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
Let’s be honest. When exam season rolls around, even the most confident teachers start feeling the pressure. Between review days, study guides, grading, accommodations, student anxiety, and trying to keep everyone motivated…it can feel overwhelming fast. But here’s the good news: helping students succeed on high school science exams doesn’t
As educators seek options for effective teaching methods, the idea of incorporating project based learning ideas into middle and high school science classrooms is a powerful approach. Project based learning, or PBL, provides students with hands-on experiences, fostering deeper understanding, and ultimately engagement. There are so many benefits to integrating
Let’s hear it for love… of science… and Valentine’s Day! In my classroom, students were always aware of the days and weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day. Tapping into that energy by integrating the day (or week) with science-focused lessons and activities can be a fun and educational way to
Let’s remember that the best learning experiences are often the most memorable. They transcend the boundaries of textbooks, allowing students to explore, question, and discover for themselves. These activities aren’t just about imparting knowledge; they’re about cultivating a spirit of inquiry that will last a lifetime. As educators, we understand
Embarking on virtual field trips with my students were game-changer, especially when we explored the majestic Mount St. Helens. As we navigated through the immersive landscapes of this volcanic wonder, witnessing the raw power of nature from the comfort of our classroom screens, the enthusiasm among my students was palpable.
Teaching geologic history is a thrilling endeavor, but it often poses challenges due to the vastness of time and the intricacies of Earth’s transformations. In this pursuit of making geological concepts come alive in the classroom, allow me to introduce the Geologic Time Brochure Project—a dynamic and creative way to
As secondary teachers, finding the delicate equilibrium between imparting essential knowledge and overwhelming students with excessive homework can be challenging. The debate over the efficacy of science homework continues, but one thing is clear – the key lies in striking the perfect balance. Homework isn’t just about completing tasks; it’s
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
