10 FREE Digital Resources for Middle School Science

10 FREE Digital Resources for Middle School Science

10 FREE Digital Resources for Middle School Science

In today’s digital age, the integration of technology in education has become necessary. In this blog post, I’ve curated a list of 10 FREE digital resources for middle school science that have scientifically accurate information, amazing visual representation of difficult concepts, and an interactive nature.

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free digital resources for middle school science

Digital resources for middle school science

1. PhET Interactive Simulations

PhET Interactive Simulations provides a vast collection of free, research-based interactive math and science simulations. Covering topics from physics to biology, these simulations allow students to explore and experiment with various scientific phenomena in a virtual environment.

2. Google Earth for Education

Google Earth for Education takes geography to a whole new level by providing a platform for virtual exploration of the world. Science teachers can use this tool to create custom tours, explore ecosystems, and even examine geological features from satellite imagery.

3. Biodigital Human

The Biodigital Human platform is a 3D interactive visualization tool that allows students to explore the human body in detail. This resource is invaluable for teaching anatomy, physiology, and health-related topics.

digital resources for middle school science  

4. National Geographic Education

National Geographic Education offers a wealth of resources for science educators, including lesson plans, maps, videos, and interactive features. It’s an excellent source for incorporating real-world examples and exploration into your lessons.

5. NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System

NASA’s Eyes on the Solar System is a powerful visualization tool that allows users to explore the cosmos in real-time. Teachers can use this resource to take their students on virtual tours of the solar system and beyond.

6. Edpuzzle

Edpuzzle is an innovative platform that allows teachers to turn any video into an interactive lesson. You can add questions, quizzes, and comments to videos, ensuring that students are actively engaged with the content.

7. Quizlet

Quizlet is a versatile learning platform that offers tools for creating flashcards, quizzes, and interactive games. Science teachers can use Quizlet to reinforce vocabulary, concepts, and processes in an engaging and effective manner.

digital resources for middle school science  

8. Virtual science teachers

Virtual science teachers provides a whole range of free simulations and lessons suitable for middle school science.

 

9. The Royal Society

The Royal Society has a selection of online science games aimed at middle school science. These add some variety and fun into science lessons while still engaging students in the content.

 

10. Wolfram

Wolfram has a range of free virtual labs for high school physics, chemistry and biology.

 

 

You may also like my blog post on 15 free virtual dissection labs. 

digital resources for middle school science  

Conclusion

Incorporating these digital resources for middle school science can breathe new life into your lessons and provide students with dynamic, interactive learning experiences. 

digital resources for middle school science  

About the Author

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Katrina Harte is a multi-award winning educator from Sydney, Australia who specialises in creating resources that support teachers and engage students.

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10 tools to help teachers check for chat gpt and ai use

10 tools to help teachers check for chat gpt and ai use

10 tools to help teachers check for chat gpt and ai use

With the rapid growth of online content sees the rise of ai-generated content and artificial intelligence, it is important to be able to detect ai written content in student submission of work. The use of chatgpt in middle and high school settings has grown astronomically, making it harder for teachers to determine student understanding and whether they have used an ai writing tool. 

 

In this blog post we will introduce 10 tools teachers can use to check for chat gpt and ai use in student work.

check for chat gpt

What is an AI detector?

An AI detector is a tool or system designed to identify whether a piece of content—such as text, images, audio, or video—was generated or manipulated by artificial intelligence. These detectors employ various techniques to analyze and recognize patterns or anomalies indicative of AI-generated content. 

Using an AI detector can help teachers determine the authenticity of a student submission to mitigate issues such as plagiarism.

 

How do AI detectors work?

 AI-generated content often has distinct patterns or inconsistencies that can be detected using statistical methods and machine learning. AI detectors use advanced algorithms to pick up these inconsistencies by monitoring unusual patterns in the creation or distribution of content. 

 

Things to consider when using an ai text detector:

1. False positives: Ensuring accurate results in detection is challenging, with the risk of incorrectly identifying human-generated content as AI-generated and vice versa. Using an AI detector is not always a reliable way to check.

2. Evasion Tactics: As AI detection software improves, AI tools and AI technology also evolve to evade detection, leading to a continuous arms race. The ability for AI to produce human-like text is amazing, but obviously poses continual problems for educators trying to gauge the authenticity of student writing. In the near future it may become near impossible to detect.

 

The best ways to detect for AI-written content is by using an AI detector alongside knowing your students and their regular writing voice and sentence structure to determine whether it is the student’s own work.

 

How can teachers use an AI content detector:

Teachers can use AI detectors to ensure the integrity and originality of student work, particularly in academic settings where there is a growing concern about students using AI tools to generate essays, reports, and other assignments. They are also a great tool to use with your students to demonstrate and educate students on academic integrity and encourage the development of original content. While AI continues to pull information from many sources, the intellectual property is in an AI-written text is always questionable.

10 tools to check for chat gpt and ai use

 

10 AI detecting tools to help teachers check for chat gpt and ai use

 

The following are the best ai detection tools for educators:

Note: depending on the length of the text, most of these websites provide a Free AI detector for a certain word count. 

 10 tools to check for chat gpt and ai use

1. Turnitin – Well-known for plagiarism detection, Turnitin has integrated features to detect AI-generated content. This is commonly used in university to check academic papers, and also in high school settings. 

2. Grammarly – Primarily a grammar checker, Grammarly also offers some AI detection capabilities in its premium versions.

3. Copyleaks – Provides AI content detection alongside traditional plagiarism detection.

4. Unicheck – An academic integrity tool that includes AI text detection in its features.

5. GPTZero – Specifically designed as a reliable chatgpt detector tool to detect chatgpt-generated text by AI models like GPT-3.

6. Content at Scale AI Detector – A free tool for detecting AI-generated content.

7. Sapling.ai – Offers AI writing assistance and detection of AI-generated text as an ai plagiarism checker.

8. Originality.AI – A plagiarism and AI detection tool tailored for web publishers and academic institutions.

9. Writer.com AI Content Detector – Helps identify AI-generated content in various types of text.

10. Crossplag – Another plagiarism detection tool that can check for chat gpt and AI content.

10 tools to check for chat gpt and ai u

 

Conclusion

These tools vary in their features and capabilities, so it’s worth exploring a few to find the one that best meets your needs. If you have large projects or regular projects you need to check, it may be worth paying for a suitable subscription.

 

I hope these tools help for you to check for chat gpt and AI use in your classes.

10 tools to check for chat gpt and ai use

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Katrina is a multi-award winning educator from Sydney, Australia who specialises in creating resources that support teachers and engage students.

See the quality and browse her best selling resources below on either The Animated Teacher website or on Teachers Pay Teachers:

Lab Safety 101: for Middle and High School Science Teachers

Lab Safety 101: for Middle and High School Science Teachers

Lab Safety 101: for Middle and High School Science Teachers

As a new science teacher, one of the most daunting aspects was trying to get my head around lab safety. There were so many rules and procedures, not just for me but also my students and it was very overwhelming. 

This guide will walk you through essential safety protocols, tips for setting up a safe laboratory environment, and provide resources for teaching lab safety effectively in a middle or high school environment.

lab safety 101 for science teachers a tray