One of the primary characteristics of a fantastic educator is self-reflection. Challenging yourself to do a better job next time is the hallmark of successful teaching, and, when you think about it, really any profession. Here are two things middle school science teachers should do in 2022 to have a better year: Build relationships WhyContinue reading “2 Things Teachers should do in 2022”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
FREE! Digital self-checking worksheet
Learning the phases of the moon is tricky. Students get confused between waxing and waning, gibbous and crescent. This digital self-checking worksheet will help your middle school science students practice naming and identifying the phases of the moon. As each phase is correctly identified, part of an image is revealed. Once all phases are correct,Continue reading “FREE! Digital self-checking worksheet”
Exit Slips for Improved Learning
Teachers often summarize during their lessons, but students are rarely given an opportunity to do so. This can lead to a disconnect between what the teacher thinks the students learned and what they actually internalized. That’s why many middle school teachers use exit slips for improved learning. What are exit tickets? Exit tickets are aContinue reading “Exit Slips for Improved Learning”
Winter Science Lesson Plans
Every year, there are one or two days before Winter break when I have to provide lesson plans but I’m not ready to start a new unit. These three winter break lesson plans are not linked to the curriculum but they do address the scientific literacy standards of the NGSS so they’re great to fillContinue reading “Winter Science Lesson Plans”
Natural Disaster Resources for Middle Schoolers
There are very few natural disaster resources available for middle school teachers. Activities about earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires are often too babyish for middle school students and rarely address the standards that middle school teachers need to reach. The Next Generation Science Standards for middle school includes MS-ESS3-2 which asks students to be aware ofContinue reading “Natural Disaster Resources for Middle Schoolers”
Thanksgiving activities for Middle School Science
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. This year in particular, I’m not planning to cover content on those days. The Thanksgiving activities for my middle school science classes are activities that practice skills withoutContinue reading “Thanksgiving activities for Middle School Science”
50% off Sale!
Introducing….. JustAddH2O is pleased to (finally) open its doors to the JustAddH2O store! And to thank you for being a loyal reader and follower, we’re offering a 50% discount to all shoppers from now until the end of November. Use code H2O to claim your savings!
Lunar Eclipse Viewer’s Guide
There will be a lunar eclipse visible throughout most of the United States on the morning of November 19, 2021. To download your free viewer’s guide for the November 19th lunar eclipse, click here. What is a Lunar Eclipse? A lunar eclipse occurs when the shadow of the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching theContinue reading “Lunar Eclipse Viewer’s Guide”
Top 5 reasons why I Greet my Students at the Door
In middle school, there are 3-5 minutes between periods. That’s enough time for a quick trip to the bathroom or copy room. Enough time to post attendance or check email. But it’s also prime time to set the stage for the next period. Here’s why I greet my students at the door. Greeting students atContinue reading “Top 5 reasons why I Greet my Students at the Door”
“Back to Normal”
We’re not quite back to normal even though we’re trying our hardest to pretend that we are. School year 20-21 was bizarre around the world. Virtual school, hybrid, asynchronous, synchronous, cohorts – whatever your school did, it was weird. We had a lot of pivoting to do to adjust to the “new normal” last yearContinue reading ““Back to Normal””