Evidence vs. Reasoning in CER: How to Help Students Understand the Difference
Help students learn how to write how scientific reasoning connected to evidence in a CER response in grades 5 and 6
Category: professional development
How to Plan 5th Grade Science Without Getting Overwhelmed by the Standards
Trying to figure out how to plan 5th grade science year without drowning in standards, resources, or random Pinterest ideas?You’re not alone. Many teachers feel overwhelmed trying to cover every science topic equally — but that’s actually where the problem starts. In this post, you’ll learn how to strategically plan
What to Teach in Middle School Life Science (According to NGSS)
If you’ve ever sat down to plan your science year and thought, “Where do I even start?”—you’re not alone. Between state mandates, NGSS performance expectations, and wildly different student levels, figuring out what to teach in middle school life science can feel like building a plane while flying it. That’s
5 Life Science Activities for Middle School That Actually Work (and Hit the Standards)
Let’s be real—middle schoolers don’t fake enthusiasm well. If a science activity doesn’t feel purposeful, engaging, or at least a little hands-on, they’ll check out faster than you can say “photosynthesis.” But when an activity is built to meet them where they are—engaging, creative, and actually aligned to what you’re
Middle School Life Science Curriculum Map (Free Download)
Planning your middle school science year doesn’t have to feel like you’re piecing together a 1,000 piece puzzle with half the pieces missing. If you’re teaching life science in 6th 7th 8th grade and trying to stay aligned with the NGSS, I’ve got something that’ll save your sanity: a free
Free 5th Grade Science Skills and Practices Curriculum Map
Overwhelmed by NGSS Science Planning? This Free 5th Grade Science Curriculum Map Will Help If you’re teaching 5th grade science and feeling unsure how to organize your year, you’re not alone. Between unpacking the NGSS performance expectations, figuring out pacing, and choosing meaningful lessons, planning alone can feel like a
Science Vocabulary Activities That Actually Work: Do This Instead of a Word Wall
Let’s be real—traditional word walls just aren’t cutting it in a middle-grade science classroom. Sure, they look cute. Maybe they make your admin think you’re crushing the literacy game. But do your students actually use them? Are they really helping kids understand and retain science vocabulary? Spoiler alert: Nope. If
Prepping Your Science Year Without a Curriculum: 1 Easy Hour a Week
Prepping your science year without a curriculum might sound overwhelming—especially if you’re teaching grades 5–8 and want to enjoy your summer, too. But with the right system, it’s totally doable—and you don’t have to spend hours glued to your laptop. Whether you’re a new teacher or just starting fresh, this
5 Science of Reading Vocabulary Activities for Grades 5-8
Learn Science of reading approved vocbaulary strategies to strengthen student knowledge of content vocabulary and literacy skills in grade 5, 6, 7, 8
Applying the Science of Reading in Grades 5-8
Learn how to integrate elements of the science of reading into your grade 5 6 7 8 classroom this year to help improve reading skills among your students.
Fun and Easy Periodic Table of Elements Review Activities
Learn new ways to review the periodic table of elements with your grade 6 7 8 science students while learning about atoms and elements.
Five Great Books for Science Teachers
Five books for science teachers to read to become a better teacher while teaching or improving the social emotional needs of their students.