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Comets and other Space Objects

Last spring, my husband took his telescope out to the driveway where he has a decent southern sky and, night after night, he photographed Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF). In the news, this comet had been called The Green Comet and it got quite bright before dimming. My students were fascinated and asked for updates on the comet every day. Teachable moment, amiright? The Green Comet reached naked eye brightness in 2023 when it made its closest approach to Earth at a distance of 0.3 AU, which is about 110 times the distance from our planet to the Moon.

comet

What are comets?

Comets are often described as “dirty snowballs” or “icy dirtballs.” They are small Solar System bodies that, when passing close to the Sun, heat up and begin to outgas, displaying a visible atmosphere or coma, and sometimes a tail. This process is known as sublimation, where the ice changes directly from a solid to a gas.

The nucleus is the solid, central part of the comet, composed primarily of water ice, frozen gases, dust, and organic compounds. Despite being the heart of the comet, the nucleus is relatively small, typically ranging from a few hundred meters to tens of kilometers across. It’s often irregular in shape and dark in color because it contains a lot of dust and rocky material.

When a comet gets close to the Sun, the heat causes the ice and other volatile substances in the nucleus to vaporize and form a cloud of gas and dust around the nucleus. This is what we call the coma. The coma can grow to be tens of thousands of kilometers across, making it much larger than the nucleus. The sunlight reflected off the coma is what makes the comet visible to us here on Earth.

One of the most striking features of comets is their tails. Comets can have two types of tails: an ion tail and a dust tail. The ion tail, also known as the gas tail, is made up of charged particles or ions. This tail always points directly away from the Sun, no matter which direction the comet is moving, due to the influence of the solar wind. The solar wind is a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun that sweeps the ion tail away from the comet’s nucleus.

The dust tail, on the other hand, is made up of small solid particles. Unlike the ion tail, the dust tail is curved and follows the comet’s orbit. The sunlight pushes these particles away from the nucleus, creating a broad, diffuse tail. Sometimes, the dust tail can be seen with the naked eye, especially when the comet is bright and close to Earth.

Comets, Asteroids, and Meteoroids

Comets are rich in volatile compounds like water, ammonia, and methane. These help form their spectacular comas and tails when heated by the Sun. Asteroids, on the other hand, are mostly rocky or metallic and do not exhibit the same outgassing behavior. They tend to remain relatively inert and are mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Meteoroids are much smaller fragments of comets or asteroids that become meteors when they enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up.

Where do comets come from?

Comets originate from two main regions in the Solar System: the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud. The Kuiper Belt is a vast, doughnut-shaped region beyond Neptune’s orbit, stretching from about 30 to 55 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun. For context, one AU is the average distance between Earth and the Sun, roughly 93 million miles. The Kuiper Belt is home to many icy bodies, including dwarf planets like Pluto and Eris, and short-period comets. These comets have orbital periods of less than 200 years and are thought to have formed in the early Solar System, remaining relatively close to the Sun.

The Kuiper Belt was named after Dutch-American astronomer Gerard Kuiper, who made significant contributions to our understanding of the outer Solar System. Although Kuiper did not predict the existence of the Kuiper Belt himself, his pioneering work in planetary science laid the foundation for its discovery. Kuiper was instrumental in the discovery of several moons of Uranus and Neptune and hypothesized about the existence of icy bodies beyond Neptune, which ultimately led to the identification of the Kuiper Belt.

In addition to his work on the outer Solar System, Gerard Kuiper discovered Miranda, one of Uranus’s moons, and Nereid, one of Neptune’s moons. He also made significant contributions to our understanding of the atmospheres of planets and moons in the Solar System. His work continues to influence and inspire astronomers today.

The Kuiper Belt remains a crucial area of study, as it holds many secrets about the formation and evolution of the Solar System. By studying the icy bodies and comets within the Kuiper Belt, scientists can gain valuable insights into the early stages of our cosmic neighborhood.

The Oort Cloud, on the other hand, is a vast, spherical shell of icy bodies that surrounds the Solar System at distances ranging from about 2,000 to 100,000 astronomical units (AU). This remote region is the source of long-period comets, which can take thousands to millions of years to complete one orbit around the Sun. The Oort Cloud is much farther away than the Kuiper Belt and is believed to be a reservoir of comets that were scattered by the gravitational influence of the giant planets during the formation of the Solar System.

The Oort Cloud is named after Dutch astronomer Jan Oort, who proposed its existence in 1950. Oort’s groundbreaking work revolutionized our understanding of comet origins and the outer reaches of the Solar System. He theorized that the long-period comets observed in the inner Solar System must come from a distant, spherical cloud of icy bodies, which became known as the Oort Cloud. His hypothesis was based on the observation that these comets have highly elliptical orbits, suggesting they originate from a distant, spherical distribution.

