You have probably heard the term inquiry-based learning at some point in your teaching journey. There has been a significant focus and push on this approach in the last several years. I know there has been a myriad of PD in our local school district about this approach. But maybe…
As science teachers, one of our most important tasks is to convey complex scientific concepts in an engaging and accessible manner. Among these, the greenhouse effect stands as a cornerstone of climate science and environmental studies. Explaining it effectively to middle and high school students can be both challenging and…
At certain times of the school year adding in themed activities can take any lesson plan from low-key to amazing! In October that usually means incorporating Halloween themes into your science lesson plans. Spooky season and science are actually a great complement to one another. There are a ton of…
What is Density? Teaching middle and high school students about density is paramount because it lays the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the physical world and fosters critical thinking. Density is all about how closely packed the particles in a substance are. It's the ratio of mass to volume,…
Exploring the wonders of our planet, especially its enigmatic interior, is a pivotal part of Earth Science education in middle and high school. The Earth's interior is a fascinating realm filled with layers, mysteries, and scientific marvels waiting to be uncovered in your classroom. Teaching about the Earth's interior might…
Attendance tracking in a classroom can often be a mundane task, but it doesn't have to be. With a little creativity, you can turn this routine process into an engaging and interactive activity that your students will actually look forward to. Let's explore six innovative ideas that not only simplify…
Science education plays a vital role in fostering students' curiosity and understanding of the world around them. However, conducting experiments and hands-on activities in science labs also comes with inherent risks. To ensure the well-being of students and instill good scientific practices, teaching lab safety in middle and high school…
As a classroom teacher, it's important to ensure that substitute teachers are set up for success in your classroom. This will make life easier for you, the sub, and your students too! In your absence, your students can continue to learn and thrive and when you return, you can continue…
Are you heading into the classroom for the first time? Or maybe you’re a new teacher in the first few years of teaching? You’ve probably asked for and received a lot of advice, maybe even some that was unsolicited! Some say that teaching is both an art and a science.…
As teachers in middle school and high school we know that having a strong knowledge of our subject matter is only one key to success. Another key to success, and perhaps one that might dominate all others, is having effective classroom management strategies. No matter how much we know our…
As educators, we have the incredible opportunity to shape the lives of our students and inspire them to reach their full potential. While we play a crucial role in their academic journey, we must not overlook the vital influence parents have on their child's success. Establishing effective parent communication right…
Science teachers are well aware that the subject matter they teach can pose significant challenges for students, particularly due to its specialized vocabulary and abstract concepts. Recognizing this, it becomes imperative to embrace differentiation strategies that cater to the diverse needs of all students. Among the various aspects of differentiation,…
Every year I love when it’s time to use my solar system lesson plans. Whether teaching middle school or high school, the exploration of outer space and delving into solar system questions never fails to captivate both teachers and students alike. The sheer fascination surrounding this topic allows for diverse…
As a teacher, your classroom is your haven, a space where learning and growth flourish. To create an environment that inspires and engages students, it's crucial to have the right tools at your disposal. Let's explore this Amazon list of must-haves for every classroom, ensuring that you have everything you…
Those first few days back to school are always filled with excitement and a little bit of anxiety too. This is true for teachers and students. However, you can channel this energy, both within yourself and your students, to establish a positive atmosphere that sets the tone for the entire…
When you step into your classroom, do you and your students feel a sense of confidence and comfort? As high school teachers, we often hesitate to explore classroom decor ideas because many options available seem more suited for elementary settings. However, it is entirely possible to create a positive, engaging,…
Throughout the school year, we as teachers focus on building relationships between teachers and students. These teacher-student relationships create an in-class dynamic that supports the social and academic development of students, and often makes the work in the classroom, especially for classroom management, easier. But as we close out a…
When the weather is nice, do you find your students (and yourself!) staring out the window and wishing you were outside rather than in the classroom? I absolutely do - so why not take the learning outside when you can? Outdoor learning doesn’t have to be a significant investment in…
