Teaching middle schoolers science can be a challenge! I mean, what do you actually teach? You have to make sure that it’s not too simple, at the elementary level, and you have to make sure that it’s not too hard, at the high school or even college level.
So, how do you know what science content to teach? Before you start working on that lesson plan, make sure you have these things in mind!
Teaching Middle Schoolers Science
Check Out the Standards
First and foremost, you want to check out your state standards or other standards. Many states follow the NGSS, and if they don’t, they probably follow something similar.
If you have standards to follow, you know that they are pretty specific (for the most part) and tell you exactly what students should know and what you should potentially leave out.
For example, I am from North Carolina, and they have recently updated their standards and their support documents.
In middle school, students learn about simple machines, but how much do they need to know?
So, let’s look at the standard for simple machines:
- “PS.7.2.4 Carry out investigations to compare the efficiency of simple machines in relation to their advantages for particular purposes (to include inclined planes, pulleys, levers and wheel and axles) using qualitative data.”
Ok, can we clarify? Luckily things are laid out for us. Thanks NC!
- “Clarification Statement: Students are not expected to analyze compound machines.”
What do students NOT need to worry about?
- “Boundary Statement: Calculating mechanical advantage is beyond the standard. The different classes of levers or pulley systems are beyond the standard.”
Ok, all of that is wonderful, but what do students really need to know?
- “Students identify and describe the functioning of simple machines (e.g., levers, inclined planes, pulleys, etc.). (TIMSS 2023)
- Students compare simple machines and compound machines.
- Students know how a simple machine changes the magnitude or direction of the input force.
- Students evaluate which simple machine would be the most efficient in completing a task.
- Students use one or more simple machines to complete a task.”
Does your state or district have something similar? If so, this is a great place to start!
If you don’t have standards and can teach whatever you’d like (lucky you!), you can always consult other standards to help make your decisions.
Resource: Grade 7 Science: 2023 Support Document
Know the Ability of Your Students
Once you have the standards or know what you are about to teach, you also must keep the ability of your students in mind.
You know what the bar is, and you know you must teach to that bar, but you can differentiate in your classroom to meet the needs of your students.
Maybe you have some students that need some extra scaffolding or maybe you have some students that just grasp the knowledge faster and would benefit from some extended knowledge.
There are many ways to do this, but I LOVE the flipped classroom approach. It’s a great way to make sure that students learn the content at their own pace. Independent note-taking is an awesome way to give students what they need (at the middle school level), but like I said, at their own pace. So, if they have the opportunity to extend beyond the standards, they can!
Look into Student Interests
If you are looking into how to teach middle schoolers, you need to check out their interests.
So, let’s say that you know your standards well and have an established a way to differentiate the content in the classroom to meet the needs of your students.
What’s next?
One of the ways to meet students’ needs, in addition to their ability, is to adjust content to meet their interests.
Science is changing ALL of the time, and really, it has become a part of our culture, trends, and even politics, but we won’t get into that.
There is always something new that you can share with students, that is either a current event or you can look into what interests them.
For example, maybe your students are into zombies and you’re teaching about pathogens and diseases…why not read this article for a win-win situation? Resources like this already have content geared toward student age groups which makes it easier for you to pick out grade-appropriate content.
A classic example of teaching to student interests is connecting science with sports. There’s a lot of force and motion concepts as well as biology when it comes to sports!
Just keep an eye on science current events, there is bound to be something that would peak your student’s interests!
Make Sure Resources are Age-Appropriate
Not only do you need to make sure that your content that you teach is on grade level (or beyond depending on students’ abilities), you need to make sure your resources are age-appropriate.
Just like the article mentioned above, you need to make sure that any resources that you use in the classroom are made for your students’ age group. For example, you of course, wouldn’t use a college textbook for your middle school classroom.
Luckily, many resources say “for middle school” such as textbooks, PhET simulations, BrainPOP, and (smiling big) Bright in the Middle. There are a lot of resources for teaching middle schoolers out there!
Collaborate with Your Teacher-Besties
Last, but not least, check with your science teacher besties. If you are new to teaching the content, get with someone who has taught it before whether it is someone in your school building or in your district.
Can find anyone? Hop onto Instagram or into a Facebook group and ASK someone. Don’t worry about looking silly. You want to make sure you teach the correct content to those sweet students in your room!
Teaching middle schoolers science doesn’t have to be hard! Let me know if you have any questions!
If you are new to teaching or you are teaching a new grade level, here are some tips!
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