She felt worth less in front of him.

 

Why did she feel that way? Hard to say. But at least she was not being professional enough.

He is little too self-centered: I already know this stuff, it's boring. There're kids who don't know this stuff? The teacher needs to conduct the class so that she can finish the planned lessons? That's not my business. Why should I help?

He needs more sense of the community: how can I help other students to learn? How can I help the teacher to move the class along? How can I help the teacher to show science is fun by demonstrating my enthusiasm?

How much can a 6-grader know about science? There has to be more to know. Besides, knowing something and being able to explain it are not the same thing. The ability to explain something in front of an audience is a great asset to have. Pay attention to how the teacher explains the stuff. Ask an interesting question.

Attitude is everything. 

Knowing how to play the role is a skill.