A collection of great iPad science apps for your elementary and middle school classroom. We live in a technology driven society, and as a result, most educators across the country now utilize digital resources, computers, tablets, phones and apps to enhance their instructional quality. Finding relevant science apps for elementary and middle school science can… Continue reading 20+ Science Apps for Elementary and Middle School
Many students enter my classroom with misconceptions about fossils. Some think that they are actual bones, while others believe that the original organic material somehow magically turns into stone. As an introduction to the unit about fossil and sedimentary rock formation, I always like to use this quick activity to make sure my students have… Continue reading What’s in the Lab? Fossil Formation
I must admit, being a science teacher is one of the coolest jobs in the world. It’s not always easy, but teaching students to question and explore their world is the most fulfilling work I could ever imagine doing. I love getting messy with the kids on lab days and watching how excited they get… Continue reading Pasta Rocks! A Sedimentary Rock Formation Lab.
I originally created this lab to spice up my mixtures and solutions unit a few years ago. It has evolved into what I HOPE is a thoughtful activity that incorporates mixtures, solutions, density, magnetism, environmental factors, conservation, team building and budgeting skills. I like this lab because it is versatile enough to be used in… Continue reading What’s in the Lab? Reversing Water Pollution
Guest Post by Jessica Noffsinger Ahhhhh...the week before a school break. Nothing strikes fear (or exhaustion) in teachers like the prospect of kids ramping up to the next break. (Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring Break, Summer--they are all the same!) Kids expect “fun” and games while teachers see learning that needs to be completed. What are we… Continue reading Make It to Break: 5 High Interest Activities
Earth science is one of my favorite units. (Mainly because most of the labs are edible.) No, in all seriousness, it is fascinating to see how many light bulb moments my students have when we really delve into the inner workings of our planet. Students have a hard time understanding slow changes because it isn't… Continue reading What’s in the Lab? Graham Cracker Plate Tectonics
The last day before Winter break can be pretty tough. The kids (and teachers) are ready to GET OUT. Plus, if your school has early dismissal like we do, you are probably on an abbreviated schedule that makes the day even crazier. Luckily, fun and free holiday themed activities are plentiful for science, and I… Continue reading Fun and Free Holiday Science Activities
I remember my first year in science, lab day was always the most stressful part of my week. I felt like I was scrambling for ideas, and I had no idea what to do half the time. Luckily, I am older and wiser. These days I can honestly sit back (well, not too far back)… Continue reading What’s in the Lab? Cookie Mining
A mentor once told me, "Science vocabulary is like a foreign language to students." And it's the truth! Students struggle with scientific terminology because they don't use the words in everyday conversation. That's why vocabulary is the foundation of my science lessons, and it should be for yours too. It's impossible to expect students to… Continue reading Science Vocabulary: Why Is It So Important?
I am so lucky to teach at a school that provides a full hour of science instruction for our students every day, but I know that in many self contained classrooms science takes a back seat to math and reading. I think this is incredibly unfortunate because science is a part of literally EVERYTHING we… Continue reading 10 Simple Ways To Be A Better Science Teacher
Sockmonkey Science 