Claim-Evidence-Reasoning or CER is a science and engineering practice built into the NGSS model. The CER is essentially a report, and these reports help foster a student’s ability to analyze data that they’ve collected and make the connection between data and understanding. After a few years of adopting this Science and Engineering Practice, I’ve found a […]
Category: Education
The Perseverance Puzzle
If you haven’t heard the news, NASA landed a Rover called the Perseverance on Mars on February 18, 2021. This is indeed exciting and I, along with millions of other people, held my breath as NASA shared live footage of the landing. Along with the landing, came images of the Perseverance parachuting to the surface […]
Digital Simulations to Support NGSS Exploring
While not ideal, I’ve learned to adapt to (and sometimes adore) digital simulators and online interactive tools. Science teachers know, hands-on is best. But in these times, it’s not always a possibility. Adjusting my curriculum to a distance learning approach yet aspiring to remain true to the Next Generation Standards and the 5E Model has […]
Makey Makey Meets CoSpacesEDU
When virtual reality meets ELA class you get a BUNCH of engaged and excited students! That’s what happened for us these past few weeks as we explored Plot Structure using CoSpacesEDU and Makey Makeys. To get a visual picture of exactly what we did, imagine a virtual world designed by students in CoSpacesEDU. CoSpacesEDU is […]
Boom Learning Cards for Back to School!
In the midst of exploring distance learning tools to engage students, I stumbled across Boom Learning Cards. My first impression was that it was WAY to babyish for Secondary students (Middle through High School) as many of the early adopters of the platform focused on Elementary topics. However, after a little exploring, I discovered MANY […]
Virtual Games for Distance Teaching
Zoom and Google Meet seem to be the go to platforms for Video conferencing during Distance Learning. Games for remote learning or for digital morning meetings are important for encouraging socialization with students. In this post you’ll discover over 10 examples of virtual games to play with students during virtual online meetingsl. Perfect for time fillers, community builders, wrap ups or as a resource to use while you’re waiting for students to join your online meeting.
Using Sketch Notes in a Middle School Classroom
Sketch Notes (AKA Visual Note Taking) are essentially a note taking strategy that allows students to creatively express their interpretation of readings, lectures or ANY classroom content. Sketch Notes allow students to actively listen and keep their brains (and hands) occupied while listening to fiction AND non-fiction text. Best of all, Students LOVE It!! Sketch […]