Welcoming the New School Year!

We're back!  As a parent and a teacher it feels good to be back in a routine.  I am SO thrilled to be teaching earth science this year.  I am also teaching an honors physical science class.  I still have a number of life science resources that aren't quite ready to post.  Here are some pictures of my room this year!

This is the bulletin board outside my classroom.

Here are my Mineral Group posters.  See my post from July for the link to print these for free!

My desk area

The front half of my classroom

Some foldable activities I'm getting ready for next week.  Here is the link if you want to check them out.
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Matter-Bundle-1320878

Be sure to check back next week when I introduce my favorite science fair project ideas for this year!  Hope your year is off to a great start!
Lisa

My First Venture in Earth Science: Mineral Star of the Week!

How do I get my students interested in rocks and minerals? When my students leave 7th grade, what do I want them to remember about rocks and minerals?  They certainly won't remember every detail we study, but if I can get them to appreciate minerals, recall some general ideas, and be able to identify some common minerals I would be happy.  How can I simplify the facts and make it fun for a 12 year old who couldn't care less about rocks?  Here is my answer...

Mineral Star of the Week!  (Get it?!  "Mineral" Star instead of "Rock" Star?!)
I'm going to begin the year by introducing the basic families of minerals by their common ingredient (chemical composition).  I made posters that I'm going to hang on my closet door, since it's boring looking anyhow.  Here is the link to my free poster set...

Mineral Star of the Week Posters {FREE}

Each week I'm going to highlight a different mineral.  I'll give 3-4 facts about the mineral and review them each class period.  At the end of each week I'll choose one name at random to answer questions about the mineral.  If all correct answers are given the student will keep the mineral!  Here are the minerals I chose to start with... (I teach 3 sections of earth science, so there are 3 of each mineral.)

Included in the photo are rose quartz, bloodstone, Tiger's eye, and amethyst points.  As you can see, I'll be highlighting the silicate group first.  

Please let me know what you think or if you have any suggestions to make this idea better!  If you download my free posters, please leave feedback.  I appreciate it oh, so much!

Crazy Science Lady

Fiddler on the Roof!

Well, I'm exhausted!  Last weekend we had our musical, Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.  We couldn't video tape it, but someone did and posted a few clips on YouTube!  Below is my favorite clip.  I choreographed the production.  My son is the first boy in the silhouette dance and my daughter is the 2nd girl.  Enjoy!

Sunrise, Sunset/ Bottle Dance

In other news, my 6th graders went 0 for 8 at the county science fair today.  That's a first!  I'm looking forward to taking over science fair at my school next year.  I will be teaching 7th grade and running the school fair.  Yeah!

I plan on posting my blow out of a yeast lab soon, with science fair and the musical I've been swamped!

CrazyScienceLady,
Lisa

Fungi: Mushroom Dissection

Mushroom Dissection!!

My 6th graders dissected a mushroom this week!  They LOVED it!  Here is the link to the dissection!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fungi-Freebie-Mushroom-Dissection-1138766

That was after a disaster of a yeast lab.  More on that another day.

In other news, my 8th graders are busy completing their "Element Projects" (directions coming next week) so they can construct their own ginormous periodic table in the hallway.  That idea came from pinterest.  Check back to see how that went!  In the mean time, let me know what you thought of this mushroom lab!

Crazy Science Lady, Lisa.

Introducing myself....

Hi!  I just wanted to give a quick overview of myself and what I plan on blogging about...
     *I'm a middle school science teacher, science fair guru, choreographer, Envirothon coach, Christian, Mom of 3
     *I love earth and environmental science, but I also teach physical and life science
     *I plan on blogging about once per week, but it will vary
     *My blog will be mostly pictures
     *My goal is provide both inspiration and hands-on, usable ideas and materials
     *I am HUGE on thinking outside the box.  Not to brag, but I'm pretty darn good at it.
   
I haven't posted in a bit because we've been swamped with snow days, we're behind on our musical (Fiddler), I'm between science fairs, and we had our bi-annual Mennonite Educators Conference.

Upcoming:  I accept my blogger award for best new blog.  Also coming this week:  A Fungus Freebie! AND A Periodic Table Freebie!  Check back for cool stuff and lots of pictures!

Now my question for you:  If you plan on following me... Would you be interested in me posting dinner ideas/recipes???  I also happen to be into cooking quick, healthy, cheap meals for my family.  What do you think?  Too much?

Let me know what you think!
Lisa Marie

Bacteria, bacteria...

I just finished bacteria with my 6th graders.  Of all the kingdoms, I have to say these are my least favorite.  One thing that I've added this year to my repertoire of things were YouTube videos.  Here are 3 I shared with my students on bacteria...

Enjoy!  

Organizing the Periodic Table

 

Students worked together to try and organize the pieces to their 'puzzle.'  We haven't started the periodic table yet, this was their intro.  Here is the finished puzzle.

 

We then answered questions on a handout.  My students LOVED this activity!  They were even surprised at how much they enjoyed it.  You can view this product in my store here...

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Introducing-the-Periodic-Table-Activity-1090799