For the first time since 1972, humans are leaving Earth orbit and heading back to the Moon. Artemis II isn’t about landing. It’s about proving we’re ready to go back to deep space. Artemis II will send a real crew, aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft, on a mission that will carry them farther from Earth thanContinue reading “What is Artemis?”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
A 9-Day Geologic Time Unit That Actually Works (and Keeps Kids Engaged)
Teaching geologic time can feel intimidating—for students and teachers. Billions of years, unfamiliar vocabulary, abstract thinking… it’s a lot. Over the years, I’ve found that the key isn’t rushing through the content, but layering experiences: movement first, visuals next, practice in small chunks, and hands-on work before asking students to synthesize everything. Here’s how IContinue reading “A 9-Day Geologic Time Unit That Actually Works (and Keeps Kids Engaged)”
Teaching Absolute Dating Made Engaging (and Manageable!)
A 1-Week NGSS-Aligned Unit for Middle School Science How do scientists know how old dinosaur fossils are? Absolute dating is one of those topics that can easily become overwhelming for students—and teachers. Half-lives, radioactive decay, and calculations can feel abstract if students only see them on paper. That’s why this absolute dating unit is intentionallyContinue reading “Teaching Absolute Dating Made Engaging (and Manageable!)”
A Low-Prep, High-Engagement Way to Teach Moon Phases, Eclipses, and Seasons
If you’ve ever taught moon phases, eclipses, and seasons, you know how tricky these topics can be for students. They’re abstract, spatial, and full of misconceptions (“The Moon makes its own light!” “Seasons are caused by distance!”). NGSS MS-ESS1-1 can be fun and engaging, but only if you plan it right. This 8-day lesson sequenceContinue reading “A Low-Prep, High-Engagement Way to Teach Moon Phases, Eclipses, and Seasons”
🎨 A Valentine’s Day Activity Your Whole Class Will Love (and It Reviews Content Too!)
Looking for a Valentine’s Day activity that brings your class together, adds a little holiday fun, and sneaks in some review? I’ve got just the thing—a free Valentines Day collaborative coloring poster that your students will absolutely love! This isn’t just any poster—it’s a “Bee My Valentine” themed puzzle that’s revealed only when students answerContinue reading “🎨 A Valentine’s Day Activity Your Whole Class Will Love (and It Reviews Content Too!)”
A Complete 3-Week Climate Change Unit for Middle School (With Daily Lesson Plans + Free Resources)
Teaching climate change in middle school is both an opportunity and a challenge. Students are naturally curious about the world around them, but climate science can feel abstract, data-heavy, and emotionally charged. As teachers, we need lessons that are accurate, engaging, age-appropriate, and standards-aligned—without requiring endless prep time. That’s exactly why I created the ClimateContinue reading “A Complete 3-Week Climate Change Unit for Middle School (With Daily Lesson Plans + Free Resources)”
Free Alternative Energy Resources and a Ready-to-Use Lesson Plan
Teaching climate change in middle school can be both exciting and challenging. On the one hand, students care about the environment and want to understand real-world issues like rising temperatures, energy sources, and human impact. On the other hand, the sheer depth and complexity of climate science can feel overwhelming to teachers and students alike.Continue reading “Free Alternative Energy Resources and a Ready-to-Use Lesson Plan”
How to Play Quizlet Live in Middle School Classrooms
How to Play Quizlet Live in Your Middle School Science Classroom If you’re looking for a fast, low-prep way to boost engagement in your middle school science class, Quizlet Live is one of my favorite go-to tools. It takes the vocabulary sets you already have and turns them into a collaborative, high-energy game—perfect for reviewContinue reading “How to Play Quizlet Live in Middle School Classrooms”
Those last few days before Thanksgiving
You know that last day or two before Thanksgiving? Kids are wired, some kids are already on vacation, and you have to entertain them for 2 days. Covering content is an uphill battle and I learned many years ago to just give in. I don’t cover content on those days, but I don’t play gamesContinue reading “Those last few days before Thanksgiving”
13 Last Minute Halloween Costumes for Science Teachers
As science teachers, we already have the best props for Halloween—lab coats, goggles, and a love for all things weird and wonderful! But if you’re looking for fresh costume ideas that are easy to pull together, school-appropriate, and guaranteed to make your students smile, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some clever, punny,Continue reading “13 Last Minute Halloween Costumes for Science Teachers”