tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48677011193242682412024-03-12T21:01:28.546-05:00Amy Brown ScienceThis blog is about a day in the life of a high school biology teacher....the triumphs, the failures, and everything in between. In the process, I would like to share teaching materials that have worked for me and my students.Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.comBlogger277125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-47894580809111188642023-09-27T14:15:00.005-05:002023-09-27T14:15:57.462-05:00Tips for Teaching Cells<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nIEeO8EmVh04Q1avCz93KrSQSv34PUzcVMARiMLNCF0gVJ0z5kWtNxOvmIr9oZ9aVXwApOIyCQTYwkFuQvk-tgwQkuKOOy7nAGSqN08jkWbObKY52n_qY0AmoqKlnVQ2qAIZN-7KKI29KPF4ThALz0pR62AitTSiJA8kuYTXmaJ2H9n_jqYneWNdI3lV/s1024/%E2%80%8ETips%20for%20Teaching%20Cells.%E2%80%8E001.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="1024" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nIEeO8EmVh04Q1avCz93KrSQSv34PUzcVMARiMLNCF0gVJ0z5kWtNxOvmIr9oZ9aVXwApOIyCQTYwkFuQvk-tgwQkuKOOy7nAGSqN08jkWbObKY52n_qY0AmoqKlnVQ2qAIZN-7KKI29KPF4ThALz0pR62AitTSiJA8kuYTXmaJ2H9n_jqYneWNdI3lV/w632-h305/%E2%80%8ETips%20for%20Teaching%20Cells.%E2%80%8E001.jpeg" width="632" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: helvetica;">I get a lot of questions about teaching cell structure and cell organelles, so I thought I would take this opportunity to offer up some tips and suggestions for teaching a GREAT unit on cells. In many of the questions I get, teachers admit to being bored when teaching their cell unit. I absolutely LOVE teaching about cells, and that brings me to my first tip.</span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tip #1: Be Excited About Teaching Cells!</strong> </span></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">We know that our students are hyper-clued in to what we teachers are feeling. If you feel bored teaching your cell unit, the students are guaranteed to be bored as well. This </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a data-custom="link" href="https://vimeo.com/37107992" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #990000;">video</span></a><span style="color: #a81803;"> </span></u></strong></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">(just 3 minutes!) is an exciting way to start your unit. Be sure to turn up the volume!</span></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXbvmLsOf-GSqmon9WYcoC7bSzWJrLPAFK_LPGv803sy4OjeezBfrpqGH7FzDKf9kYrsMI3Fbw1g4vv4netRpijSxfYlkvKjv_wuQrIfb5i0pdOORAVaHSKIovM4QDZM2kK9riu3nS-QVN0R5Jo7V45WxPrtA7I2g62JUPIPNTHkb6_aWCxcMzSCENFxq/s4000/Cell%20organelle%20card%20sort%20game%20-%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2664" data-original-width="4000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXbvmLsOf-GSqmon9WYcoC7bSzWJrLPAFK_LPGv803sy4OjeezBfrpqGH7FzDKf9kYrsMI3Fbw1g4vv4netRpijSxfYlkvKjv_wuQrIfb5i0pdOORAVaHSKIovM4QDZM2kK9riu3nS-QVN0R5Jo7V45WxPrtA7I2g62JUPIPNTHkb6_aWCxcMzSCENFxq/s320/Cell%20organelle%20card%20sort%20game%20-%207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Tip #2: Cover the basics, but stress the relationship between structure and function.</span></strong></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">Basic concepts (cell theory, prokaryotic vs eukaryotic, etc.) have to be covered, but when teaching the organelles, keep it simple and stress the relationship between structure and function. For example, show students how the two parts of the ribosome fit together around mRNA during translation. Show how the structure of the Golgi allows proteins to enter, be modified, then packaged for secretion. At this point, you can keep the function fairly simple, which leads me to Tip #3. </span></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">(Check out </span><a data-custom="link" href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cell-Organelles-Card-Sort-Game-745738" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #b8b8b8; text-decoration: none;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #a81803;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cell Organelle Card Sort Game</u></strong></span></a><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">.)</span></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Tip #3: Re-introduce organelles all year long.</span></strong></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Students are not going to fully understand the functioning of the chloroplast until you get to your unit on photosynthesis. With each new unit you teach, circle back and teach a more in depth lesson on the organelle associated with the unit.</span></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sw6Nz5WBSpVtrSDYJYCMwnkADZ6ticz-eRH3UVS0r_Njjk7UdQ12XCfQ_W8Cf52KjONs75LVXIU5PTwclS4BdeKDRl6YDWteZvf-SslxBqjRefxo9VRBa54FF1fWbaY0cl5_SDKgI7n2tPeO9NPRMm_5IOP9EyzA1M6pwy7coi6hVShAMsimlyi1Cy4h/s2486/AdobeStock_310330440%20copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2225" data-original-width="2486" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sw6Nz5WBSpVtrSDYJYCMwnkADZ6ticz-eRH3UVS0r_Njjk7UdQ12XCfQ_W8Cf52KjONs75LVXIU5PTwclS4BdeKDRl6YDWteZvf-SslxBqjRefxo9VRBa54FF1fWbaY0cl5_SDKgI7n2tPeO9NPRMm_5IOP9EyzA1M6pwy7coi6hVShAMsimlyi1Cy4h/w200-h179/AdobeStock_310330440%20copy.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Tip #4: Get out your microscopes!</span></strong></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">Kids love microscope work! You want to get students excited about your Cell unit? Give them plenty of microscope time. There is no substitute for seeing a variety of cell types under the microscope.</span></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">(Check out: </span><a data-custom="link" href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biology-Lab-Variation-in-Cell-Structure-18885" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #b8b8b8; text-decoration: none;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #a81803;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Variation in Cell Structure Lab</u></strong></span></a><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">.)</span></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><br /></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgPxEsUDZz_c5MSdJLft9wHSj_u75oX7sPyETeHzDB8dkwrISORXwMsERNCNeZcHc__Mv-7dcO7MsHoWfcQKkT7__EuDCvy7jLF-CmJlSFKNYRIquF5A8I9x-apgBFzFoHOtfesWdfMEU_jOUg13QHJtpRXvS_9QnOosGW8FB07F83eCrl7yiAlGUZp4Y/s1912/1b.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1912" data-original-width="1906" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgPxEsUDZz_c5MSdJLft9wHSj_u75oX7sPyETeHzDB8dkwrISORXwMsERNCNeZcHc__Mv-7dcO7MsHoWfcQKkT7__EuDCvy7jLF-CmJlSFKNYRIquF5A8I9x-apgBFzFoHOtfesWdfMEU_jOUg13QHJtpRXvS_9QnOosGW8FB07F83eCrl7yiAlGUZp4Y/s320/1b.png" width="319" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <br /></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></strong></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></strong></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></strong></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Tip #5: Make use of engaging online resources.</span></strong></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">There are all sorts of online sites that offer interactive experiences on cell organelles. One of my favorites is </span><a data-custom="link" href="https://www.cellsalive.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #b8b8b8; text-decoration: none;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #a81803;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cells Alive!</u></strong></span></a> </span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(Check out: <a data-custom="link" href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cell-Structure-and-Organelles-4-Google-Hidden-Picture-Games-7436160" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #b8b8b8; text-decoration: none;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #a81803;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cell Structure Google Hidden Picture Games</u></strong></span></a>.)</span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></strong></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></strong></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></strong></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><br /></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Tip #6: Make it a hands-on experience.</span></strong></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Like many topics we teach in our science classes, concepts about cell structure and function can be rather abstract to many of our students. Anything we teachers can do to create “hands-on” learning will ensure that students gain a greater mastery of the subject matter content. </span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(<a data-custom="link" href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cell-Chat-Lab-Stations-Organelles-Plant-and-Animal-Cells-4550307" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #b8b8b8; text-decoration: none;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #a81803;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Check out: Cell Chat Lab Stations</u></strong></span></a>.)</span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cell-Chat-Lab-Stations-Organelles-Plant-and-Animal-Cells-4550307" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqIn82vgByiLMWpn4caohxAH4JLkgKVa3f-wMrGjZL_M9ZNgC8vmGznOZjnthmoaLGzY4xM8LQ9JcTdTcJaIdBfinPEWzpM4jzPkxfx_pu1-1MzAKb8LvIqWClJjiTwdidnr5NtJLslWs4xt3OrOJXBjoRC9f3uIZLqGT1iFzs99s6BIg0eg6lCfIAm5w/w640-h640/%E2%80%8ECell%20Chat%20Lab%20Stations.%E2%80%8E001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Tip #7: Make it fun!</span></strong></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Let's face it … kids love to play games, especially competitive games! As you near the end of your unit, look for ways to review the content that involve game play. I hate to say that we teachers have to trick our students into participating in a review, but it's true! </span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(Check out: <a data-custom="link" href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biology-Buzz-Words-Cell-Organelles-and-Cellular-Transport-Vocabulary-Games-2687610" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #b8b8b8; text-decoration: none;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #a81803;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Biology Buzz Words: 17 Vocabulary Games for Cell Structure and Function</u></strong></span></a>.)</span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Tip #8: Review and reinforcement is essential.<br /></span></strong><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A cell unit is dense in terms of new vocabulary and concepts. The old saying “Practice Makes Perfect!” should certainly be a part of your cell unit. Increase student interaction between terms and definitions as often as possible to ensure that the vocabulary has been committed to memory. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(Check out: <a data-custom="link" href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cell-Organelles-Acrostic-Puzzle-4552328" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #b8b8b8; text-decoration: none;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #a81803;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cell Structure Acrostic Vocabulary Puzzle</u></strong></span></a>.)</span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The most important component of improving your Cell Structure and Function Unit is .... YOU! If you are having fun and engaging with your students, your unit will be a success!</span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div data-paragraph="true" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoh92vklYguweYIAwu98CTssMhGfZqvsqvMCeIOq8eya5LKZ91HDNW2xBnnMb2uEtE2vnJ2a7gW6DIn-QZPce-RsGPROAyy09JPEdhl4GdsBtxJcytlIATZcvNx5VNaKCvHptt7J3w3xX-H8xv1svJW1pWfVnENNdme5aMubaZBu5c3tAHFGswSPnlwpRq/s563/%E2%80%8Eending.%E2%80%8E001.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="563" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoh92vklYguweYIAwu98CTssMhGfZqvsqvMCeIOq8eya5LKZ91HDNW2xBnnMb2uEtE2vnJ2a7gW6DIn-QZPce-RsGPROAyy09JPEdhl4GdsBtxJcytlIATZcvNx5VNaKCvHptt7J3w3xX-H8xv1svJW1pWfVnENNdme5aMubaZBu5c3tAHFGswSPnlwpRq/s320/%E2%80%8Eending.%E2%80%8E001.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></div>Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-33656273734296316952023-02-17T10:54:00.002-06:002023-02-17T12:48:40.395-06:00Teaching Students to Read Science Informational Text<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Reading-Task-Cards-711296" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="1024" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgm5p52V3PFtDkNF2UMa8PbHe5tzeZy4mYXDcLzmJb83CGioDfHyADaJDXAbDN3Z_LZrxolN8ZLDYWnpMbAXbtyonHaKWejK6qc33tA4JMPTm5AswmqiQi_IfFwxPYv5F9q8D-DYO86oAihf67oNM_Orep4cGW5Pr2Sfa1KUGku0aGC6kSACtIDrxSQ/w640-h358/Blog%20Images%20on%20Keynote.001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Science surrounds us every single day. From shopping at the grocery store for probiotic yogurts and organically grown produce to news stories on earthquakes, climate change, vaccines, and toxic chemical clouds produced from a train derailment. As a result, it is more important than ever that we teach our science students how to read "science informational text." </span><p></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>In today’s world, students must be able to read, comprehend, and analyze science informational reading passages!</b></span><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The science students of today will be the decisions-makers of tomorrow. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Students must be able to function in a technical world.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is increasingly important that students be able to discern fact from fiction, and fact from opinion.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The reading of "science informational text" helps students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reading scientific text can help students develop the language and vocabulary necessary to communicate effectively about scientific </span>topics<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reading and comprehending scientific text is a </span>fundamental<span style="font-family: inherit;"> skill required for students to score well on college admission tests, such as the ACT.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Basic life decisions depend on the ability to read and understand science informational text. For example, "What are the pros and cons of </span>purchasing<span style="font-family: inherit;"> an electric vehicle?"</span></li></ul><p></p><p><b>The face of science teaching is changing. Common Core Science Standards, as well as the Next Generation Science Standards, are asking teachers to emphasis scientific concepts, rather than the memorization of large amounts of factual data. </b></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Reading-Task-Cards-711296" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gwun2h-V1aVNNHsYIkA7mGWAfzfRx2s_dl30zQadvUHP14ztzAbfMdSanq71N-FOnJvlQ58YS0p1WhOfsBbKiWXyGyXAsbg58x8tVD3qemegUN14HWZ2VVoytN-hfhhSYUGE9wt8YNAweZlsZ89AR6dYQ7552tRWbjhcgSayli5mlLTctKVq-9PsuA/w400-h300/Blog%20Images%20on%20Keynote.004.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0); color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click any image to view in my TPT store.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p>For many science teachers, the thought of having to teach students "how to read science" can be overwhelming. However, it's actually a lot easier than you might think. After all, we are already asking our science students to read the textbook, lab handouts, etc. With a few simple tools (Try my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Reading-Task-Cards-711296" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Science Reading Task Cards</b></span></a>!) and a little planning, you can easily teach your students how to be better readers of science informational passages.</p><p>Students need to practice the skill of reading in science. When students are reading, they need to be given prompts on what to look for in the reading. To accomplish this, I developed a set of 75 <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Reading-Task-Cards-711296" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Science Reading Task Cards</span></b></a> that can be used with <b><u><i>ANY</i></u></b> type of science reading material. These task cards can be used in all science classes and with students in Grades 6 - 12. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Reading-Task-Cards-711296" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-aVAkc5C59itlRoytHO6fV_LIYbIoa1dT2ZxrHujs8Yx5leec8lvTAAyoUD4pibpuvsLizhh2E6R-LqOJclW5wq7viOhEbZ8tbgexTuydgb588Cq9AwK22vISCsjKmqMhT894Fb61tEtoZFaLl7KbujJpB6_OyFomjg2kanHO5BWLjn6YeY5OvOaAg/w640-h416/Blog%20Images%20on%20Keynote.003.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Each task card asks students to pull out specific information from the material they are reading. The task cards focus student attention and help them to determine the main idea, the purpose of an experiment, how to read a chart or graph, or whether the reading passage is based on fact or opinion.</p><p>Start by using a reading passage that we science teachers already use every day .... the TEXTBOOK! Ask the students to read a short section from their textbook. Provide 3 to 4 task cards to go along with the reading and ask students to write out answers for each task card question.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Reading-Task-Cards-711296" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="558" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jobvbZTS3T3865Ec2QMCoCofDDZSvbCclKGHjYtNId6kpF1M9Zx-FbCrxAMvUqC633vguYi6jvUEucMo1Rl384E_d8ZgFA0dWPYxVLjDe_skwGCECHfNAdJedh3ZauJPUJFSQekMWSsMT5Gj-kmBe7bNxtSAiuREiPoPGYWl-yOClcT0sxuj2k0Wsw/w326-h400/Blog%20Images%20on%20Keynote.002.jpeg" width="326" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Tired of trying to get your students to read the lab handouts before lab day? Ten of the task cards from the set are designed just for this purpose. By answering these ten task card questions, students must read the lab handouts to write a hypothesis, identify variables, and make predictions about the outcome. </p><p>Once your students become familiar with using the task cards while reading their textbook and lab handouts, start adding in an occasional current event article from a newspaper or magazine. You might even work up to assigning a book such as "The Double Helix" or "The Hot Zone."</p><p><br /></p><p>The set of "<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Reading-Task-Cards-711296" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Science Reading Task Cards</span></a></b>" is available in my TPT store. Additional information about the task cards includes:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The set contains 75 task cards.</li><li>There are different formats included: (1) Printable and editable version, (2) PowerPoint version to use with your classroom projection system, (3) Google Slides version with included text boxes for students to write in answers, (4) Google Forms version.</li><li>The cards can be used with any type of science reading material.</li><li>The cards are appropriate for Grades 6 - 12.</li><li><b>PLEASE NOTE: Science reading passages are NOT included. The teacher must find and choose appropriate reading passages to use.</b></li><li>The set includes a detailed Teacher Guide as well as correlation to Common Core (CCSS) Standards.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Reading-Task-Cards-711296" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2eH0OfBobBeyEB6qTtRcFOHHiw6gtgYtuOGUU4glgeaUUQeqZmF5ZlBsLHRKFVsmUzKKUkQ162wjKyMhySipr35Zl1mYYvuMy9Bas22p2ZwDsEsdH47Z1UZDxv4cFyJoWDzTdZMCyjDUGPfpCYkXE4P51n_1WgE34VcHvCxYSbgWx_pZfc70_dkrPA/w640-h480/Blog%20Images%20on%20Keynote.005.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-16483758636222588122022-12-03T15:40:00.002-06:002022-12-03T15:40:45.394-06:00Periodic Table Review Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Periodic-Table-Review-Game-Periodic-Properties-and-Trends-1023864?st=78f4d711e0d0eeb46757fbfa84b31424" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="1024" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbhpAnYlECIJGaFZnrEmLSRMbPzlrEj8l4zexpUr2BbPFSDQ1qwCIDTDoXcA684oNCu7rAWZot0a-G2VTlo6-KefjI2zh9f1fRzbI9HjQLqUm78sFD88ZfKjavwEmTBUEDLmIHbajNeWYMEBArCglqfd70MQghpvVg8VggqK1WxOsyvkV774_2O-UAA/w640-h226/Lost%20Civil%20Blog%20Images.001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You've just finished teaching the Periodic Table to your chemistry or physical science students. You know you did an awesome job teaching periods, families, the periodic trends of electronegativity, atomic radius, and metallic character. You have no doubt that students know about the alkali metals, the halogens, and the noble gases. You are convinced that all the students will ace the unit test.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then you notice a few glazed-over looks on the faces of the students. A review of the Periodic Table is needed!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you really want to know if students understand particular concepts, the ultimate test is to have them apply their knowledge to a new situation. I give you <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Periodic-Table-Review-Game-Periodic-Properties-and-Trends-1023864" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Periodic Table of the Lost Civilization</span></b></a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Periodic-Table-Review-Game-Periodic-Properties-and-Trends-1023864" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="994" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFn1cHmThQ3vDYfxKq5IuYxucr6sLbDG4n1UJlQ9yzWq027u8joxmODtlZBc0SYfehhJXsue0CHEeRhuoBcjuj6uuUQVqe30g8oM_NSgraHFHYBD62dxas_cT1lOC0Q4F2qHRb8q0G2wtAOx93UtDUXs3onh9Z5kkrGXpby3AVUFydAJip3S0o33hdA/w640-h322/Lost%20Civil%20Blog%20Images.002.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Periodic-Table-Review-Game-Periodic-Properties-and-Trends-1023864" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Click any image or red text to view this resource in my TpT Store.</span></a></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>Here's the Story:</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures;">A long lost civilization has been found buried beneath many feet of lava from an ancient volcanic eruption. The population consisted of many scientists who were in the early stages of discovering and identifying the elements of the natural world. Unfortunately, a volcanic eruption destroyed the civilization before the periodic table was complete.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span>The ancient civilization had different names and symbols for the elements than those used on the modern day periodic table. Students will read 28 statements that describe 34 elements from long ago. The statements give the element names, symbols, and information about the chemical and physical properties of the elements. Students must decipher the descriptions of the elements and place the elements in the correct position on the periodic table.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Periodic-Table-Review-Game-Periodic-Properties-and-Trends-1023864" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhmPkVyrQgDit_88Y3vT_izU91cVEwrHrzVwFUA2W4psyIJaCorYpq6bZZD9AgpMqM5cW0wAs9RB5gSmH1ws_ZiEcuER5wyQGr0HBgGr_nLS24J9rZ7iQvM7bCdx0m87V4T6qpcSMF2cHu9XesaumuqV7MffnMh2ZeCrH-yE0x2h15P2eo4HfXjIW1A/w640-h360/Widescreen%20jpegs.002.jpeg" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>Some examples of the clues include:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 22.5pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="text-indent: -22.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The following elements are known to be unreactive: Scansio (S), Lumen (Lu), Graviter (Gr), Piger (Pi) and Respiro (Rp). The element Scansio (S) has 2 valence electrons.</span></span></li><li><span style="text-indent: -22.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Flavus (Fa) is the most reactive of the nonmetals.</span></span></li><li><span style="text-indent: -22.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The atomic radius of Lumen (Lu) is much smaller than the atomic radius of Respiro (Rp). </span></span></li><li><span style="text-indent: -22.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Piger (Pi) has valence electrons in the third energy level.</span></span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 22.5pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 22.5pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 22.5pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 22.5pt; text-indent: -22.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The students will work through the 28 clues and decide where to place the 34 elements on the periodic table of the lost civilization.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Periodic-Table-Review-Game-Periodic-Properties-and-Trends-1023864" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbw5nG5bu_IFejeAzkqfAsbIi9U7F7MgarY2e_KrbwDGERvYHV06HsfIrkFcRqQ7VysDHQBAPLCdZsblCQWNgWK3bqrW7PKwMgxXiUl_IU-fqJO72UTmN0A66850aZNCO1mkAk9Hp8_3ZCmB3lP0m9Oa8HVTI0vAog-0Ud5rNrkRQtszBixY5986syw/w640-h480/Lost%20Civil%20Blog%20Images.003.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">As stated above, the ultimate test to determine if students have mastered a concept is to see if they can apply their knowledge to a new situation. If students can arrange the 34 elements on the ancient period table, then they have a really good understanding of how the periodic table works.