DNA and genetics are intriguing phenomena in science. It seems mysterious and almost magical to students, which inspires their curiosity and desire to learn more. That makes it fun and easy to teach! DNA is also fun to teach because we get to do lots of modeling and hands-on activities. The purpose of this lessonContinue reading “Explaining DNA: Teaching Tips and Lecture Notes”
Tag Archives: Notes
12 Study Tips to Teach Middle School Students
In this blog post I share some of my best study tips for middle school students. I learned them over the years from my amazing teacher mentors, while supporting my students, and becoming a better learner myself. Whether you are a teacher, student, or lifelong learner, these tips can help make studying easier and moreContinue reading “12 Study Tips to Teach Middle School Students”
How She Teaches Presentation Skills
I do this short Presentation Skills class discussion with students before we do presentations in class. It is crazy the difference this simple exercise makes. Their presentations are much, much better. Students already know what a good presentation looks and sounds like. They just need to be reminded. That’s what this 20 minute lesson does.Continue reading “How She Teaches Presentation Skills”
Comprehensive Guide for Teaching Pathogens and Infectious Diseases
The immune system, and especially infectious diseases, have always been interesting topics to students. They already know a lot about infectious diseases, but many have never defined it or put it into context before. In this blog post I share some of my favorite lesson ideas to teach infectious diseases, pathogens, and the immune system:Continue reading “Comprehensive Guide for Teaching Pathogens and Infectious Diseases”
How She Teaches Body Systems
Biology is the study of life, and in Biology the main system we study is the human body. Body Systems is a great topic to teach in Biology at the beginning of the year. My students are so curious about their bodies and their health. They have so many questions and they spark interesting conversationsContinue reading “How She Teaches Body Systems”
How She Teaches: System, Structure, Function, Component
Systems are parts working together. Many things in science are systems, and in Biology the main system we study is the human body. This lesson is a great way to jump into science content at the beginning of the year. I use this lesson to introduce the Vocabulary Log. A Vocab Log is a simpleContinue reading “How She Teaches: System, Structure, Function, Component”
5 Ways to Take Notes Without a Worksheet
It’s good to keep students busy, but I don’t like to feel like I’m giving busy work. Lots of worksheets can feel like busy work. When students create things in their notebooks, they use their brains. They process information and learn. In this blog post I’m happy to share 5 different ways to take notesContinue reading “5 Ways to Take Notes Without a Worksheet”
How to Teach Vocabulary With a Vocabulary Log
Vocabulary is an important part of my lessons and my teaching. Science, especially Biology, is a vocabulary dense field. If vocabulary isn’t explicitly taught, students have a hard time understanding the complex concepts and processes. With Vocabulary Logs, students define, illustrate, and summarize, which are processes that help connect ideas and information in their brains.Continue reading “How to Teach Vocabulary With a Vocabulary Log”