Tips for Using AI as a Science Teacher

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept; it’s here, and it’s revolutionizing classrooms everywhere (and not necessarily in a bad way)! If you’ve been teaching for a while, maybe your first instinct lately has been to do everything you can to prevent students from using AI in your presence. Well, I am […]

Independent Projects for Middle School Science

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 […]

Low-tech Review Games for Middle School Teachers

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 […]

Challenges Every New Middle School Teacher Faces 

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 […]

Combatting Learned Helplessness

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 […]

Teaching Plate Tectonics in Middle School

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 Teaching Multiple Preps

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 […]

Black History Month Activities for Science

black history month activities for science

Do you need a content related black history month activity for your science class? Look no further! Take a moment to check out the suggestions below: 1. Black History Periodic Table Creating a Black History Periodic Table not only enriches our understanding of chemistry but also pays homage to the incredible contributions of Black scientists […]