We hear about creating a positive classroom culture in science, but what does that actually look like? Imagine stepping into a middle school science classroom, hoping to ignite a love for science in your students. However, instead of an atmosphere buzzing with curiosity and engagement, you’re met with disinterested faces, minimal participation, and a lackContinue reading “Creating a Positive Classroom Culture in Science”
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Foldables in Middle School Science
What are foldables? Foldables are a popular tool for interactive learning in middle school science classrooms. A foldable is a three-dimensional graphic organizer that allows students to organize information in a fun and engaging way. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of foldables in middle school science and how they can improveContinue reading “Foldables in Middle School Science”
Harnessing the Power of ChatGPT in middle school science
Last winter, we started to hear about this new technology that would write paragraphs, answer questions, and have conversations with you like a friendly chat. At first, I dismissed it – “It’s just a fancier Google,” I thought. But then I began to check it out. I asked ChatGPT to help me rewrite a trickyContinue reading “Harnessing the Power of ChatGPT in middle school science”
Oppenheimer – A Movie Review
Barbie is this summer’s big blockbuster, but, for the science teacher in me, Oppenheimer was a movie experience not to be missed! Written and directed by Christopher Nolan and based on American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin in 2005, the Oppenheimer movie is a masterpiece. Covering multiple timelines in J. Robert Oppenheimer’sContinue reading “Oppenheimer – A Movie Review”
Classroom Management for Beginners
21 year old me I remember the first time I stood in front of a class. I was so young, and so woefully unprepared. I didn’t know what to do, and the 24 twelve year olds could see right through me. I felt like the odd kid in middle school – I felt that IContinue reading “Classroom Management for Beginners”
Back to School!
Back to school sales started weeks ago. Whether you’re filled with anticipation or excitement, there’s no denying that it’s time to adjust our thoughts from hammocks to lesson planning, and from beach parties to classroom preparation. It feels bittersweet to me. I love love love my job, but I also love love love my summersContinue reading “Back to School!”
Classroom Layouts for Middle School Science
Welcome to your new science classroom! It’s exciting to think of all the possibilities of ways you can arrange furniture to maximize learning. It can also be overwhelming. Here are some things to consider when planning the classroom layouts for your middle school science classroom. The Impact of Classroom Layouts on Middle School Science LearningContinue reading “Classroom Layouts for Middle School Science”
Safety In Middle School Science
Does your middle school science classroom have the safety equipment you need? Like an extra $100 in my wallet or the extra outfit I pack when I go on vacation, I’d rather have safety equipment and not need it than need it and not have it. It’s your responsibility, as the teacher in the classroom,Continue reading “Safety In Middle School Science”
Amazing Animal of the Week – Fireflies!
Some of my favorite memories are of catching fireflies in my hands on a warm August evening and watching them glow. Fireflies are the ultimate symbol of the season, evocative of sticky watermelon and dirty feet and giggles. As darkness descends, these tiny luminous creatures take flight, creating a mesmerizing dance of light that captivatesContinue reading “Amazing Animal of the Week – Fireflies!”
The Genetics of Seedless Watermelon
The most amazing fruit of summer – seedless watermelons – are my favorite. Spears, cubes in salad with feta, even blended into agua fresca, watermelons are fabulously refreshing. But how do seedless watermelons grow? How can a fruit grow without seeds? The genetics of seedless watermelon might surprise you! Seedless watermelons are grown throughContinue reading “The Genetics of Seedless Watermelon”