hello! this year I will be in my second year teaching high school science. the school I’m teaching at does not currently have a formal lab space and our budget is very slim. we really don’t have any lab equipment at the moment either (it all got destroyed along with our lab space). I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for low budget labs that would be safe in a normal classroom. I’ll be teaching physical science, environmental science, and chemistry (in Ohio). thank you in advance!

I haven’t found any groups outside of Facebook (which I recently deleted my account and don’t want to ever get back on again) that connect MYP science teachers.
I like to share resources and bounce ideas, since I am the only 8th grade science teacher at my school in Switzerland.

Any suggestions? I could start a group but I don’t want to be a mod. Perhaps another platform?

I've taught for over 18 years and I constantly go back and forth on teaching significant digits. I understand the importance of maintaining accurate and precise measurements in science, but is fighting with students to remember the rules all year worth it? I feel like the week I set aside to address this isnt enough time, and at the same time it feels like I could use this time for more important matters. In the past I have tried a couple years to just focus on rounding to the second decimal place since most of our measurements stop there. Any thoughts or advice?

I am an American EL teacher going for a Science certification (grades 5-8) in Massachussets, and I'll be taking the MTEL in August. If you have taken this MTEL, can you share what your essay questions were? Or anything else you remember from taking the test? (I asked the test coordinators but I never got a response: were you able to move back and forth between the multiple choice and essay questions, or did one section of the test "lock" so you couldn't see the other section?)

I am especially interested in hearing about the essay questions, as there aren't many available to practice with, and I'd like to have a plan for how to answer on a variety of topics. What concepts/units did they ask you about? Did you have to design a lab for students or just explain a concept? Any information you can give me would be super helpful.

(Apologies if this post sounds familiar--I posted a few weeks ago, and I'm posting again in hopes of getting more responses.)

I’m a new California teacher in the Central Valley. I completed my Social Science credential program, passed both TPAs, passed CSET 215, and completed a science methods course. I’m applying for middle-school science positions while my credential paperwork is being processed.

How competitive are late-July science openings, and should I email principals after applying? Any advice for landing a first science teaching job would be appreciated.

Edit 1: Sorry for the confusion. I originally earned a Social Science credential, but I recently passed CSET 215 General Science and completed a three-unit science methods course so I can add a science authorization to my credential.

I’m currently in decision paralysis on what I want to do. I have my masters in curriculum and instruction but am looking to move farther on the pay scale. I’m bouncing between Montana State, Colorado State or Nebraska (masters of applied science). Wanting to do something environmental related, my district doesn’t and won’t have APES. CSU is the most expensive but MSU and UNL are comparable.

Any one have experiences with any of them or other thoughts?

I've been asked to teach A level Biology (OCR A) from September, which is something I've not taught before.

The school's existing resources (compiled from previous teachers who have since left) are mostly just scans of textbook pages, some rather boring / lecture-like lesson slides, and end-of-chapter tests (which seem to have come from Kerboodle). While I'm not opposed to using the textbooks as a basis, I don't really like to teach by just lecturing and asking students to answer the textbook questions...

Does anyone have any recommendations (TES / TPT links very welcome, and I'm happy to pay for good stuff) for pre-made PowerPoints, worksheets, etc which are built in a way for more active learning / student engagement? I'm thinking lots of practice questions, deeper thinking / discussion questions, maybe some mini projects, etc.

Btw we don't have much in terms of resources / tech at school - so no iPads, Chromebooks, or anything. I need more traditional resources like PowerPoints for me to put on the main board, and printable worksheets.

Anyone have any good websites for physics NYSSLS? I was looking through openscied, but it is just too much extra and would require heavy modifications.

I take it on Saturday. I’ve been studying but I’m so nervous. My undergrad was Earth Science and I’ve been teaching that for 5 years. They are having me teach Bio this year so I need to take the praxis, but I haven’t taken biology since college 10 years ago. Where there any specific topics you saw frequently, or any tips in general?

I paid the $25 from the ETS/Praxis site to take a practice test. Got about 89 questions right out of 125 which maps to about a 71%. I know that the Praxis isn't graded on a percentage basis, but on a scaled score.

That said, how similar is the practice test to the real thing? How would an 89/125 map to the official scaled score? I only need a 145 to pass in my state.

Also, does anyone know where I can take additional practice tests or get material? I don't really want to shell out more money than I have to.

i’m applying to teach HS (hopefully environmental or chem) in california and i feel sure my resume is what’s keeping me from getting interviews. it’s mostly because i’m very wordy in my job descriptions, plus i’m pretty stumped on what i should add on my skills section. can anybody offer me advice?

also, if anybody were to recommend a few templates i would really appreciate it!

Hello, I am a HS chemistry and biology teacher. My pedagogical approach of modeling instruction relies heavily upon students being able to make accurate and precise scientific measurements. Student start to fall apart when this skill is not mastered early on.

I made a Scientific Measuring Practice that I intend to use this fall. I really want to get some vetting and feedback from professional colleagues before then, and also share it with anyone who finds it useful.

Unfortunately, I can't seem to share the file with being flagged as spam. Does anyone know of a work around?

Thanks in advance for any insights you can provide!

EDIT: I have pinned a link to the app in my profile

2nd Edit: I have updated the app to include graduated cylinders, burettes, and thermometers. You can select any or all to be include in the problems.

