About the store
Ms. Killian spent the first 20-plus years of her career as a primary special education teacher. She then moved on to teach high school Biology and Chemistry at one of the top-performing high schools in the US. Currently, she runs the Middle School Science program at a small PreK-8 school, where she is also the 6th grade homeroom, math, and religion teacher!
Read moreAll resources
Filters
Grade
Subject
Resource type
Standard
Audience
Supports
Weather Versus Climate Sort
Get students talking! This is a great partner activity to have students put their knowledge of climate versus weather to the test! Fonts and GraphicsAny graphics in this product are open-source graphics. The fonts used in this product are all from the Google Fonts Library and can be used for commercial purposes. TERMS OF USE (TOU):• This product is to be used by the original purchaser only and is intended for classroom and personal use only. • Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, depar
4th - 8th
Earth Sciences, General Science, Science
NGSS
MS-ESS2-6
, MS-ESS2-5
Why are cells so small? Exploring the surface area to volume ratio of cells.
Description This hands-on exploratory lab guides students to answer the question, “Why are cells so small?” This is a true STEM Lab, integrating the math skills of calculating volume, surface area, and surface area to volume ratio. Students are guided, step-by-step through the process of using mathematical data to answer this scientific phenomenon. WHAT'S INCLUDED in this 2 DAY LESSON: • NON-EDITABLE PDF lab pages STUDENTS WILL: Formulate a testable question, based on the purpose of the lab.L
7th - 12th
Applied Math, Biology, Science
CCSS, NGSS
6.G.A.2
, 6.G.A.4
, 7.G.B.6
+1
Flower Dissection Lab
DescriptionThis is an engaging hands-on lab, dissecting flowers. I find that lillies work best, and are readily available at our local grocery stores and flower shops. STUDENTS WILL: Use the Flower Dissection lab to determine how angiosperms reproduce. Additional Materials Needed:Dissection scissors (regular scissors will work as well)Dissection trays or paper plates.Masks, for students allergic to pollenLab aprons to protect clothing from pollenOptional: gloves and goggles (protection from
5th - 9th
Biology, Science
NGSS
MS-LS1-4
Customizable Jobs Board
I use this Customizable Jobs Board with my Middle Schoolers! Yes, Middle School! They are 100%, okay, 90% in charge of the jobs! They elect a manager and select new jobs every two weeks. I provide them with these printed cards, which are completed with the jobs they create. We chose a two-week rotation, as it aligns with their Patrol Assignments. The beauty of 100% customizable, is you can make this resource exactly what you need, now that the template is in place. Colors, jobs, and imager
Not Specific
Classroom Community, For All Subjects
*This* Is Middle School / Back-to-School / Bulletin Board
A Simple Bulletin Board Set to Start the Year! Print, Post, and add student photos (optional) during the first week of school!Parents love to see all of the student photos during the first week.Editable!Colors and events can be customized. A true "Make-it-Your-Own" resource!An editable slide in each color is included so you can add the special events your students will have in Middle School!Fonts and GraphicsAny graphics in this product are open-source graphics. The fonts used in this product a
5th - 8th
Classroom Community, For All Subjects
Customizable Jobs Board
My Middle School students love our Jobs Board! Yes, Middle School! They are 100%, okay, 90% in charge! They elect a manager and select new jobs every two weeks. I provide them with these printed cards, which arecompleted with the jobs they create. We chose a two-week rotation, as it aligns with their Patrol Assignments. The beauty of 100% customizable, is you can make this resource exactly what you need, now that the template is in place. Colors, jobs, and imagery is all editable! Fonts and Grap
Not Specific
For All Subjects
Three Simple Rules/ Classroom Rules
All of our classroom rules can be narrowed to these three! Keep rules simple to allow you and your students to reinforce consistency in actions and language. These prompts lend themselves to simple, common language in the classroom! I have successfully used these as my classroom rules for nearly a decade in both Middle and High School! It is presently worded to use in a Christian classroom. This resource can be edited for use in Public Schools (as I have done in the past), and can be custom
Not Specific
Classroom Community, For All Subjects
What do I need today? - Science Class Prompt Cards
Fully editable, so you can make these your own or adjust them for a different subject! Print these handy cards on cardstock, laminate, and add magnets to the back! I cut up old advertising magnets and tape them to the back. When students enter class, I have posted any special materials they need to gather, allowing for a smooth transition into class. This is a great routine to establish at the start of the year! Fonts and GraphicsAny graphics in this product are open-source graphics. The fon
4th - 10th
Math, Middle Ages, Science
Place Value Mystery Scoot
One of the best ways to engage middles in learning is to gamify it! I play music during play to increase student focus while problem-solving. When the music stops, everyone Scoots! This fun Scoot game includes: 10 Stations with riddles including place values from the Ten Thousands to the Ten Thousandths!A Challenge Station for Fast Finishers.Student capture sheet with answer key for easy grading.Colorful, ready-to-go station cards, just print and play!Optional: Printable number cards and deci
4th - 6th
Math, Math Test Prep
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
5.NBT.A.3
, MA.4.2.B
, NS.5.1
Scoot: A Rounding Decimals Game
