7 Reasons You Should Use STEM Research Projects in Your Middle School Classroom

This blog gives 7 reasons teachers should use STEM research projects as part of their curriculum.

Incorporating STEM research projects into the middle school classroom can open up a world of opportunities for students to explore their creative sides and learn practical skills. Learn more about how these projects can benefit your students and discover some ideas here. Short on time? Grab a ready-to-go STEM research project! 1. Explore student-generated questions […]

Exciting Physical Science STEM Projects Perfect for Middle School Classrooms

The image shows middle school students working on a chemistry project. The text reads "Physical Science STEM Projects."

Looking for new and exciting physical science STEM projects? Middle school teachers can engage their students with activities involving chemical reactions, Newton’s Laws, and more! Get creative ideas for inspiring future scientists and engineers in your classroom with these engaging physical science STEM projects. Design and Test and Insulated Cup Give your students a hands-on […]

Pollinator Lesson Plans for Middle School – Why are bees important?

The text reads, "Pollinator Lesson Ideas." The background shows a bee visiting a flower.

Have you ever had a bee fly into your classroom during the middle of a lesson? I have… chaos ensued. Some kids were terrified and hiding, while others were chasing the bee trying to kill it with their notebooks. Bees often have a bad rap in middle school, but these pollinators play an important role […]

How does a bottle rocket science project work?

This image shows a rocket, stars and the moon. The text reads "Bottle Rocket Science."

Bottle rockets are a popular STEM project. But you might be wondering “How does a bottle rocket science project work?”, “How do you make a bottle rocket?”, or “What materials are used in a bottle rocket?” Read on to learn all the basics of bottle rocket science. Rockets are devices that use force to move […]

Variables that affect solar oven efficiency

This image shows a variety of supplies, including foil, plastic wrap, scissors, a bowl, a thermometer, and tape. The text reads, "Solar Ovens: Reflectivity and Insulation."

So you’re building a solar oven?  Solar ovens are a great DIY project! You can create an effective cooking device cheaply from household items. Also, solar ovens use renewable energy from the Sun, which is good for our environment. You’ll learn many important science concepts and develop your engineering skills through the design and building […]

Middle School STEM Challenge: Conductors and Insulators Activity

This image shows materials for insulator and conductor activities, including an insulated cup, beaker, thermometer, timer, and hot cocoa packet. The text reads "insulators and conductors."

Looking for an engaging insulators and conductors activity for your middle school students? Want to get your students excited about thermal energy? Wondering how to help students understand the real-world applications of conductors and insulators? If you are a teacher looking for the answers to any of these questions, read on! Want to skip straight […]

Middle School STEM Challenges for Every Season

This image shows a tree during winter, spring, summer, and fall. The text says "Holiday STEM Challenges."

Do you have STEM challenges planned for keeping students engaged when the weather is changing and holidays are around the corner? It can be a struggle to keep your students’ attention and get to the end of the period on a normal day. This is especially true when holiday excitement is in the air. Now […]

The Essential STEM Supplies List

The image shows pens, scissors, paper, hole puncher, and tape. The text reads "Must-Have STEM Supplies (that aren't really STEM supplies)."

After 15 years in STEM education, I’ve discovered something surprising: some of the most valuable STEM supplies aren’t actually “STEM supplies” at all! These are the everyday items that have become absolute game-changers in my classroom. I’ve compiled this STEM supplies list to help make your teaching life easier. Want to skip straight to the […]

Science gifts for teachers

Science Teacher Gifts

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. I am so excited about these beautiful gifts I received from The Calculated Chemist! If you are looking for STEM or science gifts for teachers, students, colleagues, mentors, […]

5 Tips for Effective Group Work in Middle School STEM

Tips for Managing middle school STEM Group Work

Let’s be honest – getting middle school students to work together effectively can feel impossible. As a new STEM teacher, I learned this the hard way. You’d think it would be simple, right? Put kids in a group, give them an exciting task, and be nearby to answer questions and help troubleshoot. But we all […]