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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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)
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)
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
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
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)
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)
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
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
Alive or Not? Interactive Slideshow: The Characteristics of Living Things
Looking for a dynamic, student-friendly resource to introduce the essential traits of living organisms? This digital slideshow is designed to captivate learners while reinforcing foundational life science concepts. Perfect for upper elementary and middle school classrooms, it blends reading, multimedia, and inquiry-based learning into one easy-to-use package. What’s Included: Resources introducing and explaining the key characteristics of living things Embedded videos to support visual and
4th - 8th
Biology, General Science
NGSS
MS-LS1-1
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
One Fizzy Phenomenon -- The Scientific Method With Coke and Mentos
A Hands-On Scientific Method Investigation with Coke & Mentos⚠️ Please Note: This resource requires Coca-Cola and Mentos candies, which are not included. This is a hands-on lab, which means it goes beyond the paper resources. These additional materials must be provided by the teacher in order for the lab to be conducted. One Fizzy Phenomenon! is an exciting, inquiry-based science lab that turns the famous Coke and Mentos eruption into a full-blown investigation of the scientific method. Stud
5th - 8th
General Science, Other (Science)
Newton's Laws In Everyday Life: Connecting Our World to Science!
This assignment asks students to go beyond textbook definitions by applying Newton’s Three Laws of Motion to their own daily experiences. Students record short, original videos capturing real-life events—like sports, pet tricks, or kitchen mishaps—that illustrate the laws of motion in action. They then define each law in their own words, analyze how it appears in their video, and reflect on key science concepts like friction, mass, and balanced vs unbalanced forces. The assignment strikes a powe
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 1-17 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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