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3 NO PREP Halloween Science Activities

Maybe your classroom looks cool and calm this week before Halloween, but mine doesn't! It's the week that kids act like there's a full moon, no matter what the lunar phase is. Using no prep Halloween science activities helps to contain the crazy and keeps it easy on you! None of these no prep Halloween science activities even require copies. Are you ready to have some Halloween fun, but keep it science-y? Let's go!

What Does a Scientist Look Like Activity

One of my biggest passions as a science educator is to ensure that my students see themselves represented in the scientists I highlight in my classroom. After a "What does a scientist look like?" activity, kids should know that the answer is THEM! They look like a scientist!

6 Science Vocabulary Activities

Many vocabulary lessons are dull, rote, and simply not worthwhile. But there are many ways to make vocabulary lessons both engaging and rigorous. Let me show you vocabulary lessons that hold kids' interest, have them up and moving around the room, all while being highly effective. Most importantly, students really, truly understand the meanings of the vocabulary words and how they fit into the "bigger picture" of the unit.

5 Cool Activities to Teach Plate Tectonics

Looking for activities to teach plate tectonics that are both rigorous AND engaging? Growing tired of the same ol'boring activities you've used in the past? I've got you! There's plenty of ways to add engagement to a plate tectonics unit. Here are my top 5!

Middle School Science Final Exams

Middle School Science Final Exams: The title of this blog post should really have a question mark (or 5) after it, because I really don't know how I feel about giving these tests in middle school science. However, I DO administer a final exam to my middle school students because my district requires it. LET'S TALK ABOUT IT!

Is the NSTA Conference Worth Attending?

I'm excited to introduce my very first guest blogger, Kathy Biernat of Zanilu Educational Services, LLC! Kathy recently attended the NSTA conference in Atlanta. Her post is timely because I've seen many questions on social media lately asking "Is attending the NSTA worth attending"? Kathy's answer is a resounding YES! Read her story!

Earth Day Activities for Science

No matter what branch of science you're currently teaching, it's easy to incorporate Earth Day activities into your classroom. Don't let "I'm not in that unit right now" deter you from celebrating this important day! I've got Earth Day activities for every branch of science!

Air Pollution Activity

Whether you're teaching human impact on the environment, ecosystems, Earth's systems, climate change, or even chemistry, it's easy (and important) to add an air pollution activity to your curriculum. Air pollution has natural ties to so many aspects of science, health, and even social issues. Students should understand how air pollution affects them and their local and global communities in a multitude of ways. Over the years, I developed tried-and-true ways to teach air pollution in my science class.

Local Ecosystem Lessons

Picture this...  your students are having fun, learning and exploring, excited and engaged, and immersed in local ecosystem lessons. Where are you? You're sipping coffee and watching! The reins are in someone else's hands today! Every year, this is what I experience when the local watershed group comes into my class for a day. They have pre-made lessons, tons of hands-on activities, and they lead the lesson themselves. All I have to do is contact them and choose which lesson I'd like this year. You can do this, too!

Invasive Species Activity

Start your invasive species activity with a hook that catches students' attention every time! Whenever I introduce an invasive species lesson, I start with an old-fashioned "wanted" picture of a local invasive species. Around here, the kids are very familiar with invasive autumn olive berries and invasive Asian shore crabs. Many students recognize these species but don't realize they're harmful. By making something that they are familiar with the "bad guy", they're naturally curious to learn more.