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Sunshine STEM

Rated 4.82 out of 5, based on 1682 reviews
1,430 Followers
Medford Lakes, New Jersey, United States
About the store
This year marks 21 years of teaching 🎉🎉🎉 I have taught all levels of 8th-grade science for 13 years. I am now in my eighth year teaching gifted and talented students from 1st to 5th grade. I also have extensive training in NGSS through the New Jersey Department of Education as well as the Utah Partnership.
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Preview of Yellowstone Wolves - 3 Part Informational Text

Yellowstone Wolves - 3 Part Informational Text

Created by
Sunshine STEM
During the 1930's, people viewed wolves as dangerous and destructive animals and sought to remove them from Yellowstone National Park. This three-part informational text takes students on a journey from the wolves removal in the 1930s to their amazing return in the 1990s and the subsequent transformation of Yellowstone's present-day ecosystem. The ecological changes after their removal were widespread and evident. An excellent lesson about the power of nature's interconnections and the casca
Preview of Natural Selection and Adaptations: Complete Unit with Reading Passages

Natural Selection and Adaptations: Complete Unit with Reading Passages

Created by
Sunshine STEM
A highly engaging NGSS aligned unit covering natural selection and adaptations. Students will enjoy the interesting reading passages based on scientific phenomena that are given as a central theme to each lesson. Reading comprehension questions are aligned with ELA standards. Also included are several fun, engaging activities that students will enjoy while gaining a deeper understanding of the content. Students sharpen their math skills by graphing data and analyzing results. Students also u
Preview of Whale Evolution: Evidence of Common Ancestry & Diversity With Bonus CER Resource

Whale Evolution: Evidence of Common Ancestry & Diversity With Bonus CER Resource

Created by
Sunshine STEM
Digital or Print - Choose Your Adventure! NOW WITH BONUS RESOURCE! ❤️Introduction to claim, evidence, reasoning - an easy to understand resource for you and your students to learn the how and why of argumentative writing in the science classroom! Uncover the amazing phenomena of whale evolution through this captivating two-part activity that seamlessly integrates science and ELA standards. Perfect for inquisitive minds, this exploration is designed to span two to three class periods. Part On
Preview of Animal Senses Informational Text and Activity {Covers NGSS 4-LS1-2}

Animal Senses Informational Text and Activity {Covers NGSS 4-LS1-2}

Created by
Sunshine STEM
Engaging informational text about animals' amazing senses! Students begin by sketching each of the five senses and how humans use these senses to survive. Next, students read an informational text before identifying a familiar animal with an amazing sense or senses. Next, answer comprehension questions and complete a model drawing of echolocation paths from a bat to different objects in nature. Students also have some fun by matching animal senses to the animal. Students then draw a map usin
Preview of The Amazing Story of the Peppered Moths {Informational Text & Graphing Activity}

The Amazing Story of the Peppered Moths {Informational Text & Graphing Activity}

Created by
Sunshine STEM
⭐⭐ Now in print or Google Slides! Introduce your students to the amazing scientific phenomena of the peppered moths in England during the 19th and 20th centuries as the Industrial Revolution drastically changed their environment! Students are first introduced to what natural selection is and what it is not using a diagram and explanation. Next, students read an informational text about the story of the peppered moths and how natural selection changed the population over the course of 100 years
Preview of Mass Vs. Weight with Bonus Resource!

Mass Vs. Weight with Bonus Resource!

Created by
Sunshine STEM
A fun and engaging way for students to understand the difference between mass and weight using a rock as an example! Students first read the informational text describing the differences between mass and weight. Next, the rock takes a trip to each of the different planets in our solar system so students can calculate the weight of the rock on each planet and compare with its mass. Students then answer comprehension questions before creating their own planet to calculate the weight of the rock
Preview of Modeling States of Matter Poster Project {NGSS 5-PS1-1 Aligned}