We know that teachers can have a profound effect on students. This includes ways to support and inspire students as they decide on their future goals and set about achieving them. The coursework students complete in any number of classes can be this starting point. This is why I love…
What if I told you there was a tool you could use in science class that allows students to zoom in on their learning? No, not the microscope. That could heat up their chances to learn. No, not a bunsen burner. That using these could get students engaged, thinking independently…
While our primary focus in the classroom often revolves around content and meeting curriculum requirements, it is crucial not to overlook the realm of learning skills that lie just beyond. Among these vital skills are student organization and time management, which may not always be the most captivating aspects of…
Are you looking for ways to incorporate more environmental education into your science classes that are engaging and linked to your curriculum? Want some activities to use for Earth Day on April 22 (or any time during the school year)? Check out these 10 Earth Day activities that are sure…
Middle school and high school science classes become truly captivating when we establish direct connections between the subject matter and the real world. It is even more rewarding when these connections can generate positive outcomes for both the world and our students. This is precisely why it is highly beneficial…
Teaching about sustainability and including sustainability activities in middle school and high school can impact current and future students. An important part of any science curriculum that promotes student engagement is real-world connections. Finding ways for students to understand their new knowledge and apply it outside of our classrooms is…
The start of any new course comes with excitement and a bit of trepidation about planning it all! I like to channel that excitement into planning so I can alleviate some stress. Maybe you’re like me and you like to map things out too. Having an overall plan means you’re…
A virtual field trip is a guided exploration to travel the globe and visit natural environments without leaving the classroom. These educational experiences allow students to explore sites from the present or past. And the best part is they are aligned with curriculum standards to meet your classroom expectations and needs.
Teaching about symbiotic relationships offers students a captivating journey into the hidden workings of nature, unveiling the countless examples of cooperation, dependence, and coexistence that exist around us. By exploring these partnerships, students can gain insights into the complex web of life, the role of each species within their ecosystems,…
The changing seasons have fascinated humans for centuries, captivating our senses and shaping our daily lives. From the warmth of summer to the chill of winter, understanding the reasons for seasons is a fundamental aspect of comprehending Earth's dynamic systems. By exploring the intricate relationship between the Earth and the…
We have something incredible in common...We breathe the same air! What exactly is this air we breathe composed of? What does it mean to breathe "fresh" air? Does the air change in composition throughout different parts of the world? What about at different altitudes? What are the characteristics of the…
For over a decade, my relationship with lesson plans has been quite a journey, resembling a rollercoaster ride. I was first introduced to the concept of lesson plans during my college education courses. My professors emphasized their significance, highlighting how they provide teachers with a structured framework and a sense…
Upon stepping into the school premises, students often perceive a significant loss of autonomy, making student choice all the more crucial. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among middle and high school-aged individuals. They find themselves subject to various expectations imposed by parents, teachers, school counselors, and the administrative staff, among…
How to interpret data is important for both students and teachers. Data analysis and interpretation are key components of any science class, especially when working with the scientific method. We teach our students to gather necessary information, to analyze all components of their findings, and to draw conclusions prior to…
As an educator in the classroom, we constantly face numerous decision-making tasks throughout the day. Formative assessments serve as evaluation tools utilized during the learning journey, enabling us to gather valuable insights into students' comprehension, knowledge, and abilities. These assessments offer teachers a means to effectively track student progress and…
Establishing lab safety procedures is essential to create a safe learning environment for middle and high school students. Whether you are testing the water quality in a local pond in your Environmental Science class, or using calorimeters to exemplify the concept of specific heat in your Earth and Space Science…
How many times during a school year do you remind your students to follow directions? Following directions is a skill we would love all of our students to master. Although I may hold a certain bias, I firmly believe that it carries heightened significance within a science classroom, particularly in…
What strategies do teachers employ to establish an inclusive classroom atmosphere? Establishing a solid connection with our students lays the groundwork for fostering their engagement, creating a feeling of ease and belonging, minimizing distractions, and enhancing their learning experiences. Research indicates that the greater the number of positive relationships students…