Description Scoot is a fun whole-class game to get in mass practice. It can also be set up as a center.Print the Prompt Cards onto colorful cardstock.Copy one record sheet per student.The students complete the problem from their card in the designated letter space on their recording sheet.After a designated time, the students “scoot” to the seat next to them and work the problem at that desk. I like to vary the time for each scoot to keep them focused. As they practice, they get faster. I also
4th - 6th
Math, Math Test Prep, Mental Math
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
5.NBT.A.4
, MA.4.2.D
, NS.5.1
About Me Beakers
Using digital tools, students create "About Me" Beakers,Test Tubes, or Ehrlenmeyer Flasks. This can also be completed using low-tech materials, like magazine pictures!This fun project allows students to get to know one another better.Great SEL activity!Great preview of your students' interests and skills!All temples are full-sized and printable.Directions and Tech-tips are editable, so you can make this resource your own!Fonts and GraphicsAny graphics in this product are open-source graphics. T
4th - 9th
Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Science
Textbook Scavenger Hunt - Life Science Edition
This great Back-to-School Life Science textbook scavenger hunt can be used with physical or virtual textbooks! I have this available on the first day of school so that students can preview what we will be learning from the moment they land in class! It's a fabulous partner/ anchor activity. It is fully editable! Fonts and GraphicsAny graphics in this product are open-source graphics. The fonts used in this product are all from the Google Fonts Library and can be used for commercial purposes. TER
6th - 9th
Biology, Science
Emergency Code / Fire Drill / Review Tracker
Are you required to review emergency procedures monthly? This handy tracker can be printed and posted by your emergency binder as a visual reminder to review these procedures monthly. Let students add a sticker to the chart for listening attentively during practices! Even Middle Schoolers LOVE stickers! Fonts and GraphicsAny graphics in this product are open-source graphics. The fonts used in this product are all from the Google Fonts Library and can be used for commercial purposes. TERMS OF
Not Specific
For All Subjects
Textbook Scavenger Hunt- Earth Space Science Edition
Great Back-to-School textbook scavenger hunt can be used with physical or virtual textbooks! I have this available on the first day of school so that students can preview what we will be learning from the moment they land in class! It's a fabulous partner/ anchor activity. It is fully editable! Fonts and GraphicsAny graphics in this product are open-source graphics. The fonts used in this product are all from the Google Fonts Library and can be used for commercial purposes. TERMS OF USE (TOU)
5th - 8th
Astronomy, Earth Sciences, Science
Back-To-School Consensograms
Guage the temperature of your class with this fun interactive activity. Add your own stickers and mini sticky notes to add to the engagement.Great SEL Activity!Promote student voice!Get to know your students!Students share their thoughts anonymously!Share the findings to get a snapshot of your class’s learning profile.
4th - 12th
For All Subjects, Social Emotional Learning
Showing 1-15 of 15 results
About the store
Experience
Ms. Killian spent the first 20-plus years of her career as a primary special education teacher. She then moved on to teach high school Biology and Chemistry at one of the top-performing high schools in the US. Currently, she runs the Middle School Science program at a small PreK-8 school, where she is also the 6th grade homeroom, math, and religion teacher!
Teaching style
Hands-on experiential teaching is my forte.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Each year, I prepare about 12 or so Middle School students to compete at ScienceMontgomery, our county science fair. My students won the following awards at the 2024 Fair, more than any other school at this year's fair!
*Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge Nominee (Awarded to the top 10% of Middle School Science Fair Participants), 7th Grader
Category Awards:
*Biology & Behavioral and Social Sciences, 3rd Place awarded to 8th grade student for Vaccine Effectiveness
*Chemistry, 1st Place, awarded to 7th grade student Preventing Oxidation on Avacodos, Apples, and Potatoes
*Chemistry, 2nd Place, awarded to 8th grade student for, Effect of Standingtime on Moisture Levels in Cakes
*Engineering, 3rd Place, awarded to 8th grade student for, Solar Charge
*Physics & Mathematics, 2nd Place, awarded to 8th grade student for, Vibrancy of LED Gloves, 6th Grade
National & Regional Awards:
The Aerospace Corporation
Honorable Mention: 8th Grade Student
Honorable Mention: 8th Grade Student
Honorable Mention: 6th Grade Student
American Nuclear Society
2nd Place, Junior Division: 8th Grade Student
3rd Place, Junior Division: 8th Grade Student
Ciencia Es Tus Manos
Outstanding Research Award: 7th Grade Student
Outstanding Research Award: 8th Grade Student
DC Commissioned Officers Association of the United States Public Health Service
Medal of Achievement: 8th Grade Student
Linguate Acadamy
Honorable Mention: 8th Grade Student
SAE International
2nd Place: Junior Division, 8th Grade Student
US Naval Research and Technology Award, 8th Grade Student
Rockville Science Center, Excellence in Communication of Science, All 12 of my students earned this achievement, and were invited to present at our County Youth Science Day!
My own education history
Masters of Science in Special Education, Johns Hopkins University
Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Biology, Frostburg State
TPT is the largest marketplace for PreK-12 resources, powered by a community of educators.
IXL family of brands