Projects Archives - Secondary Sparks

Why You Should Try Project-Based Learning in Middle School Science

Michelle Rudolph — Fri, 17 May 2024 16:00:59 +0000

Project-Based Learning, or PBL, just seems to be one of those buzzwords in education right now. You hear about it online, your school’s district or admin might be pushing it and you’re unsure because it feels like just another trend in education that will fade. Let me be the first to tell you that I thought the same way when I first heard about PBL. Then, I actually tried it and it changed my entire mindset on the topic, for better. Let me tell you why project-based learning in middle school science is something you should try at least once during the school year.

It's Not Your Average Project

Project-based learning in middle school science is not the same as the projects you’re used to assigning in class. It’s not limited to things like edible cell models, posters of the solar system or powerpoint presentations on Newton’s laws of motion. It’s bigger and much more meaningful than that. It’s an experience students will remember.

PBLWorks (bie.org) defines project-based learning as “a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects.” Not the vibe you get from a simple poster project or shoebox diorama, right? The focus on PBL is to relate your classroom content to the real-world. This makes it more relatable to students so that you spark their interest, make them curious and get what we all want from our middle schoolers: buy-in.

Real-World Relevance

PBL takes classroom content and relates it to the real world. By having students answer a driving question that requires critical thinking and problem solving skills, you are creating a learning experience that is more meaningful to students. Once you tap into a student’s interests and align standards with it, you are likely to maintain engagement. How many times have you been asked “how does this relate to my life?” in your science class? Give them the opportunity to find the answer themselves in an authentic way.

Inspire Creativity and Innovation

Your students have talents and abilities beyond what they demonstrate on a summative assessment. PBl offers students a chance to have some autonomy in their learning, encourages creativity and allows them to be innovative. During the OBL process, students have the chance to explore different solutions to a problem, try out new ideas and think outside the box.

As the teacher, you are the “guide on the side” during the PBL process vs being the “sage on the stage.” The autonomy your students will have will allow them to explore learning in a way that is different from any other way they have learned before. You are tapping into students’ natural curiosity and their desire to explore.

PBL Encourages Collaboration

Having students work together to answer the PBL driving question fosters collaboration because students are required to communicate, share ideas and coordinate their efforts to achieve a common goal. These are skills that are not only important in the classroom, but will follow them into their lives through adulthood.

The feedback process can also be very impactful for students. By providing, and receiving feedback from their peers, students learn how to use constructive dialogue and refine their thoughts with the help of their peers.

Of course, collaboration will sometimes involve conflict. Students may not always see eye to eye. It’s important for students to navigate these challenges and work to solve them appropriately. Once again, this is another skill that will follow them into adulthood. PBL promotes open communication, encourages productive working relationships and develops interpersonal skills.

Your Students Will Surprise You

They will surprise you in the best way. Letting go of some of the control in the classroom and giving your students autonomy in their learning can have real benefits. You will see things in your students that you normally don’t get the opportunity to see. You will be able to see their creative skills, how they work with others to solve problems, watch them actively work to come up with a solution, revise their work and present their findings. You will learn so much about your students beyond their academic skills which can be such a rewarding experience for not only the student, but for you as the teacher as well.

Have I Convinced You Yet?

I’m hoping that you are reading this and realizing that implementing project-based learning in middle school science can truly be a transformative process in your classroom, in the best way. If you’re looking to try one out for yourself but you aren’t quite ready to do all the thinking and planning yourself, check out these ready-made project-based learning activities:

1. Create a Musical Instrument: Sound Waves Project Based Learning

This is a five-part project-based learning activity for students about sound waves. This project allows students to take their knowledge of sound waves and apply it to creating their own musical instrument, advertisement for that instrument and a music video. This can be done after a unit on sound waves and energy or throughout.