I have the big ones memorized - physics, chemistry, and bio. I'm talking about memorizing in detail some of the less common formulas - e.g. distinguishing between all the gas laws. I understand the variables conceptually but am having trouble keeping the numerous formulas and variables straight given how broad this exam is!

TIA

I'd love to hear recommendations from professors and experienced researchers. Which international conference impressed you the most, and what made it stand out? I'm looking for conferences with strong academic value, quality networking, and professional organization.

Hi everyone, I am teaching A&P for the first time next year. One thing I have noticed after moving into my new room is I have zero models. I would love to be able to get some models for my students in the coming years. I know some schools have multiple models for every system, but I will probably not be able to get that. I’m thinking I will get the large upper torso model, which can cover lots of things, and then a few models to show complicated structures more in depth (like the inner ear or heart for example). I have a few questions for you all:

- If I only have the budget for a few models, what are the MUST HAVES in your opinion. If we’re going to spend the money, I want to make sure they will be used.

- Does anyone know of any grants I could apply for or anything similar?

- Do you do one big cat dissection at the end or do multiple little dissections throughout the year?

- Any other recommendations coming into the course! I feel pretty confident but will never turn down tips and tricks. I have checked out biology corner and will primarily be using that curriculum.

Thanks!

Does anyone know where to source multiple samples of sand? I’m looking to do a lab with my marine science class where they compare sand sample from around the world.

I've been teaching Biology (including NEET-level topics) for a while, and one thing I've realized is that explaining concepts is often the best way to learn them yourself.

I enjoy breaking down difficult topics into simpler explanations and discussing NCERT concepts, exam strategies, and common misconceptions.

If anyone wants to discuss Biology, exchange study resources, or has doubts about NEET or Class 11–12 Biology, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to help.

I’m an incoming undergrad freshman, and I’m interested in becoming a middle or high school teacher in California. I have some questions about the Health Science and Geoscience demand. 

I haven’t seen much demand for them since I always see Bio-Chem-Physics openings. I plan on obtaining the Social Science credential first, then doing a Supplemental Single Subject Credential in Health Science and/or Geoscience. For me, Health class was fine, and I think I could handle Geoscience.

First, for the j*b postings, I see that Health is more in demand than Geoscience, but both of them do not get as many as Bio-Chem-Physics. Unfortunately, my brain just doesn’t process those subjects. 😭I would like to know how high the demands are for Health and Geoscience compared to the main three (bio-chem-physics)  in your districts.

Additionally, if you did the supplemental credential, how was it? From my understanding, you just take an online college course about teaching the subject, then pass the CSET, and you become authorized to teach. It took some time to find some universities that offered them, so if you did not do the supplemental credential pathway, how did you obtain your credential?
 
Which ones would you do the supplemental credential first, Health Science or Geoscience? And would you recommend teaching them or a different subject?

For teachers who teach Health Science and/or Geoscience (Earth Science, Geology, etc), what is your class structure like (is it a project-based class? homework? etc)? How did you get hired or get the opportunity to teach Health Science or Geoscience?

Below are specific questions for those two subject teachers.

HEALTH

1. I have been told that some districts do not take Health Science as a standalone class, if so, how does that work?
2. How do you teach a topic when the topic gets uncomfortable for you or a student?

GEOSCIENCE - are you teaching another subject along with it? From my understanding, teachers who have the Geoscience credential also teach another science class like Physics or Bio.

If you would like to add anything else or comment, feel free to do so (even if you do not teach Science)!!

Hi! I recently graduated mid level science and am on my job hunt. I have another round 2 interview next week. I feel less confident than my past round 2 lessons because for this position, its a secondary lesson and my cert is 4-8 so I have no experience teaching or making plans for secondary. I have had two job rejections thus far. This place is a small school, first interview went pretty well and i had a really good word put in for me. I got the call the next day for a second interview.
The lesson is 20-30 mins and uses the PA steels standard **3.4.9-12.I — Analyze data on a regional environmental condition and its implications on environmental justice and social equity.**
Secondary science teachers, please pass me ANY advice and wisdom!!! Itd be very appreciated :)

2nd year teaching high school chem and I’m feeling SO overwhelmed especially with rhe new curriculum. I tend to be a perfectionist and hated a lot of what I did my first year. Ir felt very unorganized and just not my best. I envision myself with word walls, DQB, more meaningful labs and activities instead of feeling like I’m checking off boxes, and overall just better planning on my part. I think I want to create a better planner maybe word or excel with links to actual standards and detailed day by day plan. I feel like I don’t even know where to start especially because I have to change all my stuff to really prepare them for this new crazy regents. if anyone has ANY recommendations I gladly welcome it. Thank you!

Also if anyone just has any great classroom management tricks or ideas that would also be great. I have a lot of students that simply care about their test grades and don’t want to do anything in class it’s really hard when I’m big on engagement. I want my class to be a really meaningful for them in terms of what they learn and how it prepares them but also just FUN! Anyways I feel like I have decision paralysis and don’t know where to start.

I'm a high school physics teacher. I've always been fascinated with the seven fundamental SI units and how to come together to create the derived units I use.

https://knowyourunits.com/

As a teacher, I'm always teaching and reminding my students to keep track of their units as they calculate certain answers. I find it an incredibly important aspect of physics, and I stress it all the time.

In my class, I'm always quizzing my students about the derived units and how they can be expressed as fundamental SI units.

I built this tool to help my students, and others play with the 7 fundamental base units to create the derived units we commonly use in physics (and Chemistry) class.

I hope you find it useful and/or fun in your class.