I’ll never forget the time I tried to explain the carbon cycle with nothing but arrows on the whiteboard. A few students nodded politely… but most were checked out. One was doodling, another staring at the ceiling, and one whispered, “This is too complicated.” Honestly? They weren’t wrong. Carbon is
Whether you’re prepping for your very first year teaching Earth Science (welcome to the club!) or you’ve been in the game for a while and need a fresh approach, I want to share some ideas, tools, and real talk that have helped me bring Earth Science to life—without burning out
Let’s be real—getting students excited about how water moves through cell membranes isn’t always a walk in the park. Mention “osmosis” or “cellular transport” and you might see some blank stares or a few eyes glaze over. But when you build the right flow (no pun intended), this topic goes
Dichotomous keys are a powerful tool in science, helping students classify both living and non-living things based on their observable traits. By introducing students to these essential classification tools, we give them the skills to think critically, make logical decisions, and observe the world around them in a new way.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is an exciting way to engage students with real-world applications. It sparks creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. For middle and high school teachers, integrating STEM into science lessons can create hands-on learning experiences that
Imagine the ground beneath your feet suddenly shaking, buildings swaying, and the world around you rattling as if in turmoil. Earthquakes can be awe-inspiring, terrifying, and fascinating all at once—and they offer an incredible opportunity for students to connect with the science of our planet in a very real way.
In an election year, debate skills are all over the news. But even if your students aren’t aiming for the presidency, mastering debate skills is still crucial. These skills aren’t just about winning arguments—they’re about developing critical thinking, research prowess, and top-notch public speaking abilities. When students dive into debates
Do you like puzzles? If so, I’ve got a teacher tool that’s like a puzzle in that you fit pieces together, and upon completion, you can marvel at your work with a great sense of accomplishment. Spoiler alert: It’s a pacing guide for your science class! Using a pacing guide
As teachers, we often talk about how to make lessons more relevant to our students. The goal is to make connections between any lesson and everyday life to increase student engagement while sharing knowledge and teaching skills. With Earth Science classes in middle school or high school, there are a