Old Blog - STEM in the Middle

This image shows teen students working on laptops. A teacher is standing next to them and pointing at one of the computer screens. The text reads "What is Artificial Intelligence? Everything Teachers Need to Know."

What is Artificial Intelligence? A Teacher’s Guide to Understanding AI

By Trilby If it feels like everyone is talking about artificial intelligence right now, you’re not imagining it. Students are using AI to help with

This image shows Responsible Use AI student worksheets partially completed. There is a card sort with Responsible and Irresponsible headings and a task recording sheet. The text reads "How to Teach Responsible Use AI."

Teaching the Responsible Use of AI in the Classroom (What Students Actually Need Right Now)

By Trilby AI isn’t coming… It’s already here. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had at least one moment this year (or this

This image show shows partially completed worksheets titled "Artificial Intelligence: Responsible Use Comprehension Activity." The title reads "AI Lessons for the Classroom."

4 AI Lessons for the Classroom: What to Teach (and How to Get Started Without Overwhelm)

By Trilby Let’s be honest for a second. How often are you teaching explicit AI lessons and skills? As teachers, we’re used to adapting to

The image title reads, "Science Writing: Claim-Evidence-Reasoning." The image shows a worksheet titled "3D Printing and our Future" and a CER grading rubric.

The Power of CER Science Writing in Your Middle School Classroom

By Trilby Hillenbrand Are you looking for a great way to get your students thinking like scientists? Do you want to improve your students’ discussion and

This image shows 4 science safety rules. The text reads "Science Safety Rules That Stick."

How to Write Safety Science Rules That Students Will Actually Remember

By Trilby Middle schoolers are capable of amazing things in the science lab, but only when safety comes first. The tricky part? Keeping safety science

The image shows a student looking into a microscope and another student standing near by with a notebook and pencil in hand. The text reads "Science Activities for Week 1"

My Favorite Beginning of Year Science Activities (That Actually Work)

By Trilby There’s nothing quite like the first week of school in the science classroom: fresh notebooks, clean lab tables, and curious (and slightly nervous)

This image shows a teacher standing in front of a white board in a Science classroom. There are four students facing the front of the room with their hands raised. The text reads, "What to do on the first day of science class."

An Easy (& Useful) First Day of Science Class Activity

By Trilby If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stood at your classroom door on Day One, clipboard in hand, scanning a sea of unfamiliar

This image shows two groups of three teenaged kids in a classroom. Each group is talking around a desk with various school supplies on the table in front of them.

5 Easy & Fun Syllabus Activity Ideas

By Trilby Let’s be honest… Going over the syllabus isn’t exactly the most thrilling part of the back-to-school season. But it is important. Students need

This image shows two students in a Chemistry classroom. They are wearing goggles and have flasks and beakers of different colored liquids in front of them. The heading reads "Tips for Teaching Science Safety."

Tips for Teaching Science Lab Safety Rules Without Putting Your Students to Sleep

By Trilby Let’s be real. Science safety lab rules might not be the most thrilling part of science class, but they’re one of the most

This image is titled, "Tips for End of Year Reflections." It shows handouts for a "What I Wish I Knew: Infographic Advice for Next Year's Students" assignment on cork board surrounded by crayons and colored pencils.

How to Make End of Year Reflection for Students Meaningful and Memorable

By Trilby That final stretch of the school year always hits different. The tests are winding down, the calendar’s packed with field trips and assemblies,