Archive for October, 2008

Let’s Talk Teaching: Games in Math Class

In my years of teaching grades 6 through 8, I generally used games only for reviewing before a test. What I didn’t realize was how effective games can be for teaching the content. Each of the games below has a learning objective; each could be embedded in a lesson plan for middle school math. And, […]

Posted in Topics: Algebra, Factors, Fractions, Graphs, Math, Polygons, Process Skills (Mathematics), Quick Takes, Statistics

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Tracking Nutrition and Fitness Goals

Developing sound nutritional and exercise habits early in life will help children become healthy adults. This is one of the most important life skills that we can teach our middle school students. But, just how can we help students in our science classes understand exactly what we mean when we say “take care” of their […]

Posted in Topics: Health, Life Sciences, Nutrition, Personal and Social Issues, Quick Takes, Science

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Making Math Visual

The abstract concepts of mathematics, usually expressed through symbols and un-common vocabulary, can frustrate the visual learners in your middle school classroom. Here is where the computer can become a powerful teaching tool. Such commonplace but abstract concepts as fractional equivalence and the “size” of large numbers can be made visual through technology. Students can interact […]

Posted in Topics: 3-D Shapes, Algebra, Fractals, Fractions, Geometry, Instruction, Integrating Technology, Math, Measurement, Process Skills (Mathematics), Pythagorean Theorem, Quick Takes

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Polar Bears and Climate Change

Did you know that polar bears are at high risk of population decline and future extinction in our warming world? Dr. Steven Amstrup, a Research Wildlife Biologist with the United States Geological Survey, discussed the status of the iconic marine mammal in the lecture, “Polar Bear: Climate Change Sentinel.” The lecture was part of the […]

Posted in Topics: Animals, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Issues, Life Sciences, National Standards, Personal and Social Issues, Quick Takes, Science

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The Science of Sports

Integrating examples from the wide, wide, world of sports into physics or chemistry lessons will really spark students’ interest. These resources take an in-depth look at how chemistry and technology have had a huge impact on all kinds of sports – from golf to paintball and in addition, follow the theme of this year’s National […]

Posted in Topics: Chemistry, Forces, Motion, Physical Sciences, Physics, Quick Takes, Science, Science and Technology, Speed

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