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?”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
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”
Learn to speak Gen-Alpha
You’ll know it when you hear them. These Generation Alphas that inhabit my classroom have a language all their own. Who are Gen Alphas? Generation Alphas are sometimes called Screenagers or Generation Glass because they’re so attached to their devices. The mere mention of taking their phones away from them can cause mass hysteria. OneContinue reading “Learn to speak Gen-Alpha”
How to combat Decision Fatigue
In the depths of daily choices, some mundane and some consequential, I find myself navigating a complex web of decisions. Starting with deciding whether to drink my coffee at home or in the car, I make nonstop choices all day. Do I stop the behavior that’s interrupting my lesson or keep going? Should I sendContinue reading “How to combat Decision Fatigue”
Weather Unit Plans for Middle School Science
As a middle school science teacher, I understand the time constraints and pressures of the classroom, especially when it comes to engaging students in learning about complex topics like weather. Exciting weather phenomona might engage students but actually learning the ins and outs of reading a weather map or practicing the vocabulary are less exciting.Continue reading “Weather Unit Plans for Middle School Science”