The Uptown Acorn: Science

Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Classroom Theme {Think Like A Scientist}

This year in my classroom, the theme is “Think like a scientist.” I want every one of my students—whether they’re studying Earth Science, Life Science, or Physical Science—to step into class each day ready to explore the world through the lens of a scientist.

When students think like scientists, they don’t just memorize facts. Instead, they practice important science skills such as:

Observing carefully what’s happening around them
Hypothesizing about what might be true or what could happen
Evaluating data and evidence before forming conclusions
Inferring meaning from patterns and results
Investigating through experiments and research
Classifying information and organizing what they discover

Hands-on lab activities are a huge part of this process. By experimenting, testing ideas, and sometimes even failing and trying again, students experience science the way real scientists do—through curiosity, persistence, and discovery.

To set the tone, I’ve prepared our classroom and hallway space to welcome my 6th–8th grade scientists. Bright visuals, thought-provoking quotes, and science-themed displays remind students daily of our shared goal: to think like scientists in everything we do.

This year, my students won’t just learn science—they’ll practice being scientists. I’m excited to watch their curiosity grow and their scientific thinking skills strengthen!

(Photos below show our classroom and hallway displays, ready for a new year of exploration!)

Past Classroom Themes:

{Click to view below}

Elements of a Successful Student 2024

Classic Pennants 2023

Out of this World 2022

Get on Board 2021

Two Thumbs Up 2020

Saddle Up 2019

Science Is a Beautiful Subject 2018

Every Year Should Be This Good Theme 2017

Periodic Table Theme 2016

APPmazing Theme 2015

Facebook Theme 2014

Get Hooked Theme 2013

Keep Calm Theme 2012

Think Like A Scientist, y'all!

Thursday, August 17, 2023

My Classroom Theme {Classic Pennants}

For those of you who did not know or did not remember, our school received quite amount of damage from Hurricane Ida back in 2021, so this summer after much planning, the science lab has received a much needed and long overdue renovation. I was fortunate to be asked my opinions on many of the needs and wants. The area of the space did not change, but just about everything that went into the lab is brand spanking new. All lab stations are new, and I love that each has electrical outlets as well as ample storage. All cabinetry is new. The addition of tall cabinets is a plus to me. A vented hood will allow the safe mixture of chemicals, and a shower and eye wash ensures safety in case of spills and burns.

Since the lab is painted in the school colors of blue and green, I opted for a more classic theme for the school year. Vintage-style felt pennants in various headings make for a classic design. I ordered each from NoxEmber on etsy. I love how each turned out. I also used the newly painted upper glass cabinets as display cabinets and for glassware.

Again, I teach Middle School Science - 6th grade Earth Science, 7th grade Physical Science, 8th grade Life Science. This is year 14 at St. Paul's Episcopal.

Take a look at this year's theme.