Category Archives: Ms. Mentor

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Science and families

Communicating with parents and other caregivers is important for student success. The topic of parental involvement has been addressed in NSTA blogs and publications, with ideas for parent conferences, back-to-school nights or open houses, summer activities, and family science events. Here’s a quick look  at some of these ideas: From the Ms. Mentor blog Facilitating [...]

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Test make-ups

I am a student teacher in sixth grade earth science. My question is about makeup exams.  I have several ideas, but can you suggest other systems or procedures for allowing students to make up exams? —Dawn, San Jose, California Student absences are a given. It’s frustrating when students miss a class (or two or three) [...]

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Comprehending science text

I’m incorporating several strategies this year to help my life science students understand written information. I provide study guides with questions to answer, graphic organizers, and quizzes on the information, but they still don’t seem to comprehend what they read. Do you have any other suggestions? —Mary, Abilene, Texas For many of our students, reading [...]

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Are my tests “unfair”?

When I return tests, the students look at their grades, complain the test was unfair, and don’t pay much attention when we go over it. How can I deal with this? I teach ninth grade earth science. —Ava, Lexington, Kentucky Unit assessments can provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they’ve learned by asking [...]

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Arranging a science classroom

I’m student teaching now at an elementary school, and I want to emphasize science. In the classrooms I observe, I see many different layouts and arrangements, but what is the best way to organize a classroom? When I get my own classroom, where do I start? —Alexander,  Albuquerque, New Mexico I’ve been in dozens of [...]

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folder icon  Also posted in Conferences

Getting the most from the NSTA conference

Are you attending the NSTA conference in San Antonio this spring? At this point, you should be registering, making arrangements for lodging and transportation, and thinking about your lesson plans for the substitute (if you haven’t done so already). If this the first time you’ve attended the national conference, it can be overwhelming at first. [...]

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Science teacher “wish list”

I’m newly credentialed as a principal and looking for a position at a middle school. I’m currently an English teacher, so I’m not familiar with the needs of other subject areas. What should I expect to see on a science teacher’s “wish list”? —Tyson, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania It’s difficult to balance the roles of building management [...]

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Online PD courses

I’m looking for professional development (PD) opportunities. I have a master’s degree, but as part of my PD plan, I’d like to earn additional graduate credits. In my current situation, commuting in the evenings or on weekends to a university is not possible. I’m thinking of trying an online course for the first time. What [...]

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Reviewing for an assessment

I am curious about the effectiveness of group or team tests given (maybe a week) before the actual, summative test. I am just beginning my student teaching, and think a group test might be a great way for students to share the responsibility of reviewing and would give the students who are less comfortable with [...]

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Travel as PD

My school provides some professional development money every two years for summer travel. This summer I would like to take an educational trip to Italy to visit Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius, some Galileo astronomy sights, or others that would fit into my discipline areas (Earth science and physics). Can you help me find anyone in the [...]

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