This experiment has got to be my favorite hands-on activity to explore the energy cycle between photosynthesis and cellular respiration...two vital processes that keep life on Earth going. The chemical reactions may be complex, but we, as science teachers, can make them visible to our students with a simple experiment using snails, a plant, and a few other basic supplies. Here's how it works: What You Need to Explore the Cycle of Energy Background Information I like to have students think about what should happen in the hands-on activity and then investigate to prove it! Therefore, they need to know a little about photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Think about a 5E lesson. To engage and explore, the students participate in a quick respiration investigation using water, Bromthymol Blue indicator solution, flasks, and straws. The activity is simple. They add approximately 50 mL of water to a 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask and around 15 drops of Bromthymol Blue … [Read more...]
Use Guided Reading Articles and Ditch the Presentation
One question I often get asked by other science teachers is "Do you have a presentation to go with the notes?". And, many are often stunned when I say "I don't use presentations." I use guided reading articles and other exploration activities for teaching students concepts. That's right, I don't use presentations or lectures. You can even use guided reading articles for every E of the 5E model. Keep reading to learn more about how you can use guided reading articles in the science classroom and ditch the presentations. But, first... What is the 5E model? The 5 E model is a pattern for teaching and learning you can use in your science (or other subject) classroom. There are five steps of the model: Engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate. This model is perfect for teaching big ideas or chunks of information to your students. What is a guided reading purpose? Guided reading articles are informational texts about a concept or standard with accompanying … [Read more...]
Teaching Lab Safety: Seven Essential Tips for Science Teachers
Do you dread teaching lab safety? Even if you do, as science teachers, we must foster a safe and engaging learning environment for our students. How can we expect our students to follow lab safety procedures and use lab equipment and tools appropriately without being taught? For successful investigations, science teachers must teach students lab safety and how to use lab equipment properly. So, don't dread teaching lab safety. It's easy! Continue reading for seven essential tips for science teachers and resources to use when teaching lab safety and lab equipment in the science classroom. Tip # 1 | Establish Clear Routines, Expectations, and Procedures In other words, let students know what you expect. It's a good idea to display those expectations in a prominent location. Furthermore, remind them of lab safety and the proper use of lab equipment frequently. You'll also need to establish consequences. I like to provide alternate assignments for students who choose not to … [Read more...]
Better Your Teaching with These Thirty Teacher Uses of ChatGPT
As a teacher, we currently have a choice about ChatGPT usage. We can choose to reject ChatGPT technology or embrace it. Without a doubt, I have embraced it! ChatGPT is a valuable time-saving tool teachers can use to enhance our teaching and increase student engagement. So, how can teachers use ChatGPT? Check out the list below of 30 teacher uses of ChatGPT that will better your teaching while increasing your productivity and reducing your workload. Teacher Uses of ChatGPT: ChatGPT can be a powerful tool for teachers. Ultimately, we can use it to increase rigor, maximize support, and inspire creativity, all while promoting excellence in innovative ways. How do you use ChatGPT as a teacher? Share some of your teacher uses of ChatGPT below. … [Read more...]
Explore Force and Newton’s Laws of Motion with 4 Simple Activities
As a physical science teacher, you understand the importance of creating simple yet, memorable and engaging learning experiences for your students. So, when teaching about forces and Newton's Laws of motion, simply let your students explore. Yes, there are many activities you can incude in your motion and forces unit to help your students master the standards. But, what if I told you there are four activities guaranteed to help your students learn? Explore force and Newton's Laws of Motion with four simple activities. Activity 1: Balance Bots to Explore Force and Newton's Laws of Motion This activity is a fun and engaging way to introduce your students to balanced and unbalanced forces. So, what exactly is a balance bot? Keep reading or check out this Science from the South Instagram post or Reel. Long story short, it's a structure with googly eyes that balances on the tip of your finger with a toothpick. The goal is to create a balance bot (using simple materials like … [Read more...]
