It’s that time of year again…..back to school season! As we gear up for another fantastic school year, I wanted to share with you five engaging activities that I’ve found incredibly effective for kicking off the year with minimal stress and maximum student engagement. Today, on the blog, we’re going
I calculated that I spend approximately 1500+ hours in my classroom in a year; therefore, I want it to be aesthetically pleasing! It’s been a work in progress, but I am finally happy with my high school science classroom and I am excited to share it with you! In case
As educators, one of our primary goals is to ensure our students learn, retain, and apply information effectively. Achieving this can often be a daunting task, particularly when preparing students for comprehensive assessments, like end-of-course exams. In Biology , where concepts are interconnected and complex, finding effective review strategies is
Are you a Biology teacher that’s gearing up to teach natural selection? Allow me to introduce you to an engaging introductory activity that I like to call “Feeding Frenzy.” I love this introduction activity because it gets the students up and moving and generates discussions that are the perfect segue
Valentine’s Day is the perfect way to incorporate some research into your forensics curriculum. To play into the “love” theme, I like to host a LOVE CRIMES SPEED DATING EVENT in my classroom. In a nutshell, students research a famous “love crime” and create a dating profile for one of
This week in Forensics, I am teaching my students about crime scene search patterns. After a quick lesson, I had my students put their knowledge to action with a good ‘ole fashioned game of Where’s Waldo? I used to love the Wally seek-and-find activity books when I was a kid,
Want to provide something special for your Biology students this February? I’ve got you covered! I have created 16 FREE biology themed valentines printables that you can print and use as you wish. Note: This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
About 5 years ago, I started hosting “Starbucks Mode” in my classroom leading up to Christmas break. It’s always a hit with my students and I enjoy whipping up a batch of my famous classroom crockpot hot chocolate and serving my students. As my students enter the classroom, I give
Introduction Over the years, I have tried numerous “osmosis” labs. I’ve used gummy bears, potatoes, grapes, and eggs to explain tonicity and its applications to cellular processes, but these labs were a little underwhelming. This year, my goal was to create a lab that was not only meaningful to the
Is eyewitness testimony REALLY a reliable source of forensic evidence? This is the driving question that surrounds my eyewitness testimony lesson. It’s one of my favorite forensics lessons because the students are invested in the discussions surrounding this highly debatable topic. Today, on the blog, I am sharing one of
One of the first lessons that I teach in my Biology course is Characteristics of Living Things. During this lesson, I spend some time focusing on the term homeostasis. In order to provide my students with a visual representation of homeostasis, I always use the Homer-o-stasis lab. My students absolutely
Today, on the blog, I’m sharing one of my favorite teacher hacks and walking you through how to create an emergency sub binder! Note: This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these
As summer break commences, it’s the perfect time for teachers to unwind, recharge, and curl up with a good book. While I love a good fiction novel, I also use the summer to read books related to teaching. In the event that you, too, are wanting to dive into some
Introduction As a veteran teacher with 16 years of classroom experience, I have tried various strategies to create a positive and well-organized learning environment. Among the many classroom management techniques I’ve implemented, the ticket system has proven to be one of the most effective and enjoyable for both myself and
It’s the end of the school year and we are hanging by a thread over here in room 516! I’m tired, my students are tired, and to be honest….I have been looking for activities that will keep my seniors grounded while we finish out our last few weeks. This week,
I am always looking for innovative ways to engage students in my Forensics class. One way I achieved this was by setting up a classroom body farm during my forensic entomology unit. In this blog post, I will share how I set up a classroom body farm and how my
My Death Investigation Unit is my all-time favorite topic to teach in my Forensic Science class! It’s filled with interesting content, fun activities, engaging labs, and my students love it just as much as I do. When a fellow forensics teacher, Jason Briski, shared the idea to use a hot
I love teaching fingerprinting in my Forensics course, but students sometimes struggle when it comes to identifying minutiae patterns. Fingerprints can be difficult to analyze on paper, so I have started using this fingerprint balloon activity to help my students identify minutiae patterns. Essentially, students enlarge their fingerprint on a
Hosting a mock crime scene is an exciting way to bring your curriculum to life and engage your students. If you’ve been wanting to execute a mock crime scene in your Forensics classroom, but aren’t sure where to begin, I’ve got you covered! Today, on the blog, I’m sharing my
It’s no secret that I love a good ole classroom review game. I discovered grudgeball a few years ago and love how engaged my students become when we play. Not only is it easy to set up, but I love that it encourages team work and friendly competition. My students
Introduction I absolutely love teaching arson to my high school students, but I often get asked for ideas for middle school students as well. The purpose of today’s blog post is to share one of my favorite digital lab activities for teaching arson. It can be used with both middle
My students love a good lab and this one doesn’t disappoint. What makes it so great? It’s completely STUDENT directed! Oh…and the students get to stand on the lab stations- which they LOVE. I use this lab as an inquiry lab, meaning that my students conduct the lab BEFORE the
It’s that time of year (Ho! Ho! Ho!) and I am excited to incorporate some holiday cheer into my classroom. I love decorating my classroom tree and playing soft Christmas music in the background during the month of December. I also love adding fun holiday twists on the topics that
