Scale Model of the Solar System

Have you made a "Pocket Solar System?"

Register/adding machine paper is sooooo expensive!

I made a printable model for students and it worked great!

I included it and directions in a product on TPT

Scale Model of the Solar System

Cellular Respiration Notes/Graphic Organizer

I had a hard time finding a resource for my middle school students.  Most of what's available is designed for high school.

Our standard requires students to describe and investigate how cellular respiration breaks down food to provide energy and releases carbon dioxide.

I like the Photosynthesis flap notes from Farrah at Think Share Teach (see my blog post here) so I tried to model it. 

Periodic Table

Check out this Periodic Table, it's so cool!  

It's colorful, has pictures and lots of information.

I copied it on the back of a crossword for a warm-up.  

Chemistry Crossword

I saw a crossword picture on Pinterest using a lot of the same vocabulary words I needed to review with my students.  Of course it was only a picture with no references 😞 so I had to get creative.  I changed a few definitions and deleted a few words...
My students are much active & engaged when I use games & puzzles - they never know what to expect when they come to class!
*I differentiate with a word bank.

Nature of Science Vocabulary Review

My students don't want to make flashcards - they can do quizlet on their phone or at home.  

I haven't had much luck with study guides either. Hard working students memorize the study guide as their only resource and wonder why they don't do well.  

I was inspired by Jennifer Findley who posted several Jenga games on her blog Teaching to Inspire.  

I found mini Jenga games at the dollar store and made questions to match the test.

Next I need strictly vocabulary practice.  I searched the internet (and teacher sites) but haven't found anything that fits.  I'm thinking about a crossword, word search or bingo....

An Idea To Get Students To Write...

Our new textbook asks students to write essay questions for homework. 
They hate it and there's no room in the "write in" workbook for their answers. 

I give them the option of using social media templates to write their answers instead.

Social Media Exit Slips


It has increased the amount of students who answer the questions!  They like it, it's easy for me to see if they understand WIN WIN!!!

Back to School Again!

I can't believe Summer vacation went so fast!

This year I found a great bulletin board idea from Science Lessons That Rock

Here are my other boards 

Nature of Science Word Wall

Safety Symbols