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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Microorganism Mix-Up: Investigation Stations (Fungi/Protists/Bacteria/Viruses)
Resource Includes: 1. Microorganism Mix-Up Slideshow 2. Microorganism Mix-Up Station Cards (printable) 3. Microorganism Mix-Up Student Note-Catcher (printable) 4. Microorganism Mix-Up Student Note-Catcher Answer Key for last page (printable) This introductory activity has students exploring a large variety of organisms in the pursuit of schema building. More specifically, they will gain some exposure to fungi, bacteria, protists, and viruses. As students navigate the classroom, they visit four s
6th - 8th
Biology, Science
NGSS
MS-LS1-1
1960's Scavenger Hunt (Anticipatory Set/Introduction for The Outsiders)
Planning on reading The Outsiders with your class? Fear that, as kids living in the 2020's that they may not know a whole lot about the cultural juggernaut of a time period that the 1960's was? Get students in the right mindset for 1960's flare with this groovy scavenger hunt! They will explore all sorts of aspects of the decade that defined so much of what we understand about the culture of America. From music, to cinema, to automobiles -- this scavenger hunt has numerous ways for them explore
6th - 8th
English Language Arts, Reading
CCSS
RL.7.3
, RL.7.9
I Am A Scientist Research Project: A Science Career Deep-Dive!
A Low-Stakes Launch into Scientific Thinking, Research, and CommunicationThe “I Am a Scientist” project invites students to explore a science career that interests them, conduct guided research, and present their findings through a creative and well-organized poster or slideshow. Designed for early in the school year, this project helps students practice critical academic skills—like using credible sources, summarizing findings, organizing ideas visually, and presenting to peers— all within a s
4th - 8th
General Science, Other (Science)
Utopia vs. Dystopia Mini-Project
In this mini-project, students are introduced to the concept of utopian society while being equally exposed to the inverse -- the concept of dystopian society. I've used it before as an introductory piece before reading The Hunger Games to help give students a better understanding of what's in store regarding Panem (the country that the novel takes place in). I've also seen it be used by colleagues who have taught The Giver. This project is formatted as a Google Slide presentation and has stud
6th - 8th
Civics, English Language Arts, Literature
Jurassic Week: A Prehistoric and Science-Driven Jurassic Park Film Study
A Film Study in Ethics, Evolution, and EngineeringWhat if science could bring dinosaurs back to life?Jurassic Week is an interdisciplinary, week-long film study built around Jurassic Park that uses pop culture as a launchpad for deep academic exploration. Blending life science standards, media literacy, and ethical reasoning, this resource turns a classic sci-fi film into a rich STEM learning experience. What Students Will Do:Over the course of five days, students will: Explore the science
7th - 10th
Biology, General Science, Other (Science)
NGSS
MS-LS4-3
, MS-LS4-5
, MS-LS4-4
Scientific Method 101 Slideshow and Review Activities
This engaging, student-friendly lesson introduces the Scientific Method through the lens of a relatable story: a boy trying to determine which type of dog he should get. Using a visually supported slideshow presentation, students explore each step of the scientific method while following along with a guided note-catcher to solidify understanding. In addition to the core steps of the scientific method, the lesson also covers key foundational concepts: Independent vs. Dependent Variables Cont
5th - 7th
General Science, Other (Science)
Survival Island Team-Building Challenge
This activity is great for the beginning of the school year. I've used it multiple times and greatly enjoy the diverse conversations my students have as they wrestle with the topic at hand. The ultimate goal is to help students work in groups. As the activity winds down, students are tasked with determining what makes strong group-work a thing as well as what types of norms can be established in the classroom to make it happen consistently. To describe this product, I've included the overview d
Not Specific
English Language Arts
Solar System Digital Simulation Investigation
The Solar System Scope Simulation Investigation is a dynamic, inquiry-based digital assignment designed to deepen students’ understanding of our solar system and beyond using the interactive platform Solar System Scope. This lesson invites students to engage in guided virtual exploration of planets, moons, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, spacecraft, and distant stars—extending their learning all the way to the Milky Way galaxy. Purpose and Objectives: This assignment supports standards-aligne
5th - 9th
Astronomy, General Science, Other (Science)
NGSS
MS-ESS1-2
, MS-ESS1-3
, MS-ESS1-1
Earth's Layers Candy Salad Mini-Project
This tactile, creative modeling activity deepens student understanding of Earth’s internal structure through metaphorical thinking, scientific writing, and peer communication. Students apply their knowledge of the geosphere’s distinct layers by selecting and justifying a candy model that mimics the physical properties of a randomly assigned Earth layer. Each student contributes their chosen candy to a shared “Earth's Layers Candy Salad,” reinforcing the concept that Earth is made of interconnect
5th - 8th
Earth Sciences, General Science, Other (Science)
Digging Into DNA: A Self-Paced Introduction to DNA's Structure and Function
Digging Into DNA is a thoughtfully designed, inquiry-based reading and analysis assignment that guides students through foundational concepts of DNA structure, function, and experimental investigation. Starting with a knowledge activation and curiosity-building brainstorming exercise, students then explore two accessible Science News Explores articles: one introducing DNA basics and another highlighting cutting-edge research on DNA’s physical properties. Through a blend of reading comprehension,
7th - 10th
Biology, General Science, Other (Science)
The Hunger Games Novel Study Vocabulary Charts
