Teaching can be a strange and unpredictable world—especially in science
In my state, for example, you need to pass a specific test for each science subject to become certified (chemistry has a chemistry test, biology has a biology test, and so on). Normally, you would only teach the subjects you’re certified in. But as with most things in teaching, plans often go sideways. Suddenly, you’re assigned a new AP course, an elective you’ve never taught before, or even a class you have no experience in and aren’t certified for. In these moments, it’s crucial to stay confident in your abilities—and to remember that it’s perfectly okay not to have all the answers.
Shift Your Mindset About Tough Questions
When you’re teaching, there’s always that one student who asks an unexpected, out-of-the-blue question—one that makes you think, “Oh… wow. I’ve never thought about that, and I don’t know the answer.” This has happened to me countless times. At first, I found it frustrating. I’d think, “Why are they doing this? Are they testing me?” and then try to make up an answer on the spot.
Over time, I’ve realized there’s much more value in admitting when you don’t know something. It’s actually a powerful teaching opportunity:
- It shows students that it’s okay not to have all the answers.
- It models how to research and find accurate information.
I always remind my students that learning is a process, and not knowing something is part of that process. But if they never see me model this mindset, how will it ever become a habit for them? Many students rely on Google and often accept the first thing they read as truth. Going through the research process with them—figuring out how to find reliable answers—is an amazing teaching tool.
Strengthen Your Content Knowledge Strategically
When you’re asked questions you don’t know or start to feel like you’re in a “content deficit” area, take note of those moments and commit to reviewing them later. Go home and explore—watch videos, read books, listen to podcasts—anything that helps you strengthen your understanding. Content knowledge is like a living body, especially in science, where discoveries and updates happen all the time. Staying current can be incredibly useful.
At the same time, don’t get bogged down in the minutiae. Focus on the big-picture concepts first—those are what help your students make connections and see the “why” behind the material. The smaller details will come with time, and often they’re wonderful opportunities to learn together with your students.
Prepare for Common Student Questions
If you’re teaching a class for the first time, set aside some time before starting new units to really dive into the material. Think about the misconceptions students might have or the types of questions they could ask. Creating a reference sheet can help you feel more prepared and confident as you go.
You can also set up a “parking lot” for student questions—an area where you jot down questions to revisit later. This gives you the chance to research answers and provide more thoughtful, independent responses. Who knows? One of those questions might even spark a fantastic phenomenon or discussion that leads to a whole new lesson!
Build Classroom Strategies for Handling the Unknown
When a student asks a question or brings up a concept you don’t know, it helps to have strategies in place for handling it confidently. For example, you can prepare a few go-to phrases:
- “I’m not sure—can we put that in the parking lot and come back to it later?”
- “That’s a great question! I don’t know the answer, but let’s look it up together and see what we find.”
You can also turn these moments into problem-solving opportunities for your students:
- Have them work collaboratively to research and find the answers.
- Turn these questions into “research challenges.”
- Once your parking lot is full of questions, have students create slides or presentations to explain the answers using their new knowledge and research.
By treating unknowns as a learning opportunity, you not only model curiosity and resilience but also encourage students to become independent learners and critical thinkers.
Always remember: no teacher is perfect. Both teaching and science are constantly evolving, and learning is a lifelong process. As we grow, we discover new answers and new questions—and we have the opportunity to do that alongside our students. Let them see the learner in you, not just the teacher. Embrace the curiosity, have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Next time a tough question arises, use one of these strategies and see how it can turn an uncertain moment into a meaningful learning opportunity!