Double Puzzle Worksheets Make Formative Assessment Fun
"Assessment is fun," said no student ever! But, it can be! You, as a teacher, can make formative and even summative assessment fun with double puzzle worksheets for kids. Continue reading to learn about double puzzles, how I use them for assessment, differentiate the double puzzle worksheets, and how you can get them for teaching science and science standards in environmental, biology, anatomy & physiology, earth, chemistry, physical science, and more! So, what exactly are double puzzle worksheets? Well…it's a puzzle. Likewise, if your students like word searches, crosswords, and such for formative assessment, they'll like double puzzles, too! Long story short, it's a puzzle with double the fun! First, students answer questions. Then, the answers to those questions give students clues to solve a second puzzle. As a result, this formative assessment idea allows students to practice with the information learned about any big idea or science standard, even next-generation … [Read more...]
Mentors Teach Your New Teachers These Tips
News Flash 😬🤯 a report released in 2015 by the Georgia Department of Education claimed that almost half of educators leave the profession in their first five years of teaching. But why, when teaching is one of the most important jobs in the world? Teachers are overwhelmed with responsibility, underappreciated, stressed, and tired. However, mentors, we can help. We must teach new teachers strategies to reduce stress and save their sanity. So, what are you waiting for? Mentors teach your new teachers these tips! Tip # 1 to Teach Your New Teachers Mentors teach your new teachers to take care of classroom projects and set up as much as possible during the summer. As veteran teachers, many of us know that pre-planning is filled with many meetings, tasks to complete, and lots of distractions. That said, to truly "plan" during pre-planning, get the classroom setup stuff out of the way. Tip # 2 Mentors teach your new teachers about "good for the group" questions and … [Read more...]
Inquiry-Based Learning is Easy with These Three Examples
This summer, we were blessed to have the chance to cruise to the Gulf of Mexico with our family. As I stepped onto the balcony early one morning, I glimpsed phenomena all around and my mind immediately went to inquiry-based learning. I leaned on the balcony railing and felt the salt that had crystallized from the concentrated ocean water in the atmosphere. Looking at the horizon, I saw the reflection of the sun. I watched energy transfer through the waves in the water behind the ship. And, I observed the flat bottoms of the clouds passing by as Carnival Paradise traveled at a constant speed towards Honduras. "This is the age of the exploration," I thought. With phenomena all around us, no matter where we are in the world, exploring and discovering for our elementary and secondary students should be easy. And, it can be with these three examples of inquiry-based learning in the science classroom. Before we discuss the examples, however, you might wonder what inquiry-based … [Read more...]
Tips for Using Stations in the Secondary Classroom Now
Yes! The pandemic is over. Woo hoo. But, the flu, common cold, Covid, Strep, etc. are not going away. There are measures we can take to ensure the safety of our children and reduce the spread of germs while they investigate. I remember thinking during the pandemic, "I can't teach science (or math, language, history, etc.) during a pandemic." But, I did teach science! I made some small modifications to be successful. Stations, centers, or rotations are perfect tools for engaging students in middle and high school classrooms. So when the flu, cold, stomach virus, strep, etc. starting going around this year, consider these 5 tips for social distancing and using stations in the secondary classroom now! Tip 1: Location, Location, Location! The arrangement of your stations is important. Begin by spreading out the workspaces as far as you can around the classroom. For that reason, you may have to set up stations on the floor, in the hallway, or around a flexible seating area. Your … [Read more...]
How to Differentiate to Promote Equity in the Classroom
Not knowing how to differentiate to promote equity or even that there was a difference between equity and equality, I remember sitting in training beginning my third year of teaching. The room was rather large with theater-style seating. I, seated in the back, had a clear view of the other educators in the room, many of whom were as naive as I. Special and regular education teachers filled the space. A lot of them appeared to be unhappy. They were spending the last few days of their summer vacation listening to how another teacher would be joining them in their classroom. To some, this workshop was translating into an invasion of personal space. "I don't need another teacher in my room," some would claim. Even more would say, "This is great! I will finally have someone to grade papers, make copies, and be my assistant." But, "I went to school to make copies," said no special education teacher ever!" If you have been in education for a few years, you probably remember being in a … [Read more...]