It’s that time of year (Ho! Ho! Ho!) and I am excited to incorporate some holiday cheer into my classroom. I love decorating my classroom tree and playing soft Christmas music in the background during the month of December. I also love adding fun holiday twists on the topics that
I love teaching cellular respiration! One of the main contributors to the love of this topic is the BARF BAG lab. I find it oddly satisfying to watch the students’ expressions when I announce, “Today in the lab, we will be making barf in a bag.” This lab is easy
I look forward to GLOW DAY every year! For me, it’s the excitement on my students’ faces when they enter my classroom to realize that it has undergone a total transformation! You might be wondering what is GLOW DAY? It’s a special theme day that radiates through your classroom with
Prior to teaching cell transport in my Biology class, I like to take a deep dive into the cell membrane, its function, structure, and behavior. I truly feel that an extra few days to establish a strong understanding of the cell membrane helps my students better understand cellular transport. Today
I’ve got a super fun and engaging activity that your students will be talking about long after it’s over! I have been hosting my cell organelles speed dating event for many years and it never fails to fully engage my Biology kiddos. It’s easy to set up, student-directed, and is
In the words of the infamous father of forensics, Edmond Locard, “Every contact leaves a trace.” Locard’s Exchange Principle is the cornerstone on which I build my Introduction to Forensics unit. Over the years, it has become one of my favorite topics to teach in the first few weeks of
As teachers, we put so much thought and intention into our classrooms. It is our home away from home for us and our students. An organized and well thought out classroom shows your students that you care about them and that you take pride in your job. It also makes
Today on the blog….a fun activity for teaching lab procedures. Setting the stage for the school year involves teaching procedures and routines. I spend the first two weeks of school teaching my students how my classroom works and this includes discussing lab procedures and expectations. After reviewing basic lab rules,
A few years ago, I introduced podcasts into my Forensics classroom. It started as a desperate attempt to fill a 30-minute time void in my block class and I stumbled across Crime Junkies. I honestly thought, “There is no way a group of teenagers are going to be entertained by
Today, on the blog, I am sharing how I execute my Arson Inquiry Lab- A Forensics Activity. A few years ago, arson was my least favorite topic to teach in Forensics. It was dry, boring and difficult to find engaging activities for my students. In a desperate attempt to get
Can I be honest? Teaching macromolecules could very well be one of the most boring topics in Biology! Well….it was for me….until last year, when I decided to re-vamp my lesson plan to include more engaging activities. Today, on the blog, I am sharing some ideas for Teaching Macromolecules in
Deductive reasoning is an essential academic skill for forensic science students. Activities that help students develop their deductive reasoning can be implemented to complement many areas of the curriculum and are always a lot of fun. As students participate in engaging deductive reasoning activities, they develop foundational knowledge for using logic
A new school year is upon us and setting the stage for a great year is my #1 priority in the first week of my Forensics classes. I have rounded up a collection of the activities that I do with my Forensics students and am sharing them with you today
If you teach Forensics, you know how much fun a mock crime scene can be. This Dill Pickle Autopsy activity is a student-favorite and can be used in so many different ways. Today, on the blog, I will show you how to prep for this fun and engaging activity. I
One of my favorite topics to teach in Forensics is toxicology. This topic always fosters deep conversations with my students and they are always engaged in the activities that comprise this unit. Today on the blog, I am sharing 7 activities to add to your Forensic Toxicology unit. If you
As a new school year approaches, Forensics teachers across the world are scrambling to find virtual labs and activities for their Forensic Science classrooms. In my collaborative Facebook group for Forensic Science teachers, the question “How do we virtually teach such a hands-on course?” comes up in conversation on a
Amazon is my JAM! It’s my go-to for some of my classroom favorites. Check out these 15 Amazon MUST-HAVES for Teachers! Note: This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. By purchasing an item on the Amazon site using these links, I
My forensics class just completed our first unit (investigative processes). To assess my students’ knowledge of crime scene investigation, I hosted our first mock crime scene. Of the school year.
This week, students will take part in a school-wide criminal investigation to determine WHO KILLED IMA MINOR?
Today, they processed the crime scene. Tomorrow will be all about analyzing the evidence, and the rest of the week will be spent questioning witnesses and building a case.
This is one of my favorite activities of the year! 🤩
Want to host a mock crime scene in your own classroom? Head over to my blog to learn how:
www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/mockcrimescene
#forensics #forensicscience #scienceteacher #forensicsteacher
An activity that my students won’t soon forget!
This cell organelles riddle scavenger hunt had my bio classes scurrying around the school today solving riddles and showcasing their knowledge of cell organelles. 🏃 🏃🏼♀️
It was so much fun!
If you want to grab it for your own students, head to www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/riddles
Oh…. By the way…. It’s 1/2 off for the next 24 hours! 😊
Another lab day in the books 📚
Today, we started discussing properties of the cell membrane. The best way to introduce this topic is with the CELL MEMBRANE BUBBLE LAB 🫧
I have a blog post that explains how I make the solution for this lab, how I set it up, and where you can download a free lab sheet.
