MrsFitz

This powerpoint is a great way to introduce your classroom procedures on the first day of school. This was inspired by a Harry Wong professional development seminar I attended, and many of the ideas are adapted from "The First Day of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher". It covers expectations for behavior, materials needed, and daily procedures. Help your students start off on the right foot by letting them know what they can expect from you everyday!

This is a fun holiday-themed STEM challenge that can be adapted for any grade level. Students must work within a budget to build Santa a parachute that will give him a slow, soft landing onto the rooftops! The activity can be adjusted depending upon how much time you have and which supplies you have on hand. This packet includes a PowerPoint presentation and video to introduce the activity, student worksheet, and teacher notes. Teacher notes include a suggested timeline and ways to increase

In this great, low-prep activity, students can create their own simple optical illusions. They will learn about the principle of persistence of vision, which is what early animation was based on! The only materials needed are ones you already have at home or in your classroom: The printablesStraws (you can sub out for string)GlueMarkers or crayonsThis activity can be adapted for all ages. Younger learners can just enjoy the process and the optical illusion, older learners can go further and re

In this challenge, students will be given a budget to modify their matchbox cars to see who can make the fastest. The files are editable, so you can tailor the challenge to your age group and which materials you already have on hand! This includes an introductory powerpoint with a "do now" and video on the aerodynamics of race cars, a student worksheet, and teacher notes.

This is a fun STEM design challenge designed to take 2-3 45 minute class periods. Students will work within the design constraints to plan, build, test, rebuild a "ski lift" to transport and drop a piece of cargo. This activity is designed primarily for middle grades, but it includes modifications for younger and older students. The download also includes a PowerPoint to introduce the lesson, teacher notes, NGSS standards addressed, and career connections.

This 14-slide presentation is a great way to start the day. I project this on the board every morning, and I find it to be a great way to get middle and high school students to get in the habit of working on their "Do Now" or "warm-up" as soon as they enter the classroom. This contains 10 days worth of fresh do nows, as well as a science fact of the day. It also includes space to type in your objective for the day and the date. I will add more do nows if you like this product.

Help Lucky the Leprechaun move his "gold" under his rainbow, where he can protect it! Students will apply their knowledge of simple machines and physics to create a 3-step Rube Goldberg machine. I included a PDF, as well as a Word doc, so that you can edit it to fit the materials you already have on hand. There is a page of teacher notes for helpful hints. This activity can stretch from 2-4 class periods, depending on how many iterations it takes for your students to be successful. You can

Gray chevron border. "Work Smarter Not Harder" slogan in red and black. Can be printed as is, or blown up to poster size.

Gray chevron background. This is a list of classroom guidelines. Can be printed as is on 8.5x11" or blown up to poster size.

Gray chevron background. This is in Word .doc format, so you can edit the rules to suit your needs.