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Pets in the Science Classroom

Pets in a science classroom are a must for building relationships and connections. You know the kid... the one who has his hoodie on and head down nearly all the time.  Despite your best efforts and positive classroom environment, that kid is a hard nut to crack. Then there's the kid who can NOT stop. The kid who is just never where they are supposed to be. And of course, the anxious kid - the kid that's leaving to guidance and the bathroom constantly. THESE ARE THE KIDS you need a classroom animal for.

Astronomy Project: Telescope Build

My science teacher husband is waaaaaay into the waaaaaay out there. He loves all things space (especially if you add in a little UFO chat). It’s one of his favorite subjects to teach, too. A few years back, he was teaching the NGSS MS-ESS1-3 standard, “Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system." He was lamenting that his usual bag of tricks was getting a little tired, and he needed a new “hook.” The astronomy project he came up with was kind of brilliant… a telescope build!

Science Classroom Decoration Ideas

When I turn to Pinterest for classroom decoration ideas, I get discouraged. Fairy lights look gorgeous... in other people's classrooms. Huge vinyl science wall decals are cool... and also out of my budget. Picking a color palette? I'm useless! I am so not that teacher who can effortlessly make my classroom look like a magazine. However, while I know what I'm not... I also know what I am. I only have "me" to bring to the table, so here it is... here is what I CAN bring to my classroom...

Climate Change Data Analysis Activity

“Climate change isn’t real,” the student said. I responded with “Scientists tell us there’s a lot of evidence for it.”  The student chimed back, “Well you haven’t shown us any.  I mean… where are your numbers?” Oof. In one time-stands-still moment, I realized he was right. 

Current Science News Activity

As middle school science teachers, we're always looking for ways to make our lessons more engaging and relevant. How can we EASILY and CONSISTENTLY make real-world connections to current events an active part of our classroom routine? The answer lies in a simple yet powerful current science news activity: Science News Journals!

Honoring Black Scientists Activity

One of my biggest passions as a science educator is to ensure that my students see themselves represented in the scientists I present in my classroom. February, being Black History Month, is a great time to honor Black scientists... but it shouldn't start or end there! I use this Black scientists activity at the beginning of the year, right off the bat, when I teach the scientific method. Students are introduced to an important scientist and review the scientific process at the same time.

Sexual Reproduction in Plants Activity

Need a sexual reproduction in plants activity? You could always dissect flowers (and you should)... but don't stop there! Take it to the next level - grow and dissect seed pods! It's one thing to show students the structures that help plants reproduce, but the biggest piece of the puzzle in missing if you leave out the result - SEEDS! This informal activity helps kids to see not just the specialized reproduction structures in a flower, but also the result of fertilization.

A Human Impact Lesson

Teaching human impact on the environment can be challenging. It's hard not to be negative sometimes. But the best human impact lesson we could possibly deliver is HOPE. Without hope, what's the point? Kids need to know that something can be done. In the past, when I taught my "Human Impact on the Environment" unit, I always felt like I was teaching that doom and gloom is everywhere. And worse... it came across as kind of hopeless. I never felt quite right about this approach despite it all being true. So, a few years back, I decided to switch my "spin".