Jan Oort made numerous contributions to astronomy beyond the Oort Cloud. He played a key role in advancing our understanding of the Milky Way, mapping the rotation of our galaxy and providing evidence for the existence of dark matter. His work laid the foundation for modern galactic astronomy and influenced generations of astronomers.

The Oort Cloud remains one of the most enigmatic and distant regions of our Solar System, largely. Studying comets that originate from the Oort Cloud allows scientists to gather valuable information about the early Solar System’s conditions and the processes that shaped its evolution. By observing these ancient icy bodies, astronomers hope to unlock secrets about the formation and history of our cosmic neighborhood.

Comets are essentially leftovers from the early Solar System, preserving the primordial materials that existed when the Sun and planets were forming. These icy bodies were formed from the same material as the planets but were ejected to the outer reaches of the Solar System due to gravitational interactions. Occasionally, gravitational nudges from passing stars or the galactic tide can disturb comets in the Oort Cloud, sending them on a long journey toward the inner Solar System.

As these comets approach the Sun, the increased heat causes the ices to vaporize, forming the characteristic coma and tails that we observe. This process not only makes comets visible but also releases ancient material that scientists can study to understand the conditions in the early Solar System. Missions like the European Space Agency’s Rosetta, which studied Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, have provided valuable insights into the composition and behavior of comets.

Comets in History

Throughout history, comets have fascinated and sometimes frightened people, inspiring myths, legends, and scientific inquiry.

In ancient times, comets were often viewed as omens or harbingers of significant events. Their sudden and unpredictable appearance in the sky, often with bright, glowing tails, was interpreted as a sign from the gods or a precursor to major changes. Many cultures associated comets with disaster, war, or the death of important leaders. For example, the appearance of Halley’s Comet in 1066 was believed to have foreshadowed the Norman Conquest of England. This comet was depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, an embroidered cloth that illustrates the events leading up to and during the Battle of Hastings. The comet’s appearance was seen as an omen that played a role in the fateful battle that changed the course of English history.

Another example is the Great Comet of 44 BC, which appeared shortly after the assassination of Julius Caesar. According to Roman historians, the comet was interpreted as a sign that Caesar’s soul had been taken to the heavens and deified. This event reinforced the belief that comets were divine messengers, and it had a significant impact on Roman culture and politics.

In 1456, Halley’s Comet made another notable appearance, and its passage was linked to the Ottoman Empire’s siege of Belgrade. Pope Callixtus III ordered prayers and church bells to be rung to ward off the comet’s supposed ill effects, reflecting the widespread fear and superstition associated with these celestial events.

Another significant figure in cometary astronomy is Sir Isaac Newton, who applied his laws of motion and universal gravitation to explain the orbits of comets. Newton’s work demonstrated that comets followed predictable elliptical orbits around the Sun, similar to planets, which was a groundbreaking revelation at the time. His theories allowed astronomers to understand the motion and behavior of comets with greater accuracy.

Edmond Halley, a contemporary of Newton, further advanced the field by studying historical records of cometary appearances. He predicted that the comet observed in 1682 would return in 1758, based on its orbital period of approximately 76 years. This prediction was confirmed when the comet reappeared, and it was subsequently named Halley’s Comet in his honor. Halley’s work established the periodic nature of some comets and demonstrated the power of applying scientific principles to celestial phenomena.

In the 20th century, American astronomer Fred Whipple proposed the “dirty snowball” model of comets, suggesting that they are composed of a mixture of ice and dust. This model was revolutionary in explaining the behavior and structure of comets, including the formation of their tails as they approach the Sun. Whipple’s insights have been validated by space missions and remain a cornerstone of our understanding of comets today.

Famous Comets

One of the most famous comets, Halley’s Comet, has been observed and recorded by various civilizations for over two millennia. Named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley, who predicted its return in 1758, Halley’s Comet appears approximately every 76 years.

Another well-known comet is Comet Hale-Bopp, discovered in 1995 by Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp. It became one of the brightest comets of the 20th century and was visible to the naked eye for an unprecedented 18 months. Hale-Bopp’s extended visibility and brilliance captivated skywatchers and provided scientists with a wealth of data to study cometary composition and dynamics.

Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 is also famous for its dramatic impact on Jupiter in 1994. Discovered by astronomers Carolyn and Eugene Shoemaker and David Levy, the comet broke into multiple fragments that collided with Jupiter, creating massive explosions and leaving scars on the planet’s atmosphere. This event offered a unique opportunity to observe the effects of cometary impacts and underscored the potential hazards comets pose to planets in our solar system.

