iExploreScience: STEM in Elem Mon, 06 Jul 2026 06:00:03 -0400 http://www.iexplorescience.com en-us © 2026 © 2026 iExploreScience LLC yes 028b4b34-07a2-5ab6-bc36-e30ccd306548 Nicole VanTassel episodic false iExploreScience: STEM in Elem is for upper elementary teachers — especially grades 3–5 —who want to make elementary science and math more engaging, without adding more prep or overwhelm to their day. If you’re looking for practical ways to bring STEM and hands-on learning into your classroom while still meeting standards like NGSS, this podcast is for you.


Each week, you’ll get (ideally) short, (always!) actionable episodes (about 15–30 minutes) filled with classroom-tested ideas you can actually use. From simple STEM challenges and low-prep science activities to math routines, lab management, and neurodivergent-friendly strategies, everything is designed to help you keep students thinking, moving, and engaged—especially during the most challenging times of the year.


You’ll also hear honest reflections from real classroom experiences, with a focus on what works (and what doesn’t) in my 5th grade science and math classroom — no perfection required.


I’m Nicole, and I share practical, hands-on science and math ideas designed specifically for upper elementary teachers who want engaging, rigorous lessons without the overwhelm.


]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) elementary science, STEM activities, upper elementary, grades 3-5, hands-on science, elementary STEM, science teacher podcast, NGSS, elementary math, science labs elementary, phenomenon based learning, STEM challenges Nicole VanTassel https://storage.buzzsprout.com/imv8ceoe53ropv1qqgigpkwuocoh?.jpg iExploreScience: STEM in Elem http://www.iexplorescience.com 15 The Reason Some Students Struggle With Science Questions (And What to Do About It) 15 The Reason Some Students Struggle With Science Questions (And What to Do About It) Most of us were taught to think about teaching in terms of standards coverage. Hit the standard, move on. But there's a layer underneath that we don't talk about enough — and it's what actually determines whether a student can access the standards in the first place.

In This Episode:

  • the moment Nicole realized her students weren't struggling with skills — they were struggling with background knowledge
  • the advantage of knowing something about a topic (aka background knowledge) before standards-based classroom learning begins
  • what "bite-sized exposure" actually looks like in a packed school day — we're talking 5 to 10 minutes, not extra units!!
  • how to decide which topics to integrate
  • how to reframe this for your administrator when they ask about standard alignment


Links Mentioned:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — this week's issue includes a list of high-interest science topics with a simple classroom hook for each, ready to pull out on a free Friday: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Most of us were taught to think about teaching in terms of standards coverage. Hit the standard, move on. But there's a layer underneath that we don't talk about enough — and it's what actually determines whether a student can access the standards in the first place.

In This Episode:

  • the moment Nicole realized her students weren't struggling with skills — they were struggling with background knowledge
  • the advantage of knowing something about a topic (aka background knowledge) before standards-based classroom learning begins
  • what "bite-sized exposure" actually looks like in a packed school day — we're talking 5 to 10 minutes, not extra units!!
  • how to decide which topics to integrate
  • how to reframe this for your administrator when they ask about standard alignment


Links Mentioned:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — this week's issue includes a list of high-interest science topics with a simple classroom hook for each, ready to pull out on a free Friday: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-19440680 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 853 12 15 full false 14 Vertical Whiteboards In Science & Math 14 Vertical Whiteboards In Science & Math Vertical whiteboards are all the buzz in math circles -- and whether or not you subscribe to the whole BTC framework, the boards themselves? Golden!! The good news is, it works just as well in science as it does in math.

In this episode, Nicole breaks down exactly how she uses vertical whiteboards in both her math and science classroom: what they are, why they work, and the specific ways she uses them for everything from complex word problems to building food webs to analyzing data in real time.

In This Episode:

  • why vertical whiteboards let you see everything — who's stuck, who's off task, who's making the same mistake — all at once, without hovering
  • how the erasability of a whiteboard lowers the stakes and gets reluctant students actually participating
  • Nicole's step-by-step math problem solving sequence at the whiteboard — and how it builds habits that transfer to independent work
  • science applications for vertical whiteboards
  • how to start without spending a ton of money and without overhauling your whole classroom

If you've heard of Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl, this connects to that — but we're not doing a book review here. This is Nicole's unique strategy, evolved over four years of figuring out what actually works for her upper elementary math and science students!

📝 Want to go deeper? Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl is worth your time even if you're primarily a science teacher.

📬 Grab the Vertical Whiteboards Expectations Poster to support positive behaviors at the boards in this week's Substack post:  https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Vertical whiteboards are all the buzz in math circles -- and whether or not you subscribe to the whole BTC framework, the boards themselves? Golden!! The good news is, it works just as well in science as it does in math.

In this episode, Nicole breaks down exactly how she uses vertical whiteboards in both her math and science classroom: what they are, why they work, and the specific ways she uses them for everything from complex word problems to building food webs to analyzing data in real time.

In This Episode:

  • why vertical whiteboards let you see everything — who's stuck, who's off task, who's making the same mistake — all at once, without hovering
  • how the erasability of a whiteboard lowers the stakes and gets reluctant students actually participating
  • Nicole's step-by-step math problem solving sequence at the whiteboard — and how it builds habits that transfer to independent work
  • science applications for vertical whiteboards
  • how to start without spending a ton of money and without overhauling your whole classroom

If you've heard of Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl, this connects to that — but we're not doing a book review here. This is Nicole's unique strategy, evolved over four years of figuring out what actually works for her upper elementary math and science students!

📝 Want to go deeper? Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl is worth your time even if you're primarily a science teacher.

📬 Grab the Vertical Whiteboards Expectations Poster to support positive behaviors at the boards in this week's Substack post:  https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-19391335 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1644 12 14 full false 13 How To Get Students Asking The Questions (Instead Of Just Answering Yours) 13 How To Get Students Asking The Questions (Instead Of Just Answering Yours) What if the most powerful thing you could do for student engagement wasn't a flashy lab or a big project — but just getting kids to ask the questions instead of you?

Questioning is one of the most underused tools in upper elementary science. Not teacher questions — student questions. In this episode Nicole walks through the exact practice she uses to get students generating real, relevant science questions, why observations always come first, and the simple move that takes the whole experience to the next level.


In This Episode:

  • Why student curiosity starts to wane by upper elementary — and what we can do about it
  • The phenomenon-first sequence: observations before questions, volume before judgment
  • How to help students identify which questions are relevant without shutting down their curiosity
  • The abbreviated warm-up version you can use every single day in five minutes
  • The "call out" move: how to use student-generated questions to launch your lessons and why it builds buy-in fast


Links Mentioned:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter, resources, and the phenomenon prompt list for this episode: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/

📝 What Do You Look For When Selecting Science Phenomena?

📝 Four Ways To Actively Engage Students With Anchor Phenomena



📬 Stay Connected


]]> What if the most powerful thing you could do for student engagement wasn't a flashy lab or a big project — but just getting kids to ask the questions instead of you?

Questioning is one of the most underused tools in upper elementary science. Not teacher questions — student questions. In this episode Nicole walks through the exact practice she uses to get students generating real, relevant science questions, why observations always come first, and the simple move that takes the whole experience to the next level.


In This Episode:

  • Why student curiosity starts to wane by upper elementary — and what we can do about it
  • The phenomenon-first sequence: observations before questions, volume before judgment
  • How to help students identify which questions are relevant without shutting down their curiosity
  • The abbreviated warm-up version you can use every single day in five minutes
  • The "call out" move: how to use student-generated questions to launch your lessons and why it builds buy-in fast


Links Mentioned:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter, resources, and the phenomenon prompt list for this episode: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/

📝 What Do You Look For When Selecting Science Phenomena?

📝 Four Ways To Actively Engage Students With Anchor Phenomena



📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-19356482 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1411 12 13 full false 12 Criteria and Constraints: The Two Things That Make It Real Engineering 12 Criteria and Constraints: The Two Things That Make It Real Engineering Build a roller coaster for a marble. Fine. But what if the marble has to travel as slowly as possible without stopping? Now your students actually have to think.

Criteria and constraints aren't fine print — they are the design of your engineering challenge. In this episode Nicole breaks down what criteria and constraints actually mean, why getting them wrong tanks the whole experience, and how to set them intentionally before you hand out a single piece of tape.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • What criteria and constraints actually are
  • Why a challenge that's too easy isn't fun — and how the right constraints add the right amount of struggle
  • What you lose when criteria are vague
  • How to ground your constraints in something real
  • Two questions to ask yourself before your next engineering challenge


LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter and resources for grades 3–5 teachers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/






📬 Stay Connected


]]> Build a roller coaster for a marble. Fine. But what if the marble has to travel as slowly as possible without stopping? Now your students actually have to think.

Criteria and constraints aren't fine print — they are the design of your engineering challenge. In this episode Nicole breaks down what criteria and constraints actually mean, why getting them wrong tanks the whole experience, and how to set them intentionally before you hand out a single piece of tape.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • What criteria and constraints actually are
  • Why a challenge that's too easy isn't fun — and how the right constraints add the right amount of struggle
  • What you lose when criteria are vague
  • How to ground your constraints in something real
  • Two questions to ask yourself before your next engineering challenge


LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter and resources for grades 3–5 teachers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/






📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-19268856 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 973 12 12 full false 11 The Engineering Cycle: What It Actually Looks Like in a Real Classroom 11 The Engineering Cycle: What It Actually Looks Like in a Real Classroom You've seen the circle graphic. Define, design, build, test, improve. But if you're treating it as a linear checklist, you're missing what actually makes engineering work — and why iteration keeps getting cut.

Real engineering isn't a straight line, and it doesn't (always) require a glue gun. In this episode Nicole breaks down the three things most teachers misunderstand about the engineering design cycle, makes an honest confession about her own pollinator challenge, and gives you a clear picture of where you are as a teacher-engineer — and one thing you can do differently next year.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • Why the engineering design cycle is non-linear from the very first step — and what we lose when we treat it like a checklist
  • Engineering doesn't have to mean building a physical thing — and why that misconception limits what we do with students
  • The most commonly skipped part of authentic engineering
  • Why iteration is where the real learning happens — and two practical ways to protect time for it even when your schedule fights you
  • Bite-sized ways to practice engineering thinking without a full build
  • A honest self-assessment: where are you as a teacher-engineer, and what's one thing worth changing next year?

LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter and resources for grades 3–5 teachers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> You've seen the circle graphic. Define, design, build, test, improve. But if you're treating it as a linear checklist, you're missing what actually makes engineering work — and why iteration keeps getting cut.

Real engineering isn't a straight line, and it doesn't (always) require a glue gun. In this episode Nicole breaks down the three things most teachers misunderstand about the engineering design cycle, makes an honest confession about her own pollinator challenge, and gives you a clear picture of where you are as a teacher-engineer — and one thing you can do differently next year.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • Why the engineering design cycle is non-linear from the very first step — and what we lose when we treat it like a checklist
  • Engineering doesn't have to mean building a physical thing — and why that misconception limits what we do with students
  • The most commonly skipped part of authentic engineering
  • Why iteration is where the real learning happens — and two practical ways to protect time for it even when your schedule fights you
  • Bite-sized ways to practice engineering thinking without a full build
  • A honest self-assessment: where are you as a teacher-engineer, and what's one thing worth changing next year?

LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter and resources for grades 3–5 teachers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-19268825 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1409 12 11 full false 10 Take It Outside: 3 Easy Ideas for the Final Stretch 10 Take It Outside: 3 Easy Ideas for the Final Stretch Mud, leaves, and praying mantises on the side of the building. The schoolyard is more alive than your students expect — and getting outside in the final weeks of school is not a reward. It's science.

---

Season 1 goes out the way it should — outside. In this episode Nicole shares three low-prep outdoor activities for the final stretch of the school year, makes the case for why getting kids into nature actually matters, and wraps up with a look at what's coming this summer on the podcast.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • Three outdoor activities that work for upper elementary
  • How to run each activity on a spectrum — from totally open-ended fun to seriously academically rigorous
  • The bigger argument: is getting kids outside just end-of-year filler? (NO! And listen to find out what to say if your admin asks!)


LINKS MENTIONED:

🌿 John Muir Laws Nature Journaling — free curriculum and downloadable resources: https://johnmuirlaws.com

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter and resources for grades 3–5 teachers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Mud, leaves, and praying mantises on the side of the building. The schoolyard is more alive than your students expect — and getting outside in the final weeks of school is not a reward. It's science.

---

Season 1 goes out the way it should — outside. In this episode Nicole shares three low-prep outdoor activities for the final stretch of the school year, makes the case for why getting kids into nature actually matters, and wraps up with a look at what's coming this summer on the podcast.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • Three outdoor activities that work for upper elementary
  • How to run each activity on a spectrum — from totally open-ended fun to seriously academically rigorous
  • The bigger argument: is getting kids outside just end-of-year filler? (NO! And listen to find out what to say if your admin asks!)


LINKS MENTIONED:

🌿 John Muir Laws Nature Journaling — free curriculum and downloadable resources: https://johnmuirlaws.com

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter and resources for grades 3–5 teachers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-19149930 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1071 11 10 full false 09 3 Science Topics That Make Kids Forget It's June 09 3 Science Topics That Make Kids Forget It's June The last few weeks of school are when even your most engaged students start mentally checking out. In this episode Nicole shares three science topics that consistently pull kids back in — space scale, invasive species, and extreme weather — with specific entry points, project ideas, and the framing that makes each one actually land. Plus a quick-start guide for each topic in this week's Substack.

-----

When the year is winding down and kids are coasting, you need topics that do the heavy lifting for you. In this episode Nicole walks through three science topics she keeps coming back to because they work — even in June. Space scale that makes kids go completely quiet and then explode with questions. Invasive species framed as a villain story that pulls in research, writing, and Canva. And extreme weather and natural disasters that connect science to things kids are already seeing in the news. For each topic: the entry point that hooks them, what to do from there, and how far you can take it.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • he YouTube video that makes every class go silent within two minutes — and the space rabbit hole that follows
  • how to frame invasive species as a villain story — and why the wanted poster format works so well for upper elementary
  • tracking real weather events live and why kids develop a personal investment when they watch something unfold in real time
  • Canva as a technology integration that doesn't feel forced 
  • Kiddle — a kid-safe search engine Nicole just discovered and is now recommending
  • the invasive species project (middle grades version) available in the TpT store
  • a quick-start guide for all three topics with an entry point activity for each, free in this week's Substack


LINKS MENTIONED:

🎥 KLT Universe Size Comparison — Kids Learning Tube on YouTube: search "KLT universe size comparison"

🔍 Kiddle — kid-safe search engine: https://www.kiddle.co

🛒 Invasive Species Project (middle grades) — iExploreScience TpT store

📬 Quick-Start Topic Guide — entry point activity for each of the three topics covered, free for iExploreScience Substack subscribers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> The last few weeks of school are when even your most engaged students start mentally checking out. In this episode Nicole shares three science topics that consistently pull kids back in — space scale, invasive species, and extreme weather — with specific entry points, project ideas, and the framing that makes each one actually land. Plus a quick-start guide for each topic in this week's Substack.

-----

When the year is winding down and kids are coasting, you need topics that do the heavy lifting for you. In this episode Nicole walks through three science topics she keeps coming back to because they work — even in June. Space scale that makes kids go completely quiet and then explode with questions. Invasive species framed as a villain story that pulls in research, writing, and Canva. And extreme weather and natural disasters that connect science to things kids are already seeing in the news. For each topic: the entry point that hooks them, what to do from there, and how far you can take it.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • he YouTube video that makes every class go silent within two minutes — and the space rabbit hole that follows
  • how to frame invasive species as a villain story — and why the wanted poster format works so well for upper elementary
  • tracking real weather events live and why kids develop a personal investment when they watch something unfold in real time
  • Canva as a technology integration that doesn't feel forced 
  • Kiddle — a kid-safe search engine Nicole just discovered and is now recommending
  • the invasive species project (middle grades version) available in the TpT store
  • a quick-start guide for all three topics with an entry point activity for each, free in this week's Substack


LINKS MENTIONED:

🎥 KLT Universe Size Comparison — Kids Learning Tube on YouTube: search "KLT universe size comparison"

🔍 Kiddle — kid-safe search engine: https://www.kiddle.co

🛒 Invasive Species Project (middle grades) — iExploreScience TpT store

📬 Quick-Start Topic Guide — entry point activity for each of the three topics covered, free for iExploreScience Substack subscribers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-19149928 Mon, 25 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 886 11 9 full false 08 How To Make Every Kid Feel Seen Before Summer 08 How To Make Every Kid Feel Seen Before Summer The last week of school doesn't have to be survival mode. In this episode Nicole shares the end-of-year traditions she keeps coming back to — student word clouds, summer science kits, class awards that actually fit each kid, and two letter-writing activities that connect students across time. These are low-cost, low-prep, and genuinely meaningful. Stay for the freebie: a 22-idea checklist across four categories to help you make the most of your final days.

-----

The last week of school is its own thing — academically winding down but emotionally still very much alive. In this episode Nicole walks through her favorite end-of-year traditions: the ones that are personal, low-cost, and actually land with kids. From a word cloud that shows students how their classmates see them, to class awards where every single kid gets recognized for something true to them, to a letter-writing tradition that connects fifth graders to their future senior-year selves — these are the ideas worth keeping in your back pocket year after year.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • the student word cloud — how to collect words from every classmate, add your own, and give kids a snapshot of who they are in fifth grade through the eyes of the people around them
  • a summer science kit that travels home with them
  • why class awards matter more than school awards for a lot of kids — and how to make sure every student gets recognized for something specific and true to them
  • the Challenge 24 tournament and why even the kids who don't make the finals get invested
  • two letter-writing activities: letters to next year's students and letters to their future senior selves — and the school tradition that delivers them at graduation
  • a 22-idea end-of-year checklist across four categories, free for Substack subscribers


📬 Stay Connected


]]> The last week of school doesn't have to be survival mode. In this episode Nicole shares the end-of-year traditions she keeps coming back to — student word clouds, summer science kits, class awards that actually fit each kid, and two letter-writing activities that connect students across time. These are low-cost, low-prep, and genuinely meaningful. Stay for the freebie: a 22-idea checklist across four categories to help you make the most of your final days.

-----

The last week of school is its own thing — academically winding down but emotionally still very much alive. In this episode Nicole walks through her favorite end-of-year traditions: the ones that are personal, low-cost, and actually land with kids. From a word cloud that shows students how their classmates see them, to class awards where every single kid gets recognized for something true to them, to a letter-writing tradition that connects fifth graders to their future senior-year selves — these are the ideas worth keeping in your back pocket year after year.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • the student word cloud — how to collect words from every classmate, add your own, and give kids a snapshot of who they are in fifth grade through the eyes of the people around them
  • a summer science kit that travels home with them
  • why class awards matter more than school awards for a lot of kids — and how to make sure every student gets recognized for something specific and true to them
  • the Challenge 24 tournament and why even the kids who don't make the finals get invested
  • two letter-writing activities: letters to next year's students and letters to their future senior selves — and the school tradition that delivers them at graduation
  • a 22-idea end-of-year checklist across four categories, free for Substack subscribers


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-19149922 Mon, 18 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 908 11 8 full false 07 5 STEM Challenges Using Only Paper, Tape, and Cardboard 07 5 STEM Challenges Using Only Paper, Tape, and Cardboard Tallest towers. Egg drops. Marble runs. These five challenges use nothing but paper, tape, and cardboard — and they're some of the most engaging engineering activities you can run in the final weeks of school. Listen in to get all five challenges with their criteria and constraints, understand why iteration is the part you can't skip, and hear why building kids' experiences with engineering — even outside your standards — is never wasted time.

No budget. No specialty supplies. No excuses. In this episode Nicole walks through five paper, tape, and cardboard STEM challenges you can run in the next few weeks, explains what makes each one real engineering (not just a fun build), and makes the case for why end-of-year activities that fall outside your curriculum standards still matter more than you might think.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • All five challenges — Tallest Tower, The Bridge, Marble Run, Egg Drop, and Windproof Wall — with criteria, constraints, and what kids are actually figuring out in each one
  • Why criteria and constraints are what separate a real engineering challenge from just building something
  • The one challenge you should protect extra time for — and why the iteration loop is where the real learning happens
  • Why the Egg Drop is actually a great entry point for talking about engineering in the real world (think: NASA, limited resources, and what it means when you can't just test again)
  • Why activities outside your standards still build something valuable — and how background knowledge shows up in unexpected places


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Tallest towers. Egg drops. Marble runs. These five challenges use nothing but paper, tape, and cardboard — and they're some of the most engaging engineering activities you can run in the final weeks of school. Listen in to get all five challenges with their criteria and constraints, understand why iteration is the part you can't skip, and hear why building kids' experiences with engineering — even outside your standards — is never wasted time.

No budget. No specialty supplies. No excuses. In this episode Nicole walks through five paper, tape, and cardboard STEM challenges you can run in the next few weeks, explains what makes each one real engineering (not just a fun build), and makes the case for why end-of-year activities that fall outside your curriculum standards still matter more than you might think.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • All five challenges — Tallest Tower, The Bridge, Marble Run, Egg Drop, and Windproof Wall — with criteria, constraints, and what kids are actually figuring out in each one
  • Why criteria and constraints are what separate a real engineering challenge from just building something
  • The one challenge you should protect extra time for — and why the iteration loop is where the real learning happens
  • Why the Egg Drop is actually a great entry point for talking about engineering in the real world (think: NASA, limited resources, and what it means when you can't just test again)
  • Why activities outside your standards still build something valuable — and how background knowledge shows up in unexpected places


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-19149917 Mon, 11 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1267 11 7 full false 06 How To Run a STEM Challenge Without the Chaos 06 How To Run a STEM Challenge Without the Chaos You know that feeling you get before you start a science lab or STEM challenge — excitement tinged with nervousness and maybe a little dread? You can imagine success -- kids exploring, talking, problem-solving ... and also the looming potential chaos -- supplies spilled, kids arguing, no one actually following the task? As science teachers, we want to get kids moving, discussing, exploring, engaged... but there's also a sense of "out of our control" when we do (although the "control" is always an illusion anyway -- but that's a discussion for another day!) The thing is, the chaos never really comes from the activity itself. It comes from what wasn't established before it started. In this episode, Nicole breaks down the three classroom management foundations you need before any STEM challenge can work, plus the mistake that turns well-intentioned hands-on learning into stress for everyone.

