Blog - It's Not Rocket Science

Using Phenomena to Teach the NGSS

One of the key components of implementing Next Generation Science Standards* in your classroom is the incorporation of phenomena into your teaching methods. So what does this even mean for you and I? How do we begin approaching a shift in our instructional strategies and curriculum to better utilize phenomena in alignment with NGSS? I think it starts with knowing what they are, why they are ... Read More about Using Phenomena to Teach the NGSS

Transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards: 5 Guidelines for Effectiveness

I remember when I got a job at my current school and I was told that the school followed the Next Generation Science Standards*. I had done a decent bit of training on the standards during my graduate studies at night my first few years teaching, but I felt like I had JUST got my footing mastering the state standards and I was now going to have to start all over. Not only that, but ... Read More about Transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards: 5 Guidelines for Effectiveness

Why I don’t care if my students pass the AP exam

This year was my first year taking on AP Biology. I've previously written an overview of what I've learned in the first year and some helpful tips, such as attending an AP Summer Institute. At my summer institute, my instructor really drilled in something that set the tone for the rest of my year teaching AP Bio - and that was to not care if my students passed the AP exam or ... Read More about Why I don’t care if my students pass the AP exam

Teaching AP Biology for the First Time

As we rapidly approach the end to another school year (how is it almost May?!?) I can't help but pause and look back on this year of teaching. This was my first year ever taking on AP Biology so I thought it would be helpful (while it is still so fresh in my memory) to take some time to reflect on the good and the bad from this year and what I've learned from it all. Hopefully this ... Read More about Teaching AP Biology for the First Time

5 Tips for First Year Teachers

One of the reasons I started by TpT store (and blog) over two years ago now (I can't believe how fast time has gone!!) was to help first year teachers. I wanted to create products with EVERYTHING you needed to teach a subject for those walking into a school or department unprepared for what they were assigned. I was blessed with my first teaching job to get the two subjects I wanted (biology and ... Read More about 5 Tips for First Year Teachers