Some Comet Resources for your middle schoolers

Help your middle school students understand comets with this 17 page workbook including close reading and worksheets to demonstrate understanding. Workbook can be printed OR completed digitally on Google Slides.

Slide Show for middle school science students to learn about asteroids, meteoroids, and comets.

Super activity for sub plans or enrichment and includes a 2 page document about asteroids and asteroid impacts and a 2 page worksheet including analysis questions applying what you’ve learned suggested answer key

Hands on activity for students to use physical and chemical properties to determine if a rock sample is an earth rock or a meteorite.

This hands on lab activity asks students to examine what factors affect crater size. Students will test various projectiles to determine the effect of mass, diameter, and height (velocity) on the size of the crater that is produced.

Take your students on a field trip without leaving your classroom! Learn about Meteor Crater in this Google hyperdoc. Students follow links to watch videos and read about the geology and history of Meteor Crater.

Bubble Games

Introducing our newest product line! We’ve developed Bubble Games for each of the major units of middle school science and have launched them over the past few weeks. A Bubble game is a super fun way to review a concept. Start with a game board with bubbles representing each of the questions you want students to answer. Students, or teams, take turns clicking on (or popping) bubbles to answer the questions. Questions are worth various points – some are worth 3, some are worth 2, and some are only worth 1 point. After each question, return to the game board and add points if the player got the question right.

How to play the Bubble Game:

Open the PowerPoint game.
Click “Play” and you’ll be brought to the game board. There are 17 bubbles.
Team (or player) #1 chooses a bubble. Click on the bubble to pop it.
A question will appear.
Read the question and answer aloud.
Click “Check my answer” for the correct answer to appear.
Click “Back to the Game Board.” The bubble is now popped.
Click the score board and add points if they got the question correct.
It’s the next player (or team’s) turn.
The winner is the player (or team) with the most points when all the bubbles are popped.

Bubble Games in the store right now:

How to score a free Bubble Game:

If you’re new here, you might not know this, but more experienced readers will know that we offer a free resource whenever we launch a new product line. You can download a free copy of a Bubble Game that reviews cell organelles by clicking here. Try it out and let us know what you think!

How to Organize Your Supplies

Science teachers have a lot of stuff. Not only do we have text books and regular classroom supplies like paper and pencils, we also have all of those lab supplies. The more content you teach, the more supplies you have, so middle school science classroom often have tons of stuff to cover earth science, life science, and physical science. The good news, of course, is that it’s highly unusual for a science teacher to have to switch classrooms over the summer (unlike our LAL and social studies brethren). The bad news is that you might have inherited a disorganized mess of materials and supplies and are struggling to tame that wild beast. Here are my best classroom organization systems for science.

Daily supplies

how to organize your supplies

Middle schoolers don’t always bring their school supplies to class. (Sorry, didn’t mean to start today’s blog with such a shocking announcement.) I used to fight it – “Go to your locker and get them” or “You have to finish this activity at home” or, even worse, “You get a zero for today.” I don’t fight it any more.

If you haven’t seen the SNL skit “Y’all won,” go see it now – here’s a link!

I have too many important things to take care of that I just can’t worry about things like colored pencils and glue sticks any more. So I used some of my lab supply budget for school supplies – I bought a ton of colored pencils, scissors, glue sticks, tape, paper clips, rulers. Here’s how I organize them to keep a loose grip on my sanity.

Things like colored pencils, glue sticks, and scissors get used several times a week because I use interactive notebooks in my middle school science classroom. For these items, I organize them in a caddy like this one and place a complete set of supplies on each lab table.

To keep the caddies organized and pencils sharpened, I assign a supplies supervisor for each class period on a rotating job list. (Check out my blog on classroom jobs here.)

I create a “Pick up station” near the door of my classroom for items students should pick up when they walk in. That’s where I put handouts and even sometimes lab supplies like magnifying glasses or tubs of play-doh.

Occasional supplies

IRIS USA Craft Plastic Organizers and Storage, Rolling Storage Cart for Classroom Supplies, Storage Organizer for Art Supplies, Drawer Top Organizer for Small Parts, 4 Drawer, Black/Pearl

For classroom items that only get used once in a while – rulers, compasses – I store them in a plastic rolling storage cart like this one. I also store frequently used lab supplies here – things like straws, skewers, magnifying glasses, play-doh.

This is especially handy because it gives me a flat surface on top for larger materials that need to be stored like bins of clipboards or boxes of markers.