-----

Running a STEM challenge without chaos isn't about finding the perfect activity — it's about what you build before the activity ever starts. In this episode, Nicole walks through the classroom management infrastructure that makes hands-on science actually work, explains why giving students more freedom than they're ready for isn't trust (it's a setup for failure), and makes the case for why written instructions are always, always an equity issue.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • The three things that need to be established, practiced, and working in your classroom before you run a STEM challenge — and why reviewing them the day-of doesn't count
  • Why chaos in a STEM activity is almost never caused by the activity itself
  • How to calibrate the right level of student independence for your class right now (not where you wish they were)
  • Why written instructions aren't just good practice — they're an equity move for students with ADHD and working memory challenges
  • What a clear "finish line" does for both students and teachers in open-ended challenges
  • A one-page STEM Challenge Planning Template (free for Substack subscribers) that walks through all of it

LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 Free STEM Challenge Planning Template — one-page reusable planner for any challenge or lab, free for iExploreScience Substack subscribers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> You know that feeling you get before you start a science lab or STEM challenge — excitement tinged with nervousness and maybe a little dread? You can imagine success -- kids exploring, talking, problem-solving ... and also the looming potential chaos -- supplies spilled, kids arguing, no one actually following the task? As science teachers, we want to get kids moving, discussing, exploring, engaged... but there's also a sense of "out of our control" when we do (although the "control" is always an illusion anyway -- but that's a discussion for another day!) The thing is, the chaos never really comes from the activity itself. It comes from what wasn't established before it started. In this episode, Nicole breaks down the three classroom management foundations you need before any STEM challenge can work, plus the mistake that turns well-intentioned hands-on learning into stress for everyone.

-----

Running a STEM challenge without chaos isn't about finding the perfect activity — it's about what you build before the activity ever starts. In this episode, Nicole walks through the classroom management infrastructure that makes hands-on science actually work, explains why giving students more freedom than they're ready for isn't trust (it's a setup for failure), and makes the case for why written instructions are always, always an equity issue.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • The three things that need to be established, practiced, and working in your classroom before you run a STEM challenge — and why reviewing them the day-of doesn't count
  • Why chaos in a STEM activity is almost never caused by the activity itself
  • How to calibrate the right level of student independence for your class right now (not where you wish they were)
  • Why written instructions aren't just good practice — they're an equity move for students with ADHD and working memory challenges
  • What a clear "finish line" does for both students and teachers in open-ended challenges
  • A one-page STEM Challenge Planning Template (free for Substack subscribers) that walks through all of it

LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 Free STEM Challenge Planning Template — one-page reusable planner for any challenge or lab, free for iExploreScience Substack subscribers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-19112836 Mon, 04 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 968 11 6 full false 05 From Crafts to Thinking: What Makes an Activity Actually "STEM"? 05 From Crafts to Thinking: What Makes an Activity Actually "STEM"? Oobleck. Spaghetti towers. Vinegar and baking soda. These aren't bad activities by any means! — but most of the time they're not really driving STEM learning in your upper elementary classroom. Listen in to explore the differences between STEM play and STEM teaching, understand the value of each (because STEM play is still great play! even if it maybe doesn't belong in your 45 minute science block!), and dig into where each does belong! Stay till the end for the simple self-check to determine, is this STEM play or STEM instruction?

-----

STEM play is great — but it belongs in morning bins and Friday afternoons, not your dedicated science block. In this episode Nicole explains exactly what makes an activity real STEM instruction vs. fun exploratory play, walks through three classic "Pinterest STEM" activities and shows what it looks like to transform each one, and shares a personal story about why she didn't feel the connection between science and society until college — and why she doesn't want that for her students.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • Why STEM play is valuable — just not during your 45-minute science block on a Tuesday!
  • What actually makes something real STEM instruction and why this distinction matters more as kids get older
  • How you can turn three classic STEM play activities (oobleck, spaghetti marshmallow towers, and baking soda volcanoes) into actual STEM learning (let's talk practices + content!) 
  • A four-part self-check for crafting more rigorous and authentic STEM learning activities
  • A confession: when Nicole says "STEM" she mostly means science and engineering — math and technology are woven in but not the primary focus in this context (whoops!)


LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter and resources for grades 3–5 teachers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/





📬 Stay Connected


]]> Oobleck. Spaghetti towers. Vinegar and baking soda. These aren't bad activities by any means! — but most of the time they're not really driving STEM learning in your upper elementary classroom. Listen in to explore the differences between STEM play and STEM teaching, understand the value of each (because STEM play is still great play! even if it maybe doesn't belong in your 45 minute science block!), and dig into where each does belong! Stay till the end for the simple self-check to determine, is this STEM play or STEM instruction?

-----

STEM play is great — but it belongs in morning bins and Friday afternoons, not your dedicated science block. In this episode Nicole explains exactly what makes an activity real STEM instruction vs. fun exploratory play, walks through three classic "Pinterest STEM" activities and shows what it looks like to transform each one, and shares a personal story about why she didn't feel the connection between science and society until college — and why she doesn't want that for her students.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • Why STEM play is valuable — just not during your 45-minute science block on a Tuesday!
  • What actually makes something real STEM instruction and why this distinction matters more as kids get older
  • How you can turn three classic STEM play activities (oobleck, spaghetti marshmallow towers, and baking soda volcanoes) into actual STEM learning (let's talk practices + content!) 
  • A four-part self-check for crafting more rigorous and authentic STEM learning activities
  • A confession: when Nicole says "STEM" she mostly means science and engineering — math and technology are woven in but not the primary focus in this context (whoops!)


LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter and resources for grades 3–5 teachers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/





📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-19068445 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400 1070 11 5 full false 04 STEM Bins for Slow Morning Starts 04 STEM Bins for Slow Morning Starts Morning arrival is one of the hardest transitions of the school day — and one of the most overlooked. In this episode I break down my STEM bin system: what goes in them, how often I rotate them, how kids access them, and why they work especially well for kids who struggle with transitions. I also talk about how to source bins on almost no budget, and why the end of the year is actually a great time to start.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • What STEM bins actually are — and what they're not
  • Specific examples of what goes in each bin
  • Why the morning transition is hard and how bins address the real problem
  • Why bins work especially well for kids with ADHD — the landing pad idea
  • My actual rotation system: how many bins, how often I swap them, free choice vs. assigned
  • How to introduce bins mid-year or in the final stretch
  • Low-cost and no-cost sourcing — Dollar Tree, Target, parents, things you already have


LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter and resources for grades 3–5 teachers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Morning arrival is one of the hardest transitions of the school day — and one of the most overlooked. In this episode I break down my STEM bin system: what goes in them, how often I rotate them, how kids access them, and why they work especially well for kids who struggle with transitions. I also talk about how to source bins on almost no budget, and why the end of the year is actually a great time to start.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • What STEM bins actually are — and what they're not
  • Specific examples of what goes in each bin
  • Why the morning transition is hard and how bins address the real problem
  • Why bins work especially well for kids with ADHD — the landing pad idea
  • My actual rotation system: how many bins, how often I swap them, free choice vs. assigned
  • How to introduce bins mid-year or in the final stretch
  • Low-cost and no-cost sourcing — Dollar Tree, Target, parents, things you already have


LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter and resources for grades 3–5 teachers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-19036374 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1381 11 4 full false 03 The Week After Testing: Why It Falls Apart and What To Do Instead 03 The Week After Testing: Why It Falls Apart and What To Do Instead The post-test crash is one of the most misunderstood weeks of the school year — and it doesn't hit every kid the same way. In this episode Nicole introduces Dr. Thomas Boyce's dandelion and orchid framework: some kids bounce back from stress no matter what, while others are exquisitely sensitive to every disruption. Understanding which kids you have — and what their nervous systems actually need after weeks of testing pressure — changes how you approach the whole week. Plus: the crash is real for teachers too, and that's worth saying out loud!!

In This Episode

  • The dandelion and orchid framework — why testing hits kids so differently and what it means for your classroom
  • Why orchid kids are most likely to crash after testing — and why it looks like behavior when it's actually dysregulation
  • The unseen ADHD characteristics that make post-test week especially hard: anxiety, working memory, emotional regulation
  • Why you might be crashing too — and why that's completely normal
  • What types of learning actually work this week: student choice, hands-on making, community building, outdoor time
  • The gazelle/shaking phenomenon — why movement literally releases stress hormones and how to use it with your class
  • Concrete strategies: student-choice "I'm the Expert" projects, schoolyard living things assessments, getting outside, and the six-word year reflection
  • The reframe: this isn't a throwaway week — it's a rare window, and kids who feel seen in it come back stronger


FREE DOWNLOAD — Testing Week Activity Menu: A one-page printable with every idea from this episode plus more — organized by phase, with a time estimate and materials list for each one. Free for Substack subscribers. 👉 Subscribe and download here: https://substack.com/@iexplorescience 


LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter and resources for grades 3–5 teachers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/

📰 NPR Article -- Dandelion & Orchids


📬 Stay Connected


]]> The post-test crash is one of the most misunderstood weeks of the school year — and it doesn't hit every kid the same way. In this episode Nicole introduces Dr. Thomas Boyce's dandelion and orchid framework: some kids bounce back from stress no matter what, while others are exquisitely sensitive to every disruption. Understanding which kids you have — and what their nervous systems actually need after weeks of testing pressure — changes how you approach the whole week. Plus: the crash is real for teachers too, and that's worth saying out loud!!

In This Episode

  • The dandelion and orchid framework — why testing hits kids so differently and what it means for your classroom
  • Why orchid kids are most likely to crash after testing — and why it looks like behavior when it's actually dysregulation
  • The unseen ADHD characteristics that make post-test week especially hard: anxiety, working memory, emotional regulation
  • Why you might be crashing too — and why that's completely normal
  • What types of learning actually work this week: student choice, hands-on making, community building, outdoor time
  • The gazelle/shaking phenomenon — why movement literally releases stress hormones and how to use it with your class
  • Concrete strategies: student-choice "I'm the Expert" projects, schoolyard living things assessments, getting outside, and the six-word year reflection
  • The reframe: this isn't a throwaway week — it's a rare window, and kids who feel seen in it come back stronger


FREE DOWNLOAD — Testing Week Activity Menu: A one-page printable with every idea from this episode plus more — organized by phase, with a time estimate and materials list for each one. Free for Substack subscribers. 👉 Subscribe and download here: https://substack.com/@iexplorescience 


LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter and resources for grades 3–5 teachers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/

📰 NPR Article -- Dandelion & Orchids


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-19036357 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 1320 11 3 full false 02 Ideas for the Week(s) of Testing 02 Ideas for the Week(s) of Testing Testing season is a lot. This episode is for the days before, during, and after the test — what to actually do with your class when the schedule is weird, the kids are anxious, and your attention is divided seventeen ways at once.

I walk through my favorite low-prep strategies for each phase of testing season, talk about what works with kids who may struggle with long stretches of quiet independent work (aka standardized tests 😂), and share the thinking behind why the community stuff matters just as much as the academic stuff in these weeks.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • why testing week is harder to manage than people admit — and what actually helps
  • before the test: the "I've Got This" sticky note wall, breathing practice, and  letter to future self
  • during test week: STEM bins, nature journaling
  • after the test: open STEM free build
  • why the community stuff isn't fluff — it's the foundation


FREE DOWNLOAD — Testing Week Activity Menu: A one-page printable with every idea from this episode plus more — organized by phase, with a time estimate and materials list for each one. Free for Substack subscribers. 👉 Subscribe and download here: [your Substack URL]


LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter and resources for grades 3–5 teachers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/

🎧 Teaching Science In 3D: Bringing Nature Journals Into Your 3D Teaching



📬 Stay Connected


]]> Testing season is a lot. This episode is for the days before, during, and after the test — what to actually do with your class when the schedule is weird, the kids are anxious, and your attention is divided seventeen ways at once.

I walk through my favorite low-prep strategies for each phase of testing season, talk about what works with kids who may struggle with long stretches of quiet independent work (aka standardized tests 😂), and share the thinking behind why the community stuff matters just as much as the academic stuff in these weeks.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • why testing week is harder to manage than people admit — and what actually helps
  • before the test: the "I've Got This" sticky note wall, breathing practice, and  letter to future self
  • during test week: STEM bins, nature journaling
  • after the test: open STEM free build
  • why the community stuff isn't fluff — it's the foundation


FREE DOWNLOAD — Testing Week Activity Menu: A one-page printable with every idea from this episode plus more — organized by phase, with a time estimate and materials list for each one. Free for Substack subscribers. 👉 Subscribe and download here: [your Substack URL]


LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 iExploreScience Substack — free weekly newsletter and resources for grades 3–5 teachers: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/

🎧 Teaching Science In 3D: Bringing Nature Journals Into Your 3D Teaching



📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-18995767 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1521 11 2 full false 01 Why I Started iExploreScience: STEM in Elem (And What's Coming) 01 Why I Started iExploreScience: STEM in Elem (And What's Coming) If you've ever stood in front of a class and realized your students are afraid to be wrong — this episode is for you.

Episode 1 is the introduction to iExploreScience: STEM in Elem — who I am, what I believe about upper elementary science and math, and what this show is going to be. It's also an honest conversation about why I built this, including the part where I grew up completely convinced I was not a science or math person.

If you're a grades 3–5 teacher who wants more hands-on science and math in your classroom without the overwhelm — you're in exactly the right place.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • the classroom moment that stopped me mid-sentence — and what a ten-year-old said that I'm still thinking about
  • why I think grades 3–5 is a super important window in a child's STEM education
  • a brief origin story — including growing up believing I wasn't a math or science person
  • what you can expect from this show: practical, hands-on, real classroom content every single week
  • a quick look at what's coming this season — testing week, STEM challenges, end of year, and more


LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 Subscribe to the free weekly Substack newsletter — resources, freebies, and the written companion to every episode: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/

📦 Browse the iExploreScience TpT store — NGSS-aligned, hands-on science and math units for grades 3–5: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/iexplorescience

🆓 Download your free STEM Starter Kit — my go-to supply list, next-level tools, and two activities you can run this week: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> If you've ever stood in front of a class and realized your students are afraid to be wrong — this episode is for you.

Episode 1 is the introduction to iExploreScience: STEM in Elem — who I am, what I believe about upper elementary science and math, and what this show is going to be. It's also an honest conversation about why I built this, including the part where I grew up completely convinced I was not a science or math person.

If you're a grades 3–5 teacher who wants more hands-on science and math in your classroom without the overwhelm — you're in exactly the right place.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • the classroom moment that stopped me mid-sentence — and what a ten-year-old said that I'm still thinking about
  • why I think grades 3–5 is a super important window in a child's STEM education
  • a brief origin story — including growing up believing I wasn't a math or science person
  • what you can expect from this show: practical, hands-on, real classroom content every single week
  • a quick look at what's coming this season — testing week, STEM challenges, end of year, and more


LINKS MENTIONED:

📬 Subscribe to the free weekly Substack newsletter — resources, freebies, and the written companion to every episode: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/

📦 Browse the iExploreScience TpT store — NGSS-aligned, hands-on science and math units for grades 3–5: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/iexplorescience

🆓 Download your free STEM Starter Kit — my go-to supply list, next-level tools, and two activities you can run this week: https://iexplorescience.substack.com/


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-18991989 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 930 11 1 full false A Note for Longtime Listeners — What's Coming Next A Note for Longtime Listeners — What's Coming Next If you've been here since Teaching Science in 3D — thank you. This short episode is for you.

I'm using this space to be honest about what's changing, why it's changing, and what you can expect from this feed going forward. The short version: iExploreScience: STEM in Elem is launching this week — a podcast for grades 3–5 teachers who want hands-on, rigorous science and math in their classrooms without the overwhelm.

If that's not your grade band, I get it — and I say as much in this episode. But if you're curious, or if you know upper elementary teachers who could use this, I'd love for you to stay.

New episodes start this week. Episode 1 drops Monday, April 13.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • What Teaching Science in 3D meant to me and why it's evolving
  • Where iExploreScience: STEM in Elem is headed and who it's for
  • An honest acknowledgment of the start-stop history — and why this time feels different
  • An invitation to stay, and permission to go if this isn't your thing


📬 Stay Connected


]]> If you've been here since Teaching Science in 3D — thank you. This short episode is for you.

I'm using this space to be honest about what's changing, why it's changing, and what you can expect from this feed going forward. The short version: iExploreScience: STEM in Elem is launching this week — a podcast for grades 3–5 teachers who want hands-on, rigorous science and math in their classrooms without the overwhelm.

If that's not your grade band, I get it — and I say as much in this episode. But if you're curious, or if you know upper elementary teachers who could use this, I'd love for you to stay.

New episodes start this week. Episode 1 drops Monday, April 13.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • What Teaching Science in 3D meant to me and why it's evolving
  • Where iExploreScience: STEM in Elem is headed and who it's for
  • An honest acknowledgment of the start-stop history — and why this time feels different
  • An invitation to stay, and permission to go if this isn't your thing


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-18990741 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 568 trailer false Building a Classroom Community Series Part 3: The Science Classroom Building a Classroom Community Series Part 3: The Science Classroom In this episode, Erin continues her conversation with middle school science teacher Char Ritchie.  Char explains how she builds on the community building practices discussed in the last episode to build a science routines that contribute to a safe classroom community. 

More Resources:

More Resources:
Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?
 Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. She’ll send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access the video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.



📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Erin continues her conversation with middle school science teacher Char Ritchie.  Char explains how she builds on the community building practices discussed in the last episode to build a science routines that contribute to a safe classroom community. 

More Resources:

More Resources:
Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?
 Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. She’ll send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access the video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.



📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-17695190 Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:00:00 -0400 1576 10 9 full false Building a Classroom Community Series Part 2: Respect Agreements and Community Circles Building a Classroom Community Series Part 2: Respect Agreements and Community Circles In the second episode of our 3-part series on building classroom community and expectations, Erin shares conversations with two special guests — Bailey and her 8th grade science teacher, Char Ritchie.

They reflect on their experiences with Respect Agreements (also called Community Agreements) and Community Circles — what worked, what was challenging, and how these practices shaped their classroom community. From both the student and teacher perspective, this episode offers practical insight into building mutual respect and trust in the science classroom.

More Resources:

In the final episode of the series, we’ll share strategies for putting these ideas into action in your own classroom.

More Resources:
Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?
 Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. She’ll send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access the video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.

Support the show

Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTassel
Instagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In the second episode of our 3-part series on building classroom community and expectations, Erin shares conversations with two special guests — Bailey and her 8th grade science teacher, Char Ritchie.

They reflect on their experiences with Respect Agreements (also called Community Agreements) and Community Circles — what worked, what was challenging, and how these practices shaped their classroom community. From both the student and teacher perspective, this episode offers practical insight into building mutual respect and trust in the science classroom.

More Resources:

In the final episode of the series, we’ll share strategies for putting these ideas into action in your own classroom.

More Resources:
Teaching Science in 3D on Instagram & Facebook

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?
 Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. She’ll send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access the video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.

Support the show

Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTassel
Instagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-17647639 Mon, 11 Aug 2025 01:00:00 -0400 1986 10 8 full false Building Classroom Community Series Part 1: Interview with Erin's Daughter Building Classroom Community Series Part 1: Interview with Erin's Daughter In this first episode of our 3-part series on building classroom community and expectations, Erin interviews a special guest — her daughter! Together, they reflect on the things that helped her feel seen, supported, and respected throughout middle school. From small gestures to classroom routines, this conversation offers a unique student perspective on what actually matters during those first few weeks of school.

In the next episode, we’ll dive into Respect Agreements (aka Community Agreements) from her point of view and from the perspective of her 8th grade science teacher.

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?
 Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. She’ll send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access the video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.

Support the show

Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTassel
Instagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this first episode of our 3-part series on building classroom community and expectations, Erin interviews a special guest — her daughter! Together, they reflect on the things that helped her feel seen, supported, and respected throughout middle school. From small gestures to classroom routines, this conversation offers a unique student perspective on what actually matters during those first few weeks of school.

In the next episode, we’ll dive into Respect Agreements (aka Community Agreements) from her point of view and from the perspective of her 8th grade science teacher.

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?
 Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class. She’ll send you instructions for EASY next steps. Click here to grab this FREE download.

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access the video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.

Support the show

Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTassel
Instagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-17606913 Mon, 04 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400 1893 10 7 full false "Start Small" Series: Deepen Learning By Reducing Tasks "Start Small" Series: Deepen Learning By Reducing Tasks In the third episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares some ways we can deepen learning by replacing *quantity* with *quality* in our science classrooms. 

More isn't always better, and while it can sometimes feel counterintuitive, cutting back on the amount of work we assign can open the gateway for richer discussions, natural differentiation as opportunities to extend and reteach emerge, and better student learning. Let's invite our students to move away from the "I just need to get it done" mentality to focus on the actual content and skills they are learning!


More Resources: 


Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In the third episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares some ways we can deepen learning by replacing *quantity* with *quality* in our science classrooms. 

More isn't always better, and while it can sometimes feel counterintuitive, cutting back on the amount of work we assign can open the gateway for richer discussions, natural differentiation as opportunities to extend and reteach emerge, and better student learning. Let's invite our students to move away from the "I just need to get it done" mentality to focus on the actual content and skills they are learning!


More Resources: 


Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-17526388 Mon, 28 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400 777 10 6 full false "Start Small" Series: Quick Strategies To Get Your Students *Thinking* "Start Small" Series: Quick Strategies To Get Your Students *Thinking* In the second episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares a few strategies to create a better THINKING science classroom -- you know, the kind where students actually NOTICE that the bird isn't giving its energy to the worm or that it just doesn't make sense for a pencil to measure 8 meters! 


More Resources: 


Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In the second episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares a few strategies to create a better THINKING science classroom -- you know, the kind where students actually NOTICE that the bird isn't giving its energy to the worm or that it just doesn't make sense for a pencil to measure 8 meters! 


