(November 21, 2008) What happens in the classroom powerfully impacts students’ perceptions of science. When worksheets are the order of the day, every day, students are likely to miss out on the joy of discovery, problem solving and critical thinking that science activities can bring. Veronica Betancourt, M.A., an IDRA education associate and developer of IDRA’s Science Smart! model, describes the purposes of using worksheets in the classrooms and engaging alternatives to their overuse. Veronica is interviewed by Christie Goodman, APR, IDRA’s communications manager. Send comments to
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* Christie Goodman, APR, IDRA's communications manager, welcomes Veronica Betancourt, M.A., an IDRA education associate and developer of IDRA's Science Smart! model, for a conversation about the use of worksheets in the classrooms and engaging alternatives to their overuse.
* Veronica discusses the potential problems of teaching primarily with worksheets.
* Veronica explains why the need for students to engage in "higher-level thinking" is so urgent.
* Veronica talks about the societal issues that demand an understanding of science.
* Veronica explains how the use of worksheets can contribute to lower expectations of students and limit their opportunity to engage in conversation.
* Veronica shares a classroom success story in which students were given choices as part of their science lab, rather than being forced to follow the traditional, prescriptive procedures.
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(November 21, 2008) What happens in the classroom powerfully impacts students’ perceptions of science. When worksheets are the order of the day, every day, students are likely to miss out on the joy of discovery, problem solving and critical thinking that science activities can bring. 
