I'm an international teacher in Abu Dhabi. I am seeking new ways to support teachers. I am the face behind the Laney Lee science resources that you love!
I don’t know about you, but as a middle school science teacher, I was always looking for ways to teach my students how to work better independently. Not only was it frustrating when certain students couldn’t get anything done without constant handholding, but also alarming that many very bright students struggled to exhibit independent work […]
Taking notes in science is a critical skill that helps students process, retain, and review complex information. From guided notes to doodle notes, teachers are finding creative ways to make the note-taking process more interactive and effective. Whether it’s filling in blanks on pre-structured worksheets, exploring topics with graphic organizers, or turning notes into games, […]
One of every middle school science teacher’s goals is to make units fun and engaging, while also challenging and informative. We dream of students retaining information simply because it’s interesting, but let’s face it: we also need them to do well on assessments. That’s where review time comes into play. While the digital classroom game […]
Do your students struggle with reading comprehension? Do they stare blankly at complex texts like a deer caught in headlights? If you’re a middle school science teacher, you might think teaching reading comprehension is mostly in the hands of your building’s language arts teachers. But here’s the truth: reading comprehension in the science classroom isn’t just […]
Middle school teaching: a high-stakes game of survival where you’re not only educating young minds but also navigating an emotional rollercoaster of raging hormones. If you’re new to the teaching profession, welcome! It’s a wild ride, but I promise it can be worth it. In this post, I’ll describe some of the most common challenges […]
Let’s face it: way back in the day, learning science vocabulary meant flashcards, definitions, and assessments over concepts that were promptly forgotten soon after. We often memorized those key terms only to have all the words drift out of our brains by the next day. But here’s the thing: science vocabulary words DO matter. Thankfully, […]
As a middle school science teacher, I’ve seen first-hand how important it is to teach students data analysis skills and their practical applications. These skills aren’t just something we throw at students because the curriculum says so – they’re a survival tool for navigating the data-driven world we live in. Student performance in various subjects […]
You know the feeling – you’ve just explained a perfectly curated activity to your classroom full of students. You lay out all of the instructions, address common misconceptions you think may arise, and finally release students to work. Phew! Then, approximately three minutes later, IT happens. You have a line of students at your desk […]
Let’s be honest – professional development (PD) for teachers can sometimes be mind-numbing. If I had a dollar for every inapplicable PD session I’ve attended over the years, let’s just say I might be sitting on a beach somewhere with a fancy drink. Well, I’m here to provide you with some actually useful PD ideas […]
Plate tectonics – the magical force of nature responsible for shaping our planet. Maybe you don’t think this is something middle schoolers will get excited about, but just wait. Once you start talking about volcanic eruptions, mountain building, and puzzle-piece-like continents, students will begin to see the appeal. Teaching plate tectonics in a way that […]
Tips for using the CER model of instruction within your middle school science classroom.
Have you ever tried juggling while riding a unicycle? Probably, not, but you may have experienced something just as challenging: teaching multiple preps. Both are daunting, yet doable with the right practical strategies. Whether you are handling two different grade levels, two different subjects, or a combination of both, here are some practical tips for […]
Discover effective classroom management strategies tailored for middle school science teachers. From engagement techniques to fostering a positive learning environment, enhance your teaching skills with practical tips and insights in our latest blog post.
Getting ready for the new school year with your middle school students? Don’t forget about these science topics to review with your students.
What is the best middle school science curriculum? Unpack the pros and cons of STEMscopes and Discovery Education.