More Resources: 


Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-17526335 Mon, 21 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400 878 10 5 full false "Start Small" Series: Building Simple Routines With 3D Practices "Start Small" Series: Building Simple Routines With 3D Practices In the first episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares three ideas to consider implementing this fall that will engage your students in three-dimensional learning in a way that builds skill through consistency and practice -- all without eating up huge chunks of class time OR creating a sense of overwhelm for you or your students.

1) Notice and Wonder Warm Up -- with ideas for extensions that deepen learning and connect to your content!

Relevant Links


2) What's Going On In This Graph?

Relevant Links:


3) Crosscutting Concepts Interactive Bulletin Board

Relevant Links:

  • Crazy Science Lady (Side Note: I hope she has found more value in the NGSS since writing this post, but either way, I love her idea!)


More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.

Support The Show


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In the first episode of this "Start Small" series, Nicole shares three ideas to consider implementing this fall that will engage your students in three-dimensional learning in a way that builds skill through consistency and practice -- all without eating up huge chunks of class time OR creating a sense of overwhelm for you or your students.

1) Notice and Wonder Warm Up -- with ideas for extensions that deepen learning and connect to your content!

Relevant Links


2) What's Going On In This Graph?

Relevant Links:


3) Crosscutting Concepts Interactive Bulletin Board

Relevant Links:

  • Crazy Science Lady (Side Note: I hope she has found more value in the NGSS since writing this post, but either way, I love her idea!)


More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.

Support The Show


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-17502378 Mon, 14 Jul 2025 11:00:00 -0400 1694 10 4 full false Erin's ADHD Diagnosis Erin's ADHD Diagnosis Erin discusses her recent ADHD diagnosis. She recorded this episode in hopes that it may potentially help other people who suspect they have ADHD or who want to know more about what its like having ADHD.  

In this episode: 

  • Deciding to be assessed - 4:25
  • Being a kid with ADHD - 9:45 
  • Struggles as an adult and in the classroom 22:00 
  • Deciding on medication - 30:15
  • Things that have helped at work and home 34:40 

Recommendations: 

Other episodes:

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

Support the show

Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTassel
Instagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Erin discusses her recent ADHD diagnosis. She recorded this episode in hopes that it may potentially help other people who suspect they have ADHD or who want to know more about what its like having ADHD.  

In this episode: 

  • Deciding to be assessed - 4:25
  • Being a kid with ADHD - 9:45 
  • Struggles as an adult and in the classroom 22:00 
  • Deciding on medication - 30:15
  • Things that have helped at work and home 34:40 

Recommendations: 

Other episodes:

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

Support the show

Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTassel
Instagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Buzzsprout-17446003 Mon, 07 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0400 2889 10 3 full false 5 Things We Want Teachers to Know About ADHD 5 Things We Want Teachers to Know About ADHD Both Nicole and Erin are parents of children with ADHD. Erin was recently diagnosed as having ADHD herself.  In this episode, they share the things they've learned in the last year that they wish they would have known.  

More Resources: 

Support the show


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Both Nicole and Erin are parents of children with ADHD. Erin was recently diagnosed as having ADHD herself.  In this episode, they share the things they've learned in the last year that they wish they would have known.  

More Resources: 

Support the show


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-17404373 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0400 2461 10 2 full false Where have we been for the last two years?!? Where have we been for the last two years?!? It's been two and a half years since we recorded our last episode. So, where have we been!?!

In this episode we talk about: 

  • What we've been up to
  • Big changes and life updates 
  • What this season will entail. 

Support the show

Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTassel
Instagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience


📬 Stay Connected


]]> It's been two and a half years since we recorded our last episode. So, where have we been!?!

In this episode we talk about: 

  • What we've been up to
  • Big changes and life updates 
  • What this season will entail. 

Support the show

Connect With Erin Sadler & Nicole VanTassel
Instagram: @SadlerScience // @iExploreScience
Website: Sadler Science // iExploreScience


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-17399171 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 01:00:00 -0400 1659 10 1 full false 129 Three Commitments I Made (And Mostly Kept) This Fall 129 Three Commitments I Made (And Mostly Kept) This Fall In this episode, Nicole shared three commitments she made in her classroom as she transitioned back into the classroom this fall -- as well as strategies that she utilized to keep those commitments. 

  1. "I’m not working [much] outside contract hours."
  2. "I’m not rushing through my curriculum to get it covered."
  3. "I’m not relying on grades as motivation."

She also shared a life update as she takes on a new role in her school and what's ahead for Erin, Nicole, and the Teaching Science In 3D Podcast in 2023.

More Resources: 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole shared three commitments she made in her classroom as she transitioned back into the classroom this fall -- as well as strategies that she utilized to keep those commitments. 

  1. "I’m not working [much] outside contract hours."
  2. "I’m not rushing through my curriculum to get it covered."
  3. "I’m not relying on grades as motivation."

She also shared a life update as she takes on a new role in her school and what's ahead for Erin, Nicole, and the Teaching Science In 3D Podcast in 2023.

More Resources: 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11879507 Mon, 19 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500 2278 9 9 full false 128 It's A Tool, Not A Fix 128 It's A Tool, Not A Fix In this episode, Nicole shares an aha moment she recently experienced as she was prompted to reflect on her thinking about the strategies and approaches she utilizes in her classroom. So often we seek out the "one right way" to do something, hoping it to be a "fix" for whatever challenge we are experiencing in the classroom. But the reality is, all of our strategies, approaches, materials, tricks... they're all just *tools* -- not fixes. Explore this idea more in this thought-provoking episode.

More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole shares an aha moment she recently experienced as she was prompted to reflect on her thinking about the strategies and approaches she utilizes in her classroom. So often we seek out the "one right way" to do something, hoping it to be a "fix" for whatever challenge we are experiencing in the classroom. But the reality is, all of our strategies, approaches, materials, tricks... they're all just *tools* -- not fixes. Explore this idea more in this thought-provoking episode.

More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11796028 Mon, 12 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500 902 9 8 full false 127 Establishing An Anchor Phenomenon Routine 127 Establishing An Anchor Phenomenon Routine The anchor phenomenon routine plays an important role in science classes as students develop their abilities to figure out the questions they need to answer to meet their learning goals. In a perfect world, students work through an anchor experience, ask exactly the right questions, and all together identify and decide the most important question to investigate first... but we know these things don’t always (ever?) happen. So how can we get our students where they need to be? An anchor phenomenon routine builds student skills while navigating the learning forward. In this episode, Nicole shares her process to provide an example of what your anchor phenomenon routine might look like.


More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> The anchor phenomenon routine plays an important role in science classes as students develop their abilities to figure out the questions they need to answer to meet their learning goals. In a perfect world, students work through an anchor experience, ask exactly the right questions, and all together identify and decide the most important question to investigate first... but we know these things don’t always (ever?) happen. So how can we get our students where they need to be? An anchor phenomenon routine builds student skills while navigating the learning forward. In this episode, Nicole shares her process to provide an example of what your anchor phenomenon routine might look like.


More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11795987 Mon, 05 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500 1796 9 7 full false 126 From Whole Group To Small Group Learning 126 From Whole Group To Small Group Learning In this episode, Nicole (iExploreScience) shares a few ideas for moving from whole-group instruction to stations-style, small-group learning. Small group activities create the opportunity to work with students individually, scaffolding and extending learning as needed. Because you can interact on a more personal level, it's a great way to meet students' needs academically while also strengthening student-teacher relationships. Moreover, small group learning keeps all students actively engaged (versus more passive whole-group approaches), reduces "chatter challenges," and as Nicole explains, just makes teaching-life so much easier in the process. This episode introduces several types of activities that work well with the small-group instruction format, as well as some tips and tricks on structure and timing.

More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole (iExploreScience) shares a few ideas for moving from whole-group instruction to stations-style, small-group learning. Small group activities create the opportunity to work with students individually, scaffolding and extending learning as needed. Because you can interact on a more personal level, it's a great way to meet students' needs academically while also strengthening student-teacher relationships. Moreover, small group learning keeps all students actively engaged (versus more passive whole-group approaches), reduces "chatter challenges," and as Nicole explains, just makes teaching-life so much easier in the process. This episode introduces several types of activities that work well with the small-group instruction format, as well as some tips and tricks on structure and timing.

More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

You're invited to check out Bring Wonder Back, an on-demand video series designed to help you take your first steps to transforming your students into scientists with 3D teaching practices — what the NGSS is all about! Access this video series at iexplorescience.com/wonder and get ready to bring wonder, engagement, and a love for learning back to your science class.


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11757158 Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500 1928 9 6 full false 125 A Bell Ringer Approach To Start Class Smoothly 125 A Bell Ringer Approach To Start Class Smoothly What is your start-of-class routine? Is it working? In this episode, Nicole shares her bell-ringer routine -- a transition time that can make-or-break a smooth class experience. She digs into the actual structure of her routine, how she holds students accountable for the tasks, and how she integrates curiosity-building, student-empowering, three-dimensional activities into those first few minutes of class.

More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> What is your start-of-class routine? Is it working? In this episode, Nicole shares her bell-ringer routine -- a transition time that can make-or-break a smooth class experience. She digs into the actual structure of her routine, how she holds students accountable for the tasks, and how she integrates curiosity-building, student-empowering, three-dimensional activities into those first few minutes of class.

More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11594632 Mon, 21 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500 1099 9 5 full false 124 Your New Favorite Places To Find Authentic Science Texts Adapted For The Classroom 124 Your New Favorite Places To Find Authentic Science Texts Adapted For The Classroom We win any time we can incorporate literacy in science into our daily lessons and activities. One low-prep strategy that I love to use is to ask students to analyze authentic science texts… but let’s be real, those are HARD to understand. Luckily, there are several organizations who do the amazing work at adapting real science work to a student reading level.

More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

Support your own and your students' understanding of the aspects of each Science and Engineering Practice in language you'll all understand. Visit www.iexplorescience.com/practices to grab your own set.


📬 Stay Connected


]]> We win any time we can incorporate literacy in science into our daily lessons and activities. One low-prep strategy that I love to use is to ask students to analyze authentic science texts… but let’s be real, those are HARD to understand. Luckily, there are several organizations who do the amazing work at adapting real science work to a student reading level.

More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

Support your own and your students' understanding of the aspects of each Science and Engineering Practice in language you'll all understand. Visit www.iexplorescience.com/practices to grab your own set.


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11594588 Mon, 14 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500 1433 9 4 full false 123 Teaching Text Annotations - Your New Favorite Literacy Strategy 123 Teaching Text Annotations - Your New Favorite Literacy Strategy In this episode, Nicole shares how she teaches students to annotate texts, a strategy they can pair with any reading task in the science classroom. Text annotations increase student engagement and comprehension when working with science texts, and they provide the educator a better peek into student understanding of text-based tasks. Plus, text annotations make for a simple, low-prep substitute plan. But of course, you have to teach students the art of annotating texts, and in this episode, you'll get Nicole's step-by-step strategy to build student competence in this life-long learning skill.

More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

Support your own and your students' understanding of the aspects of each Science and Engineering Practice in language you'll all understand. Visit www.iexplorescience.com/practices to grab your own set.


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole shares how she teaches students to annotate texts, a strategy they can pair with any reading task in the science classroom. Text annotations increase student engagement and comprehension when working with science texts, and they provide the educator a better peek into student understanding of text-based tasks. Plus, text annotations make for a simple, low-prep substitute plan. But of course, you have to teach students the art of annotating texts, and in this episode, you'll get Nicole's step-by-step strategy to build student competence in this life-long learning skill.

More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner.  Then, all you have to do is write down what you are already doing in class.  Then, she will send you instructions for EASY next steps.   Click here to grab this FREE download. 

Support your own and your students' understanding of the aspects of each Science and Engineering Practice in language you'll all understand. Visit www.iexplorescience.com/practices to grab your own set.


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11594523 Mon, 07 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500 1481 9 3 full false 122 Rethinking THAT Class - What To Do When Classes Feel Like A Challenge 122 Rethinking THAT Class - What To Do When Classes Feel Like A Challenge In this episode, Nicole shares her personal reflections on the "labels" we may (inadvertently) assign to classes and how that can impact our relationships, classroom culture, and teaching practice. She shares how this label developed with student block in her own classroom and what she is doing to "rethink and reset" her experiences with this group of students in order to bring more joy and ease back into their work of learning.

More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Click here to grab this FREE download. 

Support your own and your students' understanding of the aspects of each Science and Engineering Practice in language you'll all understand. Visit www.iexplorescience.com/practices to grab your own set.




📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole shares her personal reflections on the "labels" we may (inadvertently) assign to classes and how that can impact our relationships, classroom culture, and teaching practice. She shares how this label developed with student block in her own classroom and what she is doing to "rethink and reset" her experiences with this group of students in order to bring more joy and ease back into their work of learning.

More Resources: 

Are you looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to improve your lessons?  Download Erin's 3D Lesson Planner. Click here to grab this FREE download. 

Support your own and your students' understanding of the aspects of each Science and Engineering Practice in language you'll all understand. Visit www.iexplorescience.com/practices to grab your own set.




📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11594475 Mon, 31 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400 2113 9 2 full false 121 Establishing A Positive Classroom Culture With Respect Agreements 121 Establishing A Positive Classroom Culture With Respect Agreements In this episode, Nicole (iExploreScience) shares how she has used respect agreements to establish a positive classroom culture and prevent (and address) behavior challenges within her classroom.

What are respect agreements? In short, respect agreements are an effective classroom management strategy that create a stronger community culture than top-down rules and consequences. Through the agreement development process, all students are given a voice in the establishment of our classroom norms and are therefore held more easily accountable to adhering to them.

More Resources: 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole (iExploreScience) shares how she has used respect agreements to establish a positive classroom culture and prevent (and address) behavior challenges within her classroom.

What are respect agreements? In short, respect agreements are an effective classroom management strategy that create a stronger community culture than top-down rules and consequences. Through the agreement development process, all students are given a voice in the establishment of our classroom norms and are therefore held more easily accountable to adhering to them.

More Resources: 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11424185 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400 1447 9 1 full false 120 Informal Writing In Science Class 120 Informal Writing In Science Class Incorporating informal writing opportunities in your classroom can improve student understanding of the scientific content while building student confidence in their ability to communicate in writing.  This episode explores some ways to support student writing and some quick and easy task formats to bring more writing into your science classroom.

Additional Resources


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]]> Incorporating informal writing opportunities in your classroom can improve student understanding of the scientific content while building student confidence in their ability to communicate in writing.  This episode explores some ways to support student writing and some quick and easy task formats to bring more writing into your science classroom.

Additional Resources


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11218828 Mon, 29 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400 1498 8 11 full false 119 The Best Strategies For Teaching Science Vocab 119 The Best Strategies For Teaching Science Vocab Way back in episode 19, Nicole discussed why you shouldn't front-load science vocabulary.    This is one of our most popular episodes.  So,  we decided to bring you more practical strategies and activities for teaching Science Vocabulary.  If you haven't already, check out episode 19 first.  


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Way back in episode 19, Nicole discussed why you shouldn't front-load science vocabulary.    This is one of our most popular episodes.  So,  we decided to bring you more practical strategies and activities for teaching Science Vocabulary.  If you haven't already, check out episode 19 first.  


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11058013 Mon, 22 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400 1963 8 10 full false 118 Bringing Nature Journals Into Your 3D Teaching 118 Bringing Nature Journals Into Your 3D Teaching In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience interviews Sarah Suloff, a life science/biology teacher with a passion for and expertise in using nature journaling in the classroom. She shares why you may want to consider bringing nature journaling into your classes, her experience doing so, and some practical tips and tricks to get started.

If you would like to follow up with Sarah, you can find her at https://www.instagram.com/sarah.lynn.science/ --- and please share your experiences with nature journaling with us, whether you're a veteran or just giving it a go! <3

Other Resources


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]]> In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience interviews Sarah Suloff, a life science/biology teacher with a passion for and expertise in using nature journaling in the classroom. She shares why you may want to consider bringing nature journaling into your classes, her experience doing so, and some practical tips and tricks to get started.

If you would like to follow up with Sarah, you can find her at https://www.instagram.com/sarah.lynn.science/ --- and please share your experiences with nature journaling with us, whether you're a veteran or just giving it a go! <3

Other Resources


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11124279 Mon, 15 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400 2693 8 9 full false 117 How to Improve Observation Skills in Your Science Classes 117 How to Improve Observation Skills in Your Science Classes Have you noticed your students' observation skills aren't what you'd like them to be?  You aren't alone.  In this episode, we answer a listener's question about how to improve students' observation skills.  This episode s full of easy-to-implement ideas for the first few weeks of school.

Click here to read the episode recap.

Other Episodes to Check Out 

Other Resources


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Have you noticed your students' observation skills aren't what you'd like them to be?  You aren't alone.  In this episode, we answer a listener's question about how to improve students' observation skills.  This episode s full of easy-to-implement ideas for the first few weeks of school.

Click here to read the episode recap.

Other Episodes to Check Out 

Other Resources


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11012261 Mon, 08 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400 2060 8 8 full false 116 Why You Shouldn't Teach An Intro Unit 116 Why You Shouldn't Teach An Intro Unit Let's talk about those back to school activities. Despite the many shifts we've seen teachers making in their classroom, we've seen several teachers continuing to use old practices. Even if they've ditched the scientific method, many teachers are still teaching an intro to science unit. In this episode, Erin discusses some of the reasons why you should skip this intro unit. Instead, teach skills in context.

Check out the full episode recap here.  

Other resources: 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Let's talk about those back to school activities. Despite the many shifts we've seen teachers making in their classroom, we've seen several teachers continuing to use old practices. Even if they've ditched the scientific method, many teachers are still teaching an intro to science unit. In this episode, Erin discusses some of the reasons why you should skip this intro unit. Instead, teach skills in context.

Check out the full episode recap here.  

Other resources: 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11057710 Mon, 01 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400 1423 8 7 full false 115 How Can You Use Science Notebooks And Interactive Notebooking? 115 How Can You Use Science Notebooks And Interactive Notebooking? This episode comes from a listener's question about science notebooks. Lindsay from New Mexico asked the following question. 

"I would love to learn more about incorporating interactive notebooks into the NGSS classroom. Do you follow [the] left/right side [structure]? How do you grade them? Do you use them as a lab notebook as well?"

This is a simple question with lots of parts. So, we'll answer. them one at a time.   Click here for the episode recap. 

Other Episodes to Listen to


Other Resources 


If you are just starting your journey with the NGSS and are looking for a clearer picture on what it looks like in the classroom and means for your instruction, check out the Bring Wonder Back Workshop.   This is a FREE workshop series designed to get you started.   Visit iexplorescience.com/wonder for details.   

 



📬 Stay Connected


]]> This episode comes from a listener's question about science notebooks. Lindsay from New Mexico asked the following question. 

"I would love to learn more about incorporating interactive notebooks into the NGSS classroom. Do you follow [the] left/right side [structure]? How do you grade them? Do you use them as a lab notebook as well?"

This is a simple question with lots of parts. So, we'll answer. them one at a time.   Click here for the episode recap. 

Other Episodes to Listen to


Other Resources 


If you are just starting your journey with the NGSS and are looking for a clearer picture on what it looks like in the classroom and means for your instruction, check out the Bring Wonder Back Workshop.   This is a FREE workshop series designed to get you started.   Visit iexplorescience.com/wonder for details.   

 



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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-11012258 Mon, 25 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400 1480 8 6 full false 114 What To Do When Your Science Curriculum Isn't Built for 3D 114 What To Do When Your Science Curriculum Isn't Built for 3D Your district adopted a science curriculum. You hoped it would be well aligned with the NGSS. But, after reviewing it, you realized it wasn't built for 3D learning. You aren't alone. 

This week we answer this question from Kim in California. The name of the publisher she mention has been removed because we believe the problems she is discussing are not unique to this particular publisher. 

Kim says "I am a 7th and 8th-grade science teacher. Our district adopted [an integrated curriculum]. As a team, we don't love the program. The spiral organization doesn't really make sense and the SEPs and CCCs don't seem smoothly integrated. Do you have suggestions on how to adapt or utilize [this curriculum] specifically or adopted curricula in general? Thanks!"

Check out the full episode recap here.

Once you've listened, here is an episode for each of the things you can choose to work on:

Other Resources:




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]]> Your district adopted a science curriculum. You hoped it would be well aligned with the NGSS. But, after reviewing it, you realized it wasn't built for 3D learning. You aren't alone. 

This week we answer this question from Kim in California. The name of the publisher she mention has been removed because we believe the problems she is discussing are not unique to this particular publisher. 

Kim says "I am a 7th and 8th-grade science teacher. Our district adopted [an integrated curriculum]. As a team, we don't love the program. The spiral organization doesn't really make sense and the SEPs and CCCs don't seem smoothly integrated. Do you have suggestions on how to adapt or utilize [this curriculum] specifically or adopted curricula in general? Thanks!"

Check out the full episode recap here.

Once you've listened, here is an episode for each of the things you can choose to work on:

Other Resources:




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]]> Buzzsprout-10977003 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400 1468 8 5 full false 113 Incorporating Student-Centered Science Stations 113 Incorporating Student-Centered Science Stations While traditional classrooms put teachers as tellers front and center, transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards and a more student-driven approach to science instruction understandably moves the work of students to the main stage. Incorporating science stations is one way to create a classroom that values and emphasizes active learning, shifts ownership and responsibility for student work where it belongs (to your students!), and creates an environment where teachers can more easily meet the needs of individual students and small groups.

In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience shares how she sets up science stations to shift ownership of learning to her students and create more ease and flow for herself in the classroom. Beyond the logistics of implementing stations, she shares some thoughts on the types of activities - from phenomenon-focused questioning and exploration to explain-style tasks and formative assessment - that work great as science stations.

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]]> While traditional classrooms put teachers as tellers front and center, transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards and a more student-driven approach to science instruction understandably moves the work of students to the main stage. Incorporating science stations is one way to create a classroom that values and emphasizes active learning, shifts ownership and responsibility for student work where it belongs (to your students!), and creates an environment where teachers can more easily meet the needs of individual students and small groups.

