A simple machines unit is a great one to teach using a constructivist approach. With some hands on experimentation, students can see the impact that using a lever or inclined plane has on work. Direct instruction to incorporate vocabulary supplements the observations students have made and allows them to draw conclusions about how simple machinesContinue reading “Simple Machines”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Strategies to Teach and Reinforce Vocabulary
Teaching science is a lot like teaching a new language. Good pedagogy and engaging, relevant hands on activities can help students understand concepts, but the vocabulary often remains elusive. Here are five strategies to teach and reinforce science vocabulary:
Today’s Buzzword: SEL
As a parent, and as a teacher, my priorities have always been: 1. Be safe. 2. Be happy. 3. Learn something. I have to trust my district and my superintendent that we’re safe at school. I ensure my students wear masks, wash hands like Lady MacBeth, and socially distance. I’m well trained and know howContinue reading “Today’s Buzzword: SEL”
Shaking the Sunday Night Blues
You know the feeling. Sunday night. School tomorrow. And you really enjoyed sleeping in and doing weekend things and you’re sad because it’s over. The last Sunday night before school starts is the Sunday-Night-Bluest of all of the Sundays. Here are some tips to shake the SNBs, and some things to avoid. What not toContinue reading “Shaking the Sunday Night Blues”
Type A Personalities and Planning a New School Year
I wish I were one of those people who can roll with it. I know teachers who haven’t checked their emails all summer. I’m trying, I really am. I know I should let it go. But I’m going to start school with mid-year stress levels.
Informational Texts to Build Scientific Literacy
The trick to great sub plans is to make them relevant but not necessarily curricular so that they can fit anywhere in the year when you may need them.
Pinterest Classrooms
I love Back to School time! I love buying new lesson plan books and hanging new bulletin boards. I love setting up my desk with the pics of my kids and my pencil holder. But this year is different. My school is currently expected to start with a hybrid September – some students in personContinue reading “Pinterest Classrooms”
Home Office Comfort
When I’m in the classroom, I walk around constantly, but in my home office, I’m basically glued to my chair. Here’s what I’m planning to do when we start remote learning this fall.
Top 3 Science Teacher TED Talks
The best part about TED talks is that they can inspire you to think outside the box. The worst thing about TED talks is that thinking outside the box isn’t something we’re often allowed to do.
Using Task Cards in Science
Task cards are versatile opportunities to practice skills in short increments of time. Here are my favorite 10 ways to use task cards in my middle school science classroom.