Lab Supplies

For most labs, I assemble all of the materials and consumables in a wash basin like this one, a cafeteria tray, or a dish pan. The day before I plan to do the lab, I place the materials each group will need onto a try and students return the tray to its original condition at the end of the lab when I can refill consumables.

I buy enough pans so I can set up for 2 classes at a time. This minimizes the frantic clean up and set up at the end of each period.

Another job in my rotating job list is lab supply coordinator. This person distributes lab trays and collects them at the end of the period.

I like this method because it reduces the amount of walking around in class. With organized systems in place, students are less likely to get injured or fool around.

Storage of lab supplies

Hopefully, you have lots of cabinets to store glassware and larger lab supplies from year to year. One way to organize your cabinets is to have one cabinet for each unit – maybe a cabinet with all of your earth science materials, and another cabinet with your DNA models. Some teachers prepackage each of their labs and store them as a unit but I’ve always found that I need some materials – beakers, for example – for multiple labs and just don’t have the budget to purchase extra.

Filing Cabinets

how to organize your supplies In days gone by, teachers had giant binders and filing cabinets filled with hard copies of every resource, notes packet, test, and lab. Of course, now we store all that digitally. But I still have my old filing cabinets.

I use the most convenient height drawer for daily handouts. I print a few weeks of handouts at a time and then store them in chronological order in this drawer.

The second drawer holds my laminated docs – task cards, wall signs for scavenger hunts, words for my word wall. I try to keep these in chronological order but I’m not always successful at that.

If you’re lucky enough to have another drawer, its great for file folder games and game pieces and escape room locks.

Keeping it organized

Of course, no organization system works if you don’t put things away when you use them. I label heavily – every cabinet is labeled and many shelves inside the cabinets are labeled. This not only helps me know where everything goes but it also lets me give some responsibility to my students as they learn what’s expected.

There’s nothing worse than coming in to a messy classroom on Monday morning, so I make it a practice to do a quick reorganization every Thursday or Friday just to put things back where they belong. That also gives me time to breakdown labs I’m finished with and begin to set up for next week’s activities.

What did I forget? What other organizing challenge do you have in your science classroom?

Where have all the pollinators gone?

Summer is here and living is easy! I’m loving spending early mornings in the garden and evenings on the patio with long stretches of days with good books in between. Something odd happened this year, and maybe you’ve noticed it too. I haven’t seen even one bee or butterfly. No ladybugs landing on my arm, and only 1 or 2 flies annoying us when we have dinner outside. I’ve even had to hand-pollinate my zucchini this year. Where have all the pollinators gone?

What are pollinators?

Pollinators are organisms that assist in the transfer of pollen from the male structures of flowers (anthers) to the female structures (stigmas), facilitating fertilization and the production of seeds.

Examples of pollinators include insects like bees, butterflies, and beetles; birds such as hummingbirds; and even some mammals like bats. These creatures play a crucial role in ecosystems by enabling the reproduction of flowering plants, which are essential for producing fruits, seeds, and vegetables. Pollinators are vital for agricultural productivity, as they are responsible for pollinating crops that constitute a significant portion of the human diet. Additionally, they support biodiversity by helping maintain the health of plant communities, which in turn provide food and habitat for other wildlife. Without pollinators, many plant species would face challenges in reproduction, leading to reduced crop yields and disrupted ecosystems.

Where have all the pollinators gone?

Pollinators have been facing significant declines due to a combination of factors, leading to a worrying reduction in their populations globally. Habitat loss due to urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation has removed many of the natural environments that pollinators rely on for nesting and foraging. Pesticide use, particularly neonicotinoids, has been linked to adverse effects on pollinator health, causing disorientation, weakened immune systems, and death. Climate change is altering the distribution of plants and the timing of flowering, disrupting the synchrony between pollinators and their food sources. Additionally, diseases and parasites, such as the Varroa mite in honeybees, have further exacerbated declines. This combination of habitat destruction, chemical exposure, climate shifts, and biological threats has led to a significant decrease in pollinator populations, raising concerns about the future of biodiversity and food security.

What can we do to help pollinators?

where are all the pollinators One of the most effective ways individuals can support pollinators is by creating gardens that are friendly to them. This involves planting a variety of native flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year, ensuring a continuous food supply. Native plants are particularly beneficial because they have evolved alongside local pollinators and are better suited to their needs. Including a mix of flowers, shrubs, and trees can provide nectar and pollen for different types of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Avoid the use of pesticides to prevent against accidentally killing pollinators. Homeowners and gardeners can use natural pest control methods by encouraging beneficial insects that prey on pests, using physical barriers, and applying biological controls. When pesticide use is necessary, selecting products that are less toxic to pollinators and applying them during times when pollinators are not active, such as early morning or late evening, can minimize harm.