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">But, since this is a review activity, a 4-Page set of handouts is included with additional critical-thinking and analysis questions.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Periodic-Table-Review-Game-Periodic-Properties-and-Trends-1023864" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-O2vVOWatYsPLMeo1IWDAaRz4k_JFLUVC5GafFui1Ak-76wWWb53nEOpqnZeJXXJDr_tL3FjxZEpgvwxXsZdVSb5Xi5ExA5vBMfKd31uSll9oIAiI5MMFOTM61PwBrmIY7JBHclTVxq31Xm_tyvaaiX9MyP0fLTjjrMfNr6eDhUH-GxSIz6porjnQ2g/w640-h360/Widescreen%20jpegs.005.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Putting pencil to paper is my preferred method of teaching, but if a digital version is needed, one is included. Students will "drag and drop" the element squares onto the ancient periodic table in Google Slides.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Periodic-Table-Review-Game-Periodic-Properties-and-Trends-1023864" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxLkd1B0J5WRhS4CfVbgp7AxiI-EQasIhm3NXhbgnTPspqnoG5z_Y-bg09q7xY_v8B5UA6DTv77dZYxFHIlXg0QYZuUQKOIOrhblulJ8NGNLf1sUN7GyL3lTfnROUZeP3eulIdXLSnPBjAeptj7yybS1amciyZwctysSpmmIpNh_9jwNYU4F4NEqHRQ/w640-h360/Widescreen%20jpegs.006.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Students will always be more engaged and enthusiastic about reviewing for a test when the review is in a game format. This activity is highly engaging and fun for students. It's a blast to watch the light bulbs go on when students realize they have correctly identified the ancient elements. I hope your </span>students<span style="font-family: inherit;"> will enjoy this activity as much as mine.</span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Have fun teaching!</span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></div>Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-58017166535997672702022-08-24T14:55:00.004-05:002022-08-24T14:56:52.546-05:00 Classroom Management and Content Reinforcement!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science/Category/INB-and-Warm-Ups-182739" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="768" height="489" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3K8KG6K0nwQ/W1SNajOceII/AAAAAAAAI-c/GKXldH9C57AMYIM640wBWitTihRwgUNlACLcBGAs/s640/Biology%2Bbellringers%2Band%2Bwarm%2Bups%2B2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Warm ups and bell ringers are definitely a "vintage" idea, but used in the right way they become an excellent classroom management tool!</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_5PIl6QZcA/W1Sm0NvQ9HI/AAAAAAAAI_I/4CBQRCuMeVISEtyKyvyDEeoYlvjJKSxygCLcBGAs/s1600/AdobeStock_113455942.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1600" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_5PIl6QZcA/W1Sm0NvQ9HI/AAAAAAAAI_I/4CBQRCuMeVISEtyKyvyDEeoYlvjJKSxygCLcBGAs/s320/AdobeStock_113455942.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The bell has just rung for your next class. At your classroom door is a jumbled mass of students, some leaving the room, some entering the room. Some of the ones leaving have stopped at your desk to chat or ask questions. Some of the ones entering want to chat, too. The students who were absent the day before want to know what they missed. One student needs to borrow a calculator. One student wants to go to the bathroom. One student wants to know if you finished grading a test. One student asks, "Are we doing anything today?" (As if there was EVER any possibly that we weren't!) Two students in the back of the room are being clowns. The tardy bell is about to ring, and you are ready to get this class started.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Does this chaos sound familiar?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The above scenario doesn't mean there is anything wrong with your classroom management. All teachers experience this everyday! However, you can make an action plan that decreases the chaos and get your class off to a good start everyday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have always considered classroom management to be one of my strengths. I am organized and have every single minute of class time planned before my students arrive at the door. I consider classroom management to be one of the most important aspects of teaching, second only to having a deep and thorough knowledge of the subject area. I teach "bell to bell" and gear the pacing of my class to the learning abilities of my students. Frankly, I am good at it ....... Or so I thought.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One year (after having taught for many years) I had a class that was a bit more challenging than the average high school biology class. The class consisted of 25 freshmen and sophomores, all nice kids, not a bad apple in the bunch. They were rarely disrespectful, but always came into the room overly antsy, rowdy, and excitable. It always took too much time to get them to settle and to get class started. All teachers know that the first few minutes of a class period can be somewhat chaotic. There are always administrative tasks to complete in addition to getting the students focused. I am very good at getting things started promptly in my class, but this one particular class was different. It became a struggle every day to get them settled and start my class. I needed to do something different.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TudbY0oXMec/W1SozY34ZJI/AAAAAAAAI_s/p7xsXR1qXtM5ZX5AqQJWA6vk5j9rl3uyACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0671.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="1600" height="289" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TudbY0oXMec/W1SozY34ZJI/AAAAAAAAI_s/p7xsXR1qXtM5ZX5AqQJWA6vk5j9rl3uyACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0671.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had not used "<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biology-Interactive-Notebook-Warm-Ups-Bell-Ringers-Intro-to-Science-Unit-1280959" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>bell ringers</b></span></a>" for quite some time, but I thought this might be a good tool for getting this class under control. I needed a consistent plan of action that my students followed every day and that established a certain mindset in my students. Further, I wondered if I could get this group of high schoolers to keep and maintain a notebook of these warm ups. In short, could I reduce the chaos and get on with the business of teaching?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The answer is a resounding... <b>YES! IT WORKED!</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">What is the new routine?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the first day of school, I do a really fun ice-breaker activity called <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Chat-First-Day-of-School-Ice-Breaker-Lab-Station-Activity-for-Biology-1989394" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Biology Chat</span></b></a>. Students are so excited to be in the lab, and NOT listening to a long list of class rules. After completing the Biology Chat Lab Station Activity, I start gently introducing my classroom management game plan. I let them know what type of notebook to purchase (see below) and I talk about the procedures I expect as students enter the room. When fully implemented, it goes something like this:</span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Students walk into classroom, passing the "warm up" table as they enter.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Students pick up the daily warm up and proceed to their desks.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Students have 5-10 minutes to complete the daily bell ringers.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Students may get up to visit the supply table that contains stapler, tape, colored pencils, markers, and rulers.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Teacher takes roll, passes out papers, answers questions, and assists students who have been absent.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Students are orderly and teacher can begin teaching with minimum chaos at the beginning of class.</span></li></ul>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">What will you need?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="clear: right; display: inline !important; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dqkqAilDBFQ/W1Skq0k7M8I/AAAAAAAAI-8/vSexhzRx02w-3FzNVRwB7PvBTV6Xr5cQQCLcBGAs/s1600/Biology%2Bbellringers%2Band%2Bwarm%2Bups%2B4.jpeg" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="997" height="395" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dqkqAilDBFQ/W1Skq0k7M8I/AAAAAAAAI-8/vSexhzRx02w-3FzNVRwB7PvBTV6Xr5cQQCLcBGAs/s640/Biology%2Bbellringers%2Band%2Bwarm%2Bups%2B4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Students will need to purchase a notebook. I have them place their daily warm ups in this notebook each day. I love the type of notebook that you see here. The binding is tight and pages "stay put" and rarely fall out. Best of all, I love that these notebooks can be purchased during Back-to-School season for only 50 cents. One of these notebooks contains 100 sheets of paper. When used front and back, this give you room to place 200 warm ups in the notebook. Students will likely need a couple of these notebooks if, like me, you plan to use the bell ringer pages for homework assignments and daily quizzes. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">You, the teacher, need to set up a table near the entrance of your classroom. Each day, place the warm up(s) on this table, as well as any supplies needed such as tape, markers, or rulers.</span></li></ul>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm9_we9S46s/W1h_4bFSWjI/AAAAAAAAI_8/JhQUd9IueowGi63F5DuMyxSm3-cjUkKaQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0964%2Bcopy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm9_we9S46s/W1h_4bFSWjI/AAAAAAAAI_8/JhQUd9IueowGi63F5DuMyxSm3-cjUkKaQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0964%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: medium;">What are the benefits?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can turn the chaotic beginning of your class into a time of meaningful learning. Using bell ringers establishes a daily routine of having your students complete thought provoking and problem solving tasks during the first few minutes of the class. Once the routine is established, students will enter the room and get right to work on the warm-up or bell-ringer activity. These warm-ups are designed to take 5-10 minutes to complete. It settles the students and provides the instructor a few minutes to carry out the tasks required at the beginning of a class.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">An added benefit is reinforcement of the current content I am teaching. My warm ups are not of the "write a paragraph about your favorite food" variety. Each and every warm up reinforces the subject matter content that I am currently teaching. Students will be labeling, diagramming, calculating, estimating, problem-solving, analyzing, and predicting on each page. This quick review of previously taught content is the perfect way to launch into the new lesson of the day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeVfGjAB_h2EBA8-WBEbsNNHDEGrzcC_SqFn3vASJYeamtEHYsoYZcvvPxxiAmxPOCsAmCXJGZDWYFxbmhIRXRzfIqENH7yEELPietqD6cmitM0xtKHH01BAUEWB9G-bMuU_ER6dPPOuaxdBa8x_fTOVXD8WxnCkP0XFRHu8Zp77BgHP6tmLLTuo0jA/s4000/Plant%20Reproduction%20Warm%20Ups%20Interactive%20Notebooks%20-%2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2664" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeVfGjAB_h2EBA8-WBEbsNNHDEGrzcC_SqFn3vASJYeamtEHYsoYZcvvPxxiAmxPOCsAmCXJGZDWYFxbmhIRXRzfIqENH7yEELPietqD6cmitM0xtKHH01BAUEWB9G-bMuU_ER6dPPOuaxdBa8x_fTOVXD8WxnCkP0XFRHu8Zp77BgHP6tmLLTuo0jA/w400-h266/Plant%20Reproduction%20Warm%20Ups%20Interactive%20Notebooks%20-%2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The warm ups in </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">my TpT store</span></a></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> are all one-half page in size. They can be collected and quickly graded, but they are always placed in the student notebook when I return them. In addition to using these pages as bell ringers, I also use them for homework assignments and for short daily quizzes.</span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After many months of writing and developing, I now have a warm up set for every chapter found in a typical high school biology textbook. And, best of all, I have accomplished what I set out to do: </span></span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I established a classroom management plan that works for me.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Students are engaged and working at the beginning of class.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The daily reinforcement of concepts and subject matter content have led to higher test scores.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a WIN-WIN!</span></li></ul>
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If you are interested, you can <b style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Download-Biology-Warm-Ups-Bell-Ringers-Interactive-Notebooks-Sampler-1485041" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Click here</span></a></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to download a FREE sample of my warm ups and bell ringers, or you can </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science/Category/INB-and-Warm-Ups-182739" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Click here</span></a></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to see all of the bell ringer resources in my TpT store.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-61563098686563971272022-08-13T12:43:00.001-05:002022-08-13T12:43:25.417-05:0017 Essential Science Skills All Students Should Master<p> <a href="https://blohttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Skills-Chat-17-Lab-Stations-8301540gger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNORN1DHLTkQCyvib8XW5FagcCLsiSmKekCSx6GSlLA9QPz3ZS3Z7tYIOulw1HhfPgN5zAvOpVJpzdBuFkxGQugy0nHdxzPYj46Re4vXXyMs9_c4lzVQ1TRZFnijkFvJy6hgkayR5n962A1ow3LJBBy-ijXiRH6SlJ1VG8zX7ZRMruH6qWM6f_g6l3w/s1024/Science%20Skills%20Blog%20Images.001.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="1024" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNORN1DHLTkQCyvib8XW5FagcCLsiSmKekCSx6GSlLA9QPz3ZS3Z7tYIOulw1HhfPgN5zAvOpVJpzdBuFkxGQugy0nHdxzPYj46Re4vXXyMs9_c4lzVQ1TRZFnijkFvJy6hgkayR5n962A1ow3LJBBy-ijXiRH6SlJ1VG8zX7ZRMruH6qWM6f_g6l3w/w640-h344/Science%20Skills%20Blog%20Images.001.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></p><p>Have you had a student ask you any of these questions?</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Which one of these things is the graduated cylinder?</li><li>How do I convert from decimeters to decameters?</li><li>I can't do scientific notation on my calculator.</li><li>What are independent and dependent variables and how do I put them on a graph?</li><li>You wanted the graph to be on graph paper?</li><li>I did measure exactly 5 grams of salt on my balance! ( ... with salt in a beaker that wasn't massed.)</li><li>Percent Error? No need to do this; my data is perfect!</li></ul><div>You only have to be a science teacher for one single day to start getting these types of questions and comments. My life as a high school biology and chemistry teacher became much easier when I recognized that the students entering my classes at the beginning of the school year would be all over the place in terms of their proficiency in basic science skills. Some of my entering students would be very proficient, while others had never been introduced to certain skills. The challenge we science teachers face is how to bridge this gap.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: large;">What are the essential science skills?</span></b></h2><div>In the first days and weeks of a new school year, I need my students to be proficient in the following:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Metric measurement</li><li>Identification of pieces of lab equipment</li><li>Scientific method</li><li>Use of basic pieces of lab equipment such as the graduated cylinder, Celsius thermometer, laboratory balance, and metric ruler.</li><li>Tabling, graphing, and analyzing data.</li><li>Math skills: Scientific notation, dimensional analysis, significant digits</li></ul><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">To accomplish this goal of proficiency of science skills, I have developed <b><u><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Skills-Chat-17-Lab-Stations-8301540" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Science Skills Chat!</span></a></u></b> -- a set of 17 Lab Stations to address 17 essential science skills all science students should know. I use the word "chat" to emphasize to my students that they are to work together and have a </span>productive discussion at each station in order to maximize their understanding and mastery of the concepts being covered. Peer tutoring is a powerful learning tool!</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Skills-Chat-17-Lab-Stations-8301540" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="995" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakQ_x3HPr3LHnk-yNXytZ8TcREzV3mkDdM5KNeD4syPtVmlgMSgjS7l4JrE1vZxxwITH4nLIhGQEURMmbsgBNxi0BsT_Q26pZPqWILttXYR-Y4C4sqeKZJZo4kzwhA-Ucaogok3Qs3YrhIBI5Oy67Q_XGOp-0sg01NsoUdlxhn7SbWcZqSs74rZS0FQ/w640-h494/Science%20Skills%20Blog%20Images.003.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Click on <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Skills-Chat-17-Lab-Stations-8301540" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">red text</span></a> or any image to view Science Skills Chat in my TpT store.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><b>What are the 17 Essential Science Skills?</b></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">Metric Units</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">Identification of Lab Equipment </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">Scientific Notation</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">Dimensional Analysis</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">Significant Digits</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">The Scientific Method</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">Tabling, Graphing, and Analyzing Data</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">The Graduated Cylinder </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">The Metric Ruler </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">The Laboratory Balance </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">The Celsius Thermometer </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">The Bunsen Burner </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">Determining the Volume of Solids </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">Separating a Mixture </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">Determining Density </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">Accuracy, Precision, and Percentage Error</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px;">Scientific Drawings </span></li></ul></div><p></p><p></p><div><br /></div><div>I would not suggest trying to complete all 17 lab stations at once. Choose a set of skills (perhaps 4 or 5 lab stations) to be completed during the first week of school. Choose the skills that are of immediate concern to you. Remember, some students may already be proficient in these skills, but other students will be struggling. No matter the ability level, ALL students will benefit from this review and reinforcement. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Skills-Chat-17-Lab-Stations-8301540" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="929" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOVS_KaAz5k9nn6Jbji5ncDhP3wVIibzXS4YgZes12gooVM-HFvZWrZsCZwUkqWm4LqFRj9mX1-3b_639I0Z9c9PCuuk71d4F6fF4coREGOb23zsD8HcTmr3nFMVhlOGv7Ix2CdIK3rL-h8nsvqkhBPi_4LqScPOSOhGRZbk9X3acjOek8PmU6ix2MQ/w640-h530/Science%20Skills%20Blog%20Images.002.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Click on <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Skills-Chat-17-Lab-Stations-8301540" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">red text</span></a> or any image to view Science Skills Chat in my TpT store.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Once your students have mastered the first set of skills that you deem most important, set up another lab station day to work on skills that students will soon need to know. </div><div><br /></div><div>I like the idea of having "Science Skills Friday" where you choose 4 or 5 lab stations to complete. The information in a fewer number of lab stations is not overwhelming, and it is a fun and different way to end the week. There are enough lab stations in <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Skills-Chat-17-Lab-Stations-8301540" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Science Skills Chat</span></a></b> to create several "Science Skills Friday" sessions.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Skills-Chat-17-Lab-Stations-8301540" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="922" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwn3ODwCbqGDi0ZaTjW5EW3Brm-jphdTPWSuF58IbEK25q8Pmmy_ClgwOxe2zletJ4_P_Vaof4SpqyKi6cAqIQZR_Q4eUE7AmwuGdw3dSKfAP7edLEF29Ua4GMtd9lob0epxRsEnGpYUnzavZH9SDNitzAqScK-xrTuK6F6F4PL7vICmbPyzZmW7xTvw/w640-h534/Science%20Skills%20Blog%20Images.004.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Click on <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Skills-Chat-17-Lab-Stations-8301540" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">red text</span></a> or any image to view Science Skills Chat in my TpT store.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Ten of the lab stations require some sort of lab equipment, but the other 7 skills are perfect activities to leave in your substitute teacher folder. In an emergency, your sub can grab a few of these and create a VERY quality lesson in your absence.</div><div><br /></div><div>It may seem like you are spending a lot of time at the beginning of the year to cover these 17 science skills, but I guarantee that it is time well spent. As your school year progresses, you will spend far less time repeating and re-teaching skills that your students should already know. </div><div><br /></div><div>And, how nice would it be to reduce the number of questions you get every time you go to the lab?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWv0IE496Hp5uedoTGASsHrDJeP2m8cqePmIknM9YQdRmiqXJ5F6KrqRA3b0ku3sbuKKrH6HiaxKYaHSH-4rl_VmdYEZ479WU61TzeIUYMpPmKiUvLNDIWyabz3ahylT-TtkRaG9FFPhUPHcUQ_OEapXRGV-ua2Lc4TIxCPZhwFdjB9uwx72kQaOq7Q/s376/Logo%20Signature.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="132" data-original-width="376" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWv0IE496Hp5uedoTGASsHrDJeP2m8cqePmIknM9YQdRmiqXJ5F6KrqRA3b0ku3sbuKKrH6HiaxKYaHSH-4rl_VmdYEZ479WU61TzeIUYMpPmKiUvLNDIWyabz3ahylT-TtkRaG9FFPhUPHcUQ_OEapXRGV-ua2Lc4TIxCPZhwFdjB9uwx72kQaOq7Q/s320/Logo%20Signature.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">P.S. I have <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science/Category/Lab-Stations-265543" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">11 Chat Lab Station Activities</span></a></b> on a variety of topics. You can view them<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science/Category/Lab-Stations-265543" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> all here</span></a></b>:</div></blockquote><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-91845673074364921402020-07-23T07:43:00.000-05:002020-07-23T07:43:49.975-05:00Technology Chat: Make Sure Your Students Are Ready for Digital Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Technology-Chat-for-Google-Apps-Digital-Distance-Learning-5799701" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="1024" height="330" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r8RN5kGAu1M/Xxl3e2bq0rI/AAAAAAAAJc0/8QJrFDoEHkkqmwRnI2_hPs7ACEZ-POuMgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/tech%2Bchat%2Bblog.001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Returning to school after summer break is stressful in the best of times. I think we can all agree that this is pretty much the WORST of times and that this year's return to teaching will be unlike any other. We teachers have faced many challenges before, but the challenges before us now are unprecedented. Whether you will be teaching virtually, in-person, or somewhere in between, you will find yourself in need of digital resources to support your curriculum. The reality of teaching in the days of COVID-19 means that student absenteeism will fluctuate wildly, many parents may opt to keep their kids at home, or schools may be forced to close altogether. This puts you in the challenging position of not only teaching your core science material, but also teaching students about your chosen (or chosen for you ...) method of virtual instruction. This can be overwhelming. You need activities that support the technical instruction of your students as well as their science instruction.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InRLqBuAGJ0/XxmAxdL6zVI/AAAAAAAAJdI/sbu83bJUUPYZA3pJAreNjCZjc8I9zoxIQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Depositphotos_11308620_xl-2015%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="1600" height="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InRLqBuAGJ0/XxmAxdL6zVI/AAAAAAAAJdI/sbu83bJUUPYZA3pJAreNjCZjc8I9zoxIQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Depositphotos_11308620_xl-2015%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When students arrive in your classroom this fall, either in person or virtually, will they all have the same set of skills in using Google<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: xx-small;"> </span>Apps? <br />