In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience shares how she sets up science stations to shift ownership of learning to her students and create more ease and flow for herself in the classroom. Beyond the logistics of implementing stations, she shares some thoughts on the types of activities - from phenomenon-focused questioning and exploration to explain-style tasks and formative assessment - that work great as science stations.

Other Resources 


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-10935465 Mon, 11 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400 1833 8 4 full false 112 What's The Difference Between Evidence And Reasoning? 112 What's The Difference Between Evidence And Reasoning? The CER is a framework that was created to help students with the practice of engaging in an argument using evidence. It helps them understand the difference between parts of an argument. However, it is often confusing for them to distinguish between evidence and reasoning. 

We received this question from Ben in Michigan. "The difference between evidence and reasoning gets very blurry. I don't understand the difference." Don't worry Ben! We are here to help. 

In this episode, Erin explains the difference and gives you tips for using the CER Framework in your classroom.

To view the full episode recap, click here.

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]]> The CER is a framework that was created to help students with the practice of engaging in an argument using evidence. It helps them understand the difference between parts of an argument. However, it is often confusing for them to distinguish between evidence and reasoning. 

We received this question from Ben in Michigan. "The difference between evidence and reasoning gets very blurry. I don't understand the difference." Don't worry Ben! We are here to help. 

In this episode, Erin explains the difference and gives you tips for using the CER Framework in your classroom.

To view the full episode recap, click here.

Other Resources 


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-10880693 Mon, 04 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400 1158 8 3 full false 111 Rethinking Your Classroom Management Plan 111 Rethinking Your Classroom Management Plan Most often, we think of the back-to-school time as the best time to rethink your classroom management plan. However, it's never a bad time to rethink your strategy in the classroom. 

Arguably, this school year was the most difficult one for teachers. If you struggled with classroom management, you weren't alone. In this episode, we discuss what traditional strategies to keep. Then, we let you know which strategies are better left in the past.

To read the full episode recap, click here.

Other Episodes to Listen to

Other Resources 


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]]> Most often, we think of the back-to-school time as the best time to rethink your classroom management plan. However, it's never a bad time to rethink your strategy in the classroom. 

Arguably, this school year was the most difficult one for teachers. If you struggled with classroom management, you weren't alone. In this episode, we discuss what traditional strategies to keep. Then, we let you know which strategies are better left in the past.

To read the full episode recap, click here.

Other Episodes to Listen to

Other Resources 


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-10859313 Sun, 26 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400 2010 8 2 full false 110 How to Start Teaching Science in 3D - 2 Simple Strategies 110 How to Start Teaching Science in 3D - 2 Simple Strategies Teaching science in a three-dimensional learning environment often feels overwhelming. Many teachers ask us where to start. Here's our answer: It depends.

Each teaching situation is unique. There are differences in time constraints, demographics, resources and so much more. Therefore, your strategy for approaching 3D teaching and learning also needs to be unique. 

In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss two main strategies for getting started.  And, they list several episodes that you can listen to once you've decided which approach to use.   To get a full list of episodes that accompany this episode, check out the FULL Episode recap here.   

View Erin and Nicole's resources on their blogs: 


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]]> Teaching science in a three-dimensional learning environment often feels overwhelming. Many teachers ask us where to start. Here's our answer: It depends.

Each teaching situation is unique. There are differences in time constraints, demographics, resources and so much more. Therefore, your strategy for approaching 3D teaching and learning also needs to be unique. 

In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss two main strategies for getting started.  And, they list several episodes that you can listen to once you've decided which approach to use.   To get a full list of episodes that accompany this episode, check out the FULL Episode recap here.   

View Erin and Nicole's resources on their blogs: 


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-10801831 Mon, 20 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400 1873 8 1 full false Spring 2022 Update - What's Happening Next? Spring 2022 Update - What's Happening Next? Wonder where we have been?  Listen to this quick update to find out about the next episode of the podcast.   

We would love to answer your questions on the podcast.   Please submit them at teachingsciencein3d.com/quesitons.  


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]]> Wonder where we have been?  Listen to this quick update to find out about the next episode of the podcast.   

We would love to answer your questions on the podcast.   Please submit them at teachingsciencein3d.com/quesitons.  


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-10450653 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400 120 7 14 bonus false 109 Resetting Your Classroom Culture After Break 109 Resetting Your Classroom Culture After Break In this episode, Nicole and Erin help you craft a game plan for returning after a break -- from actually taking a rest to making the transition back to teaching in a way that sets you and your students up for success.

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]]> In this episode, Nicole and Erin help you craft a game plan for returning after a break -- from actually taking a rest to making the transition back to teaching in a way that sets you and your students up for success.

More Resources: 


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-9745200 Mon, 20 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500 1163 7 13 full false 108 How Your Students CAN Do This! 108 How Your Students CAN Do This! What do you do when you feel like your students can't do something? In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss steps that you can take to move your students forward when they are struggling.   

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]]> What do you do when you feel like your students can't do something? In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss steps that you can take to move your students forward when they are struggling.   

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]]> Buzzsprout-9667819 Mon, 13 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500 1057 7 12 full false 107 Helping Your Students Engage In Authentic Learning 107 Helping Your Students Engage In Authentic Learning Authentic learning requires our students to step up and truly engage, truly join the process. But in truth, that's easier said than done... for our students. Learning is scary! It makes us vulnerable. There is a real risk of failure, of embarrassment, of challenging the good things we think about ourselves and reinforcing the bad things. So how can we support our students in taking this leap? How can we scaffold exploration and discovery? In this solo episode, Nicole shares a few ways you can support students as they embark on their authentic learning journey.

Referenced Resources:


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]]> Authentic learning requires our students to step up and truly engage, truly join the process. But in truth, that's easier said than done... for our students. Learning is scary! It makes us vulnerable. There is a real risk of failure, of embarrassment, of challenging the good things we think about ourselves and reinforcing the bad things. So how can we support our students in taking this leap? How can we scaffold exploration and discovery? In this solo episode, Nicole shares a few ways you can support students as they embark on their authentic learning journey.

Referenced Resources:


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-9637617 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500 1095 7 11 full false 106 Five Strategies For NGSS Implementation In Elementary School 106 Five Strategies For NGSS Implementation In Elementary School The NGSS completely changed the world of science education.   As a result, the NGSS can feel completely overwhelming for elementary teachers.  However, most of the changes are actually easy to implement.   And, they lead to major improvements in students' understanding of the nature of science.   

In this episode, Erin provides 5 simple steps that you can use to begin meeting the intent of the NGSS in your classroom.   


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]]> The NGSS completely changed the world of science education.   As a result, the NGSS can feel completely overwhelming for elementary teachers.  However, most of the changes are actually easy to implement.   And, they lead to major improvements in students' understanding of the nature of science.   

In this episode, Erin provides 5 simple steps that you can use to begin meeting the intent of the NGSS in your classroom.   


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-9627082 Mon, 29 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500 1254 7 10 full false 105 Are There Fewer Labs With NGSS? 105 Are There Fewer Labs With NGSS? In this episode, Nicole and Erin answer the listener question, "Are there fewer labs with the NGSS?"  Like many things with the NGSS, there isn't a simple answer.   Get their take on NGSS and lab activities.   

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]]> In this episode, Nicole and Erin answer the listener question, "Are there fewer labs with the NGSS?"  Like many things with the NGSS, there isn't a simple answer.   Get their take on NGSS and lab activities.   

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-9588208 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500 794 7 9 full false 104 What To Do With A Chatty Class 104 What To Do With A Chatty Class If you are a teacher, chances are you've been overwhelmed by students talking at least once in your career. And, we have all had those classes that are SUPER chatty. It feels like you can't get a word in edgewise. So, what do you do about it? 

In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss what to do when your students never seem to stop talking. They explore common assumptions around student talk. Then, they provide strategies to help you deal with your chatty class. 

Other Episodes to Check Out

More Resources: 


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]]> If you are a teacher, chances are you've been overwhelmed by students talking at least once in your career. And, we have all had those classes that are SUPER chatty. It feels like you can't get a word in edgewise. So, what do you do about it? 

In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss what to do when your students never seem to stop talking. They explore common assumptions around student talk. Then, they provide strategies to help you deal with your chatty class. 

Other Episodes to Check Out

More Resources: 


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-9548825 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500 2037 7 8 full false 103 Understanding The SEP Progression 103 Understanding The SEP Progression One of the common mistakes that teachers make with Science and Engineering Practices is that they teach students the practice at the wrong grade band level. Written as a progression from kindergarten through 12th grade, the practices become more complex as students get older. The idea is that students have the opportunity to get more proficient as time goes on, carrying out each practice at a more sophisticated level. We've talked a lot about this progression on the podcast, but in this episode, Erin outlines in detail how to use the progression -- as well as some common mistakes teachers often make.

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]]> One of the common mistakes that teachers make with Science and Engineering Practices is that they teach students the practice at the wrong grade band level. Written as a progression from kindergarten through 12th grade, the practices become more complex as students get older. The idea is that students have the opportunity to get more proficient as time goes on, carrying out each practice at a more sophisticated level. We've talked a lot about this progression on the podcast, but in this episode, Erin outlines in detail how to use the progression -- as well as some common mistakes teachers often make.

More Resources: 


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-9508869 Mon, 08 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500 876 7 9 full false 102 Create "Common Language" And Improve Communication In Your Science Class 102 Create "Common Language" And Improve Communication In Your Science Class In any community, communication is key. Your classroom is a community, and establishing effective communication practices is vital to success and "smooth sailing." But communication is HARD. Whether it's expressing directions or expectations, or digging deep into feelings and advocating our needs -- communication is not easy. In this podcast, Nicole shares the 5 Point Scale strategy you can use to improve communication in your science class -- both from teacher-to-student and from student-to-teacher (and for student-to-student!). The 5 Point Scale can also help build self-awareness and provides opportunities for students to practice metacognition when applied to their own learning.

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]]> In any community, communication is key. Your classroom is a community, and establishing effective communication practices is vital to success and "smooth sailing." But communication is HARD. Whether it's expressing directions or expectations, or digging deep into feelings and advocating our needs -- communication is not easy. In this podcast, Nicole shares the 5 Point Scale strategy you can use to improve communication in your science class -- both from teacher-to-student and from student-to-teacher (and for student-to-student!). The 5 Point Scale can also help build self-awareness and provides opportunities for students to practice metacognition when applied to their own learning.

More Resources: 


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-9463936 Mon, 01 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0400 906 7 8 full false 101 The Brain Science Behind Your Students' (Missing) Engagement 101 The Brain Science Behind Your Students' (Missing) Engagement When things aren't working, sometimes you need to come back to the basics. In this episode, we look at the brain science behind student engagement (or lack thereof) in the classroom. In the midst of a global pandemic, the "stuff that gets us by" might not be effective enough to "get us by" -- so we may find value in returning to the foundations of authentic engagement and successful 3D teaching: strong classroom relationships, safe community, and routines. This episode (the first of a short series) digs into what's going on in your students' brains as the first step to understanding what you can do to meet their needs right now while paving the way for more successful learning in your classroom moving forward.

Click here for the full episode recap.

Referenced Resources:


More Resources: 


*affiliate link


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]]> When things aren't working, sometimes you need to come back to the basics. In this episode, we look at the brain science behind student engagement (or lack thereof) in the classroom. In the midst of a global pandemic, the "stuff that gets us by" might not be effective enough to "get us by" -- so we may find value in returning to the foundations of authentic engagement and successful 3D teaching: strong classroom relationships, safe community, and routines. This episode (the first of a short series) digs into what's going on in your students' brains as the first step to understanding what you can do to meet their needs right now while paving the way for more successful learning in your classroom moving forward.

Click here for the full episode recap.

Referenced Resources:


More Resources: 


*affiliate link


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]]> Buzzsprout-9420424 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1836 7 7 full false 100 What We've Learned About 3D Teaching 100 What We've Learned About 3D Teaching Nicole and Erin have learned so much in the last 100 episodes! In this episode, they recount what they have learned about 3D teaching in the last 100 episodes.  They talk about where they are now and how it is different from where they started.  They discuss their wins as well as their challenges and mistakes.   


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]]> Nicole and Erin have learned so much in the last 100 episodes! In this episode, they recount what they have learned about 3D teaching in the last 100 episodes.  They talk about where they are now and how it is different from where they started.  They discuss their wins as well as their challenges and mistakes.   


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-9383397 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1217 7 6 full false 99 Six Examples To Use Crosscutting Concepts In Your Classroom 99 Six Examples To Use Crosscutting Concepts In Your Classroom Now that you've taught your students about the Crosscutting Concepts, it's time to use them in your classroom.   The more often that students make connections to the CCCs, the more valuable that they become.  In this episode, Erin provides you with 5 easy-to-implement Crosscutting Concept examples to use in your classroom.   

Click here to see the full episode recap.   

Also, before listening to this episode, make sure that you have heard episode 98: How to Teach the Crosscutting Concepts

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]]> Now that you've taught your students about the Crosscutting Concepts, it's time to use them in your classroom.   The more often that students make connections to the CCCs, the more valuable that they become.  In this episode, Erin provides you with 5 easy-to-implement Crosscutting Concept examples to use in your classroom.   

Click here to see the full episode recap.   

Also, before listening to this episode, make sure that you have heard episode 98: How to Teach the Crosscutting Concepts

More Resources: 



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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-9345186 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0400 853 7 5 full false 98 How To Teach The Crosscutting Concepts 98 How To Teach The Crosscutting Concepts Even though the Crosscutting Concepts are a vital part of student understanding of science, they are often forgotten in the lesson planning process.  In this episode, Erin discusses how to evaluate your lessons and teach the Crosscutting Concepts.   

Check out the episode recap here.

Other Episodes: 

Resources:


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]]> Even though the Crosscutting Concepts are a vital part of student understanding of science, they are often forgotten in the lesson planning process.  In this episode, Erin discusses how to evaluate your lessons and teach the Crosscutting Concepts.   

Check out the episode recap here.

Other Episodes: 

Resources:


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-9305121 Mon, 04 Oct 2021 06:00:00 -0400 964 7 4 full false 97 Start Your Science Unit With These Accessible Activities 97 Start Your Science Unit With These Accessible Activities When you are starting your unit, you want to make sure that your activities are very accessible for all students.  In this episode, we discuss activities that don't require a lot of prior knowledge to complete.  These will help lead your students into the unit in a meaningful and attainable way.   

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]]> When you are starting your unit, you want to make sure that your activities are very accessible for all students.  In this episode, we discuss activities that don't require a lot of prior knowledge to complete.  These will help lead your students into the unit in a meaningful and attainable way.   

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-9262666 Mon, 27 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1351 full false 96 How To Start Your Phenomenon-Based Science Unit 96 How To Start Your Phenomenon-Based Science Unit What Should We Do (And Not Do) When Beginning A Unit? In this recording from a pop-up training the Spark Student Driven Science Learning Facebook group, Nicole shares three things she keeps in mind when beginning a phenomenon-based unit.

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]]> What Should We Do (And Not Do) When Beginning A Unit? In this recording from a pop-up training the Spark Student Driven Science Learning Facebook group, Nicole shares three things she keeps in mind when beginning a phenomenon-based unit.

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-9202193 Mon, 20 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1509 7 96 full false 95 What You Need to Know About Building Prior Knowledge in Your Science Class 95 What You Need to Know About Building Prior Knowledge in Your Science Class As we head into this school year, we know students didn't get the same quality of schooling that they had in the past. So, what do we do about it? How important is prior knowledge in a science class? Do you need to build background knowledge for your students in order for them to be successful? In this episode, we talk all about prior knowledge and explain why you don't have to frontload information in your science units. 

This episode is part of the three-episode series that discusses meeting our students where they are when they enter our classrooms this year. Here are the other episodes in the series:

Episode 96 - Coming Soon
Episode 97 - Coming Soon

Other Resources




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]]> As we head into this school year, we know students didn't get the same quality of schooling that they had in the past. So, what do we do about it? How important is prior knowledge in a science class? Do you need to build background knowledge for your students in order for them to be successful? In this episode, we talk all about prior knowledge and explain why you don't have to frontload information in your science units. 

This episode is part of the three-episode series that discusses meeting our students where they are when they enter our classrooms this year. Here are the other episodes in the series:

Episode 96 - Coming Soon
Episode 97 - Coming Soon

Other Resources




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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-9183794 Mon, 13 Sep 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1477 7 1 full false 94 What To Do With Student Questions in Science 94 What To Do With Student Questions in Science Asking questions is one of the Science and Engineering Practices.  But what is the significance of the practice?  What do you do with those questions?  Find out in this episode.   

Read the full episode recap here.   

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]]> Asking questions is one of the Science and Engineering Practices.  But what is the significance of the practice?  What do you do with those questions?  Find out in this episode.   

Read the full episode recap here.   

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]]> Buzzsprout-9104692 Mon, 30 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1809 6 8 full false 93 Getting More Out of the SEPs 93 Getting More Out of the SEPs
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]]>
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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-9068599 Mon, 23 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1404 6 7 full false 92 Building Community Support For 3D Learning 92 Building Community Support For 3D Learning An NGSS classroom is a unique learning environment. Sometimes, this leads to confusion.  So, it's important to create buy-in right away.  Learn how to get parent and admin support for the major shifts that come with the NGSS.

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]]> An NGSS classroom is a unique learning environment. Sometimes, this leads to confusion.  So, it's important to create buy-in right away.  Learn how to get parent and admin support for the major shifts that come with the NGSS.

Related episodes: 


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]]> Buzzsprout-8951600 Mon, 16 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1703 6 6 full false 91 The Importance of Building Relationships in the Science Classroom 91 The Importance of Building Relationships in the Science Classroom If you have been teaching for a while you know that relationships are important in the classroom.  In fact, we have talked about it over and over on the podcast.  So, in this episode, we decided to dive deeper into this concept.  Let's find out why it's important to build relationships, especially in the science classroom.  

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]]> If you have been teaching for a while you know that relationships are important in the classroom.  In fact, we have talked about it over and over on the podcast.  So, in this episode, we decided to dive deeper into this concept.  Let's find out why it's important to build relationships, especially in the science classroom.  

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8956945 Mon, 09 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1300 6 5 full false 90 What To Avoid When You Head Back To School 90 What To Avoid When You Head Back To School Often, the first days of school are referred to as the honeymoon period. Generally, students are on their best behavior. They are quieter and more reserved than at any other point in the school year. But, this period doesn't last long. In science, it's important to take advantage of this back-to-school period to set the tone for the year. 

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]]> Often, the first days of school are referred to as the honeymoon period. Generally, students are on their best behavior. They are quieter and more reserved than at any other point in the school year. But, this period doesn't last long. In science, it's important to take advantage of this back-to-school period to set the tone for the year. 

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8951478 Mon, 02 Aug 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1971 6 4 full false 89 Three Mistakes You Are Making With Your NGSS Assessments 89 Three Mistakes You Are Making With Your NGSS Assessments NGSS aligned tests are very different from traditional assessments. The three-dimensional nature of the standards makes these standards challenging to assess.  Are you making one of these common mistakes on your summative assessments?

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]]> NGSS aligned tests are very different from traditional assessments. The three-dimensional nature of the standards makes these standards challenging to assess.  Are you making one of these common mistakes on your summative assessments?

If you liked this episode, you may also want to listen to:

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8914121 Mon, 26 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0400 986 6 3 full false 88 Using Performance Expectations to Build Units 88 Using Performance Expectations to Build Units The performance expectations are a great place to start when building your units.  But, you need to be careful that you aren't just teaching what is listed in the PEs.  In this episode, we discuss how to use the performance expectations to build bundles and units with great phenomena.  The goal is to create units that authentically connect to the phenomenon so that it doesn't feel forced.   

If you found this episode helpful, you may also want to check out:



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]]> The performance expectations are a great place to start when building your units.  But, you need to be careful that you aren't just teaching what is listed in the PEs.  In this episode, we discuss how to use the performance expectations to build bundles and units with great phenomena.  The goal is to create units that authentically connect to the phenomenon so that it doesn't feel forced.   

If you found this episode helpful, you may also want to check out:



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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8863405 Mon, 19 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1538 6 2 full false 87 Choosing Better Phenomena 87 Choosing Better Phenomena Choosing great phenomena isn't easy.  Phenomena need to be relevant and engaging in order to meet their intended purpose.  But, what makes a great phenomenon great?  Get examples of great phenomena and learn how to find your own in this episode.

To check out the full episode recap, click here.  

If you enjoyed this episode, here are a few others you can check out:


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]]> Choosing great phenomena isn't easy.  Phenomena need to be relevant and engaging in order to meet their intended purpose.  But, what makes a great phenomenon great?  Get examples of great phenomena and learn how to find your own in this episode.

To check out the full episode recap, click here.  

If you enjoyed this episode, here are a few others you can check out:


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]]> Buzzsprout-8845367 Mon, 12 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0400 2071 6 1 full false 86 3 Pain-Free Science Teacher Prep Tips for Summer 86 3 Pain-Free Science Teacher Prep Tips for Summer Summer is finally here!  After the exhausting year that you have had, you need as much relaxation as you can get.  If you are a science teacher who is planning to spend some time prepping this summer, here are things to focus on.  These are quick and easy things you can do that won't eat into your summer rest time.

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]]> Summer is finally here!  After the exhausting year that you have had, you need as much relaxation as you can get.  If you are a science teacher who is planning to spend some time prepping this summer, here are things to focus on.  These are quick and easy things you can do that won't eat into your summer rest time.

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8652659 Mon, 07 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1132 5 8 full false 85 Colleagues, Administrators, and Creating A 3D Teaching Culture: An Interview With Biology Teacher Nicole H. 85 Colleagues, Administrators, and Creating A 3D Teaching Culture: An Interview With Biology Teacher Nicole H. This week on the podcast, listen as Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience interviews Nicole H., a high school biology teacher who has done the work getting her school and district on board with three dimensional teaching and learning. It has not been an easy journey (and if you're in the same boat, I know you're nodding along!), but Nicole has some great insight on what worked and what didn't as she worked toward change in her local school system.

