About the store
Welcome Thoughtful Educator! I am so happy you are here! I created these resources with you and your students in mind. They are engaging, standards based, hands-on and I have personally used them and seen success in my own classroom. I am grateful to hear from so many teachers who are using these resources with their students, like E Woods who said, "The Thoughtful Educator is truly that! All of her created materials may be utilized for differentiation, one on one instruction, or as a whole class learning tool! It has truly been a delight using all of her materials for my students. It helps me lay the foundation for the concepts and build in a manner that benefits ALL students! She carefully planned and created each document and they're geared towards STAAR expectations! She's the best!"
I hope as you utilize these resources it will take some of the work and worry off your shoulders! My goal is to support you in your classroom by providing quality, engaging activities that give you less stress and more success as they help your students to not just survive, but thrive in science!
Find me on Facebook @thethoughtfuleducator or follow my blog and find more ideas for teaching at www.thethoughtfuleducator.com
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Name That Atom: An Introduction to Ions & Isotopes Chemistry Guided Notes
This engaging introduction to Ions and Isotopes will help students to understand the properties of subatomic particles and the role that they play. Important InformationThis lesson includes an introduction to subatomic particle properties and how Ions and Isotopes are formed. What’s IncludedThis lesson includes a Periodic Table of Elements, CLOZE Notes (which can be used as teacher background information as well), a guided practice sheet, independent practice sheet, as well as all KEYS. How it W
7th - 11th
Chemistry, General Science, Science
Balancing Chemical Equations Guided & Independent Practice Chemistry 8th Grade
Use this guided practice and independent activity to teach and assess balancing chemical equations. This activity should be used as a review after students have learned the difference between coefficients and subscripts and is a great way to teach the law of conservation of mass and balancing chemical equations. This activity works well as a follow-up to Counting Atoms Worksheet to introduce the basics of chemistry. This Product IncludesGuided practice sheetIndependent practice sheet 2 Answe
8th - 10th
Chemistry, General Science, Science
TEKS
SCIENCE.8.6.B
, SCIENCE.8.6.E
, SCIENCE.CHEM.9.A
Counting Atoms: Concept Review Sheet using Coefficients and Subscripts
This engaging activity teaches students how to count the atoms in a chemical formula. This resource is best used as a review after students have learned the difference between coefficients and subscripts and as a precursor to learning the law of conservation of mass and balancing chemical equations. This is great paired with Balancing Chemical Equations: Guided and Independent Practice and the Law of Conservation of Mass Foldable Notes and Lab . This Product Includes Student Concept Review S
7th - 10th
Chemistry, General Science, Science
TEKS
SCIENCE.8.6.B
Topographic Mapping: An Interactive Topographic Map Activity with Guided Notes
Students will learn about topographic maps, use a graphic organizer to master academic vocabulary, then build a landform model using topographic map layers through an engaging activity, and answer questions using their notes, model, and map. This all in one hands-on resource is PERFECT for breaking down topographic maps in a way that ALL students can understand. This Product includes:Topographic Map Background NotesVocabulary Notes Graphic Organizer2 pages of Topographic Map Layers (to build
6th - 9th
Earth Sciences, General Science, Science
PTE Classroom Poster Set Periodic Table of Elements Vocabulary and PTE Trends
Are you looking for a way to help your students REMEMBER the characteristics and trends of the Periodic Table of Elements? Catch their attention and help them learn important vocabulary along with the trends of the Periodic Table using this set of six classroom Chemistry posters (in black & white or full color). Each poster is designed to help students remember not only vocabulary and trends but also the characteristics of metals, metalloids, nonmetals, and noble gases. Posters are most use
7th - 11th
Chemistry, General Science, Science
Hertzsprung-Russell HR Diagram: Cloze Notes & Review Space Science Stars
Students will explore the Hertzsprung-Russell HR Diagram as they complete a Cloze notes activity and Concept Review Sheet. Important InformationThis activity is perfect for introducing the H-R Diagram to students. What’s IncludedThis activity includes 1 page of Cloze notes with Key as well as a 2 page Concept Review Sheet with Key. How it WorksTeacher will print out Cloze style notes for each student, using the Key to guide students through the notes. Teacher will also print out a copy of the C
7th - 11th
Astronomy, General Science, Science
Getting to Know You All About Me Activity Middle School Science Back to School
Looking for a Back to School getting to know you activity for the beginning of the year for your science class? This activity is such a fun and creative way to get to know your students! Students will reveal things about their personality so you can get to know who they are better. This easy printable worksheet provides a quick way to focus in on what students want you to know about them. You can then use the completed worksheets to play a guessing game as a class, using the clues to guess who e
