[jenteacher]

I need some idea on how to make my science/s.s. lessons more engaging. I feel like I do a good job of getting kids to work in groups and really think in math/reading/writing, but in the other subjects I feel like I rely too much on the book and notetaking. BORING! I'd like to use a workshop approach to science/social studies, but I don't really know how to set that up...ideas?

[hamato]

My suggestion for social studies is Interact simulations....they are GREAT....for teamwork, decision making, writing, math skills. My kids LOVE them and it's a fun way to meet the regular standards. Who doesn't love a little competition?

[ancientciv]

I like to do lots of hands on and simulations with my students to keep things lively. I blogged about the history labs I do here: http://mrsgannon.wordpress.com/category/history-labs/

[arteacher6th]

Science should never be boring- kids naturally love science. Use small experiments and hands on inquiry lessons. You can find simple and inexpensive experiments. They remember more from doing rather than just reading.

[chocaholic]

try Interactive Notebooks in science. I want to do more experiments too and then have them take notes on the topic (from the book or my "lecture") and then use the other side of the page for observations or relating it to their own knowledge(not in that order of sequence but hopefully you get the idea)

Just google interactive notebooks...on PT in June-Beg.July there were a lot of people posting about them. The abbreviation on here is IN's BTW.

[jenteacher]

I am all about doing Science experiments, but I feel like our curriculum doesn't lend itself to that (we do biomes/physical sci unit on the oceans/ecosystems). My kids do not find this content exciting at all-I have looked all over the Internet for experiments, with little luck. Know of any good sites?

[ancientciv]

What about the terraniums in a bottle? My science teacher did those with clear two liter soda bottles and the kids loved them!

[Carolynn]

There was a great 4 day plan for oceans and ecosystems in NSTA's Children & Science. I believe it was around April or May. Check the NSTA website and see if you can find it. If you can't and you're interested, PM me and when I can get into school I'll send you the info I have for it. I adapted it and used it in my room. The kids loved it. You can definitely do hands on activities for your units and also projects. I do ecosystems but not oceans. If you need stuff for ecosystems I can send you what I have.

[sassymollasi]

Project Wild and Project Aquatic are great for getting kids out and moving and they LOVE it. It is a workshop, but there are tons of the teacher's guides around. Try Amazon or ... dont know but I use them.

[oregon848]

Hi,

This is my first year as a middle school teacher and would love to do ecosystems. Anything you could send me would be SO APPRECIATED!