Must-read Teaching Tips

Before you begin your work in the classroom, read the documents linked to below:

• General Teaching Techniques (by Ari Wilder) – This quick read offers detailed descriptions of specific science teaching strategies as well as classroom management techniques.
• Teaching the Scientific Method and Science Notebooks (by Ari Wilder) – Another quick read that offers details on how to teach the scientific method, how to teach using science notebooks, as well as science knowledge building techniques.

Massachusetts State Science Curriculum Frameworks

You may have heard of the MCAS tests that public school students in this state must take.  The tests are based on the learning standards in this document.  Though the units and lessons in the binders have already been designed to be in line with these standards, feel free to take a look if you are planning on coming up with your own lesson or if you would like more information on the standards.  They are arranged by subject (Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry, etc.) and grade level.

MA State Science Curriculum Standards – Lists science topics on which MA public school students are tested according to topic and grade level. Updates and other information from the Massachusetts Department of Education can be found at their website at www.doe.mass.edu.

Science Lessons And Units

• Kindergarten Science Unit
• First Grade Science Unit
• 2nd Grade River Science Unit
• 3rd Grade Matter Unit
• 3rd Grade Weather and Water Cycle Unit
• 5th Grade Adaptation and Behavior Unit

Other Websites for Science Activity Ideas

• Lesson Plans Page
• Odyssey of the Mind
• Odyssey Magazine interactive Website
• Muse Magazine (this website, Cricket, also has lots of other great education magazines, science and otherwise)
• Bill Nye Website Lots of activities under ‘home demos’
• The Science Club
• The Franklin Institute
• The Discovery Channel
• Chem 4 Kids
• Physics 4 Kids
• Biology 4 Kids