Head over to www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/bubbles for all the deets! 📝
The doctor is in! 🏥
Today, I assessed my bio students on their knowledge of cell function with this activity called CELL CLINIC.
I set up “exam rooms” of patients with various symptoms and ailments. 🩹
Students had to study the symptoms and lab work to determine which cell organelles were malfunctioning. They had to read, collaborate, and discuss to provide a diagnosis for each patient. 📝
Our local hospital donated these gowns and masks 😷 (which provided us with some fun role play).
Check out this activity at
www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/clinic
Cell organelle speed dating- one of my bio favs!
💗 Love was in the air today as our organelles mixed and mingled to learn about one other’s function within the cell. 💕
✔️ We had punch.
✔️ We had lots of laughs.
✔️ We had fun!
Learn all about how I set up and executed this event over on my blog:
www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/date
It’s time for a GIVEAWAY! 🥳
Let me know in the comments how your school year is going so far!
On Wednesday, September 4th, I’ll pick one commenter and send you a $20 TPT giftcard. (I’ll tag the winner here on this thread.)
Good luck!
I use a progress monitoring system in my high school biology classroom. 📊 Collecting useful data and using it to drive instruction has revolutionized my classes and offered a path of success for my students.
In this system, the focus is on 💫 PROGRESS- not perfection. It takes a while to train students to focus on personal growth, but once they buy in to this system, the results are AMAZING 🤩.
This “data wall” showcases the data collected through 6 benchmark exams. The data from each benchmark is analyzed to decide how I can best serve my students. 📈
It’s a visual reminder for both me and my students that progress is being made… and at the end of the year, it serves as evidence of the learning that has taken place.
This week, I begin progress monitoring with a new group of bio students. I can’t wait to take this journey and watch each student grow this year. 🌟
If you are a biology teacher that’s interested in learning how this system works, I am offering a series of webinars in the next few weeks. Register for this FREE webinar at the link below:
www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/data
Turn your traditional microscope lab into a classroom INVESTIGATION! 🕵️♂️
The Case of the Missing Quiz assesses your students’ microscope skills 🔬 by having them solve a crime! This CSI-style lab is a fun twist on the traditional microscope lab and is sure to have your science students begging for more!
Grab this fun activity at www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/microscope
A few days ago, I shared an engaging “first day of school” activity where students participate in a scavenger hunt-style activity.
I had several teachers share that they prefer an independent assignment for the first day. Since the first day is incredibly chaotic, it makes sense to have something that they students can work on while we teachers focus on the administrative tasks.
If you are a teacher that prefers a student focused, independent task for the first day, I’ve got you covered!
Head over to my blog to download this free ABOUT ME packet.
www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/firstdays
I cannot get motivated! I’m PHYSICALLY in my classroom, but MENTALLY, I’m still on summer break. ☀️
Send help! 🤪
My students call me the QUEEN OF ORGANIZATION! 👸
These are a few ways that I keep my high school science classroom organized.
I have many of these items saved in my Amazon storefront. Just click the link in my bio and select “Amazon Favs” then “Classroom Organization.”
#highschoolteacher #classroomorganization #scienceteacher #classroommanagement #teachersofinstagram
On the first day of school, my students will be participating in a “discover the classroom” activity to learn about the classroom and how it works.
I have students visit different spaces in the classroom and answer questions about each space.
It gets the kids up and moving, while making them feel more comfortable with the classroom. It’s easy to set up and is the perfect FIRST DAY activity.
To grab an editable version to use in your classroom, head to www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/discover
Those that know me know that I am an advocate for having a procedure for EVERYTHING that students are expected to do in the classroom.
In fact, I spend the first 2 weeks of school outlining rules, procedures, and expectations. We practice the procedures for entering the classroom, transitioning from desks to the lab area, turning in assignments, etc.
Does this take time from valuable science content?
Yep! But….
A well-managed classroom will ensure that “content time” is maximized after this first weeks of drilling procedures and routines!
To help my students remember the rules and procedures, I created a procedures board to refer to throughout the year. My students know the expectations of the classroom and by the third week of school, it’s running like a well-oiled machine.
You can grab all of the details about this board and download a free copy of these procedure signs over on my blog:
www.thetrendyscienceteacher.com/posters
Color coding my chromebook cart is one of the BEST decisions that I’ve ever made for my classroom! 💻
I purchased a roll of multi-colored washi tape from Amazon and it was the perfect way to organize the cart so that my students were held accountable for putting their chromebooks away appropriately.
Each chromebook is numbered and each numbered chromebook has a color coded spot and cord in the cart. This number corresponds with the students’ desk number so students are easily identified if they don’t return their chromebook appropriately.
#classroomorganization #classroommanagement #classroompinspirations #classroomsetup #scienceteacher
I’m living my best “teacher on break” life! 🍎 ☀️ 🏝️
After my hardest school year yet, I was in desperate need of a reset. I’m 5 weeks in to summer break and I’m finally starting to feel like myself again.
I hope that you are getting some much needed rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation on your summer break! 💜
Join The Trendy Science Teacher team to get these FREE Differentiated Scientific Method Task Cards in both print and digital versions!
