After teaching students medians, altitudes, and perpendicular and angle bisectors I noticed they were getting them mixed up. Combine these terms with their points of concurrency, I can understand why my students were struggling. I created a parts of a triangle geometry activity to help my students recall and understand these terms. Materials for Parts of a Triangle Activity Print out a large obtuse, acute, and right triangle for each student. Cut copy paper into strips, long ways. I used colored paper to see student responses as I walked around the room. Protractors Rulers Step 1: Review Par ..read more

Universe and More is a Physics Education Resource created by a teacher. The website is possibly one of or the best resources I have used in the classroom. Throughout my career I have taught many different classes. Universe and More has been a great resource for me in Math and Physics. My favorite is the “Motion Mapper” where students use a graphing motion resource. Graphing Motion Resource In a Physics Classroom: In a Physics class, students must see all material in a concrete way. Motion Mapper is a “game” that requires students to move an object to match the graph given. If they successfully ..read more

Every teacher, whether new or experienced, plays with their homework distribution method until It works for them. Some teachers may never feel good about their strategy. Maybe that is you? There is a never-ending amount of questions regarding homework. Should I even bother with it? Is it worth it if my students tend to copy? What am I assessing with the homework? How should homework be graded? I have finally found a method that works for me, and it covers my main two concerns. How the homework is graded and immediate feedback for my students.   What is the Point of Homework? Before we go ..read more

Nine weeks into the 2020-21 school year, one full quarter is finished. The course is on pace with district expectations, students are slowly adjusting to the new normal of education, and the fears of the pandemic have faded with each day of constant contact. All is well, right?   Let’s not forget grades are inflated more than normal, assessments are less rigorous and regular, students came into the school year with learning declines, and students passed their classes last year, because exams were not given. The new normal of education really is giving the education system a run for its mo ..read more

Activity may require you to spend $15-$20, depending on what craft supplies you have in your classroom. I was able to purchase all materials for the Halloween review game at the Dollar Tree. See other activities for Covid.   Review Game Rules: Students are placed into groups no larger than four. Groups answer questions worth 1, 2, or 3 points. The questions are created by the teacher prior to the class. Each point earned acts as currency. The points are spent at the end of class on crafting materials. The goal for students is to gain points that are used to buy crafting materials. In the ..read more

I have used Desmos frequently in my lessons in the past. The website is incredible if you have not checked it out! Recently, I decided to assign one of the activities the organization provides. I cannot think of a better way to teach an introduction to transformations of shapes. Transformation Golf: Rigid Motion allows students to see a rotation, translation, and reflection. Through trial and error, students gain knowledge of the common transformations.   Student Misconceptions of Transformations of Shapes: Before I found the Desmos activity, I taught lessons on translations, reflections ..read more

At first glance, equitable grading sounds like common sense to any civilian. To teachers, the term comes with confusion. A district training may remind teachers to look over their grade weightings and to think of students as a whole person. Some school administrations empower and back their teachers’ gradebook decisions, while others send low-level threats if the percentage of failing grades do not decrease. In few cases, grades a teacher gives may decide the courses they continue to teach. How are public school teachers supposed to master a concept that Harvard has yet to put a finger on? Equ ..read more

Universe and More is a Physics Education Resource created by a teacher. The website is possibly one of or the best resources I have used in the classroom. Throughout my career I have taught many different classes. Universe and More has been a great resource for me in Math and Physics. Graphing Motion In a Physics Classroom: In a Physics class, students must see all material in a concrete way. Motion Mapper is a “game” that requires students to move an object to match the graph given. If they successfully match the graph, students will advance to the next level. Motion Mapper is a great resourc ..read more

Concurrent learning in the classroom is a new reality for teachers this year. Everyone I have spoken to manages the stress differently. Some teachers enjoy having a smaller in-person class while managing those at home whiles others prefer the classic classroom situation. Either way, we are here teaching during a pandemic. Below are a few tips I have put together from teaching concurrently. Online Student Attendance During Concurrent Learning: In a previous post, I noted a few tips regarding monitoring student attendance as well as determining if your virtual students are listening. I would als ..read more

Inspiration to become a teacher began for me in college. At the time I was pursuing an engineering degree, not because I was interested in the field, but to prove to the world I was some-what smart. Family members had guided me to study a topic that was not easy. I completely agree with their opinions, especially for someone who does not know what they want to do. My struggles while attempting to study a difficult field, with a lack of passion, sparked my interest in education. Reflections on my high school and college experiences are why I became a teacher. College Experiences that Pushed Me ..read more