Science Breakdowns

This bundle includes two variations of "Science Fact or Fiction?" Students have a chance to research and explore common misconceptions/science oddities, both in nature and in popular media! This is an excellent lesson to start of the year or use prior to a research project. Students can work together and learn how to sharpen their fact-checking skills. The original assignment is slightly longer and goes more in-depth on how to find credible sources. The Olaf version can be used as an extension w

During our genetics unit, my students often ask what GMOs are and if they are safe to eat. This Kurzgesagt video explores the pros and cons of GMOs, while also clearing up common misconceptions regarding the topic. To help students better understand the topic, I use the video notes to review key concepts and guide classroom discussions on the issue. The notes may also be used as an emergency sub plan if students have access to the video. Note: This assignment does not include a teacher's guide.

There are a lot of fascinating and interesting “facts” or “scientific studies” that are shared around the internet. We commonly see them in articles, videos, or images; but how do you know if what you’re reading is actually true? In this assignment, students will have a chance to test their inner-Sherlock by trying to determine if the statement is a cool science fact or a common misconception. Download Includes:1x editable “Science Fact or Fiction?” Worksheet in .DOCX- 3-part series of engaging

When discussing climate change, sustainability, and the effects of human activities on our environment, one notable area to highlight is the alarming rate of extinctions on our planet and what has caused it. This CNN video special looks at five areas affected by climate change and here are my video notes for students to answer and use for class discussions. It can also be used as an emergency sub plan or for online learning. Download Includes:1x editable “Vanishing: The 6th Mass Extinction” Vid

When you experience a small cut, how does your body protect you from the countless bacteria that are trying to attack you? This Kurzgesagt video looks at the fascinating immune response that occurs within your body and how your immune system tries to keep you safe. I use the video notes to review key concepts and to guide classroom discussions on the issue. The video notes may also be used as an emergency sub plan if students have access to the video. Note: This assignment does not include a tea

How does cancer arise in our bodies? What do our bodies do to protect us? This Kurzgesagt video takes a detailed look at the damage can occur in our DNA and how our bodies protect us from dangerous mutations. I use the video notes to review key concepts and to guide classroom discussions on the issue. The video notes may also be used as an emergency sub plan if students have access to the video. Note: This assignment does not include a teacher's guide. Download Includes:1x editable “Your Bod

This bundle is great for teaching important science skills at beginning of the year or prior to beginning a new semester / quarter / unit. It includes 3 inquiry-based lessons and 2 connection-building activities that are ideal at engaging students and promoting collaboration. As a bonus, it also includes three awesome warmups and bell ringers templates! All assignments are no-prep, have answer keys, and include thought-provoking discussion questions.

This Kurzgesagt bundle is a curated compilation of video notes that are related to climate change and health. It also includes an additional article sub plan on our world's population growth and energy crisis. There are currently 12 total assignments, updated as of March 2022. All assignments are no-prep, have answer keys, and include thought-provoking discussion questions. They may be used as an in-class activity or sub plan!

When discussing population dynamics and sustainability, we often wonder about the carrying capacity of our planet. While scientists estimate Earth can sustain 9-10 billion people, students are generally curious about how scientists calculate human impact. This National Geographic article gives insight to the effects of human overpopulation, how we can measure it, and how we can address those issues. The accompanying article questions can be shared digitally, used for classroom discussions, and

As of February 2021, Jeff Bezos has a net worth of 192 billion dollars. Did you know that if you earned $260,000 a day since Jesus was born (or 2,021 years ago), you would still not have as much money as him? In order to have the same amount of money as him, you would need to have made around $260,102.60 a day for the past 2,021 years! (Editor’s Note: As of July 2020, Jeff Bezos had a net worth of 178.2 billion dollars and you would’ve need to have made around $241,527.23 a day for the past 2,02

Do we need nuclear energy to stop climate change? This Kurzgesagt video examines how much we depend on fossil fuels and the steps that we would have to take to transition from fossil fuels into nuclear energy and renewables. I use the video notes to review key concepts and to guide classroom discussions on the issue. The video notes may also be used as an emergency sub plan if students have access to the video. Note: This assignment does not include a teacher's guide. Download Includes:1x editab

There are a lot of fascinating and interesting “facts” or “scientific studies” that are shared around the internet. During the ride from Arendelle to the Enchanted Forest, Olaf shared several shocking scientific statements. Were they all accurate or was Olaf mistaken? In this assignment, you will have a chance to test your inner-Sherlock by trying to determine if Olaf’s statements are a cool science fact or a common misconception. Note: This is a shorter version of Science Fact or Fiction? wi

Of all the icebreakers I've tried, this classic challenge is my favorite activity to do during the first few days of school. Students are always intrigued by what might be inside a mystery bag and the concept of working towards a common goal is an excellent way to build camaraderie between new classmates. Furthermore, the challenge itself is simple to understand and embodies all aspects of the scientific method, thus making it the ideal science icebreaker. Download Includes:1x editable “Mystery

Designed to have a minimalistic and clean look. Easy for teachers to edit and set the tone for the year. Includes customizable sections for course objectives, units, grading policies, and classroom expectations, complete with example paragraphs for each section. Download Includes:1x Syllabus template in .DOCX - Simple, clean layout with a snazzy Einstein icon and science icon- Customizable sections with highlighted fields to edit and replace1x Extra icon of Einstein in .PNG1x Read Me in .PDF - I

How can we build camaraderie and connections within the classroom? One way can be to allow students to directly interview each other! This activity provides students an opportunity to share and learn more about each other in a low-stakes environment, while also allowing you to get to know your students and establish a strong classroom culture. Download Includes:1x editable “Interviewing Your New Classmates” Worksheet in .DOCX - Includes 20 interesting questions for students to interview their c

For our students and ourselves, what are the best ways that we can help fix climate change? This Kurzgesagt video explores the industries that contribute the most global emissions, the economics behind cutting back usage, the maximum impact of one average INDIVIDUAL, and the realistic solutions we need take to mitigate the effects of climate change. I use the video notes to review key concepts and to guide classroom discussions on the issue. The video notes may also be used as an emergency su

When looking at who contributes the most to CO2 emissions, students might think that every person in the world contributes a similar amount as we do. This Kurzgesagt video gives insight to the events that have led us to the situation we are in today, while also looking at some of the consequences of climate change and those who are most affected. To help students have a deeper understanding the topic, I use the video notes to review key concepts, guide classroom discussions on the issue, and exp

What are the side effects of vaccines? This Kurzgesagt video examines how vaccines work and the common misconceptions regarding its dangers. I use the video notes to review key concepts and to guide classroom discussions on the issue. The video notes may also be used as an emergency sub plan if students have access to the video. Note: This assignment does not include a teacher's guide. Download Includes:1x editable “The Side Effects of Vaccines” Video Notes in .DOCX - 13 video questions and 2 di

Climate change is a complicated issue and students may feel overwhelmed or hopeless when thinking about the future. This Kurzgesagt video looks at four factors that explain why CO2 emissions are rising and how we can stop that. I use the video notes to review key concepts, guide classroom discussions on the issue, and explore their own carbon footprints. The video notes may also be used as an emergency sub plan if students have access to the video. Note: This assignment does not include a teache

From personal experience, I’ve found that many students are open to sharing many aspects of their lives. The stories ranged from funny, wholesome adventures to stories of when they were homeless or in dangerous situations. Regardless of the emotions their stories evoked, I always appreciated their stories and it helped me adjust how I approached teaching them. Download Includes:1x editable “Letter to Teacher” Worksheet in .DOCX - Includes 2 prompts with 5 questions total for students to choose f