NOVEMBER 2023
WHAT'S GOING ON IN SECONDARY SCIENCE?
JORDAN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Get cozy, it's November!
🍁🔬 Welcome back from fall break! It's November and we're diving straight back into science. Our focus this month is on making our return from break as smooth as possible. We're sharing practical tips, new lesson plans, and hands-on experiments to keep you and your students engaged. Plus, look out for highlights from your fellow teachers. Together, we're shaping the future, one class at a time. 🔬🍁
CONTACT YOUR SECONDARY SCIENCE SPECIALIST
I am happy to support any science instruction you may need!
TORI JOHNSON
VICTORIA.JOHNSON@JORDANDISTRICT.ORG
801.567.8466
UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities for Teachers
Upcoming After-School Professional Development!
If you are looking to improve your teaching or work on your 32 hours, we have several professional development opportunities available!
These sessions offer an invaluable opportunity to learn new teaching strategies, stay updated with the latest scientific discoveries, and refine your classroom management skills. They provide a platform to share experiences, learn from peers, and gain insights into overcoming common challenges. Moreover, these sessions often explore ways to make science classes more engaging and interesting, directly benefiting your students' learning experience.
TEACHER SPOTLIGHTS
9th Grade: Alesha Schulzke
EARTH SCIENCE | SOUTH HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
"Alesha is a fantastic teacher who is committed to providing her students with opportunities to interact with Earth Science and bring it to life. They love the Antelope Island field trip which she organizes. Her students know that she is always well-organized and driven to deliver. She is a leader in the school in pedagogy and experience and in her role as the Science Department Chair. She is an active and collaborative member of our school leadership team with her valuable and candid guidance and feedback."
Jim Groethe, Principal at SHMS
"Alesha does a fantastic job using her ninja-level computer & technology skills to create fantastic curriculum for her students. She does a great job being patient with students who are having a hard time in class, and she is always putting in extra effort to make science interesting and fun for her students."
Jason Carwin, Biology Teacher at SHMS
What do you love about science teaching or what made you want to be a science teacher?
It is hard to pinpoint just one great thing about teaching science. You get to play with cool stuff, do labs, make models, and you learn something new almost every day. Watching students explore rocks, gasses, phenomena, and make sense of the world around them is a satisfying experience. I feel like the world of science has so much to offer and explore so it never gets boring.
What are some of your hobbies and/or how do you like to spend your time outside of teaching?
Some of my hobbies are hiking, rockhounding, reading, and watching movies. I also really like to travel to explore nature in unfamiliar places but this is a harder activity to do very often as a teacher.
What's the best advice or mantra you live by for your teaching?
My best advice is to rock out to your favorite songs at the end of the school day, especially if you are in your car on your way home. Make people stare.
THOUGHTS ON SCIENCE INSTRUCTION
Addressing Misconceptions in the Classroom
Science is a dynamic field, but it's not uncommon for students to carry misconceptions that can hinder their understanding. It's our responsibility as educators to uncover these misconceptions and guide our students toward accurate concepts. This process is not about pointing out 'wrong' ideas but about fostering an environment where misconceptions can be discussed, analyzed, and replaced with scientific understanding.
STEM-Teaching-Tool-37-Beyond-Misconceptions.pdfCONTENT RESOURCES
Flipping Physics
This engaging website offers videos covering a wide range of physics topics. Created by physics teacher Jonathan Thomas-Palmer, Flipping Physics brings abstract concepts to life with real-world examples, clear explanations, and a dash of humor. It's a fantastic resource for both in-class instruction and at-home learning.
BioInteractive
Looking for interactive and engaging resources for your science classes? HHMI Biointeractive is your go-to site. Created by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, this website offers a wealth of free resources, including virtual labs, animations, and short films about science. Dive into the world of biology, ecology, genetics, and so much more. Perfect for middle and high school science courses
ChemMatters Magazine
Bring the magic of chemistry to your classrooms with ChemMatters. Published by the American Chemical Society, this high school chemistry magazine demystifies the role of chemistry in our everyday lives. Each issue features fascinating and relatable stories that provide a fresh perspective on chemistry concepts. What's more, the magazine also offers a plethora of teacher resources including guides, animations, and articles to make chemistry more engaging for your students.
NASA's Learn: Science Activation Program
Energize your science lessons with NASA's Science Activation program. This innovative program brings together a diverse network of partners to inspire and engage students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). From interactive games and virtual tours to downloadable content and lesson plans, there's a wealth of resources to explore. Bring the wonders of the universe into your classroom.
CURRICULUM QUICK LINKS
SCIENCE TEACHER STRESS RELIEF
Teacher Survival Resources
Are you experiencing choice overload?
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the multitude of choices you have to make as a teacher? From lesson planning to assessing student work, the decisions never seem to end. Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos discusses this common feeling in her podcast episode "Choice Overload" on The Happiness Lab. She offers insights into how too many choices can lead to stress and anxiety, and shares strategies to streamline decision-making and boost happiness. It's a must-listen for any educator feeling swamped by options.
edutopia.org-Battling Decision Fatigue (1).pdf