5th - 8th
General Science, Science
Net Force Balanced and Unbalanced Problems Force Motion Maze Worksheet
This maze is a fun way to assess students' understanding of balanced and unbalanced forces. Students will determine the net force and direction of motion for each situation and then color the correct answer to lead them through the maze. This Product Includes: Net Force MazeNet Force KEYIdeas for how to use the product: Whole Group InstructionSmall Group InstructionReteachTutoringAssessment/ Check for UnderstandingHomeworkOther products you might like: Force, Mass, & Acceleration Task Cards: A
6th - 9th
General Science, Physical Science, Science
TEKS
SCIENCE.6.7.B
, SCIENCE.8.7.A
Also included in: PHYSICAL SCIENCE MEGA BUNDLE Force Motion Energy Middle School
Middle School Science Back to School Bundle First Week Activities Project Decor
This Science Starter Back to School Bundle is perfect for the first week of school! Get to know your students with one of two All About Me Activities: the Me Under The Microscope Getting to Know You Activity or the Getting to Know You Scientist Activity. Teach teamwork and collaboration through the use of classroom icebreakers. Review Lab Safety with the Lab Safety contract and Sciencegram Social Media themed lab safety Project. Teach and review science lab tools through the use of a circuit a
5th - 8th
General Science, Science
8th Grade STAAR Test Prep Review Task Cards Matter Force Energy Earth Organisms
This bundle is the perfect way to review for the 8th grade Science STAAR Test. The Bundle tests students' knowledge in the TEKS for Matter & Energy, Force, Motion, & Energy, Earth & Space, and Organisms & Environment. Student graphs align questions to TEKS so you can pinpoint exactly where each student is struggling. This bundle addresses all 8th grade TEKS as well as the supporting TEKS from 6th & 7th grades. This Product Includes: 4 Sets of Task Cards (24 Cards per Set)Student Dat
7th - 9th
General Science, Science
TEKS
SCIENCE.5.9.A
, SCIENCE.6.9.A
, SCIENCE.6.9.B
+22
8th Grade Science STAAR Test Prep Task Cards: Force, Motion, & Energy Edition
These engaging Task Cards are the perfect activity to prepare your students for their 8th grade STAAR Test. These cards review the most commonly tested Force, Motion, and Energy TEKS. The included data graph allows students to see which TEKS they still need to review. The cards can be used individually or as a whole group to gather data. This Product includes:24 Task CardsStudent Response SheetStudent/Class Data GraphKeyIdeas for how to use the product:Whole Group Instruction/ReviewSmall Group R
8th
General Science, Physics, Science
Also included in: PHYSICAL SCIENCE MEGA BUNDLE Force Motion Energy Middle School
Human Body Systems Card Sort Activity & Notes Chart
This engaging hands-on activity helps students to review the major human body systems, organs, and functions. Students will use the card sort to match the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, circulatory system, nervous system, immune system, digestive system, reproductive system, integumentary system, muscular system, skeletal system, excretory system, and endocrine system with their main organ and function. Students will record their matches on the Notes Chart graphic organizer. Once ma
6th - 8th
Anatomy, Biology, Science
TEKS
SCIENCE.7.13.A
8th Grade Science STAAR Test Prep Task Cards: Earth and Space Science Edition
These engaging Task Cards are the perfect activity to prepare your students for their 8th grade STAAR Test. These cards review the most commonly tested Earth and Space TEKS. The included data graph allows students to see which TEKS they still need to review. The cards can be used individually or as a whole group to gather data. This Product includes:24 Task CardsStudent Response SheetStudent/Class Data GraphKeyIdeas for how to use the product:Whole Group Instruction/ReviewSmall Group Review/Tu
6th - 8th
Astronomy, Earth Sciences, Science
Heart Rate Exercise Pulse Lab Middle School Science Cardiovascular
Students will love testing their cardiovascular system with this engaging heart rate exercise pulse lab! Hands-on fun for all! Students will use the lab write-up to complete the lab and record their observations, answering a series of questions and then forming their own conclusion. Movement and science– the perfect combination!!! This Product includes: · Heart Rate Lab · Heart Rate Chart Ideas for how to use the product:· Use as part of body systems unit · Whole group · Scaffolded Lab Wri
6th - 9th
Anatomy, General Science, Science
TEKS
SCIENCE.7.13.A
Also included in: Cardiovascular System Heart BUNDLE
Periodic Table of Elements Trends Cloze Notes Chemistry Matter and Energy
Students will explore the trends of the periodic table of elements as they complete Cloze style notes and learn mnemonic devices to help them understand the organization of elements. Important InformationThis activity is perfect for introducing the organization of elements on the Periodic Table of Elements. What’s IncludedThis activity includes 2 pages of Cloze style notes with Key that outline the organization of elements, as well as trends on the Periodic Table of Elements. It also includes
7th - 11th
Chemistry, General Science, Science
Digestive Fudge Edible Lab Activity Human Body Digestive System