Pollinators need habitats and nesting sites to thrive. Creating habitats can involve leaving areas of the garden undisturbed, providing bare ground for ground-nesting bees, and incorporating features like bee hotels and bat houses. Planting hedgerows, wildflower meadows, and leaving dead wood in place can also offer valuable resources for various pollinators.

Climate change poses a significant threat to pollinators by altering the availability of food sources and suitable habitats. Taking action to mitigate climate change can help protect pollinator populations. This involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using energy-efficient appliances, supporting renewable energy sources, and advocating for climate-friendly policies. Planting trees and restoring natural habitats can also sequester carbon and provide additional resources for pollinators. By addressing climate change, we can create a more stable environment for pollinators and ensure their survival for future generations.

Teaching students about pollinators

A unit on pollination aligns with NGSS standards MSLS2-1 [Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem] and MSLS2-2 [Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems].

Important objectives of a pollinator unit:

Knowledge: Students will understand the role and importance of pollinators in ecosystems and agriculture.
Skills: Students will be able to identify different types of pollinators and describe their functions.
Attitude: Students will appreciate the need for pollinator conservation and be motivated to take actions to support pollinator health.

Some classroom activities you can implement to teach students about pollinators:

Graph, analyze, and explain pollinator populations and the availability of flowers as resources.
Pollinators and the plants they pollinate are a great example of coevolution.
Include the development of seeds in your unit on reproduction.
Any ecosystem unit that includes food webs or food chains would benefit from a mini lesson on the role that pollinators play.
Research a specific pollinator and create a poster explaining what people can do to help.
Flower dissection to locate and examine anthers and stigmas.

Extension activities for a pollinator mini unit:

Hold a bake sale/car wash to raise money to buy pollinator friendly wildflower seeds.
Plan a field to a local botanical garden or farm to observe pollinators in action.
Invite a local beekeeper or environmental scientist to talk about pollinator conservation.
Start a pollinator-friendly garden in the schoolyard with the help of students.

Start your Science Class with a Routine

Middle school is a transformative period for students, marked by rapid developmental changes and increasing academic demands. Amidst these shifts, establishing predictable systems within the classroom is vital for fostering a stable and supportive learning environment. Predictable systems including consistent routines, clear expectations, and reliable procedures, help middle schoolers feel secure. Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and helps students focus more on learning rather than worrying about what comes next.

Why use routines in middle school science classes?

When students walk into a classroom where they understand the daily schedule and know the procedures for activities, they can transition smoothly from one task to another, thereby maximizing instructional time.

Secondly, predictable systems promote positive behavior. Clear and consistent expectations enable students to understand the consequences of their actions, both positive and negative. This clarity helps students make better decisions and fosters a respectful and cooperative classroom atmosphere. When students know that their efforts are recognized and that misbehaviors are addressed consistently, they are more likely to engage in productive behaviors and contribute to a positive classroom culture.

Additionally, predictable systems enhance academic performance. With established routines, students can develop effective study habits and time management skills. For example, a consistent homework routine helps students plan their after-school time efficiently, leading to better homework completion and improved understanding of the material. Moreover, predictable systems allow teachers to implement structured instructional strategies, such as regular review sessions and timed activities, which can significantly boost students’ academic success.

Predictable systems are essential in middle school classrooms for creating a stable, supportive, and effective learning environment. They help students feel secure, promote positive behavior, and enhance academic performance. By investing time in establishing and maintaining these systems, educators can ensure that their students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of middle school and beyond.

How to start science class in middle school

A bellringer is an activity or small assignment that students complete when they first enter a classroom. They can be writing assignments, quick formative assessments, or partnered activities. Bellringers gives students an opportunity to transition from one class to another and mentally prepare. They help students by giving them time to get into an appropriate mindset for the class. Bellringers also provide formative data for teachers on student preparedness and basic skills.

The “Today in Science” resource that I created last year was a big hit for bellringers in my school this year. Every day, students received information regarding a scientific event that occurred on that day in history. There was an image of the event and a writing prompt to go along with it. Parents emailed me often that students were sharing what they learned at home and sparking dinner conversation about the space program or historical bridge building. Bundled in month-long resources, the Today in Science product line helped many middle school teachers establish routines in their science classrooms.

Try it out for a few days and let me know what you think. Click here to download free writing prompts for scientifically significant events that occurred on September 9, 10 and 11.

