In this lab, students will examine the function of the muscular system as they dissect and manipulate a chicken wing. Students will be asked to identify the types of muscles and make observations on how the muscles and bones interact. After completing the lab, students will be able to answer the essential question: What is the function of the skeletal … Read More
Catastrophic Events Inquiry Lab
In this lab, students will create an ecosystem, describe and predict what will happen to their ecosystem when the river water rises, and recreate a flood, and investigate the impact on the ecosystem. Each inquiry lab will contain an essential question that will drive the lesson.. For this lesson, the essential question is: In what ways does flooding impact the … Read More
Major Tectonic Plates Inquiry Lab
In this lab, students will label the continents on their world map, then students will create a simulation to show how convection currents cause tectonic plates to shift and rise. Each inquiry lab will contain an essential questions that will drive the lessons and make students think. For this lesson, the essential question is: What are the major tectonic plates … Read More
Topographic Maps Inquiry Lab
In this lab, students will learn the concepts of topographic maps by using playdough or clay to make models to topographic maps. They will also learn how to read contour lines to determine how erosional features such as waterfalls, rivers, and runoff have impacted the land over time. Each inquiry lab will contain an essential questions that will drive the … Read More
CONTINENTAL DRIFT THEORY INQUIRY LAB
In this lab, students will explore artifacts supporting Continental Drift Theory, then model continental drift. Each inquiry lab will contain an essential questions that will drive the lessons and make students think. For this lesson, the essential question is: How does the historical development of evidence support the theory of plate tectonics? BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND MATERIALS LIST: Students will begin … Read More
CONSERVATION OF MASS INQUIRY LAB
In this lab, students will observe cellular respiration and its chemical equation. Students will then create a model to demonstrate the conservation of mass within cellular respiration. After completing the lab, students will be able to answer these essential questions: What happens to the total number of atoms in a chemical reaction How are subscripts and coefficients used a chemical … Read More
Kesler Science Giveaway
Tpt is having their largest sale of the year. In support of the sale, I’m not only marking my store down 25% but I’m also giving away 20, $20 gift cards. There are many ways to enter. Good luck
Differentiated Inquiry Labs for Middle School Science Teachers
Last week, I shared an article with you about five myths that prevent science teachers from doing more labs in the classroom. This week, I’m going to share with you the myth-busting (<– see what I did there?) solutions which will increase the number of labs a science teacher can do. When I left the classroom, the number one problem … Read More
“When Are We Going to do Another Lab?”
“When Are We Going to do Another Lab?” Early on in my teaching career, I had a student ask me this question and I panicked. I had a hundred responses on we couldn’t do labs ALL. THE. TIME., but looking back most of them were just excuses coming from a brand new teacher. I always felt like teaching science was … Read More
5 High-Quality Characteristics to Consider When Using Natural Phenomena in Your Science Classes
We’ve all seen that blank stare on students’ faces whenever you’re teaching an abstract science concept like atoms or cells. They are either thinking to themselves, “Why does this matter to me?”, or “I wonder what’s for lunch today?” A teacher’s job is difficult enough as is. Using natural phenomena to introduce a science concept is a research-based method to increase … Read More