If you'd like to connect with Nicole, you can find her on Facebook right here.


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]]> This week on the podcast, listen as Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience interviews Nicole H., a high school biology teacher who has done the work getting her school and district on board with three dimensional teaching and learning. It has not been an easy journey (and if you're in the same boat, I know you're nodding along!), but Nicole has some great insight on what worked and what didn't as she worked toward change in her local school system.

If you'd like to connect with Nicole, you can find her on Facebook right here.


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]]> Buzzsprout-8600446 Mon, 31 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1843 5 7 full false 84 3 Easy Ways to Add Purpose to Your Science Investigations 84 3 Easy Ways to Add Purpose to Your Science Investigations Are you making the most of your science investigations? When Erin started teaching, she definitely wasn't. 

She started by using a mostly lecture-based model for her classroom. Then, when she began to incorporate investigations she didn't consider the purpose of the investigations. Therefore, they didn't add as much value to her classes as they could have. 

In this episode, Erin shares easy strategies that she has adopted to add purpose to the science investigations in her classroom.

For a full episode recap click here.

Do you want to join Erin's Free training on June 7th?  Click here for info.   

Other Episodes to Check Out

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]]> Are you making the most of your science investigations? When Erin started teaching, she definitely wasn't. 

She started by using a mostly lecture-based model for her classroom. Then, when she began to incorporate investigations she didn't consider the purpose of the investigations. Therefore, they didn't add as much value to her classes as they could have. 

In this episode, Erin shares easy strategies that she has adopted to add purpose to the science investigations in her classroom.

For a full episode recap click here.

Do you want to join Erin's Free training on June 7th?  Click here for info.   

Other Episodes to Check Out

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]]> Buzzsprout-8568595 Mon, 24 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400 663 5 6 full false 83 3 Reasons You're Afraid to Ditch the Recipe-Style Science Labs 83 3 Reasons You're Afraid to Ditch the Recipe-Style Science Labs Are you using recipe-style science labs in your classroom? While these activities are common, they don't teach students how to plan and carry out investigations. In this episode, Erin discusses the main reasons that teachers are afraid to ditch these recipe-style labs. Then, she provides easy to implement solutions.

If you are interested in learning more about student-driven investigations, get on the waitlist for Erin's Student-Driven Investigations Course. 

For a full episode recap, click here.

Other Episodes to Check Out

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]]> Are you using recipe-style science labs in your classroom? While these activities are common, they don't teach students how to plan and carry out investigations. In this episode, Erin discusses the main reasons that teachers are afraid to ditch these recipe-style labs. Then, she provides easy to implement solutions.

If you are interested in learning more about student-driven investigations, get on the waitlist for Erin's Student-Driven Investigations Course. 

For a full episode recap, click here.

Other Episodes to Check Out

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8525069 Mon, 17 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400 829 5 5 full false 82 Flip Your Lesson For Discovery 82 Flip Your Lesson For Discovery This week, Nicole expands on the exploration discussion from last week and discusses how you can "flip" existing lessons to add more opportunities for exploration and discovery. You don't always have to reinvent the wheel, even when you're aiming for exploration-based three-dimensional learning. Oftentimes, simple tweaks and revisions can turn a flat traditional lesson into a three-dimensional discovery experience. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Register for Nicole's June workshop - Exploration Alchemy: Flip Your Lesson For Discovery at www.iexplorescience.com/monthly. 

More Resources:


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]]> This week, Nicole expands on the exploration discussion from last week and discusses how you can "flip" existing lessons to add more opportunities for exploration and discovery. You don't always have to reinvent the wheel, even when you're aiming for exploration-based three-dimensional learning. Oftentimes, simple tweaks and revisions can turn a flat traditional lesson into a three-dimensional discovery experience. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Register for Nicole's June workshop - Exploration Alchemy: Flip Your Lesson For Discovery at www.iexplorescience.com/monthly. 

More Resources:


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8487027 Mon, 10 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400 992 5 4 full false 81 Expanding Our Understanding Of The "Explore" Phase 81 Expanding Our Understanding Of The "Explore" Phase This week, Nicole and Erin answer a listener question from Michelle in Washington.  Michelle asked, "I would love to know more about how students go through the explore phase. How do you find activities for the students? How do you progress monitor?"  She also asks, "how long is an explore phase?"  We answer these questions and more in this episode. 

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]]> This week, Nicole and Erin answer a listener question from Michelle in Washington.  Michelle asked, "I would love to know more about how students go through the explore phase. How do you find activities for the students? How do you progress monitor?"  She also asks, "how long is an explore phase?"  We answer these questions and more in this episode. 

More Resources:



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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8418909 Mon, 03 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1397 5 3 full false 80 "Still In The Middle, But Moving Closer": An Interview With Middle School Teacher Mercedes G. 80 "Still In The Middle, But Moving Closer": An Interview With Middle School Teacher Mercedes G. The 2020-2021 academic year hasn’t been easy, but for some teachers, it hasn’t been without success either. Meet Mercedes.

“I think I’m still in the middle, but I’m moving closer… it is that spectrum.” [2:50]

Mercedes began exploring how to use three-dimensional teaching in her middle school science classroom just a few years ago, and in this podcast episode, she shares both her successes and where she’s still learning and growing. This candid conversation is both a celebration of what is possible and a reflection on where there’s still space to improve (because we ALL have space to improve). Mercedes’ natural inclination toward engagement, discussion, and empowering student ownership has given her a jumpstart in implementing three-dimensional, student-owned science, but her reflective nature is truly what is making her the amazing teacher she is — it’s allowed her to identify her “next steps” to take her teaching - and her students’ learning - even further. 

This episode is sure to spark that reflection in your own teaching - your planning, in how you craft your activities and respond to student questions, and even in more subtle areas like assumptions about student abilities and performance. You’ll also walk away with a few phenomena ideas for science topics like weather and climate, some strategies for encouraging student reflection about participation and talk, and a simple introduction to “flipping” your science lessons for greater exploration.

Click here for the full episode recap.   

Additional Resources


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]]> The 2020-2021 academic year hasn’t been easy, but for some teachers, it hasn’t been without success either. Meet Mercedes.

“I think I’m still in the middle, but I’m moving closer… it is that spectrum.” [2:50]

Mercedes began exploring how to use three-dimensional teaching in her middle school science classroom just a few years ago, and in this podcast episode, she shares both her successes and where she’s still learning and growing. This candid conversation is both a celebration of what is possible and a reflection on where there’s still space to improve (because we ALL have space to improve). Mercedes’ natural inclination toward engagement, discussion, and empowering student ownership has given her a jumpstart in implementing three-dimensional, student-owned science, but her reflective nature is truly what is making her the amazing teacher she is — it’s allowed her to identify her “next steps” to take her teaching - and her students’ learning - even further. 

This episode is sure to spark that reflection in your own teaching - your planning, in how you craft your activities and respond to student questions, and even in more subtle areas like assumptions about student abilities and performance. You’ll also walk away with a few phenomena ideas for science topics like weather and climate, some strategies for encouraging student reflection about participation and talk, and a simple introduction to “flipping” your science lessons for greater exploration.

Click here for the full episode recap.   

Additional Resources


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8398530 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0400 2047 5 2 full false 79 NGSS Curriculum: Why One Size Doesn't Fit All 79 NGSS Curriculum: Why One Size Doesn't Fit All Adopting a curriculum is a major hurdle to overcome in the shift to NGSS.  However, after the adoption, you might start to notice that the curriculum isn't connecting with your students.  We have found that it's nearly impossible to create an NGSS Curriculum that is one size fits all.  Listen to this week's episode to find out why and what you can do about it.
 
For the full episode recap,  click here.

Here are more resources to help you with NGSS Curriculum:

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]]> Adopting a curriculum is a major hurdle to overcome in the shift to NGSS.  However, after the adoption, you might start to notice that the curriculum isn't connecting with your students.  We have found that it's nearly impossible to create an NGSS Curriculum that is one size fits all.  Listen to this week's episode to find out why and what you can do about it.
 
For the full episode recap,  click here.

Here are more resources to help you with NGSS Curriculum:

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8347849 Mon, 19 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0400 882 5 1 full false 78 Five Easy Strategies To Improve Scientific Arguments 78 Five Easy Strategies To Improve Scientific Arguments The Science and Engineering Practice of Engaging in an Argument from Evidence is often tricky for students to master.  Here are five easy ways to that you can scaffold science arguments for your students. 

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]]> The Science and Engineering Practice of Engaging in an Argument from Evidence is often tricky for students to master.  Here are five easy ways to that you can scaffold science arguments for your students. 

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8261100 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1152 4 23 full false 77 All About Anchors 77 All About Anchors We know we're supposed to be using phenomena, but what kind? How often? What's an anchor and how is it different from other phenomena? We know that anchoring phenomena can be confusing for science teachers when you're just getting started. In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss what anchors are and how they can be used. Then, they share a few common mistakes they've made that you can hopefully avoid!

More Resources For Anchoring Phenomena:


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]]> We know we're supposed to be using phenomena, but what kind? How often? What's an anchor and how is it different from other phenomena? We know that anchoring phenomena can be confusing for science teachers when you're just getting started. In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss what anchors are and how they can be used. Then, they share a few common mistakes they've made that you can hopefully avoid!

More Resources For Anchoring Phenomena:


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8247903 Mon, 05 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1702 4 22 full false 76 Rethink How You Bundle Your Standards 76 Rethink How You Bundle Your Standards In this episode, Nicole VanTassel (iExploreScience) discusses two ways to bundle your NGSS. What are the pros and cons of the Topic Model versus the Phenomenon Model? Which one might be right for you? How can you use the way you bundle your standards to support three dimensional teaching and learning? If you’ve been thinking ahead to changing up how you organize your units, this episode is for you. And even if you haven’t thought of it yet, you may find some inspiration to do so!

Additional Resources
Bundling The NGSS
Be Curious Community Cohorts

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]]> In this episode, Nicole VanTassel (iExploreScience) discusses two ways to bundle your NGSS. What are the pros and cons of the Topic Model versus the Phenomenon Model? Which one might be right for you? How can you use the way you bundle your standards to support three dimensional teaching and learning? If you’ve been thinking ahead to changing up how you organize your units, this episode is for you. And even if you haven’t thought of it yet, you may find some inspiration to do so!

Additional Resources
Bundling The NGSS
Be Curious Community Cohorts

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8225805 Mon, 29 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1082 4 21 full false 75 [TT] Learning In Fits And Spurts 75 [TT] Learning In Fits And Spurts We tend to think about learning as a "steady stream," an incremental progress forward. But how often does learning *really* happen that way? In this week's Thursday Thought, let's take a minute to consider how learning really plays out for our students and what that might mean for our approach in the classroom. If you're feeling like you aren't making the "progress you should be," this episode is for you.

And if you're ready to make a more concentrated "leap forward," be sure to check out the Be Curious Community Cohorts. Enrollment is open for the Summer 2021 Session.

Additional Resources
Be Curious Community Cohorts

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]]> We tend to think about learning as a "steady stream," an incremental progress forward. But how often does learning *really* happen that way? In this week's Thursday Thought, let's take a minute to consider how learning really plays out for our students and what that might mean for our approach in the classroom. If you're feeling like you aren't making the "progress you should be," this episode is for you.

And if you're ready to make a more concentrated "leap forward," be sure to check out the Be Curious Community Cohorts. Enrollment is open for the Summer 2021 Session.

Additional Resources
Be Curious Community Cohorts

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8196670 Thu, 25 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0400 574 4 20 bonus false 74 Your Next Step: Elevating Engineering In Your Science Class 74 Your Next Step: Elevating Engineering In Your Science Class In this episode, Erin and Nicole share a few concrete strategies for elevating engineering in your science class -- no matter what level you're currently at. They review the four stages that many teachers move through as they integrate engineering and provide a few actionable items to go one step further.

If you didn't listen to last week's episode, be sure to head over to 72 How Well Are You Integrating Engineering? first and identify where you are in terms of integrating engineering. Then, discover a few ideas designed to inspire you to take another step on your NGSS journey.


Additional Resources
Engineering In Science: Why You Should Be Teaching It
TeachEngineering
Engineering @ STEMTeachingTools

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]]> In this episode, Erin and Nicole share a few concrete strategies for elevating engineering in your science class -- no matter what level you're currently at. They review the four stages that many teachers move through as they integrate engineering and provide a few actionable items to go one step further.

If you didn't listen to last week's episode, be sure to head over to 72 How Well Are You Integrating Engineering? first and identify where you are in terms of integrating engineering. Then, discover a few ideas designed to inspire you to take another step on your NGSS journey.


Additional Resources
Engineering In Science: Why You Should Be Teaching It
TeachEngineering
Engineering @ STEMTeachingTools

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8136932 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1071 4 19 full false 73 [TT] Too Much, Too Soon? 73 [TT] Too Much, Too Soon? Erin discusses a science activity that her daughter brought home that wasn't exactly developmentally appropriate.  She discusses the concept of Too Much, Too Soon and encourages you to ask yourself if you can think of any examples from your own lessons.  

Summer Course - Student-Led Investigations 
The waitlist is now live for Erin's summer course on student-led investigations.  Click here to sign up for the waitlist. 

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]]> Erin discusses a science activity that her daughter brought home that wasn't exactly developmentally appropriate.  She discusses the concept of Too Much, Too Soon and encourages you to ask yourself if you can think of any examples from your own lessons.  

Summer Course - Student-Led Investigations 
The waitlist is now live for Erin's summer course on student-led investigations.  Click here to sign up for the waitlist. 

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8156225 Thu, 18 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0400 316 4 18 full false 72 How Well Are You Integrating Engineering? 72 How Well Are You Integrating Engineering? In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss four stages many teachers move through as they integrate engineering into their science classes. If you aren't yet sold on "engineering" in science, they outline why it's an important  aspect of science that we should be including and provide a framework to consider how you might make the shift toward a more balanced approach to science and engineering. Where are YOU on the progression? Listen to find out!


Additional Resources
Engineering In Science: Why You Should Be Teaching It


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]]> In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss four stages many teachers move through as they integrate engineering into their science classes. If you aren't yet sold on "engineering" in science, they outline why it's an important  aspect of science that we should be including and provide a framework to consider how you might make the shift toward a more balanced approach to science and engineering. Where are YOU on the progression? Listen to find out!


Additional Resources
Engineering In Science: Why You Should Be Teaching It


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8077618 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0400 1450 4 17 full false 71 [TT] Making Space For Social Learning 71 [TT] Making Space For Social Learning "My students just aren't curious!" I get it - I hear it all the time, and I do agree, oftentimes middle and high school students don't seem very curious. But here's a thought: are your students "not curious" or are they just not curious about *your content*? And if it's the latter, what can we do?

Make space for "social learning" -- because that's what matters to our students. How can our content and our instruction bring in this "social experience"? How can we better connect what's relevant to our students to what needs to be the focus of our classroom?

In this episode, Nicole VanTassel shares some thoughts and strategies to capitalize on our adolescents' social drives (and desire to find their place in society!) to move their science learning forward.


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]]> "My students just aren't curious!" I get it - I hear it all the time, and I do agree, oftentimes middle and high school students don't seem very curious. But here's a thought: are your students "not curious" or are they just not curious about *your content*? And if it's the latter, what can we do?

Make space for "social learning" -- because that's what matters to our students. How can our content and our instruction bring in this "social experience"? How can we better connect what's relevant to our students to what needs to be the focus of our classroom?

In this episode, Nicole VanTassel shares some thoughts and strategies to capitalize on our adolescents' social drives (and desire to find their place in society!) to move their science learning forward.


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8077696 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0500 508 4 16 bonus false 70 Using National Parks as Phenomena 70 Using National Parks as Phenomena In this episode, Nicole interviews high school Earth Science Teacher Alyssa Weisenstein. Alyssa is the creator behind Teacher On A Trip, a blog about using national parks as phenomena. Alyssa loves to travel and brings this enthusiasm into her science classes. She weaves the amazing geographic resources we have here in the United States into her Earth Science storylines.

View the episode recap here.


Additional Resources
Teacher On A Trip
NGSS Earth Science Storylines On Facebook
Alyssa Weisenstein on Instagram


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]]> In this episode, Nicole interviews high school Earth Science Teacher Alyssa Weisenstein. Alyssa is the creator behind Teacher On A Trip, a blog about using national parks as phenomena. Alyssa loves to travel and brings this enthusiasm into her science classes. She weaves the amazing geographic resources we have here in the United States into her Earth Science storylines.

View the episode recap here.


Additional Resources
Teacher On A Trip
NGSS Earth Science Storylines On Facebook
Alyssa Weisenstein on Instagram


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8077635 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0500 2228 4 15 full false 69 [TT] Write Down What You Are Already Doing 69 [TT] Write Down What You Are Already Doing In this episode, Erin discusses a simple self-evaluation strategy.  Simply write down what you are already doing in your classroom and how it connects to phenomena and each of the three dimensions.  Then, come up with one next step that you can take to improve your lesson sequences moving forward. 

To sign up for Erin's newsletter and receive her free template, click here. 

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]]> In this episode, Erin discusses a simple self-evaluation strategy.  Simply write down what you are already doing in your classroom and how it connects to phenomena and each of the three dimensions.  Then, come up with one next step that you can take to improve your lesson sequences moving forward. 

To sign up for Erin's newsletter and receive her free template, click here. 

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-7886032 Thu, 04 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0500 318 4 14 bonus false 68 Using Demos Effectively for NGSS Teaching 68 Using Demos Effectively for NGSS Teaching In this episode, Nicole VanTassel (iExploreScience) and Erin Sadler (Sadler Science) discuss using demonstrations in your NGSS classroom. Too often, demos can translate to "teaching as telling" -- or a "sage on the stage" style of teaching. But it does NOT have to be this way. Tune in to discover how you can use demos effectively while carrying out three-dimensional instruction and actively engaging your students in science learning.

For a full episode recap, click here.

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]]> In this episode, Nicole VanTassel (iExploreScience) and Erin Sadler (Sadler Science) discuss using demonstrations in your NGSS classroom. Too often, demos can translate to "teaching as telling" -- or a "sage on the stage" style of teaching. But it does NOT have to be this way. Tune in to discover how you can use demos effectively while carrying out three-dimensional instruction and actively engaging your students in science learning.

For a full episode recap, click here.

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-7996195 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0500 861 4 13 full false 67 [TT] Who Is Doing The Talking? 67 [TT] Who Is Doing The Talking? "The one doing the talking is the one doing the learning." Have you heard it before? My guess is, probably. But what more do we know about this idea? In this week's Thursday thought, Nicole looks at this "catch phrase" in light of what we know about learning and development. Whether you are sold on the idea or not, this quick episode will give you something to think about as you plan your next learning experience.


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]]> "The one doing the talking is the one doing the learning." Have you heard it before? My guess is, probably. But what more do we know about this idea? In this week's Thursday thought, Nicole looks at this "catch phrase" in light of what we know about learning and development. Whether you are sold on the idea or not, this quick episode will give you something to think about as you plan your next learning experience.


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-8024043 Thu, 25 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0500 462 full false 66 Engaging Students in Constructing Explanations 66 Engaging Students in Constructing Explanations In this episode, Nicole VanTassel (iExploreScience) and Erin Sadler (Sadler Science) discuss how to develop explanations with students so that you can transition from a "teaching as telling" approach to a more student-centered learning experience.

Here are more resources to help you use a student-centered approach in your classroom:


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]]> In this episode, Nicole VanTassel (iExploreScience) and Erin Sadler (Sadler Science) discuss how to develop explanations with students so that you can transition from a "teaching as telling" approach to a more student-centered learning experience.

Here are more resources to help you use a student-centered approach in your classroom:


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-7995712 Mon, 22 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0500 1422 4 11 full false 65 [TT] Starting With Something Simple 65 [TT] Starting With Something Simple It's true.  The NGSS can be totally overwhelming.  So, it's important to start small. 

In this episode, Erin discusses how you can choose one small area of focus.  Then, build upon it to bring in a 3D approach into your science class. 

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]]> It's true.  The NGSS can be totally overwhelming.  So, it's important to start small. 

In this episode, Erin discusses how you can choose one small area of focus.  Then, build upon it to bring in a 3D approach into your science class. 

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-7885495 Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0500 330 4 10 bonus false 64 Quick Wins With The Crosscutting Concepts 64 Quick Wins With The Crosscutting Concepts In this episode, Erin explains that Crosscutting Concepts can give you some quick wins in your science class.  Teachers are overwhelmed with the number of things that they have to do right now.  Erin explains how to easily incorporate the Crosscutting Concepts into your lesson sequences.

Here are some of the question that she answered:

  • Why do we need to teach the Crosscutting Concepts?
  • Why are the Crosscutting Concepts a great place to start?
  • What are the benefits of including the Crosscutting Concepts?
  • How do you explicitly teach the Crosscutting Concepts in your Classroom?

Here are the resources that she mentioned in this episode: 

  • Sign up for Erin's newsletter to get her 3D lesson plan template for free.  Click here to sign up.  
  • Crosscutting Concept Bundle for Middle School
  • Crosscutting Concept Bundle for Upper Elementary School
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]]> In this episode, Erin explains that Crosscutting Concepts can give you some quick wins in your science class.  Teachers are overwhelmed with the number of things that they have to do right now.  Erin explains how to easily incorporate the Crosscutting Concepts into your lesson sequences.

Here are some of the question that she answered:

  • Why do we need to teach the Crosscutting Concepts?
  • Why are the Crosscutting Concepts a great place to start?
  • What are the benefits of including the Crosscutting Concepts?
  • How do you explicitly teach the Crosscutting Concepts in your Classroom?

Here are the resources that she mentioned in this episode: 

  • Sign up for Erin's newsletter to get her 3D lesson plan template for free.  Click here to sign up.  
  • Crosscutting Concept Bundle for Middle School
  • Crosscutting Concept Bundle for Upper Elementary School
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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-7847686 Mon, 15 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0500 892 4 9 full false 63 Reaching Students In The Virtual Classroom With Dr. Salina Gray 63 Reaching Students In The Virtual Classroom With Dr. Salina Gray In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience interviews Dr. Salina Gray about her experiences teaching virtually this year. They discuss the schedules, routines, and practices Salina uses to create a classroom culture where kids show up , take risks, and truly engage in their own learning.