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The short answer is ... No. On the first day of class, just as our students have different graphing skills, or math skills, or writing skills, they will cover the spectrum in their ability to use Google Apps.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Technology-Chat-for-Google-Apps-Digital-Distance-Learning-5799701" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHgkeUg-59s/XxmBRPm72KI/AAAAAAAAJdQ/ZLckkwsZlJYWzuiVHDpDDk1oO49NqNt7ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/TechChat%2Bpin.001.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>
On that note, I am very excited to introduce a new tool in your teaching arsenal: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Technology-Chat-for-Google-Apps-Digital-Distance-Learning-5799701" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Technology Chat for Google Apps</span></b></a>! If you plan on utilizing Google<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: super;"> </span>Drive<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: super;">TM </span>or Google<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: xx-small;"> </span>Classroom<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 8pt; vertical-align: super;">TM </span>this fall, this is a fantastic activity to set your students up for success by teaching them a basic set of skills for the Google Apps. Your students will learn how to create and share Docs, Slides, and Sheets as well as many of the features used to complete assignments in Google Apps. <br />
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If you are not familiar with my other "Chat" activities, they are highly collaborative in nature and allow students to work together while mastering new material. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Technology-Chat-for-Google-Apps-Digital-Distance-Learning-5799701" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">This activity</span></b></a> is a little different in that students can complete it remotely, in-person, or in pairs. If you are meeting students face-to-face, I highly recommend using the activity in cooperative learning groups. Peer help and instruction is a valuable learning tool. Whatever your teaching situation, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Technology-Chat-for-Google-Apps-Digital-Distance-Learning-5799701" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Technology Chat</b></span></a> is an extremely flexible activity that will fit with any teaching situation.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Technology-Chat-for-Google-Apps-Digital-Distance-Learning-5799701" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="760" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BhAfh95_84/XxmCS7I2teI/AAAAAAAAJdo/j6Qnp-_SasY2fxuZSkDwpSnaoRVXNyfNACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Tech%2BChat%2BPreview%2Bjpegs.005.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Technology-Chat-for-Google-Apps-Digital-Distance-Learning-5799701" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="760" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73zlqeGeDs4/XxmCbk3mihI/AAAAAAAAJds/s3T0EDWd5_43XO-bHHECiLwsZ8-f7OXRQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Tech%2BChat%2BPreview%2Bjpegs.004.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While this activity won't cover everything Google has to offer, it is a great tool to create a baseline of knowledge in your classroom and hopefully give your students enough technical know-how to start the year off right.<br />
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Teachers always rise to face new challenges, and this school year will be no different. In these unprecedented times, I am excited to see the amazing ways our community serves our students and the highly innovative new solutions we put into place in our classrooms. I hope this activity is a helpful addition to your back-to-school instructional plan. I wish you all the very best of luck this fall.<br />
<br />Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-49183647268818608642020-03-31T14:26:00.001-05:002020-04-25T08:03:17.755-05:00Going Digital in the Age of Distance Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgurNDSjh1k/Xp9NtqoUvzI/AAAAAAAAJY0/KnYyBQbHpm8aphhDZ6VIMoFnjsg7RfMgQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Blog%2BImages%2Bon%2BKeynote.001.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="1024" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgurNDSjh1k/Xp9NtqoUvzI/AAAAAAAAJY0/KnYyBQbHpm8aphhDZ6VIMoFnjsg7RfMgQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Blog%2BImages%2Bon%2BKeynote.001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello everyone! Wow, in just a few short weeks our teaching world has been rocked to the core. If you had told me months ago that we would be in this shape today, I would have thought you had lost your mind. Unprecedented school closures have all of us scratching our heads and trying to figure out how to get through just one day at a time. Both teachers and parents are scrambling to look for resources for our students that can be used digitally for distance learning. Since it looks like schools are going to closed for some time, it's "all hands on deck" as we deal with the problems of educating children remotely. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So let me get right to it. The purpose of this post is to let you know about resources that are available for both teachers and parents in the world of "distance learning." The rest of this post will consist of clickable links to resources you might find helpful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First, I am working to convert the resources in <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">my TpT store</span></b></a> over to digital formats for use in Goggle Drive, Google Classroom, and/or Microsoft OneDrive. As resources are updated with the digital version, I will add them to the "already posted" printable listing on TpT. In short, this means that if you have purchased a resource from my TpT store, you will be able to download the resource again, at no extra cost, to receive the digital version if one becomes available. Full disclosure: Converting items to digital resources is time-consuming and tedious work. My resources will not magically appear in digital format overnight, but I will add them as fast as I am able.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2chWB9Tpc4/XoN_6fJga7I/AAAAAAAAJWc/mC6DZs12OcEN-6Lmwnw8YSBPQph4_M5rgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Mail%2BChimp%2BHeaders.001.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="768" height="143" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J2chWB9Tpc4/XoN_6fJga7I/AAAAAAAAJWc/mC6DZs12OcEN-6Lmwnw8YSBPQph4_M5rgCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Mail%2BChimp%2BHeaders.001.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just a reminder: Do you know how to determine if a resource you have purchased on TpT has been updated? You will not get email notifications from TpT when resources are updated. You'll need to navigate to your "My Purchases" page on TpT and look for notifications that appear with any resources that have been updated.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">What items at Amy Brown Science have been updated with new digital formats?</span></b><br />
I started with my free resources. The following resources have been updated. Each includes a detailed Teacher Guide to help you navigate the world of Google Drive. I have also included a QuickStart Guide for the experienced users. Click the images or red text below to grab these free distance learning resources:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Backyard-Ecology-Activity-Printable-and-Google-Apps-Distance-Learning-261711" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXXjXERkXC4/XoOBoeMftAI/AAAAAAAAJWo/jfzq7PeBl9wP3eNPWnz348FZds2CKBJdwCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/Backyard%2BEcology%2BPreview%2Bjpegs.001.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Backyard-Ecology-Activity-Printable-and-Google-Apps-Distance-Learning-261711" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Backyard Ecology:</span></b></a> This ecology activity is perfect for laying the groundwork prior to your ecology unit. The questionnaire will get your students thinking about the ecology and environmental issues of your local community.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Genetics-Punnett-Square-Practice-Printable-and-Google-Apps-Distance-Learning-78842" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8H4OXr6B38/Xp9KiKgd55I/AAAAAAAAJYE/UH2WdBy1Rrw_GHdDNrhiRkT8Je9ZKcF8ACNcBGAsYHQ/s200/Monohybrid%2BMice%2BGenetics%2BProblems.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Genetics-Punnett-Square-Practice-Printable-and-Google-Apps-Distance-Learning-78842" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Monohybrid Mice!</span></a></b> is great for Punnett Square practice. These problems are on a beginner level and a perfect way to introduce one-factor genetics problems to your students.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Scientific-Method-PowerPoint-and-Notes-Printable-and-Digital-Distance-Learning-143806" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDTHmxtmyN8/Xp9LELzjFjI/AAAAAAAAJYM/ZxQtaCUm5QU8pvNosZfQYd6uvRJvbUZjgCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/Scientific%2BMethod%2BPPT%2BPreview%2Bjpegs.001.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Scientific-Method-PowerPoint-and-Notes-Printable-and-Digital-Distance-Learning-143806" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Scientific Method PowerPoint and Notes Set</span></b>:</a> This includes a 26 slide PowerPoint as well as a guided notes outline for the students. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Steps of the scientific method are covered, but more importantly, the lesson provides examples and practice problems illustrating the application of the scientific method. Analysis questions and answers are included.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/DNA-Informational-Text-Printable-and-Digital-Distance-Learning-1123136" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y9bzFueS7Q/Xp9LXKZANQI/AAAAAAAAJYU/h-hXlPNGFP88roHVu3fQ67T1l2JFitymACNcBGAsYHQ/s200/DNA%2BInformational%2BTest%2BReading%2BPreview%2Bjpegs.001.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/DNA-Informational-Text-Printable-and-Digital-Distance-Learning-1123136" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">DNA Informational Text Reading</span></b></a>: <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">This reading is based on Watson and Crick's famous one-page article published in 1953 in Nature magazine, announcing their discovery of the structure of the DNA molecule. It comes with graphic organizers to help your students read and understand this classic scientific paper.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Compare-Contrast-Graphic-Organizer-Printable-and-Digital-Distance-Learning-327272" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pyu-yyiHzoE/Xp9LjIqh9MI/AAAAAAAAJYY/LhMFF_SlnFA8y79_Gpj86icHTx_7soDugCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/Compare%2BContrast%2Bjpegs.001.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Compare-Contrast-Graphic-Organizer-Printable-and-Digital-Distance-Learning-327272" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Compare and Contrast Graphic Organizer</span></b></a><span style="color: #222222;">: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">This very simple, two-page graphic organizer has become one of the best study and review techniques that I use in my science classes. It forces students to think deeply about two topics or concepts as they search to find the similarities and differences between them. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cellular-Respiration-Word-Game-Printable-and-Digital-Distance-Learning-207850" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAoNU1XhCGA/Xp9LzuGFgEI/AAAAAAAAJYk/w8AWKuKcg3YvKW3mX1AF4_ZOi3lY6y0JQCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/Cell%2BResp%2BWord%2BGame%2BPreview%2Bjpegs.001.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cellular-Respiration-Word-Game-Printable-and-Digital-Distance-Learning-207850" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Cell Respiration Word Game Review</span></b></a><span style="color: #222222;">: </span></span>This review activity is designed to help your students master the difficult vocabulary in a cell respiration unit. </span><br />
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I have also created a new custom category in my TpT store called "<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science/Category/-Digital-Google-Apps-290794" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Digital / Google Apps</span></b></a>" where you can find all of my digital resources. Clicking the link to this custom category will sort my store to show <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science/Category/-Digital-Google-Apps-290794" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">all of my digital resources</span></b></a>. This is a great link to save. It will allow you to see if any of the resources you have previously purchased have been updated for Google Apps.<br />
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Let me ask a favor of you: Please respect my copyright by <b>NOT</b> posting my resources on a public web site where my resources can be accessed by a Google search and the public world. You are welcome to post to your own <b>password-protected</b> class site as long as only your students have access. Thanks so much for your understanding.<br />
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One more thing before I move on to other suggestions for resources: Signing up for my free newsletter is a good way to receive notifications for updates, exclusive freebies, promotions, sales, and news. <a href="https://mailchi.mp/amybrownscience/subscribe" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Click this link</span></b></a> if you are interested in my newsletter.<br />
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Okay, now I am going to post links to all sorts of things that I have seen over the last few weeks that I think might be helpful to you.<br />
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<li>From the TpT Blog: <a href="https://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/distance-learning-tips-for-supporting-parents-and-families/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Distance Learning - Tips for Supporting Parents and Families</span></b></a></li>
<li>From the TpT Blog: <b><a href="https://blog.teacherspayteachers.com/getting-started-with-distance-learning/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Getting Started With Distance Learning</span></a></b></li>
<li><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/TpTSchoolAccess/Content/Coronavirus-Teachers?utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=please+refer+your+admin+here.&utm_content=03/17/2020&utm_campaign=Joe+%26+Amy:+March+17th,+2020+-+COVID19&_bta_tid=15479167921401968820271650986659259832277999597388779467537854409474575180414597702657074016506647053507592&_bta_c=6u44c26qxwaxs91f1pko87d32jhbd" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">TpT School Access</span></b></a> is a subscription-based service offered to schools. TpT is currently making School Access available for free (through June 30, 2020) to all schools impacted by the CoronaVirus. Click red link for more information.</li>
<li>Have you tried <a href="https://wow.boomlearning.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Boom Learning</span></b></a>? Boom Cards are digital task cards, and a fantastic way to keep you students reviewing important content. Boom Learning is currently offering free memberships through June 30, 2020. You can find all of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science/Category/-Boom-Cards-290415" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">my Boom Card listings</span></b></a> here.</li>
<li>Check out <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-to-make-these-next-few-weeks-a-little-easier-courtesy-of-birds/?fbclid=IwAR0_VUGh82Ic4WRHbXyQLMbg4-2b4s8KeSMPLbd3nHpO_LQzy69stlVHmuI" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">The Cornell Lab: Science and Nature for Cooped Up Kids</span></b></a>. You can sign up to receive weekly activities that you can do at home with your kids.</li>
<li>You can always find great resources at <b><span style="color: #990000;">Discovery Education</span></b>!</li>
<li>Free memberships are currently being offered on <a href="https://kahoot.com/blog/2020/02/27/kahoot-free-access-schools-higher-education-coronavirus/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Kahoot</span></b></a>!</li>
<li>Distance learning for lab activities: Check out these <a href="https://virtuallabs.nmsu.edu/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Virtual Labs</span></b></a> and <a href="https://www.classzone.com/books/hs/ca/sc/bio_07/virtual_dissection.cfm" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Virtual Dissections</span></b></a>.</li>
<li>And, this article provides you with <a href="https://www.weareteachers.com/free-online-learning-resources/#secondary" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">200+ Online Learning Resources</span></b></a>.</li>
<li>Check out this <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/UtahRoots/video-for-teaching-science/?fbclid=IwAR1-bLri5aReDEB09bOnUeUHXKURZcewK5uPg093MtpVFcguuierPsmklmQ" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Pinterest Board</span></b></a> from my good friend Utah Roots. This board contains links to videos for teaching science.</li>
<li>You cannot go wrong with <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">National Geographic Education</span></b></a>.</li>
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<b>Please note: All online learning sites should be throughly vetted by teachers and parents before allowing access to your students.</b></div>
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I hope that this post gives you some places to start as you begin your journey into distance learning. Good luck to you, and please stay well!</div>
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P.S. The adorable "Dot Dudes" in the heading image are the copyrighted work of <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Sarah-Pecorino-Illustration" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Sarah Pecorino Illustration</span></a>.</span></div>
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Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-14551701830399636502019-12-07T14:18:00.000-06:002019-12-07T14:18:00.667-06:00Biochemistry Lab: Testing Foods for Organic Compounds.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biochemistry-Lab-Testing-For-Organic-Compounds-In-Foods-3977" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="959" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aGFx5ZV-LLg/Xev8aICn_2I/AAAAAAAAJVA/0AKfKBzwCMoYYeRLmOFhUpzb92VvHMU0wCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/Blog%2BImages%2Bon%2BKeynote.001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What types of organic compounds are contained in the foods we eat? Sometimes an old idea is still the best way to teach a concept. That is how I feel about this lab, "<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biochemistry-Lab-Testing-For-Organic-Compounds-In-Foods-3977" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Testing Foods for Organic </span></b></a></span><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biochemistry-Lab-Testing-For-Organic-Compounds-In-Foods-3977" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Compounds</span></b></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">." I have been doing this lab for over 30 years, and I never tire of doing it. Granted, it is a bit messy and the observed results are sometimes a little subjective, but my students always love these two days in the lab.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This lab is best used during your units on Biochemistry and the Organic Compounds. Teaching </span>the<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>characteristics of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids can be dry and tiresome to students, and this lab is a great way to break the monotony of lecturing on these topics. This lab activity is a two-part activity. First, students will learn the indicator tests for sugars, starches, proteins, fats, vitamin C, and salt using known solutions. Once the students understand how to complete these tests, they will test a wide variety of foods to see what compounds are contained in each food.<br />
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Before any testing of foods is carried out, students must "practice" to learn the indicator test for each compound. For example, in order to determine if milk contains simple sugars, students must know how to carry out the test for simple sugars. This is the purpose of the first part of the lab. Students are given known solutions so that they can see what the positive test for a particular compound looks like. Then, when the foods are tested, the students will recognize and understand the results they are getting. Students will learn the positive and negative tests for the following:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HcOKKJmawk/Xev8g4AYfFI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/u_T95Y32TPcu8w4kWbY48luhfAkVgWFmACEwYBhgL/s1600/Organic%2Bcompounds%2Blab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HcOKKJmawk/Xev8g4AYfFI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/u_T95Y32TPcu8w4kWbY48luhfAkVgWFmACEwYBhgL/s1600/Organic%2Bcompounds%2Blab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HcOKKJmawk/Xev8g4AYfFI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/u_T95Y32TPcu8w4kWbY48luhfAkVgWFmACEwYBhgL/s400/Organic%2Bcompounds%2Blab.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>Students will test for starch using iodine.</li>
<li>Students will test for simple sugars using Benedict's solution.</li>
<li>Students will test for proteins using Biuret reagent.</li>
<li>Students will test for lipids using the brown paper test.</li>
<li>Students will test for the presence of vitamin C using indophenol.</li>
<li>Students will test for salt using silver nitrate.</li>
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<b>Please note:</b> Obviously, salt is not an organic compound. However, it is a fun test for the students to carry out, and it provides interesting information about the foods we eat.</div>
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Once students know how to use the above indicators, the real fun can begin! Choose a variety of foods that you would like for your students to test. While you can theoretically use any foods in the experiment, some are easier to test than others. For example, students will probably be frustrated if you ask them to test dark purple grape juice. They simply will not be able to see the results of the tests. I have the best results when testing the following: Milk, yogurt, egg whites, egg yolks, potatoes, celery, cereals, and an assortment of fruit juices. The liquid foods can be used straight from their containers. For solids foods, you will need to prepare a solution of the food using a blender.</div>
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<b>What are the benefits of doing this lab?</b></div>
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<li>First and foremost, it is just plain FUN! If students love your lab activities, they will be excited about your class. These days, having your students excited about your class solves a host of other problems.</li>
<li>This lab reviews and reinforces the concepts you have been teaching in your classroom. Facts about the macromolecules are easier to learn and remember when the students see a practical application of the information.</li>
<li>This lab teaches good lab techniques, how to organize data, and how to work in cooperative learning groups.</li>
<li>Students lean that a particular food that they thought was "healthy" is really nothing more than sugar and salt.</li>
<li>Working through detailed lab procedures teaches a student to read, understand, and follow directions.</li>
<li>Students must use their critical thinking and problem solving skills.</li>
