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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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)
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)
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)
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
Edible Rock Party: Creating Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Delicacies
The Edible Rock Party is a creative, student-driven project that challenges learners to demonstrate their understanding of the rock cycle through a hands-on (and edible!) model. After learning how rocks form through processes like melting, layering, heat, and pressure, students will represent one of the three major rock types—igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic—using kitchen ingredients and techniques that mimic those geological forces. Each model is accompanied by a one-pager that clearly expl
5th - 8th
Earth Sciences, General Science, Other (Science)
The Capitalization Climb: Practicing Capitalization in Action
This standards-based ELA lesson guides students through the six foundational rules of capitalization using an engaging blend of direct instruction, active reading, and real-world grammar application. Anchored by a high-interest nonfiction article— "His Partner Cut the Rope," a gripping account of a life-or-death decision on a mountain—the activity helps students connect grammar rules to authentic text use, encouraging attention to detail, language awareness, and metacognitive reading. Direct Ins
6th - 8th
Grammar, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
L.6.1
, L.6.2
, L.7.1
+3
Mitosis and Meiosis Watch It Tasks: The Basics of Cell Division
This activity uses two engaging, student-friendly Amoeba Sisters YouTube videos—one on mitosis and one on meiosis—to build foundational knowledge of cell division processes. The videos are well-animated, humorous, and thoughtfully designed to break down complex content in a way that resonates with middle school learners. As students watch, they complete structured note-catchers that guide their attention to key vocabulary, steps in each process, and major differences between mitosis and meiosi
7th - 10th
Biology, General Science, Other (Science)
NGSS
MS-LS3-2
Zoologist In Training: An Exploration of Classification, Structure, and Function
This dynamic life science assignment invites students to take on the role of a zoologist tasked with teaching younger learners about animals. By choosing two animals of their own interest to research, students investigate how physical structures relate to classification and survival. From taxonomy and body symmetry to locomotion and thermoregulation, students make meaningful comparisons that bring the science of classification to life. Academic Value:Aligned with NGSS and life science standards
7th - 10th
Biology, General Science, Other (Science)
Text Structure 101: Discover, Practice, and Investigate!
This scaffolded, interactive lesson introduces students to the five most common nonfiction text structures— sequence, cause and effect, compare and contrast, problem and solution, and main idea/description—through guided modeling, note-taking, collaborative discussion, and independent analysis. Designed for middle grade readers and adaptable across content areas, this assignment blends direct instruction, active reading, and independent investigation to build foundational literacy skills. Direc
5th - 8th
Informational Text, Other (ELA), Writing
CCSS
RI.5.5
, RI.6.5
, RI.7.5
+12
Just For The Pun Of It: A Creative, Pun Drawing Challenge
The Just for the Pun of It activity blends language, art, and humor into one engaging and academically valuable assignment. Centered around the creation of picture puns, this lesson gives students the opportunity to explore figurative language—including idioms, wordplay, and double meanings—through visual storytelling and clever design. By choosing a familiar idiom, phrase, or pun, and transforming it into a creative image (without directly stating the phrase), students are challenged to think
5th - 12th
Creative Writing, Other (ELA), Poetry
Figurative Language Survival Skits
This interactive, standards-aligned lesson engages students in deepening their understanding of figurative language through creative expression, collaboration, and performance. Academic PurposeThis multi-phase activity helps students master the function and impact of figurative language—an essential component of both literary analysis and effective writing. Students: Identify and analyze different types of figurative language (e.g., simile, metaphor, personification, irony, idiom, etc.). Apply
Not Specific
Creative Writing, Drama, Writing
Envisioning an Ecosystem Poster Project
Bring ecosystems to life—one poster at a time!This project invites students to explore the inner workings of an ecosystem through detailed research and scientific illustration. Students choose a specific ecosystem and build a visual profile that showcases its biotic and abiotic components, energy flow, and complex species interactions. From predator-prey dynamics to symbiotic relationships, students will demonstrate their understanding of how ecosystems function—and why balance matters. Academic
6th - 10th
Biology, General Science, Other (Science)
NGSS
MS-LS2-2
, MS-LS2-3
, MS-LS2-1
A Very Rotten Experiment: Reviewing Characteristics of Living Things
Where decomposition meets scientific thinking! This ready-to-use formative task invites students to explore how decomposers like bacteria thrive in compost systems—while reinforcing core science concepts like the scientific method, the needs of living things, and the rejection of outdated ideas like spontaneous generation. Students design their own experiment to test environmental factors (such as temperature or moisture) that impact microbial life, then apply their understanding through analysi
7th - 10th
Biology, General Science, Other (Science)
Speed Science 101: An Active Way to Experiment With Speed and Graphing
In this interactive science lab, students take on the roles of both scientists and athletes to explore the concept of speed and how it can be measured, calculated, and represented visually through a graph. Working in small groups, students will run a fixed distance three times, collect and record data, calculate individual and average speeds, and graph their results to visually compare motion. The activity culminates with a series of reflection questions that promote data analysis, critical thi
6th - 8th
General Science, Physical Science, Physics
Showing 1-17 of 17 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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