Let's Stay Connected In 2021
You still have time to catch the replays from the totally free Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners workshop!

We dove into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do, 
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students, 
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom

You can register to access the replays and resources from this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder


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]]> In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience interviews Dr. Salina Gray about her experiences teaching virtually this year. They discuss the schedules, routines, and practices Salina uses to create a classroom culture where kids show up , take risks, and truly engage in their own learning.

Let's Stay Connected In 2021
You still have time to catch the replays from the totally free Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners workshop!

We dove into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do, 
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students, 
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom

You can register to access the replays and resources from this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder


Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Buzzsprout-7658155 Mon, 08 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0500 1948 4 9 full false 62 [TT] The Good You Might Be Missing 62 [TT] The Good You Might Be Missing Have you ever had a really rough day where nothing worked?  Has that ever happened during a virtual observation?  That happened to Erin last week.

In the end, it wasn't perfect.  But she ended up finding out there were many good things happening that she totally missed.  Listen to hear more. 

Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Have you ever had a really rough day where nothing worked?  Has that ever happened during a virtual observation?  That happened to Erin last week.

In the end, it wasn't perfect.  But she ended up finding out there were many good things happening that she totally missed.  Listen to hear more. 

Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-7663885 Thu, 04 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0500 385 4 9 bonus false 61 Science Extension Activities With Purpose 61 Science Extension Activities With Purpose You may call them an extension, elaborate, or enrichment activities. No matter what you call them, they often lack meaning in a traditional classroom. 

In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss what these episodes look like in a traditional science classroom.  Then, they discuss why you might want to rethink some of these strategies.  Finally, they provide some ideas for what to do instead.  Click here for the full episode recap.

Other Resources:

Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> You may call them an extension, elaborate, or enrichment activities. No matter what you call them, they often lack meaning in a traditional classroom. 

In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss what these episodes look like in a traditional science classroom.  Then, they discuss why you might want to rethink some of these strategies.  Finally, they provide some ideas for what to do instead.  Click here for the full episode recap.

Other Resources:

Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-7590781 Mon, 01 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0500 834 4 7 full false 60 [TT] Inviting Interactions With "I Wonder Why" 60 [TT] Inviting Interactions With "I Wonder Why" I've noticed a trend -- my daughter balks when I ask her a question. She is terrified of being wrong. And even if it's something that may not have a right answer, even if we are just exploring ideas, she hesitates.

Thinking back, I know my students did the same.

So how can you invite discussion, exploring ideas, interaction without putting students on the spot? Without scaring them away?

Introducing the... "I wonder why..." statement.

(I mean, I didn't invent it... but I noticed it works!)

Learn more in this episode.

Let's Stay Connected In 2021
I started off 2021 with a totally free workshop series - Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners. While the live workshops are over, you can still catch the replays and utilize the resources.

Over three sessions, we dove into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do, 
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students, 
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom

You can still grab your replays and resources for this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder


Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> I've noticed a trend -- my daughter balks when I ask her a question. She is terrified of being wrong. And even if it's something that may not have a right answer, even if we are just exploring ideas, she hesitates.

Thinking back, I know my students did the same.

So how can you invite discussion, exploring ideas, interaction without putting students on the spot? Without scaring them away?

Introducing the... "I wonder why..." statement.

(I mean, I didn't invent it... but I noticed it works!)

Learn more in this episode.

Let's Stay Connected In 2021
I started off 2021 with a totally free workshop series - Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners. While the live workshops are over, you can still catch the replays and utilize the resources.

Over three sessions, we dove into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do, 
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students, 
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom

You can still grab your replays and resources for this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder


Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-7338931 Thu, 28 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0500 247 4 6 bonus false 59 Creating A Culture Of Engagement And Connection: Interview With Middle School Teacher Debbie J. 59 Creating A Culture Of Engagement And Connection: Interview With Middle School Teacher Debbie J. Connecting with our students and engaging them in our science classroom is more important than ever if we aim to continue our work as educators… but right now, it’s hard. 

It’s hard, but it’s not impossible.

In this week’s episode, we are interviewing middle school teacher, Debbie Juracich — who, like you, is experiencing teaching through the challenges that 2020 brought and 2021 has not yet relieved. She has experienced the schedule changes, shifting admin demands, missing out on hands-on activities, and seeing black Zoom screens where she once saw real human faces. She gets it! 

But her students are still engaged. They are still connected. It’s not perfect — and she explicitly wanted to point out afterward: not every day goes this way. But there are enough bright moments to carry her on and keep her focused on what matters.

So what’s her secret? What’s the secret sauce to creating a culture of engagement and connection — even in a virtual/hybrid/COVID-era setting?? 

Tune in to find out. <3


Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Connecting with our students and engaging them in our science classroom is more important than ever if we aim to continue our work as educators… but right now, it’s hard. 

It’s hard, but it’s not impossible.

In this week’s episode, we are interviewing middle school teacher, Debbie Juracich — who, like you, is experiencing teaching through the challenges that 2020 brought and 2021 has not yet relieved. She has experienced the schedule changes, shifting admin demands, missing out on hands-on activities, and seeing black Zoom screens where she once saw real human faces. She gets it! 

But her students are still engaged. They are still connected. It’s not perfect — and she explicitly wanted to point out afterward: not every day goes this way. But there are enough bright moments to carry her on and keep her focused on what matters.

So what’s her secret? What’s the secret sauce to creating a culture of engagement and connection — even in a virtual/hybrid/COVID-era setting?? 

Tune in to find out. <3


Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-7355497 Mon, 25 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0500 1212 4 5 full false 58 [TT] Relationships AND Rigor 58 [TT] Relationships AND Rigor Erin has been seeing the phrase "relationships over rigor" everywhere this year.  And, while relationships are incredibly important in the classroom, they don't need to come at the expense of rigor. 

Listen to this episode to hear Erin's thoughts. 

Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Erin has been seeing the phrase "relationships over rigor" everywhere this year.  And, while relationships are incredibly important in the classroom, they don't need to come at the expense of rigor. 

Listen to this episode to hear Erin's thoughts. 

Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-7360750 Thu, 21 Jan 2021 18:00:00 -0500 339 4 4 bonus false 57 Three Mindset Shifts For Science Teachers 57 Three Mindset Shifts For Science Teachers Implementing 3D learning requires a growth mindset.   In this episode, we discuss three mindset shifts for science teachers that make the transition easier.

Other Resources to Help You Make the Shift 

Get More Help with the NGSS


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Implementing 3D learning requires a growth mindset.   In this episode, we discuss three mindset shifts for science teachers that make the transition easier.

Other Resources to Help You Make the Shift 

Get More Help with the NGSS


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-7249693 Mon, 18 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0500 1082 4 3 full false 56 [TT] When Your Students Reach The "Highest Tree In The World" 56 [TT] When Your Students Reach The "Highest Tree In The World" The other day, while on a hike, my son yelled out, "I'm on the highest tree in the world!"

It got me thinking... what does it take to create such exuberance and pride in our learners? What do they need from us? How can we support them in building this agency and this confidence?

I have a few thoughts, and I hope you'll spend about 5 minutes with me to consider how you can help bring the same excitement and sense of achievement my 3 year old felt climbing a tree-root-ball to your students in your science class.

Let's Stay Connected In 2021
I’m starting off 2021 with a totally free workshop series - Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners.

We'll dive into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do, 
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students, 
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom

You can register for this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder


Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> The other day, while on a hike, my son yelled out, "I'm on the highest tree in the world!"

It got me thinking... what does it take to create such exuberance and pride in our learners? What do they need from us? How can we support them in building this agency and this confidence?

I have a few thoughts, and I hope you'll spend about 5 minutes with me to consider how you can help bring the same excitement and sense of achievement my 3 year old felt climbing a tree-root-ball to your students in your science class.

Let's Stay Connected In 2021
I’m starting off 2021 with a totally free workshop series - Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners.

We'll dive into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do, 
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students, 
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom

You can register for this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder


Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-7221880 Thu, 14 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0500 333 4 2 bonus false 55 Three Things Holding You Back From 3D Learning 55 Three Things Holding You Back From 3D Learning Are you having trouble implementing 3D learning in your classroom? Listen to the top 3 things that we have found hold teachers back. 

Nicoles Storylines Workshop: Curiosity Driven Storylines

Check out these 3D Learning Resources to help get you started: 

For the full episode recap, click here. 

Get More Help with the NGSS




📬 Stay Connected


]]> Are you having trouble implementing 3D learning in your classroom? Listen to the top 3 things that we have found hold teachers back. 

Nicoles Storylines Workshop: Curiosity Driven Storylines

Check out these 3D Learning Resources to help get you started: 

For the full episode recap, click here. 

Get More Help with the NGSS




📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-7224265 Mon, 11 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0500 1370 4 1 full false 54 [TT] The Problem With Multitasking 54 [TT] The Problem With Multitasking Teachers are working harder than they ever have before.  And often, we feel like there is so much more to do.  The solution isn't working more hours because there are only so many hours in the day. 

For Erin, multitasking hindered her productivity for years.  When she started batch working, her productivity increased significantly.  Learn about the changes she made and how they worked for her.

Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Teachers are working harder than they ever have before.  And often, we feel like there is so much more to do.  The solution isn't working more hours because there are only so many hours in the day. 

For Erin, multitasking hindered her productivity for years.  When she started batch working, her productivity increased significantly.  Learn about the changes she made and how they worked for her.

Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-7157302 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0500 509 3 23 bonus false 53 [TT] Setting Not-SMART Goals For 2021 53 [TT] Setting Not-SMART Goals For 2021 Here's the thing: SMART goals don't work for everyone.

They don't work for me.

This year I learned about a totally *different* way to set goals and plan for what's ahead -- and (here's the important part!) actually make progress towards it! -- that resonates way better with my own approaches and work flow. And I know it's working, because I'm already seeing some of my goals come to life. <3

In this Thursday Thought, I want to share this process with you. I want you to be able to look ahead to 2021 and see the changes you want to make in your classroom, your teacher practice, your relationships, and your life in general -- and actually make goals that get you closer to your objectives!

Let's Stay Connected In 2021
I’m starting off 2021 with a totally free workshop series - Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners.

We'll dive into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do, 
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students, 
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom

You can register for this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder


Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Here's the thing: SMART goals don't work for everyone.

They don't work for me.

This year I learned about a totally *different* way to set goals and plan for what's ahead -- and (here's the important part!) actually make progress towards it! -- that resonates way better with my own approaches and work flow. And I know it's working, because I'm already seeing some of my goals come to life. <3

In this Thursday Thought, I want to share this process with you. I want you to be able to look ahead to 2021 and see the changes you want to make in your classroom, your teacher practice, your relationships, and your life in general -- and actually make goals that get you closer to your objectives!

Let's Stay Connected In 2021
I’m starting off 2021 with a totally free workshop series - Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners.

We'll dive into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do, 
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students, 
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom

You can register for this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder


Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-6935489 Thu, 31 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0500 722 3 22 bonus false 52 [TT] Sitting With 2020 Before Diving Into 2021 52 [TT] Sitting With 2020 Before Diving Into 2021 As we come to the end of the year - and especially this year, when you may feel like there’s so many doors you JUST WANT TO CLOSE and move on from - but really often any year, I think we tend to get excited about moving forward, focus all our energy on our new start, and we forget to look back on what came before.

And while it’s certainly not great to dwell on the past or live in it or anything like that >> there’s certainly value in giving ourselves a little space for reflection.

So I decided before I took time to look ahead, I was going to sit and reflect on where I’d been, where I was coming from, and then (here’s the important part) USE that information to help me look ahead — more mindfully, more realistically, really more usefully. 

So with that in mind, I wanted to challenge you this week — before you get caught up in New Years resolutions and all of that — to take a few minutes to sit, reflect, and process.

Then you can *use* that information to guide you forward: 

>> to help you identify the changes you may want to make (and what you want to keep the same!),

>> and to help you implement those changes in ways that will last.


So some questions or prompts you may want to consider:

  1. What were my favorite memories? 
  2. What advice would I give myself if I traveled back to the beginning of 2020? 
  3. How do I truly feel about the past year?
  4. What is my year in ONE sentence or ONE word? 


Let's Stay Connected In 2021
I’m starting off 2021 with a totally free workshop series - Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners.

We'll dive into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do, 
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students, 
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom

You can register for this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder


Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> As we come to the end of the year - and especially this year, when you may feel like there’s so many doors you JUST WANT TO CLOSE and move on from - but really often any year, I think we tend to get excited about moving forward, focus all our energy on our new start, and we forget to look back on what came before.

And while it’s certainly not great to dwell on the past or live in it or anything like that >> there’s certainly value in giving ourselves a little space for reflection.

So I decided before I took time to look ahead, I was going to sit and reflect on where I’d been, where I was coming from, and then (here’s the important part) USE that information to help me look ahead — more mindfully, more realistically, really more usefully. 

So with that in mind, I wanted to challenge you this week — before you get caught up in New Years resolutions and all of that — to take a few minutes to sit, reflect, and process.

Then you can *use* that information to guide you forward: 

>> to help you identify the changes you may want to make (and what you want to keep the same!),

>> and to help you implement those changes in ways that will last.


So some questions or prompts you may want to consider:

  1. What were my favorite memories? 
  2. What advice would I give myself if I traveled back to the beginning of 2020? 
  3. How do I truly feel about the past year?
  4. What is my year in ONE sentence or ONE word? 


Let's Stay Connected In 2021
I’m starting off 2021 with a totally free workshop series - Bring Wonder Back: Creating Engaged and Active Science Learners.

We'll dive into:
- why your students aren’t curious and what you can do, 
- redefining what it means to be an educator so that it really translates to less work for you and more ownership from students, 
- and how we can transform “students” into SCIENTISTS so that they really take on these critical thinking, creative skills and qualities that they are going to need beyond the classroom

You can register for this free program at https://iexplorescience.com/wonder


Get More Help With 3D Teaching


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-6935375 Thu, 24 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0500 658 3 21 bonus false 51 [TT] When Our Students Are Already Full Of Ideas 51 [TT] When Our Students Are Already Full Of Ideas How much do we know about what our students really think about a science concept before we start teaching?

We've all seen the studies about how important it is to activate prior knowledge before we start a new lesson or unit. Building on previous learning is an amazing way to deepen understandings and improve retention -- for sure!

But how often are we spending time identifying misconceptions?

Are we even aware our students have them?

And what do we do about them?

Here's a little Thursday Thought to get you started!

PS - If you'd like to connect personally with us on Instagram, you can find us at www.instagram.com/iexplorescience and www.instagram.com/sadlerscience! 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> How much do we know about what our students really think about a science concept before we start teaching?

We've all seen the studies about how important it is to activate prior knowledge before we start a new lesson or unit. Building on previous learning is an amazing way to deepen understandings and improve retention -- for sure!

But how often are we spending time identifying misconceptions?

Are we even aware our students have them?

And what do we do about them?

Here's a little Thursday Thought to get you started!

PS - If you'd like to connect personally with us on Instagram, you can find us at www.instagram.com/iexplorescience and www.instagram.com/sadlerscience! 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-6443308 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0500 381 3 20 bonus false 50 [TT] It Should Have Been Where I Started 50 [TT] It Should Have Been Where I Started One of the last things I really “got the hang of” when it came to designing NGSS-aligned curriculum was the use of phenomenon.  The problem with this statement is that phenomena should have been where I started. When it comes to 3D learning, science isn’t about learning facts and figures for their own sake but rather in order to explain things that happen in the natural world -- phenomena.

Duh.

I missed the point there.

Learn from my mistakes in this Thursday Thought!

PS - If you'd like to connect personally with us on Instagram, you can find us at www.instagram.com/iexplorescience and www.instagram.com/sadlerscience! 





📬 Stay Connected


]]> One of the last things I really “got the hang of” when it came to designing NGSS-aligned curriculum was the use of phenomenon.  The problem with this statement is that phenomena should have been where I started. When it comes to 3D learning, science isn’t about learning facts and figures for their own sake but rather in order to explain things that happen in the natural world -- phenomena.

Duh.

I missed the point there.

Learn from my mistakes in this Thursday Thought!

PS - If you'd like to connect personally with us on Instagram, you can find us at www.instagram.com/iexplorescience and www.instagram.com/sadlerscience! 





📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-6443251 Thu, 10 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0500 364 3 19 bonus false 49 [TT] The Key To Getting Your Kids Ready To Learn 49 [TT] The Key To Getting Your Kids Ready To Learn ✨ Engaging our students is a key part of learning… 

… so how do we make it happen?  ✨

😬 

And what if we’ve been going at it the wrong way?

Let's take a quick moment to reflect on how we're engaging our students in this week's Thursday Thought, and consider... could there be a better way?

PS - If you'd like to connect personally with us on Instagram, you can find us at www.instagram.com/iexplorescience and www.instagram.com/sadlerscience! 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> ✨ Engaging our students is a key part of learning… 

… so how do we make it happen?  ✨

😬 

And what if we’ve been going at it the wrong way?

Let's take a quick moment to reflect on how we're engaging our students in this week's Thursday Thought, and consider... could there be a better way?

PS - If you'd like to connect personally with us on Instagram, you can find us at www.instagram.com/iexplorescience and www.instagram.com/sadlerscience! 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-6443080 Thu, 03 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0500 412 3 18 bonus false 48 [TT] Grateful For Today 48 [TT] Grateful For Today As you gather with loved ones (or enjoy a day by yourself), we just wanted to say... we are grateful for YOU. 

Thanks for letting me and Erin be a part of your learning journey.


Yours. <3


PS - If you'd like to connect personally with us on Instagram, you can find us at www.instagram.com/iexplorescience and www.instagram.com/sadlerscience! 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> As you gather with loved ones (or enjoy a day by yourself), we just wanted to say... we are grateful for YOU. 

Thanks for letting me and Erin be a part of your learning journey.


Yours. <3


PS - If you'd like to connect personally with us on Instagram, you can find us at www.instagram.com/iexplorescience and www.instagram.com/sadlerscience! 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-6443011 Thu, 26 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0500 116 3 17 bonus false 47 [TT] Relationships: Not Just Your Classroom Management Fluff 47 [TT] Relationships: Not Just Your Classroom Management Fluff So I learned the hard way the importance of relationships for classroom management.

Have you been there?

I totally trashed my classroom culture my first year... rookie mistake.

And while I was busy rebuilding my classroom community so I could, you know, function on the day to day, I considered establishing strong student relationships as part of my classroom management strategy. 

I didn’t realize the profound impact it would actually have on my students’ ability to LEARN.

As I’ve learned how our brain is hardwired, I have realized how fundamentally important positive student-teacher relationships are — they are literally the FIRST step to “priming” our students to engage with our content. 

Let's chat why in this bonus Thursday Thoughts episode!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> So I learned the hard way the importance of relationships for classroom management.

Have you been there?

I totally trashed my classroom culture my first year... rookie mistake.

And while I was busy rebuilding my classroom community so I could, you know, function on the day to day, I considered establishing strong student relationships as part of my classroom management strategy. 

I didn’t realize the profound impact it would actually have on my students’ ability to LEARN.

As I’ve learned how our brain is hardwired, I have realized how fundamentally important positive student-teacher relationships are — they are literally the FIRST step to “priming” our students to engage with our content. 

Let's chat why in this bonus Thursday Thoughts episode!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-6274897 Thu, 19 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0500 477 3 16 bonus false 46 Bringing Student's Whole-Selves To The NGSS Classroom 46 Bringing Student's Whole-Selves To The NGSS Classroom Teaching science in a “socially just and rigorous way” means creating learning spaces “where students’ whole-selves and interests are engaged and reflected within classroom science."

In this recording of a live video, I talked with Dr. Gray and Dr. Patterson Williams about their educational framework, (W)holistic Science Pedagogy (WSP).
 
 The designers identified 5 commitments (w)holistic science teachers make:
 (1) a commitment to an ever-developing self-awareness,
 (2) a commitment to science and its practices,
 (3) a commitment to science as a transformative agent,
 (4) a commitment to their students’ social emotional wellness, and
 (5) a commitment to restorative practices.
 
We talked about a few of these commitments and how WSP and its approaches align so well with the work we are doing in our NGSS classes to engage all science learners, tie science learning to the real world, and prepare students for the 21st century world and its demands. This conversation was truly transformational, focusing on how we can really bring our students whole-selves -- our students exactly as they are -- into our science classrooms.
 
To see the video and see the full bio for Dr. Alexis Patterson Williams and Dr. Salina Gray, check out the YouTube version of this episode here. 

**Who are Dr. Patterson Williams and Dr. Gray?**
Alexis Patterson Williams, PhD, is an assistant professor at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Patterson’s research lies at the intersection of equity studies, social psychology, and science education. Her recent project has led to the development of an educational framework, (W)holistic Science Pedagogy, with her colleague and sister scholar, Dr. Salina Gray.

Salina Gray, PhD has spent 23 years teaching in traditional public and charter schools. In 2014, she received her doctorate from Stanford University in Curriculum and Instruction in Science Education.  She along with her colleague and fellow Stanford alumnus Dr. Alexis Patterson have developed and published an educational framework called W(h)olistic Science Pedagogy.

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Get More Help with the NGSS


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Teaching science in a “socially just and rigorous way” means creating learning spaces “where students’ whole-selves and interests are engaged and reflected within classroom science."

In this recording of a live video, I talked with Dr. Gray and Dr. Patterson Williams about their educational framework, (W)holistic Science Pedagogy (WSP).
 
 The designers identified 5 commitments (w)holistic science teachers make:
 (1) a commitment to an ever-developing self-awareness,
 (2) a commitment to science and its practices,
 (3) a commitment to science as a transformative agent,
 (4) a commitment to their students’ social emotional wellness, and
 (5) a commitment to restorative practices.
 
We talked about a few of these commitments and how WSP and its approaches align so well with the work we are doing in our NGSS classes to engage all science learners, tie science learning to the real world, and prepare students for the 21st century world and its demands. This conversation was truly transformational, focusing on how we can really bring our students whole-selves -- our students exactly as they are -- into our science classrooms.
 