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Below you can see the lab handouts that I use with my students. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biochemistry-Lab-Testing-For-Organic-Compounds-In-Foods-3977" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Clicking here</span></b></a> or on the image below will lead you to this lab in <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">my TpT store</span></b></a>. Complete teacher guide is included that contains an answer key to all questions, directions for preparing the solutions, and tips and suggestions for the successful completion of this lab activity. </div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biochemistry-Lab-Testing-For-Organic-Compounds-In-Foods-3977" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GivIp0_uLX8/Xev8XpwY_BI/AAAAAAAAJVI/s0kedDHUwWcSJHu8kcOUmITmSDctXnFVwCEwYBhgL/s640/3.035.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-40413199301733085752019-02-19T16:59:00.000-06:002019-08-19T15:16:19.829-05:00Book Review and Giveaway: "Awesome Physics Experiments for Kids"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fRc6oZ0vV8/XGxpoJftdCI/AAAAAAAAJGk/cJ-819L9hcEJMQmADRsrJUJuferIYb3iwCLcBGAs/s1600/Blog%2BImages%2Bon%2BKeynote.002.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="1024" height="312" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fRc6oZ0vV8/XGxpoJftdCI/AAAAAAAAJGk/cJ-819L9hcEJMQmADRsrJUJuferIYb3iwCLcBGAs/s640/Blog%2BImages%2Bon%2BKeynote.002.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's not often that I do a product review. And since you are now reading a product review, that should tell you that I am super-excited about this product! Erica Colon (<a href="http://nittygrittyscience.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">NittyGrittyScience.com</span></a>) has written a fabulous set of experiments for young budding scientists, ages 10 to 13. But this is more than just another science experiment book. This is a book for parents and for families, and also a fantastic resource for science teachers. <br />
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Let's start with parents and families. All of the experiments in this book can be carried out with simple materials, and anyone can do them! No science background is required because Erica has included every single thing you need. Here's what you'll find with each experiment:<br />
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<li>Title</li>
<li>Problem or Question</li>
<li>Level of Difficulty (Easy, Medium, Difficult)</li>
<li>Time Suggestion</li>
<li>Materials List</li>
<li>The Steps</li>
<li>Now Try This!</li>
<li>The Hows and Whys</li>
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All parents will be able to do these experiments with their kids. The procedural steps are clear and concise, and the final section is a life-saver if your background is not in science. "The Hows and Whys" section will ensure that you can discuss these concepts with your children.</div>
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Now, let me speak to science teachers: While these experiments were written for children of ages 10 to 13, these activities can easily be used as experiments and/or demonstrations from middle school classes up through high school physics classes. What a relief to find activities that don't require expensive lab equipment! And, if you love stem challenges, this book is perfect for you! And one more thing: The activities are aligned with NGSS standards.</div>
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Here's a sample experiment that you can start using right away:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcNcHtRQ7GM/XGxuy82FGVI/AAAAAAAAJHI/4FwOs86yjGImn-nDyt6KrIDjEWna1EmrgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-19%2Bat%2B2.51.18%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="1412" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcNcHtRQ7GM/XGxuy82FGVI/AAAAAAAAJHI/4FwOs86yjGImn-nDyt6KrIDjEWna1EmrgCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-19%2Bat%2B2.51.18%2BPM.png" width="602" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pXfNJ_TEV1w/XGxuxZqGThI/AAAAAAAAJHE/nC57Ec-VgsE95cxJVf8O5GDjq2TiWiUCACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-19%2Bat%2B2.51.29%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="1414" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pXfNJ_TEV1w/XGxuxZqGThI/AAAAAAAAJHE/nC57Ec-VgsE95cxJVf8O5GDjq2TiWiUCACLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-19%2Bat%2B2.51.29%2BPM.png" width="604" /></a></div>
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In addition to 40 super science experiments, Erica has included a Glossary of terms, Measurement conversions, Resources for kids, Resources for teachers, Blank tables and graphing grids, and an Index.</div>
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The book is being released through Amazon. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Awesome-Physics-Experiments-Kids-Projects/dp/1641522984/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550610359&sr=8-1&keywords=erica+colon" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Click this link</span></a> to view on Amazon.</div>
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Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-65402402046283706812018-12-06T13:24:00.000-06:002020-04-25T07:57:15.999-05:00Evolution and the Geologic Time Scale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Geologic-Time-Scale-Activity-3995691" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="742" height="540" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h3FNEcOwDNI/XAlnJy3S_5I/AAAAAAAAJEw/VGfRPDukurkAGDwNOnlP9CovrSXZUpROACLcBGAs/s640/Geologic%2BTime%2BBlog%2Bphotos%2Bjpegs.003.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Teaching the geologic time scale has always posed a bit of a problem for me in my Biology classes. My students don't need the depth of knowledge that they might get in an Earth Science class. On the other hand, the concept of geologic time and the appearance and evolution of life on Earth is VERY important to my class. One of my most favorite sayings, "Nothing in Biology makes sense except in the light of evolution" (</span><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodosius_Dobzhansky" style="background-image: none; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" title="Theodosius Dobzhansky"><span style="color: black;">Theodosius Dobzhansky</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">, </span><i style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: inherit;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Biology_Teacher" style="background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" title="American Biology Teacher"><span style="color: black;">American Biology Teacher</span></a>, </i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">1973.) is a mantra in my classes. We can't teach cellular respiration without the </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">concept</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> of endosymbiosis, and we can't teach endosymbiosis until our students know the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, etc, etc, etc. The history of life on Earth is (or </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">should</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> be!) woven into every single lesson we teach in a Biology class.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Then "What's the problem?" you might be asking yourself. My problem is time. Not geologic time; just time to teach. It is a real struggle to cover everything in a year that needs to be covered! My solution was to find a way to quickly cover the concepts of geologic time and the evolution of life on Earth, without taking weeks to do so.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Here are my goals. I want my students to:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Know was is meant by the "geologic time scale."</span></li>
<li><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Be able to visualize the enormity of geologic time.</span></li>
<li><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Know when life first appeared on Earth.</span></li>
<li><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Know the order in which various life forms appeared.</span></li>
<li><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Know the importance of fossils, especially traditional fossils, to the study of evolution.</span></li>
<li><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Understand how scientists are able to date fossils that are found in various rock strata.</span></li>
<li><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Understand the relationship between mass extinctions and adaptive radiations.</span></li>
<li><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Have a clear and concise understanding of what happens in each era of Earth's history.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">I am extremely pleased with the <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Geologic-Time-Scale-Activity-3995691" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">activity</span></a></b> I put together to accomplish these goals. This resource can be used in </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">conjunction with your other lessons and materials you use on this topic, OR, (and here is the best part!) it can be used as a stand-alone activity that quickly covers the above topics in just a couple of class periods. The printable version is perfect for traditional classroom settings, but there is also a digital Google Apps version for distance learning and 1:1 schools.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">If you need to teach this fast, this is the activity for you!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">What concepts are covered in this resource?</span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Definition of the geologic time scale.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">How the geologic time scale was developed by scientists.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Relative dating and Radioactive dating.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Earth’s history is divided into 4 Eras which are subdivided into smaller periods.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">How to read the information on the geologic time scale reference table.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Comparing lengths of geologic time.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The order of events in the evolution of life on Earth.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Transitional fossils.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Estimating the age of organisms based on relative dating.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Rock strata.</span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">What will the students be doing?</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLDk2yAzK0k/XAls0Ys_ydI/AAAAAAAAJFY/Ye8_x858wgwkgHJMS8OezwsZcNnD01dtgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Geologic%2BTime%2BScale%2BActivity%2B-%2B8%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLDk2yAzK0k/XAls0Ys_ydI/AAAAAAAAJFY/Ye8_x858wgwkgHJMS8OezwsZcNnD01dtgCEwYBhgL/s320/Geologic%2BTime%2BScale%2BActivity%2B-%2B8%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Students complete a 6-page handout on the geologic time scale and complete a 2-page timeline of the history of life on Earth.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Students make a circle graph of the time spent in each era.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Students use the included Geologic Time Scale Reference Table to answer a series of 30 problem solving questions.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Students make a scale diagram showing the length of each era.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Students look at pictures to evaluate characteristics of certain organisms.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Students complete a relative dating cut and paste activity.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Students using relative dating to estimate the age of certain organisms.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Students complete a 2-page cut and paste timeline activity showing the evolution of life on Earth.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Students are guided through an exercise that allows them to compare all of Earth’s history to one calendar year.</span></li>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzxBiP7xy08/XAltYNK7fdI/AAAAAAAAJFk/ht5wp7ZfIg0b-G7soxjynft5IeZ3v-QdwCEwYBhgL/s1600/The%2BGeologic%2BTime%2BScale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="307" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mzxBiP7xy08/XAltYNK7fdI/AAAAAAAAJFk/ht5wp7ZfIg0b-G7soxjynft5IeZ3v-QdwCEwYBhgL/s400/The%2BGeologic%2BTime%2BScale.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">As much as I love teaching these topics, there is a limit to what we can expect our students to absorb. We can't ask them to learn every event in every era, period, and epoch in geologic time. I have certain key events that I want my students to know, so I put together a one-page table outlining the most important events in Earth's history.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">The beauty of <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Geologic-Time-Scale-Activity-3995691" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">this resource</span></a></b> is that with this one-page reference table the activity can be used as a stand-alone lesson. The students don't need prior knowledge or prior teaching. This lesson can be completed in two 1-hour class periods right before you begin your units on evolution. I would suggest having a biology textbook handy if students are seeing this information for the first time. There may be a few </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;">vocabulary words that they would need to look up.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="background-color: transparent;">If you are in a big time crunch, let the students work in groups for one class period, and complete complete unfinished portions for homework.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DV-3bAle79A/XAlswx15etI/AAAAAAAAJFU/iUATBM5McsUL5Tu5XiElmQ_evTJ2vcq-ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Geologic%2BTime%2BBlog%2Bphotos%2Bjpegs.002.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1011" height="470" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DV-3bAle79A/XAlswx15etI/AAAAAAAAJFU/iUATBM5McsUL5Tu5XiElmQ_evTJ2vcq-ACEwYBhgL/s640/Geologic%2BTime%2BBlog%2Bphotos%2Bjpegs.002.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">You can find this activity in <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">my TpT store</span></b></a> by <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Geologic-Time-Scale-Activity-3995691" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">clicking this link</span></a></b>, and here is what you can expect to find included:</span><br />
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<li><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">6-Page printable and editable student worksheet set</span></li>
<li><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">1-Page Geologic Time Scale Reference Table</span></li>
<li><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">2-Page Timeline Worksheet</span></li>
<li><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">8-Page Teacher Guide and Answer Keys</span></li>
<li><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">All images needed for the "cut and paste" portions of the activity.</span></li>
<li><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Paperless digital google apps version for use in Google Drive, Google Classroom, Microsoft OneDrive, or similar.</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Geologic-Time-Scale-Activity-3995691" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1021" height="411" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mKEMTQjzu04/XAlswvyhNAI/AAAAAAAAJFQ/wWfQM6SQSuEd3S61fgSHR-Mi92PhMlXggCEwYBhgL/s640/Geologic%2BTime%2BBlog%2Bphotos%2Bjpegs.001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">I hope this article has given you something to think about, and some new ideas on how to teach geologic time to your biology or life </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">science</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> students. Have fun teaching!</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-45068599160591782632018-08-23T11:23:00.000-05:002018-08-23T14:12:20.176-05:00Returning to Your Lab After Summer Break: A "Must-Do" List of Chores<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3W4tLE4AFA/W37I-brfEII/AAAAAAAAJB0/CV7aC4Ml3Jwxr8UlAddl7LwxJKMH6GRLgCLcBGAs/s1600/lab.001.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="1024" height="228" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3W4tLE4AFA/W37I-brfEII/AAAAAAAAJB0/CV7aC4Ml3Jwxr8UlAddl7LwxJKMH6GRLgCLcBGAs/s640/lab.001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbyF6dJ9X5M/W37NogCK-iI/AAAAAAAAJCA/mG60AVG8Ru4amd8dQ3FpNjARP-20PkbTwCLcBGAs/s1600/crazy%2Bteacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="1600" height="185" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbyF6dJ9X5M/W37NogCK-iI/AAAAAAAAJCA/mG60AVG8Ru4amd8dQ3FpNjARP-20PkbTwCLcBGAs/s200/crazy%2Bteacher.jpg" width="200" /></a>Picture yourself at the end of the school year ... You are punch-drunk from having made it through end of course exams, posting final grades, collecting textbooks, and trying to get your classroom packed up for the summer. You are giddy with excitement about the much needed summer break. It's the last day of school and you just want to go home. Every teacher reading this knows this feeling. It is nearly impossible to have the will power to start preparing for NEXT school year on the last day of THIS school year.<br />
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Fast forward ... Summer is over and you are heading back to school. What are the first, most important things you need to do when you return to your classroom and lab? Perhaps this check list of 18 Must-Do Chores will help get you started.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">#1 Not a chore, but a directive!</span></b> Go back to school a day or two before the other teachers. Head straight to the lab and get it ready for school. Your classroom decorations can wait.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>#2 Assess the summer "damage."</b></span> At my school, every single room is emptied over the summer so that the floors can be stripped, cleaned, and waxed. When the furniture and supplies are returned to the lab, they are never put back where they belong. Your first chore is simply organization. Get the tables, lab stools, boxes, etc., back where they belong.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">#3 Assess the "real damage."</span></b> Check the water faucets at every single lab station because some of them will be leaking. Check each and every gas jet because some students will have stuck their pencils in the end of them, breaking off the pencil tip inside. Set aside the stools and desks that are damaged. Check each electrical outlet. Make a list of everything that requires a fix and move on to #4 right now!<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">#4 Go find the custodian.</span></b> In fact, when you arrive on this first day back, bring a plate of cookies for the custodian! We lab teachers require the help of the custodian more than the classroom teachers. Take your neatly written damage list and very sincerely ask for help in getting the repairs completed before students arrive.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-3-BgbSCSE/W37PTe0n3bI/AAAAAAAAJC4/buq0ZKNrpYMVkthFgbfnXLmmnKQBgK7pgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Lab%2Bsinks%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-3-BgbSCSE/W37PTe0n3bI/AAAAAAAAJC4/buq0ZKNrpYMVkthFgbfnXLmmnKQBgK7pgCEwYBhgL/s200/Lab%2Bsinks%2B3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;">#5 Clean, clean, and clean some more!</span></b> Get your paper towels and cleaning supplies and get to work. Wipe down all lab tables and other surfaces. Check the drain of each sink to remove any debris caught in the drain. Leave paper towels and Windex/Lysol spray bottles at each station so that students will be able to clean at the end of their lab.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AQKnEYHLMQ/W37OfL22k0I/AAAAAAAAJCw/ot1OpVMlKlkRB-sqsuWt7jUtXs6R3c0lwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_AQKnEYHLMQ/W37OfL22k0I/AAAAAAAAJCw/ot1OpVMlKlkRB-sqsuWt7jUtXs6R3c0lwCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_0394.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;">#6 Check your fire safety equipment.</span></b> Is the fire extinguisher properly charged? Is the fire blanket in a handy location? Can you easily open the fire blanket container?<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">#7 Flush your eye wash station.</span></b> How many of us are diligent about flushing the eye wash weekly, or even monthly? Check out <a href="https://www.amybrownscience.com/2015/10/lab-safety-tip-of-week-5.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">this blog post</span></a> on the eye wash fountain and safety shower for loads of information.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">#8 Flush the safety shower.</span></b> Read the above referenced blog post about how to properly maintain the safety shower.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nI7pIAqZtcg/W37O9eor_1I/AAAAAAAAJCw/oJjcB9V4Qhk3q6McwsL5L9yTlR7cbMfPACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nI7pIAqZtcg/W37O9eor_1I/AAAAAAAAJCw/oJjcB9V4Qhk3q6McwsL5L9yTlR7cbMfPACEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_0414.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">#9 Check your fume hood.</span></b> Click this link to view a great <a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/laboratory/OSHAquickfacts-lab-safety-chemical-fume-hoods.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">check list from OSHA</span></a> about the lab fume hood.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfZBr5hEx5s/W37Ojn0VeuI/AAAAAAAAJCo/aFgqZ1JFckgfxeeyWfmw7JeZA-9sy4sZwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfZBr5hEx5s/W37Ojn0VeuI/AAAAAAAAJCo/aFgqZ1JFckgfxeeyWfmw7JeZA-9sy4sZwCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_0397.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">#10 On to the safety goggles and sterilizer! </span></b> How do you handle goggles? Do students have their own set, or do they share them with other students? How are they cleaned and sanitized? Goggles have to be worn, and they must be sterilized. Before students return, be sure to hand-wash all goggles and sanitize them in a properly functioning sterilizer. <a href="https://www.amybrownscience.com/2015/09/lab-safety-tip-of-week-4.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">This blog post</span></a> will provide you with additional details about lab safety goggles.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sL9vQSqEtg/W37O1QIL-OI/AAAAAAAAJCw/hx9KeBsYsfI1cFzYaRANvAWC6qHkO2KiACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sL9vQSqEtg/W37O1QIL-OI/AAAAAAAAJCw/hx9KeBsYsfI1cFzYaRANvAWC6qHkO2KiACEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_0406.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;">#11 Don't forget about the chemical storage area. </span></b>Make sure that chemicals are stored properly and safely and organized according to the "rules." Not sure how your chemical storeroom should be organized? <a href="https://www.cmich.edu/fas/fsr/rm/EHS/Documents/chemical%20storage%20guidance.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">This article</span></a> has everything you need to know about your chemical storeroom.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">#12 Check your First Aid Kit!</span></b> Take an inventory of the items in your first aid kit. Make a list of items such as band aids, ointments, alcohol wipes, etc., that need to be replaced.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">#13 Clean out the lab refrigerator.</span></b> I guarantee you that someone left their lunch there months ago.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">#14 Make sure lab safety aprons are clean and easily accessible as students enter the lab.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">#15 Prepare a basic set of lab equipment and store a set at each lab station.</span></b> This will save you time all year long, and will prevent students from wandering all over the lab looking for equipment. Consider placing the following at each lab station: Bunsen burner and hose, ring stand and rings, wooden test tube rack, graduated cylinder, stirring rod, ruler, stopwatch. Include any other items that you frequently use. <br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">#16 Identify designated areas and put up signs. </span></b> Where will students place their backpacks as they enter the lab? Where should students place their dirty glassware? Where is chemical waste placed? Where should students wash their hands? Make clear instruction signs, laminate them, and place them in the best location for your lab.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">#17 Make a list of supplies you need to order.</span></b> Make sure that you have the latest catalogs. Throw away the old ones! Determine what supplies you need for the new school year, and get your lab order in to the purchasing department as quickly as possible. The early bird gets the worm!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OrR00rvnmg/W37QShBj3TI/AAAAAAAAJDE/iZhfkRifFywJY0-lANcelc7V8QGTOXt7wCLcBGAs/s1600/burner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1232" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OrR00rvnmg/W37QShBj3TI/AAAAAAAAJDE/iZhfkRifFywJY0-lANcelc7V8QGTOXt7wCLcBGAs/s320/burner.jpg" width="246" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">#18 Plan your lab safety instruction unit.</span></b> In the very first few days of school you need to teach a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lab-Safety-Unit-88553" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">lab safety unit</span></a> to your students. Students need handouts of all lab safety rules. You need to have each student fill out a medical emergency form and have parents sign a lab safety contract.<br />
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An organized teacher is a happy teacher. Check off the things on this list, and you will be ready for a great school year!<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Good luck as you return to school!</b></span></div>
