How to Write Safety Science Rules That Students Will Actually Remember

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

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 impressive on paper, but in […]

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

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"

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 beginning of year science activities […]

5 Easy & Fun Syllabus Activity Ideas

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.

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 know in a way that […]

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

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."

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? Grab done-for-you science safety activities […]