Dodson Dynamics
7 Followers
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, United States
About the store
As an educator of seven years, I've had the opportunity to work with a plethora of diverse learners across multiple grade levels.
I have taught primarily in the middle school environment -- teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. I taught ELA for four years, and am now almost halfway through my second school year as a science educator. I teach both 7th grade Life Science and 6th grade Earth Science.
I am a member of the Science Academy district planning team.
During the summer months, I help coordinate a summer reading program for struggling elementary readers. I recruit middle school volunteer mentors and assist them in becoming strong role models for elementary students who are in the program. My mentors work with kids to build their academic skills as well as their confidence and self-efficacy.
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STEM Rocket Launch Supplemental Lab: Newton's Laws In Action!
Disclaimer: While this lab is designed to be used with any rocket model, the included building procedures are specifically tailored to the Wizard Estes Intermediate Rockets. Additionally, an altimeter is required for collecting data during the rocket’s flight. Altimeter types may vary, but a simple angle-based altimeter or a digital altimeter with barometric or GPS capabilities is essential for measuring the rocket's altitude. This resource is a supplemental resource for a teacher who already
5th - 9th
General Science, Physics
NGSS
MS-PS2-2
Exploring Work, Energy, and Power Reading Passage and DOK Questions
This ready-to-use, print-friendly assignment introduces students to the foundational physics concepts of work, energy, and power through a clear, student-friendly reading passage and tiered comprehension questions. Designed for upper elementary or middle school science classrooms, it provides a structured yet accessible way to develop scientific literacy and reinforce key NGSS-aligned physical science standards. What It Covers Definition and calculation of work (W = F × D) Types of energy (kin
5th - 9th
General Science, Physical Science, Physics
Constellations Over Me (Exploring Earth's Movement Using Constellations)
This resource can be used to introduce students to constellations and the important evidence they contain regarding Earth’s movement. Help students generate an understanding of Earth’s rotation, revolution, seasons, and day/night cycle by having them explore constellations that span the Northern Hemisphere. This resource can be used either in pairs or as independent work. Students will utilize a website that provides them with an interactive star map. They can type in any zip code in the US or C
5th - 8th
Astronomy, Earth Sciences, Science
NGSS
MS-ESS1-1
What Step Am I On?: Identifying the Steps of the Scientific Method
This is a low-prep, high-impact worksheet designed to help students build confidence in identifying and applying the steps of the scientific method. Through real-world, student-friendly scenarios, learners are challenged to match each statement to a specific step in the scientific process— asking a question, forming a hypothesis, testing it, and drawing conclusions. This task reinforces scientific thinking in a relatable way and serves as both a formative check and a critical thinking exercise.
5th - 9th
General Science, Other (Science)
Marble Coaster STEM Challenge: A Kinetic and Potential Energy Thrill Ride
This highly interactive STEM challenge invites students to step into the role of a roller coaster engineer as they explore the physics of energy transfer. By constructing marble roller coasters using foam tubing, students gain a concrete understanding of potential and kinetic energy, gravity, and friction through creative problem-solving and hands-on experimentation. Instructional Value:This lab brings key physical science concepts to life, reinforcing: The transformation of potential energ
5th - 8th
General Science, Physical Science, Physics
NGSS
MS-PS3-2
Themed Ten-Frame Boards
In this package, you will find eighteen different Ten-Frame Boards, each with their own unique theme to meet the interests and personalities of your young learners. These ten-frames can be printed and recycled after each use, or, you can print them in color and laminate them to ensure that students can use and reuse them over and over. Each board comes with its own printable token cut-outs. For example, the tokens that can be cut out for the space-themed board are planets. The tokens for the din
PreK - 1st
Arithmetic, Math, Numbers
CCSS
K.CC.A.1
, K.CC.B.4a
, K.CC.B.4c
Illustrating Newtons Laws: A Creative Approach to Force and Motion
This engaging and versatile assignment invites students to apply their understanding of Newton’s Three Laws of Motion by creating an original, labeled illustration that shows all three laws at work in a real-world or imaginative scenario. Students identify specific moments where each law is demonstrated, then explain the forces involved. Follow-up reflection questions help deepen conceptual understanding and connect their thinking to mass, acceleration, force, and real-life applications. Learni
5th - 9th
General Science, Physical Science, Physics
Earth's Layers League -- A Creative, SUPERHUMAN Way to Study Earth's Layers
Description:The Layers League project is a high-engagement, standards-based activity that challenges students to combine science content with creative thinking. After learning about Earth’s interior layers—crust, lithosphere, asthenosphere, mantle, outer core, and inner core—students use that knowledge to design an original superhero or monster that could realistically live in one of those extreme environments. Through structured planning, character creation, and reflection, students demonstra
5th - 8th
Earth Sciences, General Science
NGSS
MS-ESS2-2
, MS-ESS2-1
The Closest Star to Our Solar System: A Proxima Centauri Investigation
Overview: This engaging and accessible assignment introduces students to Proxima Centauri, the closest known star to our solar system beyond the Sun. Blending science content with critical thinking and imaginative exploration, this resource helps students build a foundational understanding of astronomy, exoplanets, and the challenges of interstellar travel. Learning Objectives: Define and conceptualize a light-year and interstellar distance. Identify the components of the Alpha Centauri star sy
4th - 8th
Astronomy, Earth Sciences, General Science
NGSS
MS-ESS1-2
, MS-ESS1-3
Showing 1-9 of 9 results
About the store
Experience
As an educator of seven years, I've had the opportunity to work with a plethora of diverse learners across multiple grade levels.
I have taught primarily in the middle school environment -- teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. I taught ELA for four years, and am now almost halfway through my second school year as a science educator. I teach both 7th grade Life Science and 6th grade Earth Science.
I am a member of the Science Academy district planning team.
During the summer months, I help coordinate a summer reading program for struggling elementary readers. I recruit middle school volunteer mentors and assist them in becoming strong role models for elementary students who are in the program. My mentors work with kids to build their academic skills as well as their confidence and self-efficacy.
Teaching style
I have high expectations, and my students know that. However, I also see them as humans, not homework-producing machines. I think every teacher with a reflective personality strives to ensure that they aren't embodying the cliche "ruler of the classroom" mantra and, rather, tries their best to engage in the experiences within the classroom as a mutual learner.
We have fun, but we cover our content in depth as we strive to connect it to the real world.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Rookie Educator of the Year (2019-2020)
Educator of the Year (2021-2022)
My own education history
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Lewis Clark State College in Idaho. This means I can teach K-8th grade in any subject. I have an endorsement as a "Reading Specialist", which means I can teach English Language Arts through 12th grade (K-12). I also have a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
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