<br />Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-66076160915207844052018-08-12T13:17:00.000-05:002018-08-12T13:17:21.017-05:00Super Science Back to School Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>Welcome Back to School Science Teachers!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">18 Secondary Science Authors have teamed up for one ENORMOUS giveaway!!</span></div>
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<b>Aug 12, 2018 through Aug 17, 2018</b></div>
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Awww, don't be sad. I know the summer is almost over (or already over if you live in the South!) but we can make "back to school" just a bit easier for you. I know you had a terrific summer, full of rest and relaxation, and quality time spent with family and friends. But now you have to get ready for school!<br />
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Well, eighteen teacher-authors from TpT are here to help you do just that! How about a chance to win one of <b><span style="color: blue;">FOUR $100 gift cards</span></b> from TpT, plus chances to win hundreds of dollars of resources from our individual stores? We want to say "THANK YOU" for all you do for your students, and "WE HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR" all in one huge giveaway.<br />
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Excited? Keep reading! <br />
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In addition to the big gift card giveaway, there are 18 more giveaways taking place on each of our individual blogs! That is a lot of prizes! If you are a science teacher in grades 6 and up, you are not going to want to miss out on these fantastic giveaways!<br />
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Please read carefully because there are TWO Giveaways below. In order to be eligible for all prizes, you'll need to enter in both places:<br />
<ul>
<li>Group Giveaway Entry for four $100 TpT Gift Cards</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Amy Brown Science</span></a></b> Individual Giveaway.</li>
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Simply follow the instructions in each giveaway to enter multiple times. Each seller is hosting their own individual giveaway so be sure to hop from blog to blog and enter them all. Check out the linky at the bottom of the post for a list of all participating sellers.<br />
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OK, you know that the group is giving away FOUR $100 gift cards to TpT, but what is <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Amy Brown Science</span></a></b> giving away? I am giving away FOUR of my complete unit bundles. If you win, you can choose any one you want, but it must be a bundle that is valued at $40 or less. There are over 35 bundles that are $40 or less in my TpT store that you can choose from. <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science/Category/-Saving-Bundles-2735" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">This link</span></a></b> will show you <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science/Category/-Saving-Bundles-2735" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">all the bundles</span></a></b> in my TpT store. Start deciding which you'll choose if you are one of the four winners!<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PUSBKBskPIY/W22tSA0CiYI/AAAAAAAAJAk/RPMyoKDw_0wNLxVU9aA239dGZ--gHgbKACLcBGAs/s640/Facebook%2Bpictures.001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Ready to enter? </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Follow the directions below to win a prize in my individual giveaway.</span></b></div>
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I (well, KingSumo) will be picking four winners at random. If you win,
I'll email you and ask you what bundle (valued at $40 or less) you would like from my store. When you let me know your choice, I'll get it right out to you.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<script src="https://kingsumo.com/js/embed.js"></script>
By entering this giveaway, your email will be placed on my newsletter email list. You can unsubscribe at any time.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> Follow the directions below to enter the group giveaway!</span></b><br />
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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In addition to individual store giveaways, all of us have joined forces to put together one HUGE blog hop scavenger hunt,
just for science teachers teaching grades 6-12: <b><span style="color: blue;">FOUR $100
TeachersPayTeachers gift cards!</span></b> Each blog post has a secret code word and
a number. The number tells you the word order in the secret sentence. Collect the words from each blog (links below), write them down in number
order, and copy the secret sentence into the second rafflecopter giveaway. This rafflecopter form is the same on every blog, so you only need to
enter once from any one of our blogs! (Please only enter if you are a
science teacher!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My code word is
"<span style="color: red;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><b>knowledge</b></span></span>" and it's the <span style="color: red;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><b>SIXTH</b></span></span> word in the sentence.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="f343ed2f8" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f343ed2f8/" id="rcwidget_i5db1rab" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway </a><br />
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<br />
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="text-indent: -0.3in;">B</span><span style="text-indent: -0.3in;">e</span></b></span><b style="font-family: cambria; text-indent: -0.3in;"> sure to visit each of the blogs below to enter each individual giveaway and to collect the scavenger hunt words for the group giveaway! Thanks for participating, and from all of us...</b></div>
<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<b>
</b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Have a Great School Year!!</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><b style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start; text-indent: -28.799999237060547px;">Giveaway ends August 17<span style="vertical-align: super;">th</span>, 2018 at 11:59 PM EST. Open to Residents of the earth only. Winners will be selected at random and be notified by email. Winners have 48 hours to confirm their email addresses and respond before a new winner is selected. The product offered for the giveaway is free of charge, no purchase necessary. My opinions are my own and were not influenced by any form of compensation. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram are in no way associated with this giveaway. By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to me and me alone. I do not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of contacting the winner.</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
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Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-48177634175228459042018-07-22T13:02:00.000-05:002018-07-25T09:59:40.622-05:00Combining Classroom Management With Content Reinforcement in the Science Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science/Category/INB-and-Warm-Ups-182739" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="768" height="489" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3K8KG6K0nwQ/W1SNajOceII/AAAAAAAAI-c/GKXldH9C57AMYIM640wBWitTihRwgUNlACLcBGAs/s640/Biology%2Bbellringers%2Band%2Bwarm%2Bups%2B2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Warm ups and bell ringers are definitely a "vintage" idea, but this tried and true classroom management tool is still effective for most classes.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_5PIl6QZcA/W1Sm0NvQ9HI/AAAAAAAAI_I/4CBQRCuMeVISEtyKyvyDEeoYlvjJKSxygCLcBGAs/s1600/AdobeStock_113455942.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1600" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_5PIl6QZcA/W1Sm0NvQ9HI/AAAAAAAAI_I/4CBQRCuMeVISEtyKyvyDEeoYlvjJKSxygCLcBGAs/s320/AdobeStock_113455942.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The bell has just rung. At your classroom door is a jumble of students, some leaving the room, some entering the room. Some of the ones leaving have stopped at your desk to chat or ask questions. Some of the ones entering are doing the same. The students who were absent yesterday want to know what they missed. A student needs to borrow a pencil. A student wants to go to the bathroom. A student wants to know if you finished grading a test. A student asks, "Are we doing anything today?" (As if there was EVER any possibly that we weren't!) Two students in the back of the room are being clowns. The tardy bell is about to ring, and you are ready to get this class started.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Does this chaos sound familiar?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If this is your classroom every day, then you need a plan of action.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Classroom management is one of my strengths. I am organized and have every single minute of class time planned before my students arrive at the door. I consider classroom management to be one of the most important aspects of teaching, second only to having a deep knowledge of the subject area being taught. I teach "bell to bell" and gear the pacing of my class to the learning abilities of my students. Frankly, I am good at it ....... Or so I thought.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One year (after having taught for many years) I had a class that was a bit more challenging than the average high school biology class. The class consisted of 25 freshmen and sophomores, all nice kids, not a bad apple in the bunch. They were rarely disrespectful, but always came into the room overly antsy, rowdy, and excitable. It took longer than normal to get them settled so class could begin. All teachers know that the first few minutes of a class period can be somewhat chaotic. Students are socializing with one another, students who have been absent are asking for missed assignments, attendance must be taken, graded papers must be returned, homework assignments must be collected. The list goes on and on. I was very good at getting things started promptly in my class, but this one particular class was different. It became a struggle every day to get them settled and start my class. I needed to do something different.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TudbY0oXMec/W1SozY34ZJI/AAAAAAAAI_s/p7xsXR1qXtM5ZX5AqQJWA6vk5j9rl3uyACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="1600" height="289" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TudbY0oXMec/W1SozY34ZJI/AAAAAAAAI_s/p7xsXR1qXtM5ZX5AqQJWA6vk5j9rl3uyACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0671.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had not used "<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biology-Interactive-Notebook-Warm-Ups-Bell-Ringers-Intro-to-Science-Unit-1280959" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">bell ringers</span></a>" for quite some time, but I thought this might be a good tool for getting this class under control. I needed a consistent plan of action that my students followed every day that established a certain mindset in my students. Further, I wondered if I could get this group of high schoolers to keep and maintain a notebook of these warm ups. In short, I wanted to reduce the chaos and get on with the business of teaching.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The answer is a resounding... <b>YES! IT WORKED!</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">What is the new routine?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the first day of school, I do a really fun ice-breaker activity called <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Chat-First-Day-of-School-Ice-Breaker-Lab-Station-Activity-for-Biology-1989394" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Science Chat</span></b></a>. Students are so excited to be in the lab, and NOT listening to a long list of class rules. On about day 3, I start gently introducing my classroom management game plan. I let them know what type of notebook to purchase (see below) and I talk about the "table" they will pass as they enter my room. When fully implemented, it goes something like this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Students walk into classroom, passing the "warm up" table as they enter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Students pick up the daily warm up and proceed to their desks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Students have 5-10 minutes to complete the daily bell ringers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Students may get up to visit the supply table that contains stapler, tape, colored pencils, markers, and rulers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Teacher takes roll, passes out papers, answers questions, and assists students who have been absent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Students are orderly and teacher can begin teaching with minimum chaos at the beginning of class.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">What will you need?</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dqkqAilDBFQ/W1Skq0k7M8I/AAAAAAAAI-8/vSexhzRx02w-3FzNVRwB7PvBTV6Xr5cQQCLcBGAs/s1600/Biology%2Bbellringers%2Band%2Bwarm%2Bups%2B4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="997" height="395" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dqkqAilDBFQ/W1Skq0k7M8I/AAAAAAAAI-8/vSexhzRx02w-3FzNVRwB7PvBTV6Xr5cQQCLcBGAs/s640/Biology%2Bbellringers%2Band%2Bwarm%2Bups%2B4.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Students will need to purchase a notebook. They will place their daily warm ups in this notebook each day. I love the type of notebook that you see here. The binding is tight and pages "stay put" and rarely fall out. Best of all, I love that these notebooks can be purchased during Back-to-School season for only 50 cents. One of these notebooks contains 100 sheets of paper. When used front and back, this give you room to place 200 warm ups in the notebook. Students will likely need a couple of these notebooks if, like me, you plan to use the bell ringer pages for homework assignments and daily quizzes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">• You, the teacher, need to set up a table near the entrance of your classroom. Each day, place the warm up(s) on this table, as well as any supplies needed, such as tape, markers, or rulers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can turn the chaotic beginning of your class into a time of meaningful learning. It establishes a daily routine of having your students complete thought provoking and problem solving tasks during the first 5 minutes of the class. Once the routine is established, students will enter the room and get right to work on the warm-up or bell-ringer activity. <o:p></o:p>These warm-ups are designed to take 5-10 minutes to complete. It settles the students and provides the instructor a few minutes to carry out the tasks required at the beginning of a class.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">An added benefit is reinforcement of the current content I am teaching. My warm ups are not of the "write a paragraph about what you did this weekend" variety. Each and every warm up reinforces the subject matter content that I am currently teaching. Students will be labeling, diagramming, calculating, estimating, problem-solving, analyzing, and predicting on each page. This quick review of yesterday's content is the perfect way to launch into the new lesson of the day.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">How can these pages be used?</span><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 18px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: normal;">• Warm ups and bell ringers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: normal;">• Exit slips</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: normal;">• Additions to your interactive notebooks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: normal;">• Homework assignments</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: normal;">• The completed notebook is the perfect review for your unit tests or end of course exam.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>The warm ups in <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">my TpT store</span></a></b> are all one-half page in size. They can be collected and quickly graded, but they are always placed in the student notebook when I return them. In addition to using these pages as bell ringers, I also use them for homework assignments and for short daily quizzes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After many months of writing and developing, I now have a warm up set for every chapter found in a typical high school biology textbook. And, best of all, I have accomplished what I set out to do: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• I established a classroom management plan that works for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• Students are engaged and working at the beginning of class.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• The daily reinforcement of concepts and subject matter content have led to higher test scores.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">• It's a WIN-WIN!</span><br />
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If you are interested, you can <b style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Download-Biology-Warm-Ups-Bell-Ringers-Interactive-Notebooks-Sampler-1485041" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Click here</span></a></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to download a FREE sample of my warm ups and bell ringers, or you can </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science/Category/INB-and-Warm-Ups-182739" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Click here</span></a></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to see all of the bell ringer resources in my TpT store.</span><br />
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Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-74611064052712620502018-01-01T17:05:00.000-06:002018-01-01T17:05:20.877-06:00Second Semester for Secondary Science: Tips and Strategies for Completing the School Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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LET'S FINISH THIS! As a high school biology and chemistry teacher, I always find this to be a very interesting point in the school year. After spending time with family and friends during the holidays, and feeling very rested and relaxed, it's time to start thinking about returning to school for the second semester of the school year. New Year's resolutions are running high, and the realization that the school year is half over brings both excitement and anxiety to teachers as they prepare to return to the classroom after the holiday break. The "excitement" comes in being able to see summer break on the horizon. The "anxiety" comes in the form of "Oh my gosh, I have so much to do before the end of the school year!"<br />
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We have to make a complete and total mind shift from first semester to second semester. The dynamics of the classroom, the way we carry out planning, and our classroom management strategies need to undergo a complete and thorough transition. First semester was spent getting to know our students. We learned their personalities, their strengths, their weaknesses, and all of their idiosyncrasies. We learned what worked and what didn't work as far as teaching strategies, and now it is time to take our "first semester game" to a new level for second semester. In short, we have to make a change from "getting started" to "getting finished."<br />
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To that end, I have a list of 11 tips and strategies for the successful completion of second semester in secondary science classrooms.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Tip #1: Organization and Planning is Essential. </span></b><br />
Yes, I realize this tip is predictable and mundane, and not really a concrete strategy. Please stop your eye-rolling and consider this. Do not return to school after the holidays until you have thought through the entire semester and you have a plan of action. The first couple of weeks after the holidays are chaotic and can turn into a blur of indecision and wasted time if you are not careful. Know what you need to accomplish during the semester, and start your students down that path on the very first day they return to your classroom. Grab your student's attention, and don't give them time to settle into old routines. Start the first day with fresh ideas, fresh classroom management strategies, and a fresh look in your classroom. Having a clear vision and an action plan, and the implementation of it on the first day of the semester will send a definite message to your students: "We have a lot to do and we are not going to waste any time getting started on it."<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Biology-Curriculum-Full-Year-3141182" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="576" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08WLbtsP6Ww/Wkq5ggFfTZI/AAAAAAAAI3s/BXA-3tGzoloGA_aFCkS44E4c8IuybimmwCLcBGAs/s200/Biology%2BCurriculum%2BFull%2BYear%2B1.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;">Tip #2: Assess where you are in your curriculum.</span></b><br />
Students in my state must take an end-of-course exam in biology and chemistry. I would assume that every state has a state mandated curriculum or framework of standards that must be covered in any given course. Where do you stand on covering all of the content that you are required to teach? Before you start second semester it is essential that you make a list of units and topics that you need to cover. Once you have a list of topics, determine how many days you can spend on each topic and still get them all covered before the end of the school year. Obtain a calendar grid for the months January through June and fill out the days and weeks with the topics you must cover. Keep this on your desk or wall, and stick to it! <br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Tip #3: Make changes to your Classroom Management Plan.</span></b><br />
Now that you have spent an entire semester with your students, you have a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn't work in terms of managing your classroom and the behavior of your students. This is the perfect time to tweak your management system and make changes to ensure your daily routine is a well-oiled machine. I use a system of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science/Category/Interactive-Notebooks-and-Warm-Ups-182739" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>daily warm ups and bell ringers</b></span></a> to get my students on task and ready to learn at the very beginning of each class.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Tip #4: Organize and clean your classroom before students return to class.</span></b><br />
Early in my teaching career I had a wonderful mentor who told me that the condition of the classroom was one of the most important factors in determining the effectiveness of my class. As a young and new teacher, I had my doubts about this. What possible difference could it make if the desks were arranged in an orderly fashion, and that my desk appeared to be in order? As it turned out, this was one of the best pieces of advice I ever received about teaching. Student performance and classroom behavior IS determined (at least in part) by the climate of your classroom. If the classroom is disorganized, the students will be disorganized and student behavior will suffer. If students walk into a classroom that is clean and highly organized they enter a mindset that improves their performance while in your class. <br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Tip #5: Put something new on the wall or bulletin board!</span></b><br />
You do not want your students walking back into your classroom without making some changes. Shake things up a bit! Put up some new wall displays and bulletin boards. They don't have to be too fancy or time consuming to make. You just need to send the message that this is a new semester and you are ready to go with all new materials and resources. Here are some ideas of things you can display that will take only a few minutes to print, laminate and get displayed on the wall:<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">• <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Careers-in-Biology-Mini-Posters-For-Classroom-Display-538567" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Biology and Life Science Careers Mini Posters</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">• <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Building-Quotes-from-Famous-Scientists-Mini-Posters-2964787" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Character Building Quotes from Famous Scientists</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">• <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Calendars-Important-Dates-in-Science-History-835135" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Important Dates in Science History Monthly Calendars</span></a></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Tip #6: It's time for a new seating chart.</span></b><br />
