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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 argumentation skills? Maybe you’re a science teacher tasked with supporting a school-wide focus on reading and writing… Either way, we’ve got a game-changer for you
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 rules short, simple, and sticky enough that students (and teacher) actually remember them beyond the first week. Long lists of dos and don’ts may look
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) new students. Whether it’s your first year teaching or your fifteenth, starting strong makes all the difference. Over the years, I’ve created a handful of
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 faces and wondering, “How on earth am I going to learn all these names and get through attendance, materials, and rules before the bell rings?”
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 to know how your class works, what you expect, and how to succeed. A well-planned syllabus activity can help you cover everything students need to
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 important. And in middle school, where curiosity sometimes comes with a side of chaos, setting clear expectations for lab behavior is essential. Short on time?
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, and your classroom starts to feel like a scrapbook of memories. But in the middle of the chaos, there’s this really special window to pause,
How to Make a DIY Earthquake Shake Table for Classroom STEM Projects
By Trilby Why Use an Earthquake Shake Table in the Classroom? Looking for an exciting way to teach students about earthquakes, engineering, and structural stability? A DIY earthquake shake table for classroom projects is a hands-on tool that helps students understand how buildings respond to seismic forces. These simple, budget-friendly
How to 3D Print a Keychain: A Fun, Hands-On Project for Middle School Makers
By Trilby Looking for a beginner-friendly way to bring 3D printing into your classroom? A custom keychain is the perfect place to start. It’s small, personal, and packed with opportunities to build creativity and design thinking. Whether you’re brand new to 3D printing or looking to expand your maker activities,