Modeling States of Matter Poster Project {NGSS 5-PS1-1 Aligned}

Created by
Sunshine STEM
⭐⭐Now in print OR Google Slides! Fun and engaging poster project to cover NGSS 5-PS1-1! Students are introduced to the three states of matter before generating a list of four objects/substances in their everyday lives for each type. Students then practice modeling matter before beginning the poster project. Students use the project poster guide to help them complete each section. A rubric is included with this resource! After the project is complete, students take a quick check quiz as a f
Preview of Darwin's Finches Informational Text and CER {NGSS and CCSS Aligned}

Darwin's Finches Informational Text and CER {NGSS and CCSS Aligned}

Created by
Sunshine STEM
Students dive into the engaging informational text about Charles Darwin's journey to the Galapagos Islands where he found evidence of adaptation and evolution! Reading passage gives students background information about Darwin and the creatures he encountered on the islands that provided sound evidence of adaptation and evolution. Students complete comprehension questions after reading the text. Next, students construct a claim, evidence, reasoning (CER) based on Darwin's findings. Students a
Preview of Simple Machines Activity Stations

Simple Machines Activity Stations

Created by
Sunshine STEM
Exciting and engaging! Students explore each of the six types of simple machines using everyday classroom and home materials! Students begin by drawing or explaining what they know about each of the six types of simple machines. Students then form groups and follow instructions at each of the six different stations to test, explore and have fun with simple machines! Students travel with their booklets to log observations and answers at each stations. Sit back and facilitate as your students
Preview of Natural Selection, Adaptation, & Fossils Text Passages {NGSS LS1-3}

Natural Selection, Adaptation, & Fossils Text Passages {NGSS LS1-3}

Created by
Sunshine STEM
Now comes in print or digital (Google Slides) Natural Selection and Adaptation text passages provide enriching information and thought provoking comprehension questions! Your students will enjoy each of the six reading passages based on scientific phenomena. Each of the six passages comes with informational text comprehension questions aligned to 3rd and 4th-grade common core standards in ELA and NGSS standards. Full answer key included for each set of comprehension questions and a rubric. T
Preview of Tom the Turkey's Great Escape: 5 Fun Thanksgiving STEM Challenges

Tom the Turkey's Great Escape: 5 Fun Thanksgiving STEM Challenges

Created by
Sunshine STEM
Looking for a fun, full week of engineering design challenges for your students? Look no further - Tom the Turkey's Great Escape is the perfect plan for your holiday season! Tom the Turkey wants to escape the barnyard so he's not served on the dinner table this year and he needs your students help! Resource also comes with an engineering design process classroom poster, a flipbook for students to plan and record data, and a fun award if they save Tom! Check out the five challenges below wh
Preview of Potential and Kinetic Energy - Introduction and Marble Run

Potential and Kinetic Energy - Introduction and Marble Run

Created by
Sunshine STEM
This easy to use, concise resource gives students an introduction potential and kinetic energy with an engaging and fun project! Informational text and video allows you to effectively convey the key principles to students. USe to introduce or to reinforce mechanical energy! The highlight of this resource is the hands-on marble run activity, where students get to apply their understanding of potential and kinetic energy in a practical and exciting way. As they construct their marble run, student
Preview of Fossil Stations {NGSS Aligned with 3-LS4-1, 4-ESS1-1,  MS-LS4-1 & MS-ESS2-3}

Fossil Stations {NGSS Aligned with 3-LS4-1, 4-ESS1-1, MS-LS4-1 & MS-ESS2-3}

Created by
Sunshine STEM
⭐⭐NOW IN GOOGLE SLIDES!!!! ⭐⭐ Engage your students in six fun and engaging activity stations that are designed to give students an enriching experience in supporting NGSS standards. Each station provides students with an interesting look at fossils and what they tell us about the past! These stations are part of the unit; All About Fossils, a complete NGSS unit. Station topics include: 1. Glossopteris Trees, Proof of an Ancient World - Students analyze two different maps in earth's history
Preview of Thermal Energy Introduction and Project (Covers NGSS MS-PS3-3)

Thermal Energy Introduction and Project (Covers NGSS MS-PS3-3)