While you are shaking things up by reorganizing your classroom and getting new wall displays posted, go ahead and make out a new seating chart for your students. When students return from the holidays, every aspect of your classroom needs to be new, fresh, and different.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Tip #7: Start planning now for end of course testing.</span></b><br />
I am not a fan of the maze of standardized testing that we put our students through each year. However, that is a topic for another day. If your students will be required to take an end of course exam for your class, it is imperative that you begin planning for that now. Take the semester calendar that you made in Tip #2 and see where you might insert a few days for test prep and review. I look for days when the school is planning an assembly or pep rally, or a day when some students will miss for a field trip. It is hard to teach new material when students are missing from class, but it makes for a great time to get in some test prep review time. Be prepared to review. You never know when an opportunity for reinforcement will arise, so keep task cards, review games, or worksheets at the ready. Every minute counts in the second semester rush to the end of the year.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Tip #8: Make a plan for struggling students.</span></b><br />
The sad reality is that some students are always in danger of failing our class, or in danger of not being able to pass the end of course exam. It is extremely important to identify the struggling students and put an intervention plan in place before it is too late. With enough help, guidance, compassion, and will power, we can ensure that most of our students will earn credit in our classes. Students try harder when they know we care about them and that we are trying to give them the help they need. Have individual meetings with your struggling students and develop a plan with each student to ensure their success at the end of the school year. Many of my "A students" belong to organizations that require them to get service hours. I always set up peer tutoring opportunities to help my struggling students get the reinforcement they need, while allowing other students to get the service hours they need.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Tip #9: Start working on your lab inventory.</span></b><br />
My school district requires that we do a complete inventory of our classrooms and lab areas, and we must turn it in before the last day of school. Are you required to complete a lab inventory? If so, do yourself a favor and start working on it now. The end of the year is CRAZY, and you will be greatly relieved if you already have this cumbersome chore accomplished. If you need an inventory form, check out my <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Lab-Inventory-Form-872921" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>free Lab Inventory Form</b></span></a> in my TpT Store.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Tip #10: Make out your lab order for the upcoming school year.</span></b><br />
This makes perfect sense if you also have to complete a lab inventory. As you complete your inventory, make a list of the items that you are running low on. As the semester progresses, locate your new catalogs and start looking up the purchasing information for the items you will need for the next year.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Tip #11: Watch our for Spring Break/Spring Fever!</span></b><br />
This is also known as "Teach as much as you can as soon as you can!" Once spring arrives, even the best laid plans can fly out the window. And students are not the only ones to get spring fever, right? January, February and March are easy! But after that, even the absolute best teachers amongst us will struggle to keep the kids focused and learning.<br />
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Hopefully, if you have made it to the end of this article, you have found a few tidbits that will help you get off to a great start for second semester. I hope you had a wonderful holiday break, and that you have a happy, healthy, and organized new year!<br />
<br />Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-58307668967741237682017-12-01T11:26:00.000-06:002018-12-06T20:02:03.615-06:005 Days of Science-y Holiday Cheer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">December 4 - 8, 2017</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>Ready for some holiday fun, </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>science-style?</b></span></div>
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<b>Thank you, thank you, thank you</b> to all have supported my work through 2017. To celebrate the holidays, and the entire year, let's have some fun with a week of giveaways, freebies, discounts, and more! <br />
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For the third year, a group of science teachers / TPT authors are having a blast with the "Five Days of Holiday Cheer." Super fun stuff will be happening each day, December 4 - 8. There will be promotions, free stuff, gift cards, sales, and more free stuff! Well, let's just say that each day just gets better and better!</div>
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These offers will be available ONLY to the subscribers on my email list.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>What??? You are not on my email list?? Please look to the right side bar and sign up immediately! Please enter your email in the "Want My Newsletters?" box to the right.</b></span><br />
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You'll receive an email from me each morning between 6 and 7 am (CST) letting you know about the fun happenings of the day. I sure hope you can join us! The offers are time-sensitive, and are good for one day only. Be sure to open that email each and every day!<br />
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Watch for my first email on Monday, December 4. I think you will be very pleased with Day 1. (Hint, hint.... It might involve some free stuff!)</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Happy Holidays!!</span></div>
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Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-61572803729438029422017-09-10T13:27:00.000-05:002017-09-11T08:10:37.978-05:00The Pros and Cons of Outdoor Science Education<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ecology-Lab-Exploring-an-Ecosystem-3380969"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KGgjKU5bsm0/WbVM8JH1hrI/AAAAAAAAI0Y/Q6UA7C9vY3gqlcmea98NXzRzFGzkf5C5wCLcBGAs/s640/Ecosystems%2BBlog%2B1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">The benefits of taking our science students out of the classroom for an outdoor activity are many ... <u><b>BUT</b></u>, you better be prepared and super organized!</span></div>
<br />
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If I ask my students what the term “environment” means to them, I am going to get a wide variety of answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of them will automatically think of a beautiful setting in nature, such as a bubbling creek
through a forest, a field of wildflowers, or a stand of shimmering evergreen
trees along a mountainside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the
“environment” is so much more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is everything
that exists around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the natural
world as well as all of the things that have been produced by humans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The environment is an incredibly complex web
of interactions between the living and the nonliving components of Earth. I'd wager to say that most of our students pass through their "environment" on a daily basis without ever noticing that "things" are going on.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <o:p></o:p>They may frequent a public park or live on a
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGrmiQ9NOfM/WbVUlFdJn_I/AAAAAAAAI0k/MaRM43hcN1IIjfeqhXfHn8QhtPPCi3ujgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ecosystems%2Bblog%2B4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="625" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGrmiQ9NOfM/WbVUlFdJn_I/AAAAAAAAI0k/MaRM43hcN1IIjfeqhXfHn8QhtPPCi3ujgCLcBGAs/s400/Ecosystems%2Bblog%2B4.jpeg" width="352" /></a></div>
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When I go outside my mind is racing a mile a minute. Even if I am walking across the parking lot to enter my local Wal Mart I am going to notice a bird singing or that the clouds are particularly fluffy. Admittedly, I am a big nature nerd, but I get so much joy from experiencing nature, and I want my students to experience this as well.</div>
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The million dollar question is, "Can I get my students to think like me?" </div>
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The students sitting in our classrooms today are going to be the decision makers (and voters) of tomorrow. The bottom line is that Planet Earth needs our protection. We have to teach our students about the natural world, and about the things that damage the natural world. And the first step to effective environmental education is simple ... We have to get our students to NOTICE what is going on around them. </div>
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How do we accomplish getting teenagers to notice nature when that is probably the last thing swirling around in their teen-aged brain? The answer is: Take them outside and force them to notice. Oh, don't be fooled by their initial excitement when you announce to the class that the next few days will be spent outdoors. They are already thinking that this is going to a welcome holiday away from the classroom setting! You, the instructor, will have to be organized. You must have a solid plan and procedure for what the students will be expected to do. And you must give enough weight to the grade that it grabs their attention.</div>
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Let's think carefully about the pros and cons of this venture before we begin.</div>
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<b>Pros:</b></div>
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<li>The first is obvious: Students love to go outside!</li>
<li>The ecological concepts we teach in the classroom can be reinforced by a quality outdoor activity.</li>
<li>Students practice the skill of making good observations.</li>
<li>It teaches and reinforces a different sort of data collection than they normally experience in a laboratory setting.</li>
<li>An outdoor activity will probably involve drawing and mapping which will appeal to many of the students.</li>
<li>It teaches students to pay attention and notice the world around them.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Instilling a love of nature in a student will hopefully lead to an adult who wants to protect nature.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">
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<!--StartFragment-->The benefits of group work and the reinforcement
of social skills are certainly life lessons that will be utilized long after
the subject matter is forgotten. <!--EndFragment--></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">It doesn't matter if you live in the city or in the country. If you have plants, then you have an ecosystem that can be studied.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Cons:</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>It can be time consuming: Can you give up several days to carry out one project?</li>
<li>Classroom management: Will the students behave outdoors?</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Tips on Getting Started: </b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Know what you want to accomplish. Have a well thought-out plan with concrete objectives. Don't take students outside and "wing it." That is a recipe for disaster.</li>
<li>Have specific goals in mind when designing your activity. Know what you want the students to learn from doing the activity.</li>
<li>Make the assignment an important part of their grade so that most of the students will be willing to do quality work.</li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ecology-Lab-Exploring-an-Ecosystem-3380969"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="983" height="336" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RkT3xE9Ftg/WbVi7oP3AAI/AAAAAAAAI1A/-sKRNTNz3XItBBbf0AqIRAqcicRq4ik3ACLcBGAs/s640/Ecosystems%2Bblog%2B5.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I like to do an activity that I call "<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ecology-Lab-Exploring-an-Ecosystem-3380969"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Exploring an Ecosystem</b></span></a>" in which I have my students study and analyze the physical features of an ecosystem, the living
organisms within the ecosystem, and the interactions between these two
components. It involves marking off an area with stakes and string that measures 5m x 5m. Students are required to work in close-knit groups to draw a detailed ecosystem site map and provide a color-coded key for everything in their ecosystem. <span style="font-family: inherit;">The s<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 25, 147); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">tudents will identify the living organisms in their ecosystem and answer a detailed set of 29 questions designed to prompt them in making good observations. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 25, 147); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Students will make food chains and food webs using the organisms in their ecosystem. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 25, 147); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Students look for abiotic factors, biotic factors, evidence of competition, camouflage, predator/prey relationships, limiting factors, etc.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
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My objectives may seem simple, but they are actually quite involved: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-indent: -13.5pt;">•</span><span style="text-indent: -13.5pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -13.5pt;">The student will survey an ecosystem to map
out the physical characteristics of the land and to identify the living
organisms that inhabit the ecosystem.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-indent: -13.5pt;">•</span><span style="text-indent: -13.5pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -13.5pt;">The student will describe and analyze the
various relationships that exist within the ecosystem.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-indent: -13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-indent: -13.5pt;">To ensure that my students accomplish my objectives I provide them with a set of handouts that provide clear instructions, safety precautions, and detailed analysis questions.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-indent: -18px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-indent: -13.5pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ecology-Lab-Exploring-an-Ecosystem-3380969" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HxGMh3li638/WbVi4qg9AaI/AAAAAAAAI0w/DapEuPgvUokaysQwkqkLml23IemfppdqwCLcBGAs/s640/Ecosystems%2Bblog%2B2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;">Click on image to view this resource in my TpT store.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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Make sure that the students read the lab handouts, including
all analysis questions, before beginning the project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The questions are designed to guide the
students in their observations of the selected ecosystem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students will often miss interactions that
are occurring simply because they do not know to look for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the questions used in this activity
will prompt students into making good observations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ecosystems-PowerPoint-and-Notes-256074" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKkvm8m26-U/WbVi5iNY7_I/AAAAAAAAI04/EKQ6hgDriFE0u3nT8TpqvFQiv8j59cXOQCLcBGAs/s320/Ecosystems%2Bblog%2B3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ecosystems-PowerPoint-and-Notes-256074" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Click this image to view my Ecosystems PowerPoint.</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I highly recommend that students receive prior instruction before tackling an outdoor project. In order to complete this ecosystems study, <span style="font-family: inherit;">students should be familiar with key
concepts in ecology. A few days of classroom instruction are needed to make sure that the students benefit from the days spent out of the classroom. If the students are unprepared, the outdoor activity can quickly degenerate into playtime and goofing around. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The benefits of outdoor learning are many, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">and the</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> negatives are few, provided that you have a quality assignment, concrete learning objectives, and a good classroom management plan in place.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Have fun teaching outdoors!!</b></span></div>
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Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-61100825214434594182017-08-14T10:11:00.000-05:002018-03-20T08:01:26.067-05:00Charles Darwin: The Tale of Evolution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Charles-Darwin-and-Natural-Selection-Activity-3245248"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="1024" height="382" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OeI0Mqjckgc/WZGsoryGIJI/AAAAAAAAIxM/DNYZ7n3WxXo9lDL-Ef5C0mTxRFVp0NwhQCLcBGAs/s640/Charles%2BDarwin%2BEvolution%2BNatural%2BSelection.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Over 130 years have passed since the death of Charles
Darwin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the passage of time
since Darwin first presented his ideas on natural selection, there continues to
be controversy surrounding his theory of evolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1973, Theodosius Dobzhansky published an
essay in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">American Biology Teacher</i> in
which he stated, “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of
evolution.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truer words were never
spoken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When teaching a biology class,
we shouldn’t limit our students to a single unit on the theory of
evolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, the theme of
evolution should be woven throughout every unit we teach.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I designed <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Charles-Darwin-and-Natural-Selection-Activity-3245248"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>this teaching resource</b></span></a> to teach my biology
students about the man, Charles Darwin.
Darwin was a religious and thoughtful man, as well as a superb
scientist. However, I have found that I
still have students in my class who view him in a less than complimentary
light. My main goal in writing this journaling activity was to
provide my students with the facts and information they need to form their own
opinions and conclusions based on the evidence presented. After all, that is the goal of science,
right?</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6YH6Zgyuew/WZG2FAi-7QI/AAAAAAAAIx0/KGK99MbC7HAObCUHUlHkGRJzzwegkLhZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Darwins%2BDiary%2BPreview%2Bjpegs.003%2Bcopy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="768" height="296" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6YH6Zgyuew/WZG2FAi-7QI/AAAAAAAAIx0/KGK99MbC7HAObCUHUlHkGRJzzwegkLhZgCEwYBhgL/s400/Darwins%2BDiary%2BPreview%2Bjpegs.003%2Bcopy.jpeg" width="400" /></a>I had two goals in mind when writing “<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Charles-Darwin-and-Natural-Selection-Activity-3245248"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Darwin’s Diary</b></span></a>.” First, I wanted to include enough
biographical information about Darwin to teach my science students about his
life. Second, I wanted to produce a
class project that would require my students to be thoughtful and introspective,
while at the same time, ensure that they master the concepts of evolution.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">What will the students be
doing?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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This teaching resource is written as if it were a diary kept
by Charles Darwin throughout his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
entries in the diary are designed to teach about the life of
Darwin, and the events that led him to develop his theory of evolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 25, 147); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The 26 diary entries include facts and information about Darwin as well as actual quotes from Darwin. </span></span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(1, 25, 147); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #011993; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> </b>Students are asked to respond in some way to each diary entry. In some diary entries students will be asked
to offer opinions, but in others, they must provide correct answers to
questions. In order to complete this
project, students need to receive instruction in the concepts covered in
an “Introduction to Evolution” chapter of a typical high school biology
textbook.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Charles-Darwin-and-Natural-Selection-Activity-3245248" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1450" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfYnFvACbEA/WZG3xEw5E4I/AAAAAAAAIyA/UKDeI804rfI2zaNb5cvkTU_L5jT9RSRsgCLcBGAs/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-08-14%2Bat%2B9.45.46%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Click on any image to view this resource in my TpT store.</span></b></td></tr>
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I had such a great time doing the research for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Charles-Darwin-and-Natural-Selection-Activity-3245248"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>this evolution journaling activity</b></span></a>! Darwin's life was full of the same drama, struggles, accomplishments, and tragedies that we all face today. Darwin was witty, introspective, and very adventuresome! I was able to find and use his own writings to use in the diary entries, and his descriptions of his daily life are simply amazing. In one dairy entry Darwin describes collecting beetles. Both of his hands were full holding beetles, so in order to catch a new beetle, he popped one into this mouth to free up a hand to catch another! He describes his struggles trying to please his father, his tiny quarters aboard the Beagle, riding on the backs of Galapagos turtles, marriage, and his concern about the uproar that would be caused by publishing his theory. As you can see, I am completely captivated by the details of his life, and your students will be as well!</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">What is needed to complete
this assignment?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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In order to complete these assignments, students will need
to use the following resources:<o:p></o:p></div>
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•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Biology textbook<o:p></o:p></div>
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•<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notes taken during
class</div>
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• Online Resources</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Darwins-Theory-of-Evolution-PowerPoint-and-Notes-3178208" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKIzxdpg914/WZG4TwuqHwI/AAAAAAAAIyI/TkW1A3X3yWg_uXSh5YUq6kCxYO44seHcQCLcBGAs/s400/Evolution%2BPowerPoint.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This diary activity is perfectly aligned with my teaching PowerPoint, “<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Darwins-Theory-of-Evolution-PowerPoint-and-Notes-3178208"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Darwin’s Theory of Evolution</b></span></a>.” It includes a 96-slide PowerPoint with notes for teacher and students. Click the image to the right to view this product on TeachersPayTeachers.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">How can you use this in your </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;">classroom?</span></b></div>
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• I suggest copying all pages and passing them
out to your students on the first day of your evolution unit. The activity is designed to be used over
multiple days as you teach your unit on evolution. <o:p></o:p></div>
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• Use only the pages you want. There are enough student pages included so
that you have the flexibility to choose the pages best suited for your needs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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• Each day during your unit, have students
complete a number of the dairy entries.
