Ideas for Lab Day and Hands On Activities
Teaching dichotomous keys to students can be a dry topic but it doesn't have to be! You may not have noticed this about me...but I love science AND art. I try to find cross curricular opportunities when possible with ALL other subjects. But by far, my favorite combination is Science + Art as I find… Continue reading Dichotomous Key Worksheets and Activities
Once upon a time, I was a boring science teacher. Back to school science activities consisted of stale icebreakers, rules, procedures, lab safety and "getting to know you" worksheets. I was not confident enough go "hands on" in the first week of school before my students understood my classroom expectations and lab procedures. Too much… Continue reading Ideas for Back to School Science Activities
As I have mentioned before, GOING BIG at the beginning of the year sets you up for success in the months to come. Pulling off something amazing will give you confidence in yourself, and also give students confidence in you as an instructor. Some teachers may feel that doing "too much too soon" sets unrealistic… Continue reading First Day of School Science Demo – WOW your students from day one!
Students ask so many questions. As teachers, we don't always have the answers. What is the temperature in space? How many plants are carnivorous? Why is the ocean salty? The first time a student asked me this question, I honestly had no idea how to answer it. However, the great thing about being a science… Continue reading What’s in the Lab? Investigating Why the Ocean is Salty
The first year I taught science, I must admit we did way too many illustrations...not that there is anything wrong with doing them AT ALL! However, my fear of messing up lab day was holding me back. I was new to the subject, overwhelmed, and terrified of activities. I am now able to put on… Continue reading Space Science Activities to Shake Up Your Routine
My budget has been somewhat limited (non-existent) this year, forcing me to get a bit more creative than usual. As with all things, I simply took it is a challenge to push myself and my students a little further. This week, using leftover lab materials from years past (plus about $15 worth of Dollar Tree… Continue reading What’s in the Lab? ExCELLent Eukaryotic Cell Models
A New Spin on a Classic Physical Science Lab Guest Post by Kelly Burleson from My Science Toolbox First, a confession. I am a high school chemistry teacher who has been tasked this year with helping our fifth grade science teacher (who is a first year teacher), adjust the science curriculum. I have been teaching… Continue reading Beyond the Volcano: Baking Soda and Vinegar Cars
In Houston, everyone knows there is a funky little section of town that contains the infamous “Beer Can” house. Upon further investigation, it turns out one man behind resurrecting the movement, Dan Phillips, is a major proponent of using recycled materials and providing affordable home ownership opportunities to the disadvantaged. As a new teacher, I… Continue reading Going Green: The Recycled Home Project
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.
Sockmonkey Science 