As the calendar turns to December, students (and teachers) invariably start to think about the holidays - both the dates of note on the calendar and the winter holidays that close out the year. If you’re looking to make it to your winter break without breaking your brain, then consider…
There is a point in nearly everyone’s life when they look up to the sky with wonder and awe. While this might first happen in childhood, it doesn’t mean that these feelings disappear. So why not tap into that sense of wonder and awe within your science classroom? Have students…
Are you interested in making connections between what you teach in your science classroom and the real world? As science teachers, I think we all try to move beyond just the theoretical and into the practical whenever we can. One of the ways I have found great success in making…
Teaching secondary students about energy flow in ecosystems is a crucial part of their ecological journey. Understanding how energy moves through the natural world is essential not only for their academic knowledge but also for cultivating an appreciation of the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth. Let's explore effective…
If you’re looking to combine real-world applications for learning in environmental science with some seasonal science activities for Thanksgiving, then keep reading! Integrating environmental science concepts with Thanksgiving is a creative way to teach students about sustainability, conservation, and gratitude for the Earth's resources. Here are 5 environmental science activities…
Teaching weather and climate is a staple in Earth Science and it’s one of my favorite units to teach. The power and unpredictability of severe weather phenomena like hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms evoke both fear and awe. It’s an area of study that can easily grab students’ attention and then…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