These pages make great classroom activities as well as quality homework
assignments. You will find that the
content of the diary entries will generate much classroom discussion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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• The questions used in this assignment are of
two types. Some questions require the
students to express their opinion, but most questions require a research-based
correct answer. I accept any and all
answers to opinion-based questions as long as the student has given an honest
effort to express his/her opinion. If
this assignment is to be graded make sure that students know that they are
expected to provide correct answers for the majority of the questions.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; text-indent: 0px;"> At the end of "On the Origin of Species", Darwin writes, “There is grandeur in this view of life … from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.” This teaching resource is a journey through time that allows our science students to learn about the events throughout Darwin's life that led him to write and publish "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection."</span></div>
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Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-19688446764550434212017-03-15T14:32:00.000-05:002017-06-25T08:12:57.902-05:00Wanna Chat? Reasons why my Chat Lab Stations are working!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Cps8XHPN2A/WMlQM9qxlCI/AAAAAAAAIak/BN6UFkOpeksUzet4Heoh6VRR32QlCoezQCLcB/s1600/Chat%2Blab%2Bstations.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Cps8XHPN2A/WMlQM9qxlCI/AAAAAAAAIak/BN6UFkOpeksUzet4Heoh6VRR32QlCoezQCLcB/s640/Chat%2Blab%2Bstations.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">The Background Story: </span></b>A few years ago, I wanted to do something different on the first day of school. Most of the teachers at my school, including me, were doing the same thing all daylong ... Going over the course syllabus, passing out textbooks, reading the dreaded classroom rules. After one class period of this, all that the students heard was "Blah, blah, blah...." It was definitely time for me to do something different. After giving it much thought, "<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Chat-First-Day-of-School-Icebreaker-Lab-Activity-for-Biology-1989394?utm_source=Amy%20Brown%20Science%20Blog&utm_campaign=Wanna%20chat%20blog%20post%20science%20chat"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Science Chat</b></span></a>" was born. My goals for the activity were simple:<br />
(1) Get the kids actively engaged in science so they don't dread coming to my class the next day, and (2) Help the students make new friends in our very large school. These goals were accomplished! In fact, the activity was so popular with my biology students that I quickly developed Chemistry Chat for my chem classes.<br />
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<td align="center" width="25%"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Chat-First-Day-of-School-Icebreaker-Lab-Activity-for-Biology-1989394/" target="_blank"> <img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-USZzI1_WSr0/WU-0GMV3MZI/AAAAAAAAIg8/lNqvPSMYk-YJkgYZU2MjYAUqUL_juX1jgCLcBGAs/s1600/Science%2BChat%2BIcebreaker%2BActivity%2Bfor%2BFirst%2BDay%2Bof%2BSchool%2B-%2B1%2Bcopy.jpg" /><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Science Chat for Biology</span></a></td>
<td align="center" width="25%"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chemistry-Chat-First-Day-of-School-Icebreaker-Lab-Activity-for-Chemistry-2000053" target="_blank"> <img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpWKhOkoBO4/WU-2dQHBTbI/AAAAAAAAIhY/IGIBcUAfGOQP727E-F9ttCJGJdKjCgXWgCLcBGAs/s1600/Chemistry%2BChat%2Bpreview%2Bpngs.001%2Bcopy.jpg" /><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Chemistry Chat</span></a></td>
<td align="center" width="25%"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Physics-Chat-First-Day-of-School-Icebreaker-Lab-Activity-for-Physics-2015747" target="_blank"> <img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zglMhKE5yOI/WU-2hhOLtMI/AAAAAAAAIhc/bq6jMhGNEK4fB2pgtoLos4FxOA7WsFBowCLcBGAs/s1600/Physics%2BChat%2BFirst%2BDay%2Bof%2BSchool%2BActivity%2B-%2B1%2Bcopy.jpg" /><br /><span style="color: #990000;">Physics Chat</span></a></td>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">What is the purpose of my "Chat" lab activities?</span></b> My "Chat" activities involve lab stations and cooperative student groups. Students work together to solve a problem, complete a task and/or carry out a small science experiment at each lab station. I use the word "chat" to emphasize to my students that they are to work together and have a productive discussion at each lab station in order to maximize their understanding and mastery of the concepts being covered. Let's face it. Middle and high school students have "socializing" on their minds all day long. The use of the word "chat" is compelling to them, and it has a "fun" tone.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">What are the benefits of my Chat Lab Stations?</span></b><br />
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1. Students are up, out of their seats, and moving! It is a rare student that can sit in a desk for eight hours and still be conscious at the end of the day. Chat lab stations allow students to move around the room, giving them a bit of a mental break between each station.</div>
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2. Group work is an important part of what we do in a science class, and it is a skill that will be needed throughout life. Lab station activities teach students how to work together to achieve a goal.</div>
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3. Differentiation! We all teach classes that contain students of widely-varying ability levels. It is not necessary for every student to complete every lab station. For students with IEP's, have them complete only the stations that are appropriate for them. By carefully selecting the small groups, you can create groups that are supportive and will provide an educational atmosphere that will benefit all members of the group. It is also a good idea to have a "challenge" lab station for the early finishers. I never want idle hands in my classroom!<br />
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4. All too often we throw so much information at the students that they quickly become overwhelmed by sheer volume. Each chat lab station focuses on a single task or concept. This prevents students from becoming overwhelmed by too much information.</div>
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5. Peer teaching/tutoring is highly effective! A struggling student may likely learn more from a fellow student than they do from the teacher. One student can offer another student explanations in a low pressure setting that feels safe to the struggling student.</div>
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6. The more informal classroom setting allows me more time to interact with my students. I love being able to walk around the room and speak to every student. It allows me to connect with the student, both personally and academically. Secondary students may not show the same affection for their teachers as do elementary students, but they still want to be noticed, complimented, and see a friendly smile from the teacher.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Tips for Implementation!</span></b></div>
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1. Consider very carefully how the students are arranged into groups. I never (or rarely) allow students to choose their own lab groups. Do I want the students to have a little "chat" or social time during the activity? Yes, but I want to control it. I want my students chatting, but I want them chatting about the topics and concepts that I need to teach and reinforce. Before my students arrive in my class, I have already placed them in groups. Each week I change the composition of the groups. This prevents the students from becoming too comfortable and failing to accomplish the goals of the lesson.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UyLqo6sSko/WMmQfNxQcQI/AAAAAAAAIbI/li1yzVYHPmMeVdnpMTIKHKyeyhuoOeVmgCEw/s1600/Science%2BChat%2Bphotos%2B-%2B12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4UyLqo6sSko/WMmQfNxQcQI/AAAAAAAAIbI/li1yzVYHPmMeVdnpMTIKHKyeyhuoOeVmgCEw/s320/Science%2BChat%2Bphotos%2B-%2B12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. Make sure that your lab stations offer a good mix of teaching styles and strategies. You don't want students labeling a diagram at every single station. They will quickly lose interest in the activity. Make sure that each station offers a different sort of task or activity.</div>
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3. Make sure that each station is independent of the other stations. The activity works so much better if students can rotate from one station to another in any order. If the stations have to be completed in a certain order, a lab traffic jam will likely result.</div>
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4. Monitor the students! Make sure that students are on task..... all period long! </div>
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After developing <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Chat-First-Day-of-School-Icebreaker-Lab-Activity-for-Biology-1989394?utm_source=Amy%20Brown%20Science%20Blog&utm_campaign=Wanna%20chat%20blog%20post%20science%20chat"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Science Chat</span></b> </a>years ago, I have continued to expand on the idea of chat lab stations. The photos below will give you a short preview of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Microscope-Chat-Microscope-Lab-Stations-2782400?utm_source=Amy%20Brown%20Science&utm_campaign=Wanna%20Chat%20Microscope%20Chat"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Microscope Chat</span></b></a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mitosis-and-Meiosis-Chat-Cell-Division-Lab-Stations-2822134?utm_source=Amy%20Brown%20Science&utm_campaign=Wanna%20Chat%20Microscope%20Chat"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Mitosis Chat</b></span></a>, and <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ecology-Chat-1-3053741?utm_source=Amy%20Brown%20Science&utm_campaign=Wanna%20Chat%20ecology%20chat"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ecology Chat</span></a></b>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Microscope-Chat-Microscope-Lab-Stations-2782400?utm_source=Amy%20Brown%20Science&utm_campaign=Wanna%20Chat%20Microscope%20Chat"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vlJQDQ0RnQo/WMmRl1OrCXI/AAAAAAAAIbU/7Ia9DJks7vsmIQ0FqYPqpeUSBy320kwXwCEw/s640/Microscope%2BChat%2BPinterest.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mitosis-and-Meiosis-Chat-Cell-Division-Lab-Stations-2822134?utm_source=Amy%20Brown%20Science&utm_campaign=Wanna%20Chat%20Microscope%20Chat"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wEUpU4CL1Vg/WMmRpzKY4dI/AAAAAAAAIbY/EHMPsEqdkqooY-pRtYCwtPgP9K9lpGMCgCEw/s640/Mitosis%2Bchat%2Binsta.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ecology-Chat-1-3053741?utm_source=Amy%20Brown%20Science&utm_campaign=Wanna%20Chat%20ecology%20chat"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHqWFOA-psg/WMmSCUuSSmI/AAAAAAAAIbc/1V0y5v2RabUV20sUJSxifYFnv38z_uxRQCEw/s640/Ecology%2BChat%2Bblog%2Bpictures.001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let's continue the "converstation" in the comments section below. I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas about what has worked successfully in your own classrooms. Thanks for stopping by, and have fun teaching!<br />
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</div>Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-14642362464979253612017-01-19T20:36:00.000-06:002017-01-19T20:36:56.797-06:00"Words to Live By" from Famous Scientists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvuUBWR3r1A/WH0tmouMGiI/AAAAAAAAIUk/38yWWLlaY3AtshJpEcGOk2rx5ZfG1sdlgCLcB/s1600/kindnessnation.001.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvuUBWR3r1A/WH0tmouMGiI/AAAAAAAAIUk/38yWWLlaY3AtshJpEcGOk2rx5ZfG1sdlgCLcB/s400/kindnessnation.001.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>These famous scientists teach us about life as well as about science.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>#KindnessNation</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>#WeHoldTheseTruths</b></span></div>
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We teach about the work of famous scientists all the time in our classes. If you take one of my classes, then it is a given that you know that Jonas Salk developed a life-saving polio vaccine, that Stephen Hawking changed the way we think about our universe, that Jane Goodall works tirelessly on behalf of her beloved chimpanzees, and that nothing makes sense in a biology class without the work of Charles Darwin. These people made (and make) tremendous contributions to various fields of study, but they also have a "human" side. They teach us not only about science, but about human nature, about the value of hard work, about tolerance and acceptance, and about the importance of perseverance, never giving up, and never losing hope.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Building-Quotes-from-Famous-Scientists-2964787" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ3eengR_NY/WH01DJDCKjI/AAAAAAAAIU8/Nypq_AwawFwyjAV9jUkxXijlGrJJNw3lACLcB/s320/Quotes%2BCover%2B1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Click image to download free mini-posters.</span></b></td></tr>
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With this in mind, I have developed a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Building-Quotes-from-Famous-Scientists-2964787"><b><span style="color: #990000;">set of classroom mini-posters</span></b></a> highlighting quotes from scientists that offer words of wisdom. This is a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Character-Building-Quotes-from-Famous-Scientists-2964787"><b><span style="color: #990000;">"forever free" product</span></b></a> in my TeachersPayTeachers store. All of the mini-posters print out on 8.5 x 11 sized paper. They can be quickly laminated and used to make a bulletin board or wall display. As our students sit in our classes and look about the room, hopefully their eyes will land on one of these posters and provide them with the inspiration to succeed and overcome the hurdles of life.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">So, what's up with the hashtags?</span></b> I am honored to join a large group of teacher-authors on TpT in this hashtag event to provide lots and lots of free classroom materials for all subjects and grade levels. The idea is to provide a wealth of free materials that teach and reinforce character, kindness, tolerance, anti-bullying, empathy, inclusion, and equality for all. Let's face it ... 2016 was a very difficult year for our nation. Regardless of your beliefs, opinions or convictions, teachers need materials to bring out the best in our students. This hashtag event will offer "forever free" materials that are not political in nature, but rather offer quality life lessons. <br />
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Here is a sample of the mini-posters.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSUxXzsPYdg/WH1Q39X6uoI/AAAAAAAAIVM/UyRrNJyV-5US0NaV-Jnc-DBNab9n7EgeQCLcB/s1600/blog%2Bimages.001.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mSUxXzsPYdg/WH1Q39X6uoI/AAAAAAAAIVM/UyRrNJyV-5US0NaV-Jnc-DBNab9n7EgeQCLcB/s400/blog%2Bimages.001.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctuBtZ_Msyw/WH1Q6SFMSGI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/FBS_zsi16tg6vsvK_U9_rU_E88q96IcwwCLcB/s1600/blog%2Bimages.002.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctuBtZ_Msyw/WH1Q6SFMSGI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/FBS_zsi16tg6vsvK_U9_rU_E88q96IcwwCLcB/s400/blog%2Bimages.002.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Be sure to search on TpT, Facebook, and Instagram for these hashtags: #KindnessNation and #WeHoldTheseTruths. </div>
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This blog post is part of the Secondary Smorgasbord Blog Hop event. As always, t<span style="color: #434343; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 1px;">hanks to Darlene Anne Curran (</span><a href="http://meatballsinthemiddle.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 1px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">The ELA Buffet</span></a><span style="color: #434343; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 1px;">) and Pamela Kranz (</span><a href="http://desktoplearningadventures.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 1px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Desktop Learning Adventures</span></a><span style="color: #434343; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 1px;">) for hosting this event! </span></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-28500279071022436642017-01-08T16:48:00.000-06:002017-01-08T16:48:37.131-06:00Motivating Science Students<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22KOEhwhHT8/WHK-T3NlryI/AAAAAAAAIUI/NPtjwfi5314PhlPXbSR28oL-BLIY46pyACEw/s1600/AdobeStock_105997145.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22KOEhwhHT8/WHK-T3NlryI/AAAAAAAAIUI/NPtjwfi5314PhlPXbSR28oL-BLIY46pyACEw/s320/AdobeStock_105997145.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Consider these points when developing a plan to motivate your students.</span></b></div>
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As we begin this new semester, I
have been giving some thought to the concept of “motivation in the
classroom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We teachers hold widely
varying opinions on this subject.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some teachers
believe whole-heartedly that it is their job to do whatever it takes to gets
the students excited and motivated about the learning process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other teachers feel that motivation comes
from within, and that the student should be held responsible for their own
motivation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think most teachers, including myself, fall somewhere in the middle of this spectrum.</div>
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How hard we must work to motivate
our students is directly proportional to the classes we teach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every student in our school must take a
Biology 1 class, and many of them have no interest in doing so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the students in my AP Biology course
enroll by choice, and the difference is huge!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My Biology 1 students are often less enthusiastic on the front end of
the experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may never convince
some of my students to love biology and chemistry as I do, but it is my job as a
classroom teacher to instill in my students the desire to succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To that end, I have identified four factors
intrinsic to the healthy motivation of students in the science classroom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We cannot expect students to be willing to learn unless we as teachers
are energetic in our approach to instruction.
Students will be more engaged if they see us up, moving about the
classroom and burning calories. Science
teachers in a laboratory setting have an advantage. Demonstrating lively behavior in a lab is built
in to the demands of helping and watching students. We must be careful that lecture opportunities
do not turn into a chance to rest. Don’t
be the teacher that sits behind the desk the entire class period. Your desk is a barrier between you and your
students. Moving amongst your students
while you teach will draw them in. It
will encourage them to be engaged and participate more fully in the lesson.</div>
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It is essential that some element of fun be attached to
instruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This does not have to be
joke telling or game playing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bit of
eye candy in the form of colorful and engaging photos or interesting video, or
the occasional social opportunity (grouping) will go a long way toward helping
a student look forward to returning to your class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Occasionally the material we must teach
doesn't rise to the level of thrilling and exhilarating, but since it must be
taught, we should try to find a way to make it more interesting to our
students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A competitive game format, a
lab station activity, or a lively class discussion can go a long way to
eliminating the boredom factor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
imperative that we change our approach from time to time to avoid monotony and stagnation.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxqsS3t5QYE/WHK-JPBPKPI/AAAAAAAAIUU/GhJwNovcq1kGhjARlkQCewz-qvDY5RMYACEw/s1600/motivation%2Bblog.002.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxqsS3t5QYE/WHK-JPBPKPI/AAAAAAAAIUU/GhJwNovcq1kGhjARlkQCewz-qvDY5RMYACEw/s200/motivation%2Bblog.002.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Praising students will go a long way towards motivating them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is, however, important to note the
methodology used when praising them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Elementary students find more incentive in public praise than do high
school students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is often necessary
to praise high school students individually and not in front of the class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To older kids, the “cool factor” is sometimes
affected by how they are praised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know
your kids.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The final step in motivating students is to show them the relevance in
what they are being asked to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes that relevance is personal (college admission, testing for
scholarships, simple work ethic) and sometimes it is professional (job centric
subject matter).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Occasional reminders as
to the importance of these issues will help, especially considering how many
important issues are vying for control of the teenage mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Students love to ask, “When will I ever need
to know this?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making clear to students <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">why</b> they need to master a particular
concept or skill is highly motivating to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Make this information part of the lesson, rather than waiting for the
question to be asked.</div>
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In the ideal world, all motivation
for students would be “self motivation.” Anything we as teachers can do to help
students maintain focus will surely pay dividends in their future.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-75598578235740430492016-12-08T16:40:00.003-06:002016-12-08T16:43:13.641-06:00A Day of Giving Back 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Help support these wonderful charities!</span></div>
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Please join us on <a href="http://teacherspayteachers.com/"><span style="color: red;">TeachersPayTeachers.com</span></a> this Sunday, December 11, for a "Day of Giving Back." </div>
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I absolutely love this event because the sellers who are participating will be donating a percentage of their sales to really amazing charities! Last year 120 TpT sellers participated. Just think how many charities benefited!!</div>
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Each participating seller has chosen a charity that is near and dear to their heart, and each will be donating their earnings to their chosen charity. All participating sellers will display this logo on their store front so that you know who is participating. You can also check out all of the participants in the linky below. <br />
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I will be donating 100% of my sales on December 11 to <a href="https://www.stjude.org/"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">St Jude Children's Research Hospital</span></b></a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=7b22b46b476a7410VgnVCM100000290115acRCRD" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmTKbTldlps/VIhJ4QsCRPI/AAAAAAAAGjw/aUwzlXuZnIc/s200/stjude_logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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I would like to tell you a bit about the organization I will be supporting. <a href="http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=7b22b46b476a7410VgnVCM100000290115acRCRD" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>St Jude Children's Research Hospital</b></span></a> is a truly amazing place. This hospital is a leader in the research and treatment of childhood cancers. From their web site, "Since opening 50 years ago, St Jude Research has played a pivotal role in pushing overall US pediatric cancer survival rates from 20 to 80 percent. Our strength comes from an unparalleled integration of research and clinical care."<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">No child with cancer is ever turned away from St. Jude, and families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, housing, travel or food. </span></b><br />
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I have had the immense pleasure of visiting the campus of St Jude many times, and can attest to the truly remarkable atmosphere. Both of my children are healthy, but I am reassured knowing that this wonderful place exists for those who are in need.<br />
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So, on December 11, I will be donating 100% of my TpT earnings to this fabulous charity. When you purchase from my store on December 11, not only will you get a great resource to use in your classroom, but you will be helping the children and families that rely on St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Click this link to visit <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">my TpT Store</span></a></b>.<br />
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Thank you so much for supporting these worthy causes. I hope you and your family have a VERY Happy Holidays!</div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-81763015462975177232016-10-15T14:39:00.000-05:002016-10-16T13:49:03.602-05:00Lab Stations: How to Make Them Work for You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>Lab stations can be a fantastic tool in our teaching arsenal!</b></span></h2>
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Teaching science requires a multi-faceted approach. Students are all over the place in terms of their learning styles, their ability levels, and their attitudes toward learning. Great science teachers mix it up every day in terms of teaching strategies and approaches for getting across the concepts we need to teach. Using only one teaching style or strategy, no matter how wonderful it is, will become old and stale if used day after day after day.<br />
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In this article, I'll discuss a strategy that has been around since the dark ages, but seems to be all the rage lately. LAB STATIONS!<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">What is the lab station approach?</span></b></h2>
The term "lab station" has come to have different meanings for different people. Lab stations are a method of instruction where small groups of students work together on a task or activity in order to learn, review or reinforce a concept. These small groups move or rotate through a series of lab stations or science centers, and complete an activity at each station. The term "lab practical" is also familiar to many of us, but in my mind, there is a difference between a lab practical and lab stations. While both practices require rotating or moving between stations, lab practicals are used as tests and assessments. For example, in an anatomy class one would rotate through the stations of a lab practical in a testing format to demonstrate proficiency in a particular area of animal anatomy and physiology. The use of lab stations, on the other hand, is a teaching technique that is used to teach, review or reinforce concepts being covered before a test is taken.<br />
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Should lab stations be used as first-day instruction, or saved for a review activity at the end of a unit? The answer is: Yes and yes! On the very first day of school, I have my students complete a lab station activity called <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Chat-First-Day-of-School-Icebreaker-Lab-Activity-for-Biology-1989394"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Science Chat</span></b></a>. Students are always delighted to learn that they are doing an activity that allows them to be out of their desks. If lab stations are to be used as first-day instruction, great care must be taken in the way the stations are designed and written. If no prior instruction has been given, students must have a way to complete the tasks and build upon their pre-existing knowledge. Lab stations used on the first day of new unit should involve activities that are self-guided inquiry or exploration type lessons. Lab stations are also a fantastic way to review and reinforce the content of a unit just before an upcoming unit test. Lab stations used in this way should be written in a style that assumes a certain knowledge base, but challenges the students to use higher order thinking.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">What are the benefits of using lab stations?</span></h2>
When used with a combination and variety of other teaching techniques, the use of lab stations is very effective, and because it is so different from other teaching strategies, the benefits are many.<br />
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<li>One of the most important benefits is that students are up and moving. Students often need a short "brain break" during class. It is a very rare student who can sit still for an hour and remain fully engaged the entire time.</li>
