TEACHER'S CORNER: OAK RIDGE TEACHER WELCOMES ANYTHING THAT INVOLVES SCIENCE

Be careful when you enter science teacher Chris Faulkner's classroom. He's a true believer in hands-on study and welcomes "anything that involves science."

And don't think students haven't taken the Oak Ridge High School teacher up on his offer. Recently, a biology student brought fetal pigs to school that her mother found when slaughtering a hog. Various aquariums in Faulkner's classroom are always occupied by student discoveries.

One of the most interesting animals brought into the classroom was found by the teacher. Faulkner had a difficult time convincing students to hold the gecko lizard after they learned of its aggressive behavior.

"If it bites you, it won't let go unless you place it in cold water and put it to sleep," said Faulkner. "The only way I could get a student to hold the lizard was if they wore a huge welding glove."

Despite his love of science, Faulkner has not always wanted to be a teacher. He only began to consider being a teacher after a college professor told him he would be good at it.

"I was unsure about what I wanted to do with all the science I spent so many years learning, so I thought I would give teaching a shot, and here I am," he said.

Faulkner said he enjoys encountering many different people each day. His classes give him a daily opportunity "to say or do something for someone that may change their lives."

"I am in a position to influence and help so many different people," he said. "It is very gratifying to see a student take hold of something I have said or taught them."

Faulkner is in his second year of teaching. He is married to Janet Faulkner and is an assistant basketball coach.