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Science doesn’t have to require a ton of prep to be engaging. Check out my favorite science resources and activities that your students will love.

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  • This post shares strategies for integrating science and reading and specifically how to implement close reading in science instruction. 
  • Do your students struggle with studying? Check out this post for strategies and free printables for teaching students how to study in upper elementary.
  • Textbook reading CAN be engaging. Read this post for some textbook reading tips to make your instruction engaging and comprehensible.
  • Need new review games and ideas? This post shares five different review games and activities to play with your students using beach balls!
  • Review can be engaging, rigorous, sometimes even “fun”. Read this post for engaging ways to review that are student approved and easy prep. These are great to mix up your text prep review.
  • Using videos in science is a great way to reinforce what you are teaching. This post shares videos for teaching plant and animal cells.

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Browse the archives below for even more great ideas

How to Implement Close Reading in Science {Freebie Included}

Today I am talking all about science and close reading and specifically how to implement close reading  in science instruction. The strategies I am going to share would also work well with social studies. In addition to these strategies that I will share in this post (that can be used with any text!), I also have a free passage and set of text dependent close reading ... Read More

Teaching Students How to Study

One thing that I have learned teaching upper elementary is that some students have to be taught how to study. Most don't come to us already knowing how to study. Sure, some students grasp the material quickly and retain it easily. However, the majority of my students needed me to explicitly teach them strong study methods they could do independently or with someone else. ... Read More

Thanksgiving Science Activities {With Cranberries}

Science and Thanksgiving are not two things that I typically put together. However, I recently found some really fun Thanksgiving science activities that involve Thanksgiving food.  Make sure you check this site out if you are interested in a few more Thanksgiving science activities. Floating Cranberries This first science activity explores whether cranberries ... Read More

Easy No Prep Physical and Chemical Changes Activity for Fall

Last fall, we did this super quick (but fun for the kids) fall themed 10 minute activity to review physical and chemical changes. This physical and chemical changes activity is ridiculously easy and cheap but also engaging. All you need is a bag of pumpkin shaped marshmallows (to go with the fall theme, regular marshmallows would work if you do this at any other ... Read More

Fall Science Experiment: Dissolving Pumpkins

Fall is my favorite season! I love the cooler weather, the changing leaves, and even football season! I really love incorporating fall activities into the classroom and especially fall science experiments.  This post shares a quick fall science experiment that is perfect for exploring the scientific method. Here are the supplies you will need. Note: The printables I used ... Read More

Roller Coaster Fun: Potential and Kinetic Energy Review

My first year or two teaching I was very guilty of thinking that engaging science needed to involve some sort of complex science experiment. Thank goodness I learned a few years in that that was not true. I learned that drawing, designing, and even reflective discussions were a great way to engage my students in science topics we were studying. Last week this was put ... Read More

Welcome friends! I’m Jennifer Findley: a teacher, mother, and avid reader. I believe that with the right resources, mindset, and strategies, all students can achieve at high levels and learn to love learning. My goal is to provide resources and strategies to inspire you and help make this belief a reality for your students. Learn more about me.

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