A Twist on the typical Cell Project

Each year I do a cell project with my middle school students during our unit on cells.  Students, in groups, are charged with creating a 3D model of a cell.  The twist is that the organelles can't be represented as they actually look, but must be represented as their function.  For example, the mitochondrion might be represented as a power plant because the mitochondrion converts energy stored in food into ATP for cells.

You can get a copy of this project for free on TPT and TES.

The Best Pencil Sharpener EVER!!!

This year I started using the BEST PENCIL SHARPENER EVER!!!  Ok, this may seem dramatic, but as a teacher you know that pencil sharpeners can be a big pain in the classroom.  In my classroom there were two choices - the old fashion pencil sharpener that has been bolted the wall for the past fifty years or the electric sharpener that always gets jammed or makes so much noise.  I had hear about the pencil sharpener from Classroom Friendly Supplies last year and, though it looked good, wasn't sure if it was really worth it.  I finally took the plunge and bought a sharpener.  I am so glad that I did because it really is the best sharpener.  It's super easy to use, quiet and works great.  I recorded a short video so you can see how it works.

I know I mentioned this is the video, but while it comes with a clamp I would suggest that you don't use it.  I have used it with and without the clamp and I think it's better without the clamp.  It falls off and then the kids think they broke it and it just takes up time.  There is a permanent mounting bracket you can get if you want to permanently mount it somewhere.

So since writing is not my strong suit and I'm not good at conclusions, I'm just going to leave you with this:  You need at least one of these sharpeners in your classroom asap.  I regret not getting one sooner.


Classroom Friendly Supplies has provided me with this sharpener for purposes of providing a review. I received it at no charge to me and I am under no obligation to return the product but can keep it for me own personal use. In addition, the above link is a referral link.

Build molecules in 2D and view them in 3D

MolView is a website (and it works on iPads too!!) that allows you to build molecules and see what they would look like in a variety of views.  Even better, it has a giant list of compounds, molecules and atoms that you can choose from.

There is a slight learning curve when building your own molecules, but once you figure it out it's pretty easy.  All you need to do is to drop some atoms on the screen and then choose the bond type and connect the two atoms.  You can get fancier and start with some fragments (as the site calls them).  These are you basic carbon rings and things like that.

If you need to to have all of the directions spelled out for you, you can view the user manual here.   You might be more a visual learner and, if so, you can view their YouTube channel for some quick videos.   Here is an overview video of what the site has to offer.

Phases of the Moon Webquest

Last week I had some of my students complete a phases of the moon webquest. I say some of my students, because I have been differentiating my classroom assignments and so not all students do every assignment as they are at different levels.

What I like about this is that it hits many learning styles. PBS has a great site that is included in the webquest. You can check this out here. After I had the students go through that with some questions they moved onto to drawing the phases of the moon. I like to think of it as a cross between a little doodling and coloring. It's an easy task to let the kids feel like they are getting a break. The whole activity ends with students looking up what the phase of the moon on the day that they were born. A site like this can be used.

Feel free to take this idea and make it your own, but if you would like to get the one that I made up you can find it on Syllabuy.

Take a look at my other lessons 

  

My new spin on notes

Every year I struggle with how to give notes to my students.  I have tired giving students cloze notes, cornell notes, no guides, key word keys and full copies of the notes.  I try to think about the grade level I'm teaching and focus my note plan on that.  Especially with my high school students I really want to teach them the skill of note taking, but then I think back to college and remembered that many of my teachers posted their slides.  I know that was almost 10 years ago, but I'm sure that things have progressed since then and most professors are posting their notes.  So this year, I am trying something new with my 10th and 11th grade chemistry students.  I plan on giving them the slides, but not the full set.  Some slides I include for emphasis or illustrative purposes.  I don't feel that I need to print those slides, but I will encourage students to take additional notes if they would like.  In addition, I will often have problems worked out on my slides to give the solution to a problem.  The student version on the notes don't have the answers filled in so that they can solve the problems themselves.

Click here for an example of what I'm going to try.  You can see my teacher copy with the full notes and the student copy.  I am going to print out the slides for them in the notes format so that students have room to take some notes.  I also made sure to label each packet with the unit name.  I keep it simple; so for this measurement unit I will call each packet Measurement 1, Measurement 2......  I know that students don't always keep things organized, so if their papers get out of order at least they will know which papers are from which unit.

What are you methods for giving notes?

Freebie for my Fashion Forward Teaching Friends

Hey teacher friends! I know I usually share science classroom tips with you, but this something that I've fallen love with and wanted to share it with you! While teacher manicures might not be traditional teaching tips, I feel anything that makes you feel better about yourself, looks professional, and won't break the budget on a teacher's salary is a great tip. :)

Plus, you have a stressful job! The simple step of taking care of you can not only make you feel better about yourself, but will also translate when working with others and even teaching in the classroom.

In case you haven't heard about Jamberry Nails, they are the newest trend in DIY manicures!

They are special adhesive-backed vinyl that "shrink wraps" to your nails when heat and pressure are applied - and that part is super easy too!

You only need a few items that you probably already have sitting at home!

I wasn't sure about them, but when another teacher blogger offered a free sample (get yours here) I figured I had nothing to loose. After trying them I knew I loved them.  I love having my nails done, but hate dealing with chipped nail polish. I actually HATE painting my nails most of the time because I hate the smell, the dry time, and they tend to last for about 2.3 seconds until they chip on my hands.

But Jamberry was different!  I had a gorgeous manicure that lasted about 10 days on my hands (although some people are able to get up to 2 weeks of wear). When I tried them on my toes they lasted well over a month.

There is no dry time, no smell (they aren't made of polish like other nail strips), and there are over 300 different designs!

I know that you are wondering about getting a sample for yourself.  Click this link and request one right away!

I know living on a teacher's salary can tough, so if I come across a product or opportunity to help - I honestly want to help. It might not be for you, but you can always try a sample to see if you are addicted as much as me. lol!

Have a wonderful school year and stay stylish!

Powtoon $10 Million Dollars of Classroom Accounts Giveaway

I have mentioned PowToon before, but in case you missed it PowToon is a way to create short animated videos. It's a really simple way to introduce things to your students or at a presentation. Well PowToon is Giving Away $10 Million Dollars of Classroom Accounts for The New School Year. All you have to do is go this link and create an account.

This won't last for long, so hurry up and sign up today!

This post also appears of my Educational Technology Blog - The Tech Savvy Science Teacher