Created by
Sunshine STEM
Take project based learning to the next level! This resource covers NGSS MS-PS3-3 and is designed to enhance understanding through exploration, skill development, and hands-on project-based learning. Comes in print or digital formats! Introduction: Build a strong foundation with our engaging introduction to thermal energy. Visual aids and clear explanations make complex concepts accessible, laying the groundwork for the next step in learning. Skill Practice: Students will be introduced to the d
Preview of Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity Complete NGSS Unit

Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity Complete NGSS Unit

Created by
Sunshine STEM
⭐⭐ Now in print OR Google Slides! This amazing two unit bundle covers the extensive 3-LS4 performance expectations! The first unit covers; 3-LS4-1 - Analyze and interpret data from fossils to provide evidence of the organisms and the environments in which they lived long ago. The print and go packet gives students everything they need and more for this performance expectation. Explore the world of fossils with your students with several interactive, engaging lessons. Your students will love t
Preview of Shipwrecked  {3-5-ETS1-1 and MS-ETS1-4 Engineering Design}

Shipwrecked {3-5-ETS1-1 and MS-ETS1-4 Engineering Design}

Created by
Sunshine STEM
You are shipwrecked on a deserted island! How will you survive? What will you do to create your very own colony? This student driven project will capture their interest and imagination while using the concepts of engineering design, critical thinking, scientific reasoning and research. Teachers will be that facilitator as students take an active role of engineers using the engineering design process to guide them through several tasks that will help them survive a year on a deserted island.
Preview of Solar System Investigation!

Solar System Investigation!

Created by
Sunshine STEM
Your students will have a blast while learning about the planets within our solar system! First, students complete a graphic organizer outlining several facts for each of the eight planets and the asteroid belt. A beautiful PowerPoint presentation gives students all the information they need about each of the planets and the asteroid belt! Next, students become solar system detectives as they search for a missing little alien in our solar system. The only trace of the alien is his travel jo
Preview of Huge Life Science Informational Text Bundle! Great for Distance Learning!

Huge Life Science Informational Text Bundle! Great for Distance Learning!

Created by
Sunshine STEM
Great for distance learning use! This HUGE bundle contains EIGHT high-interest informational texts to support NGSS life and earth science units! Each resource begins with an engaging informational text before students APPLY what they learn with comprehension questions and an activity. Activities vary for each resource including; graphing data, analyzing maps, designing solutions, creating a poster, writing a presentation, matching concepts and sketching ideas. Great to use as classwork, homew
Preview of Kindergarten Science Bundle (NGSS Aligned)

Kindergarten Science Bundle (NGSS Aligned)

Created by
Sunshine STEM
Four amazing Units for your little kinders! Super fun and engaging while you just print and go! Low cost and easy - this bundle is what you are looking for! ☀️ Sun's Energy and Earth's Surface Students are delighted to learn about the sun and how it affects Earth's surface! Each student receives a booklet with easy-to-follow activities for each of the PowerPoint presentation slides that the teacher projects. After each page of the booklet is complete, students learn about engineers and the
Preview of Coal Vs. Wind Energy Text Passages and Comprehension Questions

Coal Vs. Wind Energy Text Passages and Comprehension Questions

Created by
Sunshine STEM
A close read of two informational text passages regarding wind and coal energy. Students read both texts, underlining words that they are unfamiliar with. Next, students choose two words from each passage to find the definition for and write in the margins of the passages. Next students complete a graphic organizer comparing and contrasting the two energy sources before evaluating which source is more beneficial. This product is aligned is part of a full NGSS aligned unit Earth and Human Ac
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About the store

Experience

This year marks 21 years of teaching 🎉🎉🎉 I have taught all levels of 8th-grade science for 13 years. I am now in my eighth year teaching gifted and talented students from 1st to 5th grade. I also have extensive training in NGSS through the New Jersey Department of Education as well as the Utah Partnership.

Teaching style

Through my experience as a science teacher, I find that if I am excited about what I am teaching, my students are as well! Hands on, creative lessons maximize student engagement and learning. Let's have some fun!

Awards & shining teacher moments

Teacher of the Year 2021 Awarded PLC leader in 2011 Became honors teacher 2009

My own education history

I graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor's in Environmental Science. I received a Masters of Science degree from American Military University in Environmental Policy and Management.