My professional career began as a chemist with the FDA, and I went on to work in a medical school, in testing labs, and as a science writer and editor. In the early 1980s, I returned to school and earned a TX teaching certificate in Secondary Composite Science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Earth Science, Physical Science, Environmental Science) and M.Ed.in Science Curriculum and Instruction. In addition, I have over 20 years of teaching experience, at all levels, including 14 years in Houston-