First off, let me be honest. I hate this unit. I find the cells unit to be a mile wide and an inch deep. The only thing I hate more than cell organelles is photosynthesis and respiration. At my school we teach a discipline of science per year. It’s Earth & Space Science in gradeContinue reading “How I’m Teaching Cells and Photosynthesis this Year”
Tag Archives: education
Yearly Goals as a Teacher
A quick rundown of how I set and keep track of my yearly goals as a teacher. Reflecting on past years and looking forward to the new ones!
How Teaching in a Private School Differs from Public
What’s different about teaching in a private school as compared to public? It’s more than you think! Read about my experience to learn more.
Online Density Lab
One of my most popular labs is my virtual density lab. I’ve always loved this one as a quick way to help students understand the abstract idea of density. If you’re a science teacher and you’re not acquainted with the PhET Simulations, then boy do I have news for you! There’s tons of simple simsContinue reading “Online Density Lab”
Biome Shadowbox Project
The biome shadowbox is one of my favorite ecology projects! They can become a beautiful collection of decorations for a science project, and they’re pretty fun to make. I normally require the students to include 10 biotic and 10 abiotic factors in the ecosystem of their choice. Check out the project here! Subscribe for freebies!Continue reading “Biome Shadowbox Project”
DNA Model Project
I must be honest. I don’t do this project anymore! My students had such a hard time getting their models to actually stand up, that I gave up completely 😂 😂 Here’s the link to the project. If you’re able to get some photos in your class, please send them to me at stemstrengthtpt@gmail.com. I’dContinue reading “DNA Model Project”
Biosphere Project
Welcome to my middle school Biosphere Project! I designed this project with an ecology and interconnectedness focus, but I’ve had ideas of adding in some sociology and government facets. Take a look at the work some of my 7th graders submitted this year! I allowed some of my students, with permission, to make their biospheresContinue reading “Biosphere Project”
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices
Unpack the NGSS standards with this fun booklet! 14 pages cover the basics of the NGSS practices of scientists and engineers: Asking Questions and Defining Problems Developing and Using Models Planning and Carrying Out Investigations Analyzing and Interpreting Data Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions Engaging in Argument from Evidence Obtaining,Continue reading “NGSS Science and Engineering Practices”
STEM Project: The Invention Convention
At our school we designed the Invention Convention to give the kids a way to really practice the engineering skills they had spent so much time learning. Students are encouraged to choose a problem in their everyday lives and then create a solution through new technology. To walk them through the phases of the project,Continue reading “STEM Project: The Invention Convention”
Cell Model Project
Ah yes! The classic cell model project. No doubt a quick Google search will bring up thousands of student examples. I can still remember making my own cell in middle school. I chose to make my cytoplasm out of Jello, but I didn’t realize that I wouldn’t have access to a refrigerator at school. IContinue reading “Cell Model Project”