AI Lessons for the Classroom: What to Teach (and How to Get Started Without Overwhelm)
By Trilby Let’s be honest for a second. As teachers, we’re used to adapting to new tools and technology, but AI has moved from “something to be aware of” to something our students are actively using every day. They’re asking about it. Testing it. Relying on it.That means we need AI lessons that help them […]
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 new tools and technology, but AI has moved from “something to be aware of” to something our students are actively using every day. They’re asking about it. Testing it. Relying […]
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 – CER Science Writing! It’s […]
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 beginning of year science activities […]
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 know in a way that […]
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? Grab done-for-you science safety activities […]
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, reflect, and help students take […]
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 shake tables simulate earthquake motion […]
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, learning how to 3D print […]
Newton’s Laws Project Ideas: Engaging STEM Activities for Middle School
By Trilby Looking for Newton’s Laws project ideas to help your students apply physics in a fun and interactive way? These engaging activities allow students to explore Newton’s three laws of motion in an exciting and hands-on way. Two of the best STEM activities to demonstrate these concepts are the balloon rocket and the egg […]