Celebrating Earth Day with middle schoolers instills a sense of environmental stewardship and responsibility and cultivates an appreciation for our planet’s beauty and fragility. These students are the future leaders, so let’s empower them to become proactive advocates for sustainable practices in their communities and beyond. What is Earth Day The first Earth Day wasContinue reading “Celebrating Earth Day with Middle Schoolers”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
What to do when your middle schooler makes a bad choice
In a world of peer pressure, impulsivity, and TikTok, how can we, as middle school educators, guide our students to being their best possible selves? Here are some ways we can help middle schoolers make good decisions. Teen Brains Teen brains are still developing, and the slowest part to develop is the control center. ItContinue reading “What to do when your middle schooler makes a bad choice”
Spring break
It is just me, or does the stretch from December break to spring break get longer each year? Well, it’s finally here, and it’s time for teachers to do what we haven’t been able to do for months! Here’s my check list for this spring break: Eat a meal, drink coffee, make phone calls, andContinue reading “Spring break”
Celebrate Women in Science
History classes around the Country are celebrating Women in History Month this March, but what are you doing in your middle school science classroom? We celebrate Women in Science in my classroom all month with activities and mini-lessons on some of the amazing women who have helped pave the way in science. Read aboutContinue reading “Celebrate Women in Science”
Planning for the April 8th Total Solar Eclipse!
I’ve been completely speechless only a few times in my life. At the Grand Canyon, on top of Mount Washington, and when I observed the total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017. We were in Kansas City. After a few days of enjoying the sights and sampling lots of barbecue, we headed to a fieldContinue reading “Planning for the April 8th Total Solar Eclipse!”
The Genetics of Budgies for middle schoolers
Budgies are small parrots and are one of the most popular pet birds. Occasional breeding by their owners has built a impressive amateur database of budgie genetics and creates a great hook for middle school science teachers to engage students in the study of genetics. Traits such as feather color, wing color, and cheek colorContinue reading “The Genetics of Budgies for middle schoolers”
Preventing Burnout: 12 Self-Care Strategies for Middle School Science Teachers
How to Put the Joy back in teaching and Prevent Burnout For the last 10 weeks, it’s been dark when I get to work in the morning. After school, my life is consumed by prepping for dinner and then, by the time dinner is served, the sun is down again. It was really starting toContinue reading “Preventing Burnout: 12 Self-Care Strategies for Middle School Science Teachers”
Engaging Middle School Minds with Valentine’s Day Science
Valentine’s Day is a great time to engage your middle school science students! Here are four ways to celebrate the holiday: Chemistry of Love Middle schoolers will be absolutely riveted studying the chemistry behind emotions and love. Discuss neurotransmitters, hormones, and the science of attraction. Include ways that animals attract mates and you’ve got themContinue reading “Engaging Middle School Minds with Valentine’s Day Science”
Black History Month: Celebrating Contributions of African-American Scientists
February is set aside every year as a time to celebrate Black History Month, and science class shouldn’t be left out of the fun! Celebrating Black History Month serves to acknowledge, honor, and highlight the significant contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. In addition to giving students an opportunity to recognize the achievementsContinue reading “Black History Month: Celebrating Contributions of African-American Scientists”
2 freebies for middle school teachers
As we head into the second half of the school year filled with excitement and challenges, I’m excited by the connections we’ve made with each other! When you email me letting me know how you’re using my resources or with suggestions for blog topics, I feel like maybe teaching isn’t so isolating after all! TheContinue reading “2 freebies for middle school teachers”