific methods.
Q: So what did you think of the scientific factor in ‘The Martian‘?
A: I read the book a year or so before the movie came out. I think it liked it a little more than the film. I think maybe the science wasn’t always accurate all the time in the film, but it inspired people. It told them if you think, and you plan, and use the things you’ve learned, you can survive.
Q: And finally – zombie apocalypse, or alien invasion; which would you prefer?
A: I think I’d kind of like to have an alien invasion. I might not survive it, but to know that there are other intelligent beings out there is amazing. I’d like to reason with them, and learn from them.
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.
–Kathy Routliffe, Pioneer Press
Twitter: @pioneer_kathy
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