To see the video and see the full bio for Dr. Alexis Patterson Williams and Dr. Salina Gray, check out the YouTube version of this episode here. 

**Who are Dr. Patterson Williams and Dr. Gray?**
Alexis Patterson Williams, PhD, is an assistant professor at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Patterson’s research lies at the intersection of equity studies, social psychology, and science education. Her recent project has led to the development of an educational framework, (W)holistic Science Pedagogy, with her colleague and sister scholar, Dr. Salina Gray.

Salina Gray, PhD has spent 23 years teaching in traditional public and charter schools. In 2014, she received her doctorate from Stanford University in Curriculum and Instruction in Science Education.  She along with her colleague and fellow Stanford alumnus Dr. Alexis Patterson have developed and published an educational framework called W(h)olistic Science Pedagogy.

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-6389401 Mon, 16 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0500 4045 3 15 full false 45 [TT] Struggling To Make Learning Stick 45 [TT] Struggling To Make Learning Stick You’ve *told* your students this again and again… but it just doesn’t STICK. 

In this episode, let's chat: WHY.

*

For a long time, I thought I was a good teacher because my classroom was fun, my kids were engaged and well-managed, they did cool hands-on activities, they seemed to be learning. But really, they weren’t. 

And I knew it, too. You know that feeling you get when you’re reading exit tickets or quiz results, and you think, “I TOLD my students this. It was in the video, the text, talked about, in games, in the notebook. HOW do they still not get it!?” 

Yah, I felt that a lot when I started teaching. It took me a long time to figure out what I was missing that would take my students from forgetting EVERYTHING within a day to connecting content across units. No joke - it was a shock to me too!

If this is something you’re struggling with too, have a quick listen to this week's Thursday Thoughts episode.


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]]> You’ve *told* your students this again and again… but it just doesn’t STICK. 

In this episode, let's chat: WHY.

*

For a long time, I thought I was a good teacher because my classroom was fun, my kids were engaged and well-managed, they did cool hands-on activities, they seemed to be learning. But really, they weren’t. 

And I knew it, too. You know that feeling you get when you’re reading exit tickets or quiz results, and you think, “I TOLD my students this. It was in the video, the text, talked about, in games, in the notebook. HOW do they still not get it!?” 

Yah, I felt that a lot when I started teaching. It took me a long time to figure out what I was missing that would take my students from forgetting EVERYTHING within a day to connecting content across units. No joke - it was a shock to me too!

If this is something you’re struggling with too, have a quick listen to this week's Thursday Thoughts episode.


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-6274825 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0500 421 3 14 bonus false 44 When To Start An NGSS Storyline 44 When To Start An NGSS Storyline Nicole and Erin received a question on the Teaching Science in 3d Instagram account.  Listener Joanna asked when to start an NGSS storyline.  Nicole and Erin provide two different approaches depending on your needs.

Nicole and Erin provide two possible solutions to help you find the method that works best for you.  

Want to learn more about when to start an NGSS Storyline?

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]]> Nicole and Erin received a question on the Teaching Science in 3d Instagram account.  Listener Joanna asked when to start an NGSS storyline.  Nicole and Erin provide two different approaches depending on your needs.

Nicole and Erin provide two possible solutions to help you find the method that works best for you.  

Want to learn more about when to start an NGSS Storyline?

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-6278383 Mon, 09 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0500 1254 3 13 full false 43 Making The Shift To NGSS 43 Making The Shift To NGSS Have you ever wondered what an NGSS classroom looks like? In this episode, Nicole interviews Colorado science teacher Kayla Jubert about her journey to meet the intent of the NGSS. Kayla discusses the changes she's made and the benefits to her classroom.

Click here to view the episode recap.   

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]]> Have you ever wondered what an NGSS classroom looks like? In this episode, Nicole interviews Colorado science teacher Kayla Jubert about her journey to meet the intent of the NGSS. Kayla discusses the changes she's made and the benefits to her classroom.

Click here to view the episode recap.   

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-6194377 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 17:00:00 -0500 2915 3 12 full false 42 Balancing Writing And Exploration 42 Balancing Writing And Exploration On this episode, Nicole and Erin answer a question from listener Paige. Paige asks “how do you recommend allowing students to explore and just do science, but also write down important information?” Nicole and Erin explain how to balance science writing and exploration in your NGSS aligned class.

To view the full episode recap, click here.

Learn more about writing for NGSS:

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]]> On this episode, Nicole and Erin answer a question from listener Paige. Paige asks “how do you recommend allowing students to explore and just do science, but also write down important information?” Nicole and Erin explain how to balance science writing and exploration in your NGSS aligned class.

To view the full episode recap, click here.

Learn more about writing for NGSS:

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-5885905 Mon, 26 Oct 2020 11:00:00 -0400 1315 3 11 full false 41 Developing And Using Models For NGSS 41 Developing And Using Models For NGSS This week we answer another listener question.  Kristen asks "How do you teach a student to create a model who has not had any experience with creating them?"  Nicole and Erin discuss the Science and Engineering Practice of Developing and Using Models and provide tips for helping your students make models.

To view the whole episode recap, click here. 

Other Resources:


Related Episodes:

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]]> This week we answer another listener question.  Kristen asks "How do you teach a student to create a model who has not had any experience with creating them?"  Nicole and Erin discuss the Science and Engineering Practice of Developing and Using Models and provide tips for helping your students make models.

To view the whole episode recap, click here. 

Other Resources:


Related Episodes:

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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-5849347 Mon, 19 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0400 1155 3 10 full false 40 How to Prevent Cheating On NGSS Assessments 40 How to Prevent Cheating On NGSS Assessments This week, Nicole and Erin answer another listener's question.  Listener Marissa asks for advice on preventing students from cheating on her NGSS assessments.  Nicole and Erin discuss practical strategies and the intent behind the NGSS.

Get More Information


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]]> This week, Nicole and Erin answer another listener's question.  Listener Marissa asks for advice on preventing students from cheating on her NGSS assessments.  Nicole and Erin discuss practical strategies and the intent behind the NGSS.

Get More Information


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-5846065 Mon, 12 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0400 1425 3 9 full false 39 Effectively Using Synchronous Time 39 Effectively Using Synchronous Time In this episode, Erin addresses a listener question.  Sonia listened to a previous episode and wanted to know if we recommend doing lab style activities during out synchronous time.  She also asked about breakout rooms and notes that students aren't participating as much as she would like.

Get Erin's advice on making breakout rooms more productive and prioritizing activities for your synchronous time in this episode. 

Other Episodes to Check Out 

More Resources


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]]> In this episode, Erin addresses a listener question.  Sonia listened to a previous episode and wanted to know if we recommend doing lab style activities during out synchronous time.  She also asked about breakout rooms and notes that students aren't participating as much as she would like.

Get Erin's advice on making breakout rooms more productive and prioritizing activities for your synchronous time in this episode. 

Other Episodes to Check Out 

More Resources


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-5726149 Mon, 05 Oct 2020 12:00:00 -0400 770 3 8 full false 38 Making The NGSS Accessible For All Students 38 Making The NGSS Accessible For All Students The NGSS were designed as “all standards for all students” -- rigorous science instruction, no matter students’ labels, demographics, or past experiences. In this episode, Nicole interviews four Special Education experts to discuss NGSS accessibility.  Learn how to make the NGSS accessible for all students. 

Kristen Rademaker, Dr. Marquita S. Blades, Barbara A. Hopkins and Brian Raygor participated in this panel to provide their expertise.  To learn more about these experts, please see the original video. 

To view the full episode recap, click here. 

Resources: 


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]]> The NGSS were designed as “all standards for all students” -- rigorous science instruction, no matter students’ labels, demographics, or past experiences. In this episode, Nicole interviews four Special Education experts to discuss NGSS accessibility.  Learn how to make the NGSS accessible for all students. 

Kristen Rademaker, Dr. Marquita S. Blades, Barbara A. Hopkins and Brian Raygor participated in this panel to provide their expertise.  To learn more about these experts, please see the original video. 

To view the full episode recap, click here. 

Resources: 


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-5632063 Mon, 28 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0400 3052 3 7 full false 37 Does The NGSS Do Enough To Prepare Students? 37 Does The NGSS Do Enough To Prepare Students? In this episode, Nicole and Erin address a common objection to the NGSS standards.  Many teachers worry that the NGSS isn't adequate preparation for college and careers in science. 

To view the full episode recap, click here. 

Learn More 

More of Our Resources


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]]> In this episode, Nicole and Erin address a common objection to the NGSS standards.  Many teachers worry that the NGSS isn't adequate preparation for college and careers in science. 

To view the full episode recap, click here. 

Learn More 

More of Our Resources


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-5514478 Mon, 21 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0400 1475 3 6 full false 36 Is It Time To Let Go Of "The Scientific Method?" 36 Is It Time To Let Go Of "The Scientific Method?" In this episode Nicole and Erin explore the question, "Is it time to let go of the Scientific Method?"   Nicole and Erin discuss why the answer is a resounding yes.  Though many teachers start the school year with lessons on the scientific method, this doesn't meet the intent of the NGSS.  Find out why and what to do instead.  

To view the full episode recap, click here.  

Other Episodes to Check Out

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]]> In this episode Nicole and Erin explore the question, "Is it time to let go of the Scientific Method?"   Nicole and Erin discuss why the answer is a resounding yes.  Though many teachers start the school year with lessons on the scientific method, this doesn't meet the intent of the NGSS.  Find out why and what to do instead.  

To view the full episode recap, click here.  

Other Episodes to Check Out

More Resources


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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-5395645 Mon, 14 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0400 2387 3 5 full false 35 Interactive Notebooks for NGSS 35 Interactive Notebooks for NGSS In this episode, Erin discusses strategies for using interactive notebooks an NGSS aligned class.  She discusses the flaws in traditional notebooking methods.  Also, she discusses why these methods don't align with NGSS. 

To view the full episode recap, click here. 

Other Episode to Listen To

More Resources

Learn more...

  •  Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
    • Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
    • Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy. 
  • Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Erin discusses strategies for using interactive notebooks an NGSS aligned class.  She discusses the flaws in traditional notebooking methods.  Also, she discusses why these methods don't align with NGSS. 

To view the full episode recap, click here. 

Other Episode to Listen To

More Resources

Learn more...

  •  Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
    • Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
    • Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy. 
  • Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-5321188 Mon, 07 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0400 701 3 4 full false 34 How Your Students Can Do Science Activities from Home 34 How Your Students Can Do Science Activities from Home On this episode, listener Elissa asks "How can students do activities when they don't have supplies at home?" It is imperative that your students have the ability to engage in science activities even if they are doing them from home.

Nicole and Erin provide a few useful strategies to help make sure your students can do activities when they aren't in the classroom.

To view the full episode recap, click here.  

Other Episodes to Listen To

Other Resources:




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]]> On this episode, listener Elissa asks "How can students do activities when they don't have supplies at home?" It is imperative that your students have the ability to engage in science activities even if they are doing them from home.

Nicole and Erin provide a few useful strategies to help make sure your students can do activities when they aren't in the classroom.

To view the full episode recap, click here.  

Other Episodes to Listen To

Other Resources:




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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-4911575 Mon, 31 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0400 1144 3 3 full false 33 How Do You Facilitate Student Discussions Online? 33 How Do You Facilitate Student Discussions Online? This week Nicole and Erin answer two listener questions.  These questions came from the NGSS Newbies Facebook Group.

  • From Alyssa "How can I best facilitate student discussions online?"
  • From Hanadi - How to do group work online?

Nicole and Erin discuss several methods for facilitating class discussions and group work.  These tips are great for facilitating student discussions online.  But, they can also be used if you are needing to distance your students during in-person learning. 

To view the full episode recap, click here. 

Learn More:




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]]> This week Nicole and Erin answer two listener questions.  These questions came from the NGSS Newbies Facebook Group.

  • From Alyssa "How can I best facilitate student discussions online?"
  • From Hanadi - How to do group work online?

Nicole and Erin discuss several methods for facilitating class discussions and group work.  These tips are great for facilitating student discussions online.  But, they can also be used if you are needing to distance your students during in-person learning. 

To view the full episode recap, click here. 

Learn More:




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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-4909751 Mon, 24 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0400 1295 3 2 full false 32 How to Teach NGSS Online 32 How to Teach NGSS Online Over the summer, Nicole and Erin received numerous questions about teaching an NGSS aligned course online.  In this episode, Nicole and Erin talk about the main things you should focus on to make sure that you are meeting the intent of the NGSS using an online platform.

To view the full episode recap, click here.  

The Teaching Science in 3D Website Is Now Live!
Over the summer, Nicole and Erin launched the Teaching Science in 3D website.  

  • Check out the website by clicking here. 
  • Submit a question here. 
  • View the full episode recap here.    


Related Episodes:
If you want to learn more about the topics discussed in this episode, check out these episodes.  

Other Resources



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]]> Over the summer, Nicole and Erin received numerous questions about teaching an NGSS aligned course online.  In this episode, Nicole and Erin talk about the main things you should focus on to make sure that you are meeting the intent of the NGSS using an online platform.

To view the full episode recap, click here.  

The Teaching Science in 3D Website Is Now Live!
Over the summer, Nicole and Erin launched the Teaching Science in 3D website.  

  • Check out the website by clicking here. 
  • Submit a question here. 
  • View the full episode recap here.    


Related Episodes:
If you want to learn more about the topics discussed in this episode, check out these episodes.  

Other Resources



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]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-4859099 Mon, 17 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400 1163 3 1 full false 31 Summer 2020 Podcast Updates 31 Summer 2020 Podcast Updates This is a quick update on all of the things that are happening with the podcast.  

  1. Our podcast is now available on Stitcher.  If you are new to our podcast, welcome!
  2. The Teaching Science in 3D website is live.  Visit TeachingSciencein3d.com.
  3. Season 3 will be starting on August 17th.
  4. We need your help.  Submit your questions (written or voice memo) to TeachingSciencein3d.com/questions. 

Finally, we appreciate your ratings and reviews so much.  If you haven't already, we would love it if you left us a rating or review.  


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]]> This is a quick update on all of the things that are happening with the podcast.  

  1. Our podcast is now available on Stitcher.  If you are new to our podcast, welcome!
  2. The Teaching Science in 3D website is live.  Visit TeachingSciencein3d.com.
  3. Season 3 will be starting on August 17th.
  4. We need your help.  Submit your questions (written or voice memo) to TeachingSciencein3d.com/questions. 

Finally, we appreciate your ratings and reviews so much.  If you haven't already, we would love it if you left us a rating or review.  


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-4323032 Thu, 25 Jun 2020 21:00:00 -0400 125 2 16 bonus false 30 How To Differentiate For Gifted Learners 30 How To Differentiate For Gifted Learners In this episode, Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience chats with middle school teacher Sarah Ratelis about her experience using the NGSS in your inclusive classroom.  They discuss how to start differentiating to meet the needs of ALL of your students - including the gifted learners - without getting totally overwhelmed.


Resources Referenced:
>> Ratelis Science

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience chats with middle school teacher Sarah Ratelis about her experience using the NGSS in your inclusive classroom.  They discuss how to start differentiating to meet the needs of ALL of your students - including the gifted learners - without getting totally overwhelmed.


Resources Referenced:
>> Ratelis Science

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Sarah Retalis Buzzsprout-2200265 Mon, 20 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0400 1169 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, differentiated learning, gifted learners, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 2 15 full false 29 How To Integrate The Crosscutting Concepts 29 How To Integrate The Crosscutting Concepts In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss strategies to integrate the Crosscutting Concepts into your three dimensional instruction.  The Crosscutting Concepts provide students with a "lens" through which to view phenomena, a tool to make connections between disciplines, and a strategy to understand and integrate new content into their existing understanding.  But how do you carry that out in the classroom? Erin outlines how she explicitly teaches the Crosscutting Concepts, and then both educators share strategies they use to incorporate the Crosscutting Concepts into their daily lessons.

Resources Referenced:
>> NSTA Crosscutting Concepts Matrix
>> Crosscutting Concepts Crash Course from Sadler Science

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss strategies to integrate the Crosscutting Concepts into your three dimensional instruction.  The Crosscutting Concepts provide students with a "lens" through which to view phenomena, a tool to make connections between disciplines, and a strategy to understand and integrate new content into their existing understanding.  But how do you carry that out in the classroom? Erin outlines how she explicitly teaches the Crosscutting Concepts, and then both educators share strategies they use to incorporate the Crosscutting Concepts into their daily lessons.

Resources Referenced:
>> NSTA Crosscutting Concepts Matrix
>> Crosscutting Concepts Crash Course from Sadler Science

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-2342321 Mon, 13 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0400 1734 iexplorescience, sadler science, ngss, next generation science standards, science teaching, discovery based learning, inquiry based learning 2 14 full false 28 How to Navigate Remote Learning 28 How to Navigate Remote Learning In this episode, Erin Sadler discusses school closures and remote learning.  She answers the questions that you submitted to and provides suggestions for this new challenge in education.  Erin answers questions about maintaining a work-life balance while working from home, dealing with a lack of engagements and inequities in the remote learning space. 

Resources Referenced:
>> Establishing Norms for Remote Learning from Sadler Science
>> Google Apps Suggestions from Sadler Science
>> Is it Alive? A Closer Look at Viruses Remote Learning Resource from Nicole at iExploreScience
>> Integrating the NGSS SEPs During Remote Learning from Vanessa Logan Wentzloff at Out of the Box Stem

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
>> NGSS Newbies Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Erin Sadler discusses school closures and remote learning.  She answers the questions that you submitted to and provides suggestions for this new challenge in education.  Erin answers questions about maintaining a work-life balance while working from home, dealing with a lack of engagements and inequities in the remote learning space. 

Resources Referenced:
>> Establishing Norms for Remote Learning from Sadler Science
>> Google Apps Suggestions from Sadler Science
>> Is it Alive? A Closer Look at Viruses Remote Learning Resource from Nicole at iExploreScience
>> Integrating the NGSS SEPs During Remote Learning from Vanessa Logan Wentzloff at Out of the Box Stem

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
>> NGSS Newbies Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Buzzsprout-3234826 Mon, 06 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0400 1454 2 13 full false 27 How To Use The SEPs Together 27 How To Use The SEPs Together In this episode, Nicole and Erin chat about how to use several Science and Engineering Practices together to guide student learning.


Resources Referenced:
>> NSTA Matrix for Science and Engineering Practices

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole and Erin chat about how to use several Science and Engineering Practices together to guide student learning.


Resources Referenced:
>> NSTA Matrix for Science and Engineering Practices

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-2342303 Mon, 30 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0400 2263 2 12 full false 26 How To Prep For A Science Conference 26 How To Prep For A Science Conference In this episode, Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience chats with Ohio teacher Mindy Cottrell about her experience at the NSTA Area Conference in Cincinnati in November of 2019.  They discuss how to prepare for a teaching conference, how to make the most of your time there, and how to reduce the overwhelm you might feel by the time you leave!

If you're planning to attend NSTA Boston in April 2020 or any other science conference, you definitely want to listen to advice from two teachers who have had their fair share of conference experiences!

Resources Referenced:
>> NSTA Conferences

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience chats with Ohio teacher Mindy Cottrell about her experience at the NSTA Area Conference in Cincinnati in November of 2019.  They discuss how to prepare for a teaching conference, how to make the most of your time there, and how to reduce the overwhelm you might feel by the time you leave!

If you're planning to attend NSTA Boston in April 2020 or any other science conference, you definitely want to listen to advice from two teachers who have had their fair share of conference experiences!

Resources Referenced:
>> NSTA Conferences

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Mindy Cottrell Buzzsprout-2180369 Mon, 23 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0400 2445 conference, ngss, nsta, science, science teacher, next generation science standards, 2 11 full false 25 How To Write Objectives (Or Not!?) 25 How To Write Objectives (Or Not!?) In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss how you might use objectives -- or why you might choose NOT to -- in your NGSS classroom.

Resources Referenced:
>> NGSS Evidence Statements
>> Using Evidence Statements To Write Objectives


Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha: Intro To The NGSS.
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the iExploreAcademy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss how you might use objectives -- or why you might choose NOT to -- in your NGSS classroom.

Resources Referenced:
>> NGSS Evidence Statements
>> Using Evidence Statements To Write Objectives


Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha: Intro To The NGSS.
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the iExploreAcademy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-2342267 Sat, 07 Mar 2020 19:00:00 -0500 1041 2 10 full false 24 How To Write 3D Formative Assessments 24 How To Write 3D Formative Assessments In this episode, Erin talks to Brendan Fitch from Inner Orbit about crafting three dimensional formative assessments for your NGSS classroom.

Resources Referenced:
>> Inner Orbit
>> RocketLit
>> Contact Brendan Finch
>> NGSS Evidence Statements
>> Using Evidence Statements To Write Objectives
>> NGSS Progressions By Grade: Disciplinary Core Ideas
>> NGSS Progressions By Grade: Science and Engineering Practices
>> NGSS Progressions By Grade: Crosscutting Concepts
>> Achieve Task Annotation Project

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Erin talks to Brendan Fitch from Inner Orbit about crafting three dimensional formative assessments for your NGSS classroom.

Resources Referenced:
>> Inner Orbit
>> RocketLit
>> Contact Brendan Finch
>> NGSS Evidence Statements
>> Using Evidence Statements To Write Objectives
>> NGSS Progressions By Grade: Disciplinary Core Ideas
>> NGSS Progressions By Grade: Science and Engineering Practices
>> NGSS Progressions By Grade: Crosscutting Concepts
>> Achieve Task Annotation Project

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-2484308 Mon, 02 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0500 2283 iexplorescience, sadler science, ngss, next generation science standards, science teaching, discovery based learning, inquiry based learning 2 9 full false 23 How To Go From Hands-On To Minds-On 23 How To Go From Hands-On To Minds-On In this episode, Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience chats with New York teacher Christine Missert about her experience implementing the NGSS.  They discuss how to take students from engaging hands-on learning to the minds-on thinking that the new standards demand.

Resources Referenced:
>> Christine Missert on Instagram
>> Teaching Science In 3D Podcast on Instagram

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience chats with New York teacher Christine Missert about her experience implementing the NGSS.  They discuss how to take students from engaging hands-on learning to the minds-on thinking that the new standards demand.