This tiered vocabulary resource enhances student comprehension and critical thinking by weaving rigorous, high-impact academic vocabulary into each phase of The Hunger Games novel study. With thoughtfully curated word lists for every chapter cluster, students engage with essential terms through context-based sentence completions, sketch-to-learn visuals, and synthesis tasks like written retells using target words. By reinforcing word meaning in meaningful, narrative-aligned ways, this scaffolde
Not Specific
Literature, Novel Studies, Vocabulary
Diving Into Dialogue: Analyzing Not Just WHAT Is Said, But HOW It Is Said
Diving Into Dialogue is an engaging, multimedia-based lesson designed to help students analyze the deeper layers of communication in storytelling. Students watch curated clips from popular animated films and focus on how dialogue works—not just what is said, but how it’s said and what it reveals about a character. Rather than passively watching, students act as active observers and “emotional detectives.” They note a line of dialogue that stands out, then examine delivery (tone, pacing, word
6th - 12th
Creative Writing, Other (ELA), Writing
Animal Cloning: Double Trouble? Digital Reading Task
This science literacy task invites students to engage deeply with the real-world ethics, science, and impact of cloning technology in agriculture and conservation. Using a student-friendly article from Science News Explores, learners build knowledge through reading, analyze the potential consequences of cloning, and apply critical thinking to evaluate its role in modern society. Blending nonfiction reading, ethical reasoning, and real-world math, this assignment supports NGSS Life Science stand
6th - 10th
Biology, General Science, Other (Science)
The Yellowstone Dilemma: A Problem/Solution Approach to Maintaining Biodiversity
This inquiry-based activity immerses students in the real-world complexities of preserving biodiversity within a protected natural ecosystem— Yellowstone National Park. Blending informational text, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving, this assignment aligns with NGSS Life Science standards (ecosystem dynamics, human impact, and biodiversity) and promotes deep understanding through multiple entry points: Close Reading + Comprehension Questions: A one-page reading passage introdu
6th - 10th
Biology, General Science, Other (Science)
NGSS
MS-LS2-5
Fueling the Future! A Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Poster Project
Give your students the power to persuade—with science!This mini-project engages students in research, critical thinking, and creative design as they advocate for a specific energy resource. Whether it's solar, wind, coal, or nuclear, students take on the role of an energy advocate to build a persuasive case for why their chosen resource should be used to power our future. Academic Objectives:Students will: Demonstrate an understanding of how a chosen energy resource works and how it generates u
Not Specific
General Science, Physical Science
NGSS
MS-ESS3-1
Earth's Layers Scale Model Project: Scaling Down to Dig Deeper
Earth’s Layers Scale Model is a multi-dimensional project that transforms textbook content into a dynamic learning experience rooted in math, modeling, scientific research, and creative problem-solving. Students move beyond diagrams and vocabulary as they construct a precise, to-scale paper model of Earth’s interior—then bring it to life with captions, color, and scientific explanations. The project requires students to merge measurement, scientific facts, and thoughtful analysis into one cohesi
6th - 8th
Earth Sciences, General Science, Other (Science)
Slice of Life 3D Cell Model Project
Bring Cell Biology and Organism Study to Life with Hands-On Scientific Modeling! Unlock the power of experiential learning with this comprehensive, standards-aligned project that challenges students to think and act like real scientists! A Slice of Life Project guides learners through the exciting process of researching a eukaryotic organism and constructing a detailed 3D cell model, developing critical scientific skills such as research, organization, model-building, and scientific communicat
6th - 10th
Biology, General Science, Other (Science)
NGSS
MS-LS1-2
An Introduction to Minerals and Rocks Watch It Tasks: The Basics
This structured, video-based assignment introduces students to essential Earth science concepts—specifically minerals, mineral identification, and the three main types of rocks—using engaging and accessible content from the Geology Kitchen YouTube series. Through a sequence of three targeted videos, students build foundational knowledge by actively taking notes, answering comprehension questions, and applying new terms in context. Academic ValueThe activity supports key Earth science learning g
5th - 6th
Earth Sciences, General Science, Other (Science)
Mysterious Monsters and Bewildering Beasts: A Lord of the Flies Research Task
This engaging, standards-aligned activity invites students to explore the real-world roots of mythical creatures—like the Loch Ness Monster or the Chupacabra—as a way to deepen their understanding of the boys’ belief in the “beastie” in Lord of the Flies. Students work collaboratively to research a specific cultural myth, analyze its origin and impact, and present their findings to the class, including a visual “Portrait of the Beast.” The activity is introduced with a reflective warm-up on myt
8th - 12th
Literature, Reading
Analogies With Anatomy: Cell Structures and Their Functions
This hands-on, analogy-driven assignment invites students to explore cell structures (organelles) and their functions by comparing them to familiar, real-world objects and systems—like cities, body systems, or machines. It blends visual, analytical, and creative thinking to deepen conceptual understanding of cellular biology. Students will: Identify and describe the structure and function of key cell organelles in both plant and animal cells. Determine whether each organelle is found in p
6th - 12th
Anatomy, Biology, General Science
NGSS
MS-LS1-2
, MS-LS1-1
Showing 1-20 of 37 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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