Here is a roundup of my favorite resources for teaching science.
Basic Genetics from the University of Utah: A wealth of information and activities to help you understand genetics. Some serious gold here!
Insect Identification: there are lots of insect identification websites out there, but I like this one because it allows you to narrow down insects by state. Using their picture database makes it easy to identify the insects you find.
Getting Nerdy with Mel and Gerdy: “Engaging and differentiated science lessons that we know will grab students’ attention and get them excited about the natural world”. Their paper dissection models are AMAZING!!!
The Biology Corner: a wealth of lessons, worksheets, videos, experiment ideas, and more!
Cell Game: If your student could use extra practice becoming familiar with cellular organelles, have them try their hand at the Cell Game from Shepperd Software. In the tutorial section, students learn the function of each organelle. In the game, they must match each organelle with its function. Separate games for three cell types: bacterial cell, animal cell, and plant cell.
Dissection Alternatives for High School Biology: Is your kid learning biology but you’re unsure about how to handle dissections? No worries! There are some fantastic alternatives to dissecting preserved specimens. Learn more in this post.
Amy Brown Science: a veteran science teacher with over 31 years of experience teaching Biology and Chemistry shares tips and resources to help make learning stick.
Science and Math with Mrs. Lau: Another veteran teacher with fantastic ideas for teaching math and science.
Basic Genetics from the University of Utah: A wealth of information and activities to help you understand genetics.
Amoeba Sisters: The Amoeba Sisters have a great series of short videos that explain concepts like cell division, DNA replication, body systems, and so much more!
Jam’s Germs: This guy posts the most amazing videos of microscopic life! Not only that, but he also gives detail about the types of microorganisms he sees, their diets, life cycle, and so much more!
Videos for High School Biology Playlist: I spend HOURS each week finding quality science videos to share with my students. Since I’m doing the work anyway, I thought I’d create a YouTube playlist of my favorites videos for teaching biology. Whenever I find a great video, I will save it to this list.
Biology/Life Science lessons: my board for tips, lessons, and resources for teaching biology and life science, categorized by topic (dissections, microscopy, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, DNA, heredity, and LOTS more!)
Anatomy and Physiology Resources: my Pinterest board where you can find videos, worksheets, websites, lesson ideas, and more all about Anatomy and Physiology. The pins are grouped by topic (respiratory system, anatomical terms, homeostasis, tissues, the immune system, and much more!).
PhET Chemistry Simulations: PhET, a resource from the University of Colorado, Boulder, has a wealth of online simulations designed to help students learn and apply chemistry concepts. The best part: they doesn’t cost a thing!
TED-Ed Periodic Videos: A lesson about every element in the periodic table
Elemental Haiku: A review of the Periodic Table composed of 119 science haiku. Here are a few of my favorites from the site:
Your single proton
Water. Life. Star fuel
Here is the Carbon haiku:
throw yourself at anyone,
decked out in diamonds.
Here is the Mercury haiku:
Madness the price paid
for your molten alchemy.
Metal. Planet. God.
The Illustrated Periodic Table shows how we use the elements in everyday life.
Chemistry Lessons and Resources: my board of articles, experiment ideas, and other favorite resources that I’ve used when teaching chemistry in the classroom and at home. I’ve even categorized my pins by topic (the mole, stoichiometry, properties of matter, gas laws, etc.), so you can find just what you’re looking for.
Videos and YouTube Channels:
Teaching Covalent and Ionic Compounds Using the Periodic Table from Bond with James
Videos for High School Chemistry Playlist: I spend HOURS each week finding quality science videos to share with my students. Since I’m doing the work anyway, I thought I’d create a YouTube playlist of my favorites videos for teaching chemistry. Whenever I find a great video, I will save it to this list.
The Science of Firework Colors by Skunk Bear
Just How Small is an Atom by TED-Ed
Atomic Bonding Song by Veritasium
Chemical Bonds by Dogs Teaching Chemistry
How to Write the Electron Configuration for an Element in Each Block by Melissa Maribel
Tyler DeWitt has an awesome YouTube channel on which he shares clear, concise videos on all sorts of chemistry topics. You can find his channel here: Tyler DeWitt on YouTube
The “Secrets” Revealed in the Periodic Table: Nearly everyone has at least some knowledge of the periodic table. We’ve seen it in textbooks, in classrooms, and even in nerdy science memes. But many are surprised to discover just how much information is contained in this modern scientific marvel. In this post, you will learn how the periodic table is arranged and some of the information you can learn from the table, once you know where to look. Learn how to read the periodic table, how new elements are made, and much more! Videos and links to additional information are included.
Top Picks for Virtual Labs and Simulations: A list and description of my favorite virtual labs and simulations for students learning chemistry (and biology and /physics/physical science). Some absolute gems here!
Periodic Table Battleship: This is a fantastic way to familiarize students with the Periodic Table and can be used for multiple ages. Students use this game just like Battleship, but instead of traditional coordinates, they navigate around the periodic table. Students attempt to find their opponent’s battleships by using their knowledge of the periodic table. The game can be scaled up or down in difficulty based on how familiar your students are with the periodic table.”Is your battleship in row 4, column 8?” (easy version) or “Is your battleship located on the noble gas in row 3?” or “Is your battleship located on the element with 2 valence electrons in period 5?” (advanced version). You can find more information about how to assemble your own version of PERIODIC TABLE BATTLESHIP here.
Make Ice Cream in a Baggie: Learning is better with snacks! Help your student understand endothermic/exothermic reactions, solutions, and freezing point depressions with this fun activity.
Explore Non-Newtonian Fluids with Oobleck: What do Oobleck, ketchup, shaving cream, and quicksand all have in common? They’re all non-Newtonian fluids. Learn about these peculiar substances that seem to blur the lines between solid and liquid and make some for yourself!
Why Static Electricity Seems Worse in Winter: Learn what causes static buildup and discharge at the atomic level, and why you tend to get shocked more during the winter months.
Seven Good Resources to Help Students Learn the Periodic Table from Free Technology for Teachers
I am currently compiling my list of resources for understanding and teaching physics and physical science, so look for that soon.
Here are a few of the resources I use to stay on top of the latest science:
- Scientific American: “Scientific American, the longest continuously published magazine in the U.S., has been bringing its readers unique insights about developments in science and technology for more than 170 years.”
- Science Friday: “Covering the outer reaches of space to the tiniest microbes in our bodies, Science Friday is the source for entertaining and educational stories about science, technology, and other cool stuff.”
- ThoughtCo.com: “At ThoughtCo, we believe that great inspiration begins with a question, and we help 13 million users answer theirs every month. Whether yours is about science and math, humanities and religion, or architecture and the arts, our in-depth articles, written by literature writers, Ph.D.s, and experienced instructors, are designed to give you the answers and information you need in a clear, easy-to-navigate format. So whether you are asking for a class, that next conversation, or just because you want to know, ThoughtCo can help.”
- Curiosity.com: “Curiosity is on a mission to make learning easier and more fun than it has ever been. Our goal is to ignite curiosity and inspire people to learn. Each day, we create and curate engaging topics for millions of lifelong learners worldwide.”
- National Geographic