Resources Referenced:
>> Christine Missert on Instagram
>> Teaching Science In 3D Podcast on Instagram

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-2180393 Mon, 24 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0500 1626 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 2 8 full false 22 How To Increase Student Independence 22 How To Increase Student Independence In this week's episode, we explore the listener question, "How do I increase student independence in my classroom?"

There are so many ways that we can help students take control of their own learning, but we can't expect it to happen overnight.  These tips will help you ease that transition.

Resources Referenced:
7 Ways to Increase Student Autonomy in Your Classroom 
Super Simple Warm-Ups

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this week's episode, we explore the listener question, "How do I increase student independence in my classroom?"

There are so many ways that we can help students take control of their own learning, but we can't expect it to happen overnight.  These tips will help you ease that transition.

Resources Referenced:
7 Ways to Increase Student Autonomy in Your Classroom 
Super Simple Warm-Ups

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-2751433 Mon, 17 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0500 993 2 7 full false 21 How To Accommodate All Students 21 How To Accommodate All Students In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss strategies to meet the needs of all students, particularly English Language Learners and students with IEPs. Unsurprisingly, many strategies dubbed effective for diverse student populations actually benefit ALL students.  Check out some of their best ideas in today's episode.

Resources Referenced:


Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss strategies to meet the needs of all students, particularly English Language Learners and students with IEPs. Unsurprisingly, many strategies dubbed effective for diverse student populations actually benefit ALL students.  Check out some of their best ideas in today's episode.

Resources Referenced:


Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-2342342 Mon, 10 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0500 1097 iexplorescience, sadler science, ngss, next generation science standards, science teaching, discovery based learning, inquiry based learning 2 6 full false 20 How To Use Standards Based Grading With The NGSS 20 How To Use Standards Based Grading With The NGSS In this episode, Erin talks with high school teacher Vanessa Wentzloff about standards-based grading in the NGSS classroom.

Other Episodes to Check Out: 

Resources Referenced:
>> Out Of The Box STEM on Instagram
>> Blog: Out Of The Box STEM
>> Grading From The Inside Out
>> Formative Assessments and Standards Based Grading

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Erin talks with high school teacher Vanessa Wentzloff about standards-based grading in the NGSS classroom.

Other Episodes to Check Out: 

Resources Referenced:
>> Out Of The Box STEM on Instagram
>> Blog: Out Of The Box STEM
>> Grading From The Inside Out
>> Formative Assessments and Standards Based Grading

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-2483975 Mon, 03 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0500 1571 iexplorescience, sadler science, ngss, next generation science standards, science teaching, discovery based learning, inquiry based learning 2 5 full false 19 How To Teach Vocabulary In Your NGSS Classroom 19 How To Teach Vocabulary In Your NGSS Classroom In this episode, Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience shares an exclusive training on teaching vocabulary in your NGSS classroom - staying true to exploration and discovery while still supporting vocabulary acquisition.

Check out the full episode recap here.

Resources Referenced:
>> Explore To Aha! Academy

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole VanTassel from iExploreScience shares an exclusive training on teaching vocabulary in your NGSS classroom - staying true to exploration and discovery while still supporting vocabulary acquisition.

Check out the full episode recap here.

Resources Referenced:
>> Explore To Aha! Academy

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-2195963 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0500 1327 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 2 4 full false 18 How A Teacher Transformed Her Classroom 18 How A Teacher Transformed Her Classroom In this episode, Nicole talks with high school teacher Mariah Ramos about her experience as she transitioned to the NGSS and transformed her classroom. They discuss impacts on student learning, the challenges she faced and how she overcame them, and the reality that transitioning to the NGSS is a journey.  They also spend some time discussing how Mariah might outline her next NGSS unit -- a process you may want to dive into yourself.

Resources Referenced:
>> Mariah Ramos on Instagram

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole talks with high school teacher Mariah Ramos about her experience as she transitioned to the NGSS and transformed her classroom. They discuss impacts on student learning, the challenges she faced and how she overcame them, and the reality that transitioning to the NGSS is a journey.  They also spend some time discussing how Mariah might outline her next NGSS unit -- a process you may want to dive into yourself.

Resources Referenced:
>> Mariah Ramos on Instagram

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-2484047 Mon, 20 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0500 3840 iexplorescience, sadler science, ngss, next generation science standards, science teaching, discovery based learning, inquiry based learning 2 3 full false 17 How To Use Student Questions To Build Storylines 17 How To Use Student Questions To Build Storylines In this episode, Erin Sadler of Sadler Science and Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience chat about using student questions to build storylines. Erin is a master at this, so she is going to share the highlights of a presentation she delivered on this topic at the California Science Teachers Association conference last fall.

To see the full episode recap, click here. 

Resources Referenced:
>> Erin's Presentation
>> Quick Start Guide To Storyline Your NGSS Unit

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Erin Sadler of Sadler Science and Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience chat about using student questions to build storylines. Erin is a master at this, so she is going to share the highlights of a presentation she delivered on this topic at the California Science Teachers Association conference last fall.

To see the full episode recap, click here. 

Resources Referenced:
>> Erin's Presentation
>> Quick Start Guide To Storyline Your NGSS Unit

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-2200442 Mon, 13 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0500 892 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 2 2 full false 16 How To Get Your Questions Answered 16 How To Get Your Questions Answered In this episode, we are getting back into the swing of things and answering our listener's questions! Erin Sadler of Sadler Science and Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience chat about their fall conference highlights and address a few questions about finding and using NGSS-aligned curriculum.

To read the full episode recap, click here.   

Resources Referenced:
>> OpenSciEd
>> Stanford NGSS Integrated Curriculum
>> Illinois Science Teachers Association Storyline Working Group

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, we are getting back into the swing of things and answering our listener's questions! Erin Sadler of Sadler Science and Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience chat about their fall conference highlights and address a few questions about finding and using NGSS-aligned curriculum.

To read the full episode recap, click here.   

Resources Referenced:
>> OpenSciEd
>> Stanford NGSS Integrated Curriculum
>> Illinois Science Teachers Association Storyline Working Group

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 4-day mini-course designed to kickstart your transition to the NGSS and discovery-style instruction - Kickstart Aha!
>> Looking for a comprehensive professional development program that will give you a  step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Explore To Aha! Academy.
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-2195843 Mon, 06 Jan 2020 06:00:00 -0500 1685 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 2 1 full false 15 How To Incorporate More Exploration 15 How To Incorporate More Exploration In this short solo episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience takes a closer look at incorporating discovery into your NGSS classroom.  Building from the fundamentals in Episode 10 How You Can Teach For Student Discovery, this episode outlines several activity formats that work well to engage students in exploration and discovery.

Resources Referenced:
>> Episode 10: How You Can Teach For Student Discovery
>> Questioning To Support Student Discovery (iExploreScience Blog)
>> Supporting Students Transition To The NGSS (iExploreScience Blog)
>> Teach The NGSS: Adopting NGSS Instructional Approaches (iExploreScience Blog)
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this short solo episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience takes a closer look at incorporating discovery into your NGSS classroom.  Building from the fundamentals in Episode 10 How You Can Teach For Student Discovery, this episode outlines several activity formats that work well to engage students in exploration and discovery.

Resources Referenced:
>> Episode 10: How You Can Teach For Student Discovery
>> Questioning To Support Student Discovery (iExploreScience Blog)
>> Supporting Students Transition To The NGSS (iExploreScience Blog)
>> Teach The NGSS: Adopting NGSS Instructional Approaches (iExploreScience Blog)
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-1867123 Mon, 25 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0500 958 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 1 15 full false 14 How To Build An NGSS Storyline 14 How To Build An NGSS Storyline Learn how to build a storyline to guide your students in the discovery of content in your classroom.

Before you listen, you might want to listen to
* Episode 7: How You Can Incorporate Phenomena
* Episode 12: How the NGSS Will Change Your Content

Example year-long storylines from the California Framework: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/sc/cf/cascienceframework2016.asp

From Sadler Science:
Using Evidence Statements to Write Objectives
How I Create Cohesive Storylines

From iExplore Science:
Freebie: What I See, What it Means - Analyzing and Interpreting Data




📬 Stay Connected


]]> Learn how to build a storyline to guide your students in the discovery of content in your classroom.

Before you listen, you might want to listen to
* Episode 7: How You Can Incorporate Phenomena
* Episode 12: How the NGSS Will Change Your Content

Example year-long storylines from the California Framework: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/sc/cf/cascienceframework2016.asp

From Sadler Science:
Using Evidence Statements to Write Objectives
How I Create Cohesive Storylines

From iExplore Science:
Freebie: What I See, What it Means - Analyzing and Interpreting Data




📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-2053050 Mon, 18 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0500 778 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 1 14 full false 13 How To Use Relationships To Support The NGSS Classroom 13 How To Use Relationships To Support The NGSS Classroom In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience talks with Dana Skillman - an NGSS teacher and member of the Science Teacher Tribe - about the importance of building strong relationships in your NGSS classroom.  Get the scoop on why it's important -- and more importantly, how to do it -- from a teacher-expert in this episode. 

Resources Referenced:
>> Dana Skillman on Instagram
>> Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience talks with Dana Skillman - an NGSS teacher and member of the Science Teacher Tribe - about the importance of building strong relationships in your NGSS classroom.  Get the scoop on why it's important -- and more importantly, how to do it -- from a teacher-expert in this episode. 

Resources Referenced:
>> Dana Skillman on Instagram
>> Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-1867111 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0500 2942 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, relationship buildling, classroom environment, classroom culture,science education, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 1 13 full false 12 How The NGSS Will Change Your Content 12 How The NGSS Will Change Your Content  In this quick solo episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience outlines the big content shifts you can expect to see with your transition to the NGSS.  What are you supposed to teach? How are you supposed to know? Where can you go to find answers and clarification? Get your questions answered in this podcast episode. 

Resources Referenced:
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
>> Using The NGSS Evidence Statements For Backwards Planning (Sadler Science Blog)
>> Getting Creative With Your NGSS Content: When It's Not In The Standards (iExploreScience Blog)
>> Breaking Down The Evidence Statements (iExploreScience Blog)

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]>  In this quick solo episode, Nicole VanTassel of iExploreScience outlines the big content shifts you can expect to see with your transition to the NGSS.  What are you supposed to teach? How are you supposed to know? Where can you go to find answers and clarification? Get your questions answered in this podcast episode. 

Resources Referenced:
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
>> Using The NGSS Evidence Statements For Backwards Planning (Sadler Science Blog)
>> Getting Creative With Your NGSS Content: When It's Not In The Standards (iExploreScience Blog)
>> Breaking Down The Evidence Statements (iExploreScience Blog)

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-1867072 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0500 604 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 1 12 full false 11 How You Can Evaluate Student Learning 11 How You Can Evaluate Student Learning Erin Sadler of Sadler Science talks to Juli Cannon (Juli Cannon Science) about 3-dimensional assessment strategies and instructional shifts with the NGSS.  

Resources Referenced:
>> Juli Cannon Science
>> Juli Cannon on TeachersPayTeachers
>> K-12 Science Framework
>> NSTA Disciplinary Core Ideas Matrix
>> NSTA Science and Engineering Practices Matrix
>> NSTA Crosscutting Concepts Matrix
>> STEM Teaching Tools
>> STEM Teaching Tools Task Format
>> STEM Teaching Tools Crosscutting Concept Prompts

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Erin Sadler of Sadler Science talks to Juli Cannon (Juli Cannon Science) about 3-dimensional assessment strategies and instructional shifts with the NGSS.  

Resources Referenced:
>> Juli Cannon Science
>> Juli Cannon on TeachersPayTeachers
>> K-12 Science Framework
>> NSTA Disciplinary Core Ideas Matrix
>> NSTA Science and Engineering Practices Matrix
>> NSTA Crosscutting Concepts Matrix
>> STEM Teaching Tools
>> STEM Teaching Tools Task Format
>> STEM Teaching Tools Crosscutting Concept Prompts

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-1867030 Mon, 28 Oct 2019 06:00:00 -0400 1822 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, new science teacher, inquiry-based learning, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science, assessments, 3d assessment, 1 11 full false 10 How You Can Teach For Student Discovery 10 How You Can Teach For Student Discovery In this episode, we dive into some strategies you can use to help your students truly DISCOVER the content and move away from "teaching as telling."

Resources Referenced:
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
>> Using The Evidence Statements (Sadler Science Blog)
>> Supporting Students Transition To The NGSS (iExploreScience Blog)

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, we dive into some strategies you can use to help your students truly DISCOVER the content and move away from "teaching as telling."

Resources Referenced:
>> NGSS For Middle and High School Science Teachers Facebook Group
>> Using The Evidence Statements (Sadler Science Blog)
>> Supporting Students Transition To The NGSS (iExploreScience Blog)

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-1867000 Mon, 21 Oct 2019 06:00:00 -0400 847 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, discovery, inquiry-based instruction, student-driven inquiry, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 1 10 full false 9 How You Can Be Brave With The NGSS 9 How You Can Be Brave With The NGSS In this episode, Nicole interviews Sarah from Happy Teacher Heart about being brave with the NGSS. What does that mean? Sarah shares her experience piloting the new standards and the pushback she received from colleagues who weren't comfortable with changing things up.  Sarah describes an activity that gets to the heart of what the NGSS means and outlines a few ways she uses YouTube to introduce engaging phenomena.

Referenced Links:
>> Happy Teacher Heart
>> Happy Teacher Heart on TeachersPayTeachers
>> Happy Teacher Heart on Instagram
>> It's OK To Be Smart on YouTube

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Connect with us on Facebook in NGSS for Middle and High School Science Teachers and NGSS Newbies!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole interviews Sarah from Happy Teacher Heart about being brave with the NGSS. What does that mean? Sarah shares her experience piloting the new standards and the pushback she received from colleagues who weren't comfortable with changing things up.  Sarah describes an activity that gets to the heart of what the NGSS means and outlines a few ways she uses YouTube to introduce engaging phenomena.

Referenced Links:
>> Happy Teacher Heart
>> Happy Teacher Heart on TeachersPayTeachers
>> Happy Teacher Heart on Instagram
>> It's OK To Be Smart on YouTube

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Connect with us on Facebook in NGSS for Middle and High School Science Teachers and NGSS Newbies!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-1645210 Mon, 14 Oct 2019 06:00:00 -0400 1997 ngss, next generation science standards, phenomena, youtube in the classroom, anchor phenomena, next generation science, science education, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 1 9 full false 8 How To Really Use The 5E Model 8 How To Really Use The 5E Model  In this episode, Erin interviews Nicole on her (second) favorite topic - the 5E Model and how she uses it in her NGSS-aligned lessons and units.

Resources Referenced:
>> What I See, What It Means Data Analysis Freebie
>> NSTA Science and Engineering Practices Matrix

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]>  In this episode, Erin interviews Nicole on her (second) favorite topic - the 5E Model and how she uses it in her NGSS-aligned lessons and units.

Resources Referenced:
>> What I See, What It Means Data Analysis Freebie
>> NSTA Science and Engineering Practices Matrix

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-1645189 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 06:00:00 -0400 2147 ngss, next generation science standards, phenomena, 5e model, 5e instructional model, the 5e, next generation science, science education, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 1 8 full false 7 How You Can Incorporate Phenomena 7 How You Can Incorporate Phenomena Using phenomena to relate content to your student's lives is an important shift when creating an NGSS aligned classroom.  In this episode, Erin discusses the importance of phenomena, how to relate phenomena to the content and the lives of your students and the difference between anchoring and investigative level phenomena. 

Resources Referenced:
Blog Posts:
>> Simple Phenomena
>> 5 Tips for Making NGSS Bundles
>> Anchoring Phenomena 3 Common Mistakes

Phenomena Resources:
>> Project Phenomena
>> Phenomena for NGSS

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Using phenomena to relate content to your student's lives is an important shift when creating an NGSS aligned classroom.  In this episode, Erin discusses the importance of phenomena, how to relate phenomena to the content and the lives of your students and the difference between anchoring and investigative level phenomena. 

Resources Referenced:
Blog Posts:
>> Simple Phenomena
>> 5 Tips for Making NGSS Bundles
>> Anchoring Phenomena 3 Common Mistakes

Phenomena Resources:
>> Project Phenomena
>> Phenomena for NGSS

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-1645159 Mon, 30 Sep 2019 06:00:00 -0400 1435 ngss, next generation science standards, phenomena, anchor phenomena, next generation science, science education, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 1 7 full false 6 How To Make Sense Of The SEPs 6 How To Make Sense Of The SEPs In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss a different way to think about the Science and Engineering Practices -- by considering them as part of categories to help students discover, make sense of, and critique ideas and concepts.  Then, they dive into a few ways you can quickly incorporate the SEPs into your daily instruction.

Resources Referenced:
>> NSTA Science and Engineering Practices Matrix
>> K-12 Science Framework: Look at 3 Dimension 1: Scientific and Engineering Practices

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Erin and Nicole discuss a different way to think about the Science and Engineering Practices -- by considering them as part of categories to help students discover, make sense of, and critique ideas and concepts.  Then, they dive into a few ways you can quickly incorporate the SEPs into your daily instruction.

Resources Referenced:
>> NSTA Science and Engineering Practices Matrix
>> K-12 Science Framework: Look at 3 Dimension 1: Scientific and Engineering Practices

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-1645132 Mon, 23 Sep 2019 06:00:00 -0400 1027 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, science and engineering practices, SEPs, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 1 6 full false 5 How You Can Ditch The Scientific Method 5 How You Can Ditch The Scientific Method In this solo episode, Erin discusses why she doesn't use the scientific method in her classroom and what she does instead. If you're teaching an NGSS-aligned curriculum, you shouldn't be using the scientific method either!

Resources Referenced:
NGSS and the Scientific Method
Starting the Year with NGSS
STEM Teaching Tools: Why Focus on Science and Engineering Practices
K-12 Science Framework: Look at 3 Dimension 1: Scientific and Engineering Practices

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this solo episode, Erin discusses why she doesn't use the scientific method in her classroom and what she does instead. If you're teaching an NGSS-aligned curriculum, you shouldn't be using the scientific method either!

Resources Referenced:
NGSS and the Scientific Method
Starting the Year with NGSS
STEM Teaching Tools: Why Focus on Science and Engineering Practices
K-12 Science Framework: Look at 3 Dimension 1: Scientific and Engineering Practices

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-1645105 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 06:00:00 -0400 1300 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, science and engineering practices, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 1 5 full false 4 How You Know It's Not NGSS 4 How You Know It's Not NGSS In this episode, we talk about how you can identify resources that may be labeled NGSS but aren't actually aligned to the NGSS! NGSS-washing is a big problem, so listen up to get the tools you need to identify when something ISN'T "NGSS."

Check out the full episode recap here.   

Referenced Links:
>> NSTA Science and Engineering Practices Matrix
>> NSTA Crosscutting Concepts Matrix

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, we talk about how you can identify resources that may be labeled NGSS but aren't actually aligned to the NGSS! NGSS-washing is a big problem, so listen up to get the tools you need to identify when something ISN'T "NGSS."

Check out the full episode recap here.   

Referenced Links:
>> NSTA Science and Engineering Practices Matrix
>> NSTA Crosscutting Concepts Matrix

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-1644991 Mon, 09 Sep 2019 06:00:00 -0400 1636 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, new science teacher, inquiry-based learning, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science, ngss-washing, 1 4 full false 3 How to Teach the NGSS Today 3 How to Teach the NGSS Today Are you just getting started with the NGSS?  Not sure where to start?  In this episode, Nicole discusses 3 main ways to start teaching the NGSS.  Nicole discusses getting to the heart of the instructional shifts without worrying about the NGSS jargon.

For a detailed episode recap, click here.

Learn more...

 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Are you just getting started with the NGSS?  Not sure where to start?  In this episode, Nicole discusses 3 main ways to start teaching the NGSS.  Nicole discusses getting to the heart of the instructional shifts without worrying about the NGSS jargon.

For a detailed episode recap, click here.

Learn more...

 


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel Buzzsprout-1549579 Mon, 02 Sep 2019 07:00:00 -0400 1272 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, new science teacher, inquiry-based learning, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 1 3 full false 2 How The NGSS Changes It All 2 How The NGSS Changes It All In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss the biggest changes to science instruction that teachers using the NGSS need to know!  They discuss discovery-centered approaches, student-driven content, storylines, and the "Three Dimensions".  This episode will give you a basic overview of what changes you can expect to see as you begin your NGSS journey!

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In this episode, Nicole and Erin discuss the biggest changes to science instruction that teachers using the NGSS need to know!  They discuss discovery-centered approaches, student-driven content, storylines, and the "Three Dimensions".  This episode will give you a basic overview of what changes you can expect to see as you begin your NGSS journey!

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Nicole VanTassel & Erin Sadler Buzzsprout-1549555 Mon, 26 Aug 2019 07:00:00 -0400 1799 ngss, next generation science standards, next generation science, science education, science teachers, curriculum, instruction, middle school science, high school science 1 2 full false 1 How We Got Started With The NGSS 1 How We Got Started With The NGSS In the first episode of the Teaching Science in 3D podcast, Erin and Nicole discuss how they got started working with the NGSS as well as how they began collaborating.   They discuss some of the challenges that they experienced when they started working with the Next Generation Science Standards.   
 

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> In the first episode of the Teaching Science in 3D podcast, Erin and Nicole discuss how they got started working with the NGSS as well as how they began collaborating.   They discuss some of the challenges that they experienced when they started working with the Next Generation Science Standards.   
 

Learn more...
>> Check out Nicole's blog and resources at iExploreScience!
>> Check out Erin's blog and resources at SadlerScience!
>> Enroll in the free, 5-day mini-course that will help you get a grip on the new standards - Intro To The NGSS!
>> Looking for a full, step-by-step guide to "NGSSing" your science class? Check out the Science Teacher Tribe Course + Community professional development program!


📬 Stay Connected


]]> Buzzsprout-1549513 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 11:00:00 -0400 1821 ngss, science, science education, science teachers, next generation science, 1 1 full false