Last spring, my husband took his telescope out to the driveway where he has a decent southern sky and, night after night, he photographed Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF). In the news, this comet had been called The Green Comet and it got quite bright before dimming. My students were fascinated and asked for updates onContinue reading “Comets and other Space Objects”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Bubble Games
Introducing our newest product line! We’ve developed Bubble Games for each of the major units of middle school science and have launched them over the past few weeks. A Bubble game is a super fun way to review a concept. Start with a game board with bubbles representing each of the questions you want studentsContinue reading “Bubble Games”
How to Organize Your Supplies
Science teachers have a lot of stuff. Not only do we have text books and regular classroom supplies like paper and pencils, we also have all of those lab supplies. The more content you teach, the more supplies you have, so middle school science classroom often have tons of stuff to cover earth science,Continue reading “How to Organize Your Supplies”
Where have all the pollinators gone?
Summer is here and living is easy! I’m loving spending early mornings in the garden and evenings on the patio with long stretches of days with good books in between. Something odd happened this year, and maybe you’ve noticed it too. I haven’t seen even one bee or butterfly. No ladybugs landing on my arm,Continue reading “Where have all the pollinators gone?”
Start your Science Class with a Routine
Middle school is a transformative period for students, marked by rapid developmental changes and increasing academic demands. Amidst these shifts, establishing predictable systems within the classroom is vital for fostering a stable and supportive learning environment. Predictable systems including consistent routines, clear expectations, and reliable procedures, help middle schoolers feel secure. Knowing what to expectContinue reading “Start your Science Class with a Routine”
Classroom Helpers in Middle School
Elementary school teachers have a great system of rotating classroom jobs. A student might be the line leader, the paper passer, or, the most coveted job of all, the messenger. Kids love it – it gives them a sense of ownership of the classroom and builds community. Teachers love it – if there’s someone inContinue reading “Classroom Helpers in Middle School”
Summer Science Activities for Middle Schoolers
When summer arrives, classrooms give way to playing fields, and textbooks are swapped for sports gear. But the science learning doesn’t stop, as summer is filled with opportunities for summer science activities for middle schoolers. Incorporating summer sports into physics lessons not only makes the subject more accessible but also shows students the real-world applicationsContinue reading “Summer Science Activities for Middle Schoolers”
Sunscreen Science for Middle Schoolers
Sunscreen Science for Middle Schoolers Through fun and interactive experiments, middle school students can learn about UV radiation and the importance of sunscreen. Understanding the science behind sunscreen involves learning about the nature of UV radiation and the implications for skin health. UV Radiation and Skin Damage The sun emits a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation,Continue reading “Sunscreen Science for Middle Schoolers”
Balancing Work and Life: Tips for Middle School Science Teachers
Teaching is not just a job; it’s a calling, a passion that ignites a desire to inspire and nurture young minds. Yet, as educators, we often find ourselves walking a tightrope between our dedication to our students and the need to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Not too long ago I felt completely unbalanced. TheContinue reading “Balancing Work and Life: Tips for Middle School Science Teachers”
9 Ways to Save Time Grading
For years, I was the type of teacher who stayed late every day to catch up on my grading and planning and calling parents and decorating my classroom and so on and so on. But I’ve tried to maintain some semblance of work-life balance and I’ve started leaving school at the end of the day,Continue reading “9 Ways to Save Time Grading”