<li>Lab stations break up the concepts and information into smaller, more manageable, units of learning. Students often become overwhelmed in a science class when faced with large chunks of new information. A well-written lab station activity addresses a single concept or task at each station. For many students, this reduces stress and builds confidence by enabling them to master the smaller units of information.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Lab stations allow students to work at their own pace ... within reason, of course!</li>
<li>Students enjoy working in a self supervised manner. </li>
<li>Lab stations allow the teacher to interact more freely with students on an individual or small group basis.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Lab stations are perfect for labs that have limited resources. If, for example, your lab has only one spectrophotometer or only a few pH meters, lab stations can be set up to allow all students to rotate to those stations in order to use those limited pieces of equipment. </li>
<li>Peer teaching and tutoring is very effective! Students often learn better from their peers than they do from adults. Small cooperate learning groups reduce fear and anxiety amongst students. </li>
<li>Hands-on lab experiments and activities increase mastery of concepts and retention of large amounts of information.</li>
<li>Lab stations keep students engaged. When students know that they are about to move to another location, they are more focused and eager to finish the work at one station in order to move to the next. When the next lab station involves a completely different type of activity, students are less likely to be off-task. In other words, the change keeps them on their toes.</li>
<li>The transition process gives the students a short mental break.</li>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Planning and Set-up Tips:</span></h2>
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Teachers who have never written, set up, or utilized lab stations in their teaching are often afraid to give it a try. Rather than setting up one lab activity, inexperienced teachers may feel as if they have to set up 8 or 10 lab activities in the same class period. The thought of this raises much anxiety! Rest assured, setting up a lab station activity is no harder or more time consuming than setting up any lab activity. In fact, often the prep time is greatly reduced! I find that setting up one of each station is faster than setting up 15 of the same station. These additional planning and set up tips will help get you started:<br />
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<li>Does the activity have goals and objectives that advance the education of your students? If it is just busy work to keep your students occupied for a day, don't do it.</li>
<li>The lab stations should involve a good mix of teaching techniques and learning styles. Having 10 lab stations that require students to draw and label a diagram at every station will not be effective. Instead, involve the students in different types of activities. Possibilities include small experiments, building structures, reading passages, paper and pencil games, manipulation and ordering of objects, discussion stations, internet research stations, modeling stations or task card stations. Studies show that varying the types of learning activities greatly increases our ability to master and retain information.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Each station should be independent of all other stations. In other words, it should not matter the order in which they are completed. </li>
<li>How will you place the students in small groups? Should you allow the students to choose their own partners? Should you place students in groups of YOUR choosing? Should you have groups of 2 or 4? Every lab is different. You know your students and you know what you can expect from them. One class may be mature enough to allow you to let the students choose their own partner, while this would never work in another class. I sometimes allow students to choose their own groups, but I most often choose the student groups myself. At the beginning of the school year I place the name of each student on an index card. Prior to the lab activity I place these index cards at the lab stations. As the students enter the room they look for their card. This allows me to quickly and easily place students in lab groups. Life lessons are also learned by having students work in a different group each lab period.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Each station requires clear signage and complete instructions. Laminate everything you can so that it can be used year after year. If students are given a packet of worksheets to complete, make it clear which worksheet is used at each station. Placing a symbol or piece of clip art on the lab station sign and the same symbol on the corresponding worksheet is a simple and easy solution.</li>
<li>Make sure that lab safety precautions are clearly posted at each station.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>All groups do not have to be the same size. You know your students and how to group them to maximize the instruction of all.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Common sense dictates that all stations should require the same amount of time to complete. Personally, I have found this very difficult to accomplish. The best solution is to set up multiples of the stations that require more time.</li>
<li>You must manage class time effectively. Continuous monitoring is required to make sure that students are on task and are moving through the stations at the pace you deem appropriate.</li>
<li>All students will not finish at the same time. I suggest setting up an "enrichment" station for the early finishers. You do not want some students loitering while other students are trying to complete their work.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Prior to the lab station activity, decide how you will manage the amount of paper required for the activity. You might provide each student with a complete packet of handouts, or you might consider placing one set of handouts at the lab station and requiring students to complete the work on their own notebook paper.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Students should be required to turn in their own work. Allowing a group to turn in one worksheet or lab report for the entire group usually results in one person doing the work, and the other group members doing little.</li>
<li>Make a rotation plan. Will you allow the students to move randomly to other lab stations, or will you require them to rotate in a particular order? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li>Know your space and how to make it work to your advantage. For example, will the lab station require water or electricity? Or can it be completed at a student desk?</li>
<li>Be organized for next year. Take the time to laminate lab station signs and instruction cards so that you can use them again. Place all items needed for the activity in a plastic box, or file them away in your filing cabinet. Include in the box or file folder your notes on what worked well and what didn't work well. Make a list of any supplies that need to be re-ordered for next year. You will thank yourself for this next school year!</li>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>Need to Differentiate? No Problem!</b></span></h2>
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For inclusion classes (classes containing learners of widely varying ability levels) lab stations can easily be differentiated to meet the needs of all students. Students with IEP's can participate in the same lab stations by making some minor modifications. Ways to accommodate special needs learners might include:<br />
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<li>All students participate in the same lab stations, but they are given different sets of handouts or worksheets to complete.</li>
<li>Because of the random movement of students through the lab stations, you can select which lab stations students will complete. There is no need for a student with special learning modifications to complete every single station.</li>
<li>By carefully selecting the small groups, you can create groups that are supportive and will provide an educational atmosphere that will benefit all members of the group.</li>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>What is keeping you from trying lab stations?</b></span></h2>
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The most common concerns I hear from new teachers are that they are worried about student behavior as well as the amount of time required to set up and complete an activity. As for student behavior, students have to be taught and trained from the beginning of the school year in all classroom rules and procedures. Lab stations are no different. Refrain from using large groups, and make sure that your expectations are clear and consistent. Teach the students how the process works and what their responsibilities are. Have a set of rules and stick with them.<br />
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I hope that if you are new to the idea of lab stations, this article has provided you with some tips and tricks on how to get started. Has this teaching technique replaced my used of the tradition hour-long lab activity? Absolutely not! Carrying out a full-length lab is VERY important. But I do enjoy having another "weapon" in my teaching arsenal.<br />
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Use <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Amy-Brown-Science/Category/Lab-Stations-265543"><b><span style="color: #990000;">this link to view my lab station</span></b></a> activities on TpT.<br />
<br />Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-73096216978009750112016-09-14T20:03:00.000-05:002016-09-14T20:03:24.539-05:00Taking Students to the Laboratory? How to Plan and Execute the Perfect Lab Activity.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Use this teacher checklist when planning ANY lab activity!</span></div>
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Recently I had the opportunity to work with a small group of science teachers in an inservice-type situation. The group ranged in their teaching experience. Some were brand new teachers, while others had a few years under their belt. None were what I would call "knowledgeable veterans." As our time together progressed, it quickly became obvious to me that these teachers needed help with "the lab." For the inexperienced science teacher, "the lab" can be a scary and potentially dangerous place. <br />
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There seems to be a diverse spectrum in science teaching in regard to the laboratory. At one extreme end of the spectrum are the teachers whose fear of the lab prevents them from ever taking a group of students into the lab. At the opposite extreme are the science teachers who forge blindly ahead without giving thought to a set of basic guidelines and procedures concerning laboratory activities. To be fair, I have certainly just described polar opposites in science teachers. Almost all science teachers will fall in the middle somewhere, and all of us could use a refresher course when it comes to taking students into the lab.<br />
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After giving this topic much thought, I have developed a "Laboratory Checklist" of items we science teachers need to consider before taking our classes into the lab. <br />
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Begin with a very easy test by asking yourself two simple questions:<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">1. Is this lab activity age appropriate? </span></b> All science students need to be challenged with activities that are appropriate for their age, and that push them to the next level of critical thinking and problem solving. <br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">2. Does this lab meet an educational goal or objective? </span></b>(Pardon me, while I get up on my soapbox...) The lab activity must meet an educational objective or goal. There has to be a REASON for doing the lab. The lab should be related to the concepts being taught in the classroom, and should reinforce and/or further the student's understanding of those concepts.<br />
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If you can answer "yes" to both of these questions, then proceed with the lab. If you answer "no" to one or both of these questions, you should throw out the lab idea and look for another, more appropriate, lab activity. <br />
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Assuming that the lab has met the standards posed by the first two questions, it is time to plan the lab activity. Consider the following items before lab day arrives.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">3. Safety First!</span></b> The safety of the students should be your first thought when planning a lab activity. Are the items on the materials list appropriate for your students? Think long and hard about the potential hazards of the lab, and identify the areas in which an accident might be possible. (It is assumed that you carried out lab safety instruction with students in the first week of school!) In planning your lab activity, identify areas of concern and develop a plan of action in the event of an accident.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">4. Using chemicals? Read the MSDS!!</span></b> A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) should be on hand for every chemical you use in the lab. When chemicals are ordered, each will arrive with an MSDS. Read each page and place them in a three-ring binder for easy and immediate access. This binder should always be present in the lab. The MSDS will alert you to any dangers associated with the chemical, and list first aid instructions in the event they are needed.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">5. Carry out the lab yourself before trying it out with the students! </span></b> Teachers who are doing the lab for the first time in the presence of students are asking for trouble. By carrying out the experiment prior to lab day, the teacher can: (1) Make sure that all equipment and supplies are on hand and in good working order, (2) Identify the problem areas in which students will need to be alerted, (3) Determine if the experiment will actually work, (4) Look for alternative supplies if needed, and (5) Make any adjustments needed in the lab procedural steps.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">6. How much time will the lab take?</span></b> If students finish the lab experiment quickly, no problem! They can spend the remaining minutes cleaning their lab area and preparing their lab reports. But what will you do if class time runs out before students can finish the experiment? This will surely happen on some lab days. Have a plan.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">7. How will you set up the lab stations and/or the supply area?</span></b> An effective and meaningful lab runs like clockwork. Identify the traffic flow problems beforehand and set up the supply areas in a way that reduces student traffic jams. You may decide that each lab station should be supplied with every item needed for the experiment, or it may work better to have a general supply area that students go to for the items they need. No two labs are the same. Identify the best solution for each lab.<br />
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<b>Once steps 3 - 7 have been checked off, you are ready to take the kids to the lab. The following items on the checklist will ensure that your lab activity is a huge success!</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">8. Provide the students with written instructions.</span></b> Students must receive lab handouts that clearly identify the safety precautions and the exact procedure for the experiment. Giving oral instructions that reinforce the information on the lab handout is okay, great even. Giving oral instructions instead of providing a lab handout? NOT okay.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">9. Always schedule pre-lab time. </span></b>During the pre-lab time, provide the students with the lab handouts they will be using during the lab. Go over your expectations for the lab, and explain what is to be accomplished by doing the lab. You may want to use a "<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pre-Lab-Worksheet-for-any-Science-Lab-87025"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Pre-Lab Worksheet</span></a>" as a homework assignment so that students will be prepared on lab day. <b>Review the lab safety rules for each and every lab!</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">10. How will you group the students?</span></b> There is no correct answer to this question. Should you allow the students to choose their own partners? Should you place students in groups of YOUR choosing? Should you have groups of 2 or 4? Every lab is different. You know your students and you know what you can expect from them. One class may be mature enough to allow you to let the students choose their own partner, while this would never work in another class. I sometimes allow students to choose their own groups, but I
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At the beginning of the school year I place the name of each student on
an index card. Prior to the lab activity I place these index cards at the lab stations. As the students enter the room they look for
their card. This allows me to quickly and easily place students in lab groups. Life lessons are also learned by having students work in a different group each lab period.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">11. Monitor and keep a watchful eye during the lab.</span></b> There will be many students in the lab, and there will only be one of you. You must be confident that you can control and manage the class in situations involving chemicals, sharp items, glassware, hot plates / Bunsen burners, etc. Do not carry out a lab activity if the equipment and supplies being used causes you worry. Simply find another lab activity. During the lab activity, be vigilant in monitoring and interacting with the students. You are the person in the room that has the ability to ward off and prevent accidents from occurring.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">12. Allow enough time at the end of the class for students to clean up their lab station.</span></b> At 5 minutes before the bell, the lab activity must end. If students are still working, you must instruct them to stop, and begin their clean up procedures. You do not want the students in the next class to walk in and see a huge mess. You want the next class to walk in and see a highly efficient and organized lab set up. It sets the tone. It makes a difference.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">13. Be timely in breaking down the lab.</span></b> As a courtesy to your fellow science teachers who use the same lab, make sure to break down your lab quickly so the lab will be ready to use by the next person. Wash the glassware, wipe down the lab tables, put away all equipment, and make sure to dispose of chemicals correctly. Your team mates will be most appreciative!<br />
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<b style="color: blue;">14. Make an assessment plan. </b>How are you going to evaluate the work done by the students on the lab activity? Will they write a lab report? Will there be lab questions on the upcoming chapter test? Will there be a lab quiz? Assessment is an important part of the process. It tells the student that the activity was important. If you never give a grade, lab report, or take any type of assessment on the lab activity, it sends the message that lab activities are just "fun times / free times." This will lead to horseplay and behavior problems on future lab activities.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">15. Make a plan for students who are absent on lab day. </span></b> I wish I could offer the perfect solution to this problem. If you have developed a plan of action that works, please let the rest of us know. The simple truth is that when students are absent, they have missed valuable instruction time that cannot be recovered. I have scheduled lab make up days after school, given alternate assignments, and given absent students sample data to analyze. I am still looking for a better solution. Any thoughts?<br />
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Lab days are my favorite days at school. Being proactive and organized in your approach to lab activities will ensure that your day is smooth, and that students are highly engaged in the learning process.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i>Happy Lab Day!</i></span></div>
Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-49428305837402557802016-08-30T10:11:00.001-05:002016-08-30T11:14:39.137-05:00Make the first Day the BEST Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is so easy to get kids excited about science! We get to "play" with so many cool gadgets and gizmos in our lab activities. Why not make the <b>FIRST</b> day of school the <b>BEST</b> day of school for our students? Let them know on the very first day that your class is going to be great!</div>
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I have developed three lab station "first day of school" icebreaker activities that I think your science students will love. </div>
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You can use the links below to find the one that is best for your subject area:<br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Chat-First-Day-of-School-Icebreaker-Lab-Activity-for-Biology-1989394">Science Chat for Biology and Life Science</a></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chemistry-Chat-First-Day-of-School-Icebreaker-Lab-Activity-for-Chemistry-2000053">Chemistry Chat</a></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Physics-Chat-First-Day-of-School-Icebreaker-Lab-Activity-for-Physics-2015747">Physics Chat</a></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>Amy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863160329343396308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4867701119324268241.post-85604012180849075882016-08-10T16:19:00.000-05:002016-08-11T08:53:04.047-05:00Tips for New (and Experienced!) Science Teachers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>These tips will serve you well your entire teaching career!</b></span></div>
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Learning is a life-long experience. We are never too young or too old to learn new things. After teaching for 31 years, I am still learning how to be a better teacher. Along the way I had wonderful mentors and colleagues who helped me develop my teaching skills, and I discovered a few things for myself as well.<br />
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The tips and tricks below will serve you well. Remember them. Incorporate them into your daily teaching routine. Refine them and make them your own.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">1. Safety first. Safety always.</span></b><br />
Develop a <b><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lab-Safety-88553"><span style="color: #cc0000;">lab safety unit</span></a></b> and teach it the first week of school. Stress laboratory safety every single day of the year.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">2. Before students arrive for back-to-school, do an analysis of your lab and classroom.</span></b> Check all equipment and furniture. Remove unusable items. <b>CLEAN everything!</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">3. Check your safety equipment often.</span></b> <br />
Have you flushed your eyewash station? When was the last time you checked the safety shower? Is your fire extinguisher fully charged? Is the first aid kit fully stocked? <br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">4. Stay on top of repairs.</span></b> Turn in work orders for those leaky faucets, stopped up gas jets, and burned out lights. Follow up on work orders once they have been submitted. Be relentless in getting things fixed.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">5. The custodians and plant managers are your best friends. </span></b><br />
Treat them well and with respect. They will save you many, many times during the school year. <br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">6. Never do a lab with students until you have tried the lab yourself.</span></b> <br />
You can never predict what will happen or how things will work until you carry out the experiment yourself. If you are seeing a lab unfold for the first time while students are doing the lab, this is a recipe for <b>EPIC FAIL</b>.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">7. Make out your lab order all year long.</span></b> Keep a lab notebook handy, and constantly make notes in it. Record supplies that are running low and need to be ordered for the next school year. At the end of the year, grab the catalogs and make out your lab order before you go home for the summer. <br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">8. Don't go home at the end of the day until everything is ready for tomorrow. </span></b> This is a hard one because we are exhausted at the end of the day! Before you leave in the afternoon, your lab should be set up, all handouts should be copied, all phone calls should be returned, and you put your desk in order. If you wait until the next morning, Murphy's Law will set in. "Things" always happen when you get to school. The copier will break, your principal will ask for a meeting, students come in to ask questions, the teacher next door will not quit talking, etc. Be sure everything is ready <b><i>before</i></b> you get to school!<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">9. Make sure the classroom is neat and orderly.</span></b> This is actually a great science experiment! A wise teacher once told me to straighten the desks after each class period before the next class enters. Student behavior is affected by the environment. The class is much more productive and well behaved if there is order in the room as they enter. If the rows are crooked, the desks are scattered around, papers are all over the floor, and the pencil sharpener is overflowing, student behavior will be different. Sounds crazy, but this is true. Try it and see for yourself.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">10. Study. Study. Study. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Study some more! </span></b> Never teach a lesson that you are not prepared to teach. Science is complex stuff, and it is always changing! You will embarrass yourself if you stumble around with the content and are unable to explain concepts to the students. Our students are brilliant at picking up on the fact that we are unprepared, and they will be relentless to point this out during your class.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">11. Make it fun, but please make it educational!</span></b> Science classes are so much fun! We get to use all sorts of neat equipment and cool gadgets! Our students are depending on us to give them a great science education. Let's use all of our fun "science toys" to further their education. If you want to make silly putty or glue in the lab, make sure the students learn something from it.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">12. Go as deep into the subject matter content as your students can handle.</span></b> There is a fine line between "too easy" and "too hard." Neither should be happening in your class. Determine the ability level and knowledge base of your students, and push them to the next level. Know that the students you have next year will be different.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">13. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know." </span></b>All of us, even the best prepared of us, will be asked questions that we do not know the answer to. How you handle these questions makes all the difference. Sometimes you just have to say "I don't know." But you need to have an answer the next day when the students arrive. They will appreciate that you went the extra mile to answer their questions.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">14. Know your limitations. </span></b> Work as hard as you can every single day. Do all you can do for your students. But know that you can't do everything. Don't take on more than you can handle, and don't be afraid to say "no."<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">15. Find a mentor.</span></b> Find an amazing teacher that you trust and respect. Talk with him/her often! Someone on the faculty has already had the problem you are facing, and they can help you through it. A good mentor has a wealth of valuable knowledge and experience, and the support they can give is invaluable! <br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">16. They're your students, not your friends!</span></b> Cultivate a great relationship with your students. Know your students likes and dislikes. Attend their sports events, band concerts and theater productions. Make sure they know that you care for them, and that you are willing to help them. But remember that you are the teacher and they are the students, and a certainly boundary must be maintained.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">17. Respect must be earned. </span></b> Always treat your students with respect and dignity. The lessons we teach in citizenship and tolerance of others are as important as the science lessons we teach. Be the role model for the behaviors you want to see in your students.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">18. Call the parents before they call you. </span></b> If you initiate the contact, then you are in control of the direction and flow of the conversation. If the parent is calling you, they are probably already upset or mad, and it will be more difficult to get them back on your side.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">19. Take home the work, but not the problems. </span></b><br />
Working at home is a given for teachers. We know we are going to be grading papers and preparing lessons on our personal time. But try to leave the problems and stresses of the day at work. If you have a problem with a student, colleague or administrator, solve it before you leave for the day. If you don't, you will worry about it all day (or week end) long. Better to get the stress and worry out of your head before you leave for the day.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">20. Excitement in the classroom is contagious.</span></b> <br />
You have to love your subject and let it show to your students how much you love your subject. If you are excited about what you are teaching, the students will be too.<br />
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It is my sincere hope that some of these tips will help you through the long days of the school year. Good luck with your teaching, and have a great school year. And remember ..... Have fun teaching!<br />
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