Classroom Helpers in Middle School

Elementary school teachers have a great system of rotating classroom jobs. A student might be the line leader, the paper passer, or, the most coveted job of all, the messenger. Kids love it – it gives them a sense of ownership of the classroom and builds community. Teachers love it – if there’s someone in charge of pushing in all the chairs today, that’s one less thing the teacher needs to do himself or herself. But for some reason, classroom helpers aren’t a thing in middle school. I tried incorporating rotating jobs in my middle school classroom last year and here’s how it went.

What jobs can middle school classroom helpers do?

Middle schoolers that change classrooms won’t have elementary jobs like line leader, plant waterer, or the person in charge of feeding the classroom pet. But there are jobs that you can have students take responsibility for.

Some jobs that middle schoolers can do:

Supplies Coordinator – This person is in charge of ensuring that every table has colored pencils, scissors and glue sticks every day.
Notebook Ninja – I use composition notebooks for my interactive notebooks in my classroom and, most of the time, students leave their notebooks in a bin with their class period. The ninjas are in charge of distributing and collecting notebooks as needed.
Lab Assistant – This person distributes lab supplies and collects them after the experiments.
Paper Passer – This person is responsible for handing out papers as needed. I use a pick up station for students to pick up papers, so this wasn’t a useful job in my classroom. If you’re going to use a paper passer, be careful not to let students distribute graded items to protect student privacy!
Chair Czar – pushes chairs in at the end of the period.
Floor Monitor – picks up scraps on the floor at the end of the period.
DJ – During independent work, the DJ is in charge of selecting the (school appropriate) tunes for us all to enjoy.

Who got which job?

Classroom Helpers in Middle School

I posted “Help Wanted” signs with job descriptions during week 1 last year. Then, I distributed a Google form asking students if they would or would not be interested in each of the jobs.

If you’d like a copy of the Google form I used last year, click here! [Note: The link will prompt you to make a copy of the Google Sheets collection of responses. To view, edit, or share the Google form, click Tools > Manage Form > Edit form.]

Finally, I assigned one interested person to each job. This was tricky. Some classes had 20 volunteers to be the DJ and zero volunteers to be the floor monitor (the least favorite job last year).

Because I only had 7 jobs, I had students switch jobs each marking period. I wound up created a giant (headache of a) spreadsheet and assigning every student 2 jobs throughout the year. If there were no volunteers for a particular job in one class, then that class didn’t have a person doing that job and everyone had to do it (Floor Monitor and Chair Czar became communal jobs).

I hung a poster in the front of the room with each of the jobs listed and the name of the person in charge for each class period. This helped subs follow along with the system.

What did students think?

In short, kids loved it. The favorite job was the Notebook Ninja – by the end of the year, everyone was clamoring to be the Ninja. The least favorite jobs were the Floor Monitor and Chair Czars – no one wanted to do that any more. But, overall, kids loved it. They felt more connected to their classroom and took some ownership of the space we shared.

What will I do differently next year?

I’m going to eliminate Floor Monitor and Chair Czar and make those communal jobs from the start. It wasn’t worth it to try to coerce a reluctant student to pick up after his or her peers.

I’m also eliminating Paper Passer and depending more heavily on the pick up station. I like that this will help build student responsibility in a low risk situation.

The biggest change I’m going to add is a job application that’s more detailed. Instead of letting me know “yes” or “no” to a particular job, I’m going to ask students what skills they’re bringing to the position if they’re hired. I’m also considering some sort of class economy that would give them a reward (Jolly Rancher or sit with a friend or homework pass) for doing the job correctly for the entire marking period.

Summer Science Activities for Middle Schoolers

When summer arrives, classrooms give way to playing fields, and textbooks are swapped for sports gear. But the science learning doesn’t stop, as summer is filled with opportunities for summer science activities for middle schoolers.

Incorporating summer sports into physics lessons not only makes the subject more accessible but also shows students the real-world applications of the principles they learn in class. From the arc of a basketball shot to the velocity of a swimmer diving into the pool, physics is at play in every sport. In this blog post, we’ll explore creative ways to teach physics through popular summer sports, providing students with a dynamic and enjoyable learning experience that they can relate to their own summer activities.

Bicycle Helmets

Have students use household materials to protect an egg from a fall. Use the opportunity to discuss the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet!

Veggie Go Karts

Take advantage of the summer garden harvest to build go karts from vegetables – I provide 2 skewers for axels and let students pick the veggies. Build a ramp and test out your creations!

Lung Capacity

Test your lung capacity, and practice measurement, by blowing bubbles and measuring the diameters of the circles they leave behind on your picnic table. See who can blow the biggest bubble!

