The plate tectonics unit of my middle school science curriculum is fun – lots of hands on activities and really engaging projects. But students still find memorizing the different boundaries and faults. Have you tried Boom cards? They’re digital flash cards that self correct so students can repeat until mastery. My students love them andContinue reading “FREE Plate Tectonics Boom Cards”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Cardboard Tube Science
Cardboard tube science – Save your toilet paper and paper towel tubes! Here are 9 science activities you can do in your middle school classroom with your cardboard tubes! What can cardboard tubes be used for? Tunnels and support structures for your marble roller coasters or marble run walls. Build bridges or or hold tallestContinue reading “Cardboard Tube Science”
Teaching the States of Matter
Students learn the states of matter in primary school science, so middle schoolers already know the basics. When middle school teachers are teaching the states of matter, our students have a good foundation from primary school but we need to expand on previous knowledge. Middle school science standards include phase changes and exploration of theContinue reading “Teaching the States of Matter”
Teaching the Scientific Method
First up at the beginning of every school year are 2 important topics: safety and the scientific method. Teaching the scientific method can be an opportunity for you to observe your new students and identify strengths and weaknesses in group work, communication skills, analysis skills, and the ability to think outside the box. How doContinue reading “Teaching the Scientific Method”
Scientific Method Freebie
Every middle school science teacher I know starts every school year with the scientific method. We learn the steps, we analyze how they apply in various situations, and we move on. What if we could find a way for students to apply the scientific method to a problem that actually might help them? And whatContinue reading “Scientific Method Freebie”
Advice for new science teachers
You’re about the start your first year as a science teacher. The first year or two is exciting but also intimidating. It feels like there’s so much to learn and you probably can’t wait to get in there and get your hands dirty. We asked veteran middle school science teachers what they wish they’d knownContinue reading “Advice for new science teachers”
What do teachers do all summer?
Because I work a 10 month job, I am often asked “What do teachers do all summer?” Truthfully, it just flies by. I usually take a week staycation to just recover – sleep late, clean my house, read a book. My husband and I will probably go on a vacation (well, not last year andContinue reading “What do teachers do all summer?”
Create Self-Grading Quizzes
I don’t have enough time in my day. Between planning, lab set up, lab clean up, and grading, my “free time” is basically zero. If there’s any way I can save a little time, I’ll do it. We had to switch to digital assessments in March 2020 because of the pandemic, and making them self-gradingContinue reading “Create Self-Grading Quizzes”
Summer Activities for Middle School Science
The days are getting longer and warmer, and the students are getting more distracted. Ah! It must be close to summer break! Are you still trying to hold their attention? Here are some summer-themed activities for middle school science. Summer themed science activities Embrace the summer but don’t let go of the science! Hands onContinue reading “Summer Activities for Middle School Science”
Free Genetics Assessment
One way to save yourself a ton of time in the classroom is to use self-grading assessments. Google Forms makes it easy for you. Here is a free genetics assessment for you to try in your middle school classroom! This assessment contains 50 multiple choice questions including: Also included is a detailed explanation ofContinue reading “Free Genetics Assessment”