Students will love taking a trip through the Digestive System with this engaging edible lab!!! Use the included Digestion Guide to direct students through the actions in each part of the Digestive System as fudge forms on its trip through the GI Tract! Hands-on delicious fun for all! At the end of the GI Tract, students will get to enjoy their Digestive Fudge Treat. *Be aware of allergens in your classroom. Contains DAIRY. This Product includes:· Digestion Lab Guide · Teacher Instructions &
6th - 9th
Anatomy, General Science, Science
TEKS
SCIENCE.7.13.A
Also included in: Digestive System BUNDLE Human Body Systems Middle School Science
Element Guess Who? Card Sort: Using the Periodic Table of Elements
Product DescriptionThis interactive Guess Who card sort activity is a great way to review and assess student knowledge of how to read and use the trends of the Periodic Table of Elements. Important InformationThis engaging activity can be used as an interactive notebook activity (glue/tape down matches) /center, small group, or whole group assignment to review/assess knowledge of Periodic Table trends and identify misconceptions. This activity works well with Periodic Table of Elements: Cloze
7th - 11th
Chemistry, General Science, Science
TEKS
SCIENCE.CHEM.5.C
Cell Model Project Middle School Science
This engaging 3-D Cell Model is the perfect hands-on activity for students to learn cell organelles, cell structure, and function. Students will use the rubric to help guide them in creating their plant or animal eukaryotic cells. Students will also list the function of each cell organelle on their cell organelles chart to display with their 3-D Cell Model. Cell Models can be created out of recyclable materials from home, or you may choose to provide materials in class. Creating their own cell i
6th - 9th
Biology, General Science, Science
TEKS
SCIENCE.8.13.A
Animal Cell vs Plant Cell Venn Diagram Interactive Differentiated Foldable Notes
Are you looking for an easy way to teach students the similarities and differences of plant cells and animal cells? Students of all abilities will be engaged as they compare and contrast plant and animal cells using Venn diagram differentiated foldable notes. This activity is perfect for an Interactive Notebook. You choose how much information to provide your students. Three differentiated templates are included. Pick the template that best meets student needs and then guide them through compl
6th - 10th
Biology, General Science, Science
TEKS
SCIENCE.7.13.B
, SCIENCE.8.13.A
Ions vs Isotopes: Venn Diagram Differentiated Folded Notes
Students of all abilities will be engaged as they compare and contrast Ions and Isotopes using Venn diagram differentiated foldable notes. This is a great addition to an Interactive Notebook. Important InformationThis activity can be used compare and contrast Ions and Isotopes. It includes three differentiated templates for notes. Choose how much information to provide students with. Students will need scissors to create the foldable. What’s IncludedThree foldable templates are included to
7th - 11th
Chemistry, General Science, Science
Showing 1-20 of 206 results
About the store
Experience
Welcome Thoughtful Educator! I am so happy you are here! I created these resources with you and your students in mind. They are engaging, standards based, hands-on and I have personally used them and seen success in my own classroom. I am grateful to hear from so many teachers who are using these resources with their students, like E Woods who said, "The Thoughtful Educator is truly that! All of her created materials may be utilized for differentiation, one on one instruction, or as a whole class learning tool! It has truly been a delight using all of her materials for my students. It helps me lay the foundation for the concepts and build in a manner that benefits ALL students! She carefully planned and created each document and they're geared towards STAAR expectations! She's the best!"
I hope as you utilize these resources it will take some of the work and worry off your shoulders! My goal is to support you in your classroom by providing quality, engaging activities that give you less stress and more success as they help your students to not just survive, but thrive in science!
Find me on Facebook @thethoughtfuleducator or follow my blog and find more ideas for teaching at www.thethoughtfuleducator.com
Teaching style
My teaching style is HANDS ON. Students should feel engaged and have fun while learning! Having fun, doing activities/games, and using pop culture/music while teaching helps students to retain the information in their long term memory. DOING is key to learning! I believe in empowering students in their own education.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Top Fifty Educators in Galveston County (2011, 2013)
State Champions Science Olympiad Coach (2011)
Featured as a Top Teacher in the Galveston Daily News (2012)
Presenter at Texas Charter School Association Conference (2014)
My students were selected to fly an experiment on the International Space Station (2014)
Bronze Good Citizenship Medal & Award, Sons of the American Revolution (2015)
My own education history
B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies
M. Ed. Educational Leadership
Certifications:
EC-6 Generalist;
4-8 Generalist;
EC-12 Special Education;
Principal
Middle School Science Teacher
Middle School Math Teacher
District Science Department Head (6th-12th grade)
Dean of Secondary Education (6th-12th grade)
Curriculum Specialist
Special Education Inclusion
Additional biographical information
Proud Mama to three beautiful children. They teach me something new every day. I still have so much to learn.
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