Hydrodynamics

Pull spherical, circular, rectangular, or irregularly shaped objects through a swimming pool. Use a spring scale to measure the force to pull each object and test the effect of shape on drag.

Nature Walk

Take a walk in the park and see how many different types of living things you can find. Or, get up close and in person and use a magnifying glass to really see what’s in the soil between the blades of grass. Use a field guide to identify birds, insects, or trees.

Your middle schooler’s science education doesn’t end just because it’s summer!

Sunscreen Science for Middle Schoolers

Through fun and interactive experiments, middle school students can learn about UV radiation and the importance of sunscreen. Understanding the science behind sunscreen involves learning about the nature of UV radiation and the implications for skin health.

UV Radiation and Skin Damage

The sun emits a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light is divided into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays are mostly absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and don’t reach the surface. However, UVA and UVB rays penetrate the atmosphere and can cause significant damage to the skin.

UVA rays have a longer wavelength and penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to aging and long-term skin damage. They can cause wrinkles and reduce skin elasticity by breaking down collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis.
UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and are primarily responsible for sunburn. They damage the skin’s outer layers and can directly cause DNA mutations, leading to skin cancer.

How Sunscreen Works

Sunscreens contain ingredients that protect the skin by either absorbing, reflecting, or scattering UV radiation. These ingredients are classified into two main types: chemical (organic) filters and physical (inorganic) filters.

Chemical Filters: These include compounds like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin. These filters are effective and can provide broad-spectrum protection (against both UVA and UVB rays) when combined appropriately.
Physical Filters: These include minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Physical sunscreens work by reflecting and scattering UV radiation away from the skin. They provide broad-spectrum protection and are often recommended for people with sensitive skin because they are less likely to cause irritation.

SPF and Broad-Spectrum Protection

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures the level of protection a sunscreen offers against UVB rays. For instance, an SPF 30 sunscreen theoretically allows a person to stay in the sun 30 times longer without getting sunburned compared to unprotected skin. However, SPF does not measure protection against UVA rays, which is why “broad-spectrum” sunscreens are important. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB radiation, providing comprehensive skin protection.

Health Implications

Regular use of sunscreen can prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and prevent premature aging. Skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, is primarily caused by UV radiation. By blocking these harmful rays, sunscreen helps to protect the skin at the cellular level, preventing DNA damage and the subsequent development of cancerous cells.

Experiment Using UV Beads

Objective: Demonstrate how sunscreen blocks UV radiation.

Materials:

UV-sensitive beads
Different SPF sunscreens
Clear plastic bags
Timer

Procedure:

Divide UV beads into several groups and place each group into a clear plastic bag.
Apply different SPF sunscreens to the bags, leaving one bag without sunscreen as a control.
Expose the bags to sunlight for a fixed amount of time (e.g., 5 minutes).
Observe and compare the color changes in the beads.

Explanation: UV-sensitive beads change color when exposed to UV radiation. The beads in the bags with higher SPF sunscreen should show less color change, demonstrating the sunscreen’s effectiveness in blocking UV rays.

Experiments Using UV Sensitive Paper

Objective: Investigate the blocking power of sunscreen on UV-sensitive paper.

Materials:

Sunprint paper
Various SPF sunscreens
Paper
Clear plastic wrap
Timer

Procedure:

Cut pieces of sunprint paper and cover them with clear plastic wrap.
Apply different SPF sunscreens on top of the plastic wrap in separate sections.
Cut the paper into an interesting shape – maybe a heart or your initials – and place it on top of the sunprint paper.
Expose the paper to sunlight for the recommended time (usually a few minutes).
Rinse the paper with water and observe the differences in the developed images.

Explanation: Sunprint paper reacts to UV light, creating a blueprint. Areas covered by sunscreen will have a lighter image, showing how effectively each SPF blocks UV rays.

Teaching your middle school students about sunscreen now will hopefully save them from problems when they’re older!

Click here for some more summer science experiments for your middle schoolers!

Balancing Work and Life: Tips for Middle School Science Teachers

Teaching is not just a job; it’s a calling, a passion that ignites a desire to inspire and nurture young minds. Yet, as educators, we often find ourselves walking a tightrope between our dedication to our students and the need to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Not too long ago I felt completely unbalanced. The marking period had just ended and grades were due but I had a pile of last minute lab reports I had to grade. I was buried under a mountain and there was little time for myself or my loved ones. Sure, we’ve all had to power through certain situations, but it was during that period of imbalance that I realized the importance of prioritizing self-care and finding equilibrium between my professional responsibilities and personal well-being.

