How To Make Inquiry-Based Learning Part of Your Science Lessons

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…

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Teaching the Greenhouse Effect to Middle and High School Students

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…

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Essential Tips for Effectively Teaching and Learning About Density

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,…

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Unveiling Earth’s Interior: 6 Tips to Make Science Education Exciting

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…

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6 Innovative Ideas for Taking Attendance: Making It Fun and Engaging!

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…

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Lab Safety: Empowering the Next Generation of Fearless Scientists

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…

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10 Tried and True Classroom Management Strategies for Secondary Teachers

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…

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The Power of Parent Communication: Starting Strong from Day One!

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…

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5 Differentiation Strategies for Middle and High School Science

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,…

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Teacher’s Toolbox: Discover The Ultimate Amazon List For Classroom Success!

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…

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7 Classroom Decor Ideas for Your High School Classroom

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,…

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Using Reflection to Build Strong Teacher-Student Relationships

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…

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Creating Change Through The Fundamentals of Environmental Science

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…

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A Better Way To Support Student Organization Skills In Any Class

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…

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Everything You Need To Teach Symbiotic Relationships

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,…

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How To Help Students Understand The Reasons For Seasons

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…

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Easy Ways to Teach the Characteristics of the Atmosphere

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…

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10 Quick and Simple Tips For Writing An Effective Lesson Plan

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…

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How to Effectively Add Student Choice into Your Classroom Routines

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…

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3 Ways to Teach Students How To Interpret Data

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…

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How Formative Assessments Help Teachers Make Informed Instructional Decisions

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…

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How to Establish Lab Safety Procedures in Your Middle or High School Classroom

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…

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Mastering the Art of Following Directions: A Crucial Skill for Academic Success

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…

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One Simple Way to Build an Inclusive Classroom Community

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…

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