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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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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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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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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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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