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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