2. Hurricanes Project Based Learning: Tracking and Preparing for a Storm

This is a Project-Based Learning activity that can be implemented in almost any science classroom for a hurricanes or severe weather unit. It is all about hurricanes. Students will learn how storm systems are tracked throughout the season, how to prepare for an approaching storm and create a PSA or newscast to help the community prepare.

3. Plastic Pollution and its Impact on the Biodiversity of Coral Reefs

This is a Project-Based Learning activity that can be implemented in almost any science classroom and comes with a digital google slides version. It is all about how plastic pollution has an effect on the biodiversity of the coral reefs. Students compile research, create a public service announcement and then an action plan to create a solution to this real-world problem.

The post Why You Should Try Project-Based Learning in Middle School Science appeared first on Secondary Sparks.

How to Celebrate Women’s History Month in Science Class

Michelle Rudolph — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 17:00:28 +0000

As March approaches, you may start thinking about Women’s History Month and how you can infuse that in your science class. Yes, we should be celebrating women in science all year round, not just in March but Women’s History Month gives us an opportunity to highlight women in all fields of STEM including mathematics, astronomy, biology, engineering, marine science, physics, geology, medicine and beyond. Teaching science allows us the opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists. These activities will give you an idea of how you can celebrate women’s history in science class with enthusiasm and in a way that honors the achievements of amazing women in STEM!

Activities to Celebrate Women’s History Month in Science

Highlighting Women in STEM:

For all of March, you can choose a different woman in science who has had an impact in the STEM field. Incorporate this into your warm ups, exit tickets or find a way to infuse them into the topic you are teaching. If you are teaching about space, think about women such as Mae Jemison or Sally Ride to talk about. It doesn’t always have to be a completely new lesson! Here are some books about women in the marine science field or written by women.

Guest Speakers:

Find a woman in the STEM field to talk to your class. Find someone local who can hop on a virtual Zoom call or can come in to talk to your students. A local engineer, doctor, scientist or mathematician. Just reach out and ask! They can share their career path, experiences, answer questions and provide real-world insight into STEM careers.

STEM Challenges:

Think of different experiments of STEM challenges that can be tied into a discovery or invention from a female in STEM. This gives your students a hands-on approach to learning while still highlighting the achievements of a woman in that particular field. Students can explore and innovate based on the challenges faced by women in their career, making the learning more meaningful for them.

Career Panels:

Group students into panels to discuss different careers in the STEM field. They can discuss the different careers, education and highlight women who have had success within those fields. This allows students to gain insight into potential career paths.

Women in Science Brochure Project

This Women in STEM Brochure Project can be used in any middle school or high school STEM class. Students choose a woman to focus on and create a brochure that is based on that woman and her accomplishments in their field. They research their life, education, career, notable awards, innovations, discoveries and more. Students can complete their brochure on paper or in Google Classroom. Allow students to present their brochure. This can give students the opportunity to learn about more than one influential woman in STEM. Once the project is completed, they can be added to a bulletin board or a hallway to celebrate Women’s History Month. But as always, you can celebrate women in STEM anytime during the year!

The post How to Celebrate Women’s History Month in Science Class appeared first on Secondary Sparks.

How I Pace my Middle School Physical Science Units

Michelle Rudolph — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 01:15:55 +0000

After eight years of teaching physical science, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to pace out my physical science units. I’ve had some pacing guides from my district in the past, but the units never seemed to line up the way I wanted. This left me to do things my own way and create a physical science pacing guide that worked for me.

If you’re interested in how I teach physical science or how you can switch up your own physical science pacing guide, keep on reading!

Unit 1: Lab Safety, Scientific Investigations & Inquiry

Lab Safety. We all have to teach it, right? I use at least a week for this unit, especially in 6th grade, because they are learning the information for the first time. I use these lab safety activities (which are free, by the way) that include a set of warm ups, 24 task cards, and a choice board. Basically, all you need for a lab safety unit…for free!

