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 here to tell you that as a middle school science teacher turned curriculum writer, I’ve seen firsthand how AI can make teaching more creative, efficient, and even fun. Think about when the calculator first started making its way into classrooms. I’m sure many teachers weren’t sure how to decide if students were benefitting from their use. New is always challenging, but I hope I can make the transition a little smoother. If you’ve been wondering how to incorporate AI-powered tools into your science classroom, this blog post is for you! 

Let’s dive into some tips for using AI as a science teacher and discuss how AI can become one of your new favorite teaching tools.

What Is AI?

AI refers to machine learning technology that mimics human thinking to process information, answer questions, and even create educational content. In science education, generative AI tools fall into two main categories: text generators and image generators.

Text Generators

AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Magic School simulate human-like conversations and assist with:

  • Creating personalized lesson plans and learning experiences
  • Generating real-world examples for complex topics 
  • Answering student questions in real time

Image Generators

Tools like Midjourney, Dall-E, and Kidgeni let you create stunning visuals by simply typing in what you need. These AI-powered tools enhance science teaching with accurate visuals, thus improving the learning environment and illustrating abstract concepts in ways students can grasp. And may I just say thank goodness, because I am no artist! 

Why Does AI Matter in Science Education? 

Let me reference my calculator analogy again, because I think it’s one we can all relate to. Think of AI as the calculator of modern education—it’s not going away! It’s our responsibility to learn how to embrace its potential benefits. Now, don’t get me wrong, AI should NOT become the end all be all for you and your students. BUT, it can be useful in some situations! 

Benefits for Teachers 

  • Boost Creativity: Stuck on how to explain something? AI can suggest new ideas, practice questions, and innovative solutions.
  • Save Time on Administrative Tasks: AI can automate grading, lesson planning, and even emails, freeing up more time for you to interact with your students.
  • Enhance Student Learning: Some sites act like “tutors” who can provide additional resources and instant feedback to help students grasp difficult scientific concepts. This may be helpful for students to use while they wait for you to be available. 

Benefits for Students

  • Personalized Learning: Many AI systems adapt to individual student needs, improving student progress.
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: AI-generated content requires students to evaluate false information and apply analytical thinking. Just as we would never use an AI generated lesson plan without editing it ourselves, we can encourage students to use all AI generated resources with appropriate caution.
  • Engagement with New Technologies: Science educators can introduce students to generative artificial intelligence as part of 21st-century learning. Odds are they’ll use this type of technology in future careers! 

But Where Do I Even Start? 

Getting started with AI doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some tips for using AI as a science teacher if you’re new to all of this. 

Try AI for Lesson Planning 

AI chatbots like ChatGPT can help science educators craft engaging lessons in lots of different ways. Examples include:

  • Creating Learning Targets: Type a request such as “Generate five measurable learning targets for a Grade 8 science lesson on Newton’s Laws.”
  • Generating Science Lesson Hooks: AI-powered tools can suggest interactive demos, real-world examples, and new ideas to engage students. Such a breath of fresh air when you’re running out of ideas! 
  • Designing Workshop Kits: AI can recommend hands-on activities for collaborative learning in small groups.

Use AI to Create Custom Assessments

AI technology can generate assessments that improve student performance. For example:

  • Ask the site to “Write 10 multiple-choice questions about the water cycle for a middle school student, including a correct answer explanation.”
  • Ask it to “Design a rubric for a project-based learning activity on environmental science.”
  • Ask AI to “Create a 3 paragraph report on Tectonic Plate Movement that includes 5 errors.” Then have students try to find the errors! This one is so fun. 

More Tips for Using AI in Science Teaching 

  • Generate Visual Aids Are you noticing that students are struggling to grasp a certain concept but don’t have time to create a visual aid from scratch? Use generative artificial intelligence to create accurate diagrams of things like cell structures, planetary systems, or energy cycles.
  • Simulate Real-World Science Problems Having trouble relating the concepts in your unit to students’ everyday lives? Ask AI to make a topic more relatable to your students. For example, “How does pollution relate to a 7th grader’s daily life?” 
  • Integrate AI into your Learning Management System (LMS) From Google Classroom integrations to AI-powered intelligent tutoring systems, AI can enhance the structures available to your students via your LMS. 

Ethical Implications of AI Use in Education

I know, I know, AI isn’t all good. While it is a powerful tool, it comes with some ethical concerns that should not be ignored. Science educators must ensure AI-generated content aligns with academic integrity, data analysis principles, and basic ethical guidelines. Here are some best practices for addressing AI concerns:

  • Teach Students to Identify False Information: Encourage students to fact-check AI responses before accepting them as truth. Explain that AI is constantly evolving, and even if an AI-generated sounds well-written, it may contain false information. 
  • Explain the Value of Student Creativity: Though AI can be nifty and fun, we must remind students that their creative mind is invaluable and cannot be compared to a computer. There is a time and place for AI in the classroom. Please be sure that the majority of your teaching still encourages students to investigate, write, and make decisions without AI. Also make students aware that in terms of academic integrity, there are reputable sites that test for AI-generated writing, so students should never rely on AI to “do all the work” for them. 
  • Avoid Sharing Personal Information: AI tools should not be used to store sensitive student data. Talk to students about reputable AI resources in the classroom. 
  • Discuss the Role of Teachers in AI Education: AI cannot replace teachers. Instead, it can be an assistive technology tool for enhancing science education. Remind students that when they have questions, having real conversations with peers and teachers is very important. 

Need More Information? 

I’ve created a FREE GUIDE that will help you incorporate AI into your classroom seamlessly. In it, you will find: 

  • AI Text Prompts for Teachers to help create assessments, lesson plans, debates, and samples
  • AI Text Prompts for Students to boost creativity and evaluate work
  • Image Prompts for Students including diagrams 
  • Explanations of all of the different AI text and image generators (with links included)

If you’re interested in seeing how I weave AI into my teaching, check out my full-year curriculums that will soon include AI activities for every unit!

Final Thoughts

AI use in education is here to stay, so educate yourself about how you can use it responsibly. I hope my tips for using AI as a science teacher encourage you to take the leap and try something new. While AI cannot replace your unique teaching style, personality, and creativity, it can support your work in the classroom by taking a little weight off of your shoulders. By embracing this new technology, you just might unlock new possibilities in teaching and student engagement! Don’t forget to use my Kidgeni discount code LANEY for 20% off! It’s a great starting point for AI integration in your science classroom.

Let’s Stay Connected!

Continue the discussion in my Facebook Group for Middle School Science Teachers or my Classroom Management Facebook Group.

Or get free science resources delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for my newsletter! I promise to never be spammy. I’m just a regular teacher who likes helping teachers teach and students learn. 

Receive over 100 pages of FREE science resources immediately after signup!!

* indicates required