I find that we often talk about being innovative and as science teachers it is really not so difficult to find some kind of technology and then create interesting lessons for students. However, one of the most difficult subjects that I find is related to keeping student’s long-term interest. Students often tell me that when we are discussing a topic, let’s say balancing chemical equations or using moles, that they don’t really think that they will ever use this information ever again. Honestly, I can see a connection to the process that students are using to evaluate the information , but for some students, who may not be all that “scientific” I wonder how I can make stronger connections for them. So I’m throwing out some questions for discussion:

1. What have you found to be the best connectors for students?
2. What have you found really brings them in and gets them interested in topics, even if they may never use them again?