The importance of self-care

Times when there’s a lot on your plate can feel like pushing a boulder up a hill – it’s exhausting, relentless, and often leaves you feeling drained. While perseverance and dedication are commendable traits, neglecting self-care in favor of pushing through can lead to burnout and diminished productivity.

On the other hand, taking time to care for yourself is like stopping to refuel along the journey. It’s replenishing your energy, recharging your motivation, and ensuring you have the stamina to tackle whatever challenges come your way. Just as a car needs regular maintenance to keep running smoothly, prioritizing self-care allows you to perform at your best and navigate the demands of your job with resilience and clarity.

work life balance

How to find a healthy work-life balance

Like most things, managing stress at work doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. Try these suggestions to find your own equilibrium:

Set boundaries. Some teachers set an alarm and leave school exactly one hour after student dismissal, even when there’s unfinished work on their desks. Other teachers allow themselves a two hour window on Saturday mornings to catch up. What’s important is that you decide when you’ll do work and when you won’t, and stick to those boundaries.
Say no. You don’t have to volunteer for every activity at school. Other people can take a turn chaperoning or running a committee.
Prioritize tasks. I have a friend who lives by the Post-It rule and limits her to-do list to a single Post-It. This helps her identify the most important one or two items to get done every day. It also gives her a sense of accomplishment when her to-do list gets thrown away at the end of the day, compared to those of us who have long lists that never get completely crossed off.
Create a support system. Forge relationships with people both at home and at work that can help you by offering encouragement, advice, and just letting you vent.
Practice time management. I use the Pomodoro Technique by working for 20 minutes and then taking a 5 minute walk around the building. Set a timer to allow yourself short bursts of productivity and avoid burnout.
Schedule downtime. Plan regular periods of relaxation to allow you to unwind.
Utilize technology wisely. Find the task management software that works for you. Try Sunsama or Freedom.
Practice self-care. Take a walk, meditate, practice a hobby, or spend time with loved ones.
Set realistic expectations. Recognize your limitations and set realistic goals for what you can actually achieve. Note to self: It’s unreasonable to grade 92 lab reports in an hour.

I love a good productive day as much as the next person, but I also love a nice relaxing day too. The key, I think, is to get a little productivity and a little relaxation in every day.

9 Ways to Save Time Grading

For years, I was the type of teacher who stayed late every day to catch up on my grading and planning and calling parents and decorating my classroom and so on and so on. But I’ve tried to maintain some semblance of work-life balance and I’ve started leaving school at the end of the day, not when everything’s done. (Let’s face it, it’s never ALL done, is it?) So I’m working fewer hours and still getting all of my papers graded and planning done and bulletin boards decorated while managing to find time for my family, friends, and even some me time. How? I save time grading papers using a few simple tricks that have saved me hours and hours every week.

How to save time grading

save time grading papers

Use rubrics for lab reports. Rubrics can help you save time grading by providing a checklist of criteria. Skim lab reports instead of poring over every word and mark the rubric as you go. Boss Level: Use Doctopus and save even more time!
Use well designed multiple choice questions. The standardized tests in science are mostly multiple choice questions but they’re not rote memorization questions. Design your multiple choice questions so that they test application skills. For example, “Your rover on Mars encountered an area with a lot of seismic activity but no volcanic activity. What kind of boundary is it?”
Limit the length of the assignments. “Write 70-100 words to answer this question…”
Remember your job is to grade, not to edit. In science, I grade students on the quality of their answers, not on their writing ability. I may circle misspelled words or grammar, but I don’t belabor it.
Use self-grading assessments. Google Forms is amazing. Set them up to calculate the grade for you. When everyone is done with the assignment, open the spreadsheet and copy the grades into your grade book. Done. Here’s a free assessment on Google Forms you can try out.
If you’re grading digitally, keep a file of commonly used comments. For all written assignments or lab reports, I compose a doc for myself that contains the comments I anticipate using. “Use your data to support your conclusion,” is one I use a lot! Today, I used “Tension at a normal fault causes the hanging wall to move downward compared to the foot wall” about 30 times. Then, when a student makes an error, you don’t have to type your comment all over again – just copy and paste.
Decide how long you will grade for before you take a break. I’m usually in the 20-30 minute range, then I take a 5 minute break and then go back at it until the end of the period.
Focus on Key Areas: Prioritize grading key aspects of assignments that align with learning objectives or skills being assessed, rather than trying to provide feedback on every detail. Perhaps analysis question #2 was the only really significant question you need assessed on this lab report. Skip the others.
Batch Grading: Grade papers in batches rather than one at a time, allowing for a more efficient workflow and minimizing context-switching between different tasks.

What are your best tips for science teachers to save time grading?