Teaching Science In 3D

In this episode, Erin continues her conversation with middle school science teacher Char Ritchie. Char explains how she builds on the community building practices discussed in the last episode to build a science routines that contribute to a safe classroom community. More Resources: Episode 121: Respect AgreementsCheck out Char’s resources on Teachers Pay TeachersMore Resources: Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to im...

In the second episode of our 3-part series on building classroom community and expectations, Erin shares conversations with two special guests — Bailey and her 8th grade science teacher, Char Ritchie. They reflect on their experiences with Respect Agreements (also called Community Agreements) and Community Circles — what worked, what was challenging, and how these practices shaped their classroom community. From both the student and teacher perspective, this episode offers practical insight i...

In this first episode of our 3-part series on building classroom community and expectations, Erin interviews a special guest — her daughter! Together, they reflect on the things that helped her feel seen, supported, and respected throughout middle school. From small gestures to classroom routines, this conversation offers a unique student perspective on what actually matters during those first few weeks of school. In the next episode, we’ll dive into Respect Agreements (aka Community Agreemen...

In the third episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares some ways we can deepen learning by replacing *quantity* with *quality* in our science classrooms. More isn't always better, and while it can sometimes feel counterintuitive, cutting back on the amount of work we assign can open the gateway for richer discussions, natural differentiation as opportunities to extend and reteach emerge, and better student learning. Let's invite our students to move away from the "I just need ...

In the second episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares a few strategies to create a better THINKING science classroom -- you know, the kind where students actually NOTICE that the bird isn't giving its energy to the worm or that it just doesn't make sense for a pencil to measure 8 meters! More Resources: Why You Need Vertical Whiteboards In Thinking ClassroomsBuilding Thinking Classrooms For Mathematics (Don't let the math scare you away! There really are some great i...