Next, I focus on Scientific Investigations and Inquiry. I teach this in isolation, especially in 6th grade, where the vocabulary is new. I explicitly teach this unit in the beginning and then infuse it in my labs and other physical science units throughout the year. My students always struggle with these concepts, so I don’t expect mastery the first go-round. Instead, I make sure to review, review, and review some more.

Unit 2: Matter

For the matter physical science unit, I always start with atoms and the atomic theory. Then I move into properties of matter. Next, we discuss mass, volume, density, and other physical and chemical properties of matter.

Those concepts naturally lead to physical and chemical changes, as well as changes in states of matter. Lastly, I teach the periodic table and pure substances and mixtures. You can grab a done-for-you matter unit to make teaching these concepts even easier.

Unit 3: Waves

The waves unit is my personal favorite. Most students have no prior knowledge of waves, so it can be a tough physical science unit, but I find it really fun. We start by discussing what a wave is, what they do, and the properties of waves.

Then, students learn the difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves as well as go into more depth with the electromagnetic spectrum. We end the unit with interactions of light waves. My waves bundle resource has everything you need to teach this unit

Unit 4: Energy

Next in the physical science curriculum map is energy. This unit begins with what energy is and the different forms of energy. After talking about each form, we go into energy transformations and the law of conservation of energy. If you want to make this unit a total breeze, check out my energy unit bundle.

Unit 5: Forces and Motion

Our last physical science unit starts with a review of potential and kinetic energy. Then, we learn about motion, speed, and acceleration. Lastly, I save forces for the end of the year.

We cover the different types of forces, including unbalanced and balanced forces, calculating net force, and more. We also review Newton’s Laws of Motion. With the forces and motion unit bundle, you’ll have everything you need to teach this unit.

If the thought of planning your physical science curriculum map, and all of the activities, lessons, and assessments for the units sounds terrifying, the Physical Science Year-Long Bundle is perfect for you. This bundle has activities for every unit in my pacing guide, including waves, energy, and more. You’ll find lessons, guided notes, warm ups, task cards, assessments, labs, and PBLs for every single unit, so you can feel confident walking into each lesson.

Grab the free physical science pacing guide below!

The post How I Pace my Middle School Physical Science Units appeared first on Secondary Sparks.

3 Lessons I Learned From Using Science Choice Boards

Michelle Rudolph — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 00:51:42 +0000

We all know giving students a choice in how they demonstrate their knowledge is key, but how exactly do you do that? With choice boards! Choice boards are a great way to increase engagement, encourage independence, and allow autonomy in your classroom. I’ve been using science choice boards with my students for several years now, and I’ve learned a few things that have improved the experience for me and my students.

Here are some reasons why I am a total fan of choice boards in my science classroom:

#1 Choice Boards Help To Build And Maintain Relationships With Students

Because choice boards allow students to pick how they demonstrate their knowledge, you can learn a lot about the kids in your room! As students are working, I’m able to listen in on conversations with their peers and observe skills they might be struggling with. It’s also fun when you find out that you’ve had a secret artist in your class or that someone is highly skilled in an area they’ve never mentioned before.

I can then use this new information about students to engage with them and show them that I am interested in who they are outside of the classroom.

#2 Science Choice Boards Made Me Evaluate My Grading And Assessment Strategy

Traditional assessments can be limiting for a lot of students. Not every student is able to show what they know through multiple-choice or written response assignments. Also, many students suffer from test anxiety, which can impact their scores.

On the other hand, science choice boards are more relaxed and creative, and they allow for more open-ended assessments. When I’m grading, I make sure to look at the whole picture, not just the final product. This can actually give you a better idea of what your students know (or don’t) compared to a multiple-choice exam.

#3 Choice Boards Allow Me To Learn About My Students’ Strengths And Weaknesses

Because science choice boards allow autonomy and independence, I’m able to gain insight into what skills students lean into and which skills they may be avoiding or struggling with. Choice boards can give you a great idea of students’ gaps because you can see their whole process, not just simply their final answer.

Using information about students’ gaps, I can make a plan to address those gaps and support my students where they need it. This can be done in a mini-lesson, small group, or while the choice boards are happening with some 1:1 intervention.

Ready-to-Go Science Choice Boards

Looking for some print-and-go science choice boards? Check out these low-prep choice boards that you can use during a unit or as a review during independent work and stations.

Thermal Energy and Heat Choice Board – This editable choice board helps students apply their knowledge of conduction, convection, radiation, and thermal energy in various creative ways.

Changes in States of Matter Choice Board – This science choice board is also editable and supports differentiation and creativity while students communicate their understanding of the changes in states of matter.

Interactions of Light Waves Choice Board – Allow your middle school students to demonstrate their knowledge of interactions of light with this editable science choice board.

Want to give choice boards a try? Grab this Science Choice Board Freebie! It can be used for any topic in your science classroom, so customize it to your current or upcoming unit.

The post 3 Lessons I Learned From Using Science Choice Boards appeared first on Secondary Sparks.

Coral Reefs and Human Impact PBL for Middle School

Michelle Rudolph — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 18:23:59 +0000

One of the best parts of teaching science is being able to talk about real-world issues. We can help our students see how the world is impacted by our actions (the good and the bad). In this specific unit, we dive into why coral reefs are important, as well as human impact on coral reefs and how plastic pollution affects them.

This isn’t some scientific theory that is hard for students to grasp – it’s happening right now. And through units like this, we can help students understand our world better and maybe even become advocates for change! To make this unit interactive and hands-on, I like to use project-based learning.

Before starting the PBL

Before you jump right into the project, you want to introduce the topic with a whole group lesson and guided notes. During this lesson, you can cover essential vocab like biome, biodiversity, microplastics, etc. Having this whole group lesson at the beginning really lays the foundation for a successful PBL experience. The importance of introducing this is to build background knowledge and help students understand why coral reefs are important.

Next, I like to have students practice the information with task cards and a food lab. During the food lab, students make an edible coral polyp with Twizzlers, sprinkles, gummy worms, fruit rolls ups, frosting, and Rice Krispy treats. It’s messy, but a fun way to represent the structure of coral polyp anatomy. After students have practiced, we’re ready to dive into the actual PBL experience!

PBL for Coral Reefs and Human Impact

For this project-based learning activity, students will answer the question: how does plastic pollution affect the biodiversity of the Coral Reef? Using their background knowledge on why coral reefs are important and the essential vocabulary, students are ready to dig deeper!

Here’s how I structure the PBL:

Introduce the project. This really sets the tone for the unit and keeps students on track with a goal in mind. I like to write the question on the board and come back to it throughout the project.
Create a sketch. Have students create a sketch of what they think a healthy, biodiverse coral reef looks like. They can apply what they know about coral reefs here.
Research. Students will begin researching the coral reef and the current state of things. This can be done individually, with a partner, or even in small groups depending on your class size and dynamics.
Create a new sketch. After researching, have students create another sketch that represents the “true” state of coral reefs based on what they learned.
Create a PSA. Now that students know why coral reeds are important and what is happening with coral reefs – they can inform others! Put students into groups to create a PSA about biodiversity and how plastic pollution has affected coral reefs.
Create an Action Plan. Finally, have students create an action plan that gets the school or community involved in efforts to reduce the plastic in the oceans. Their action plan will focus on why coral reefs are important and what the average citizen can do to help.

Want to bring this Coral Reef PBL to your classroom? Check out the Coral Reef Project-Based Learning resource. This PBL is done for you, so you can easily implement the project in your classroom. The resource includes paper and digital resources to help students illustrate, research, create, and reflect!

Grab the Coral Research PBL

The post Coral Reefs and Human Impact PBL for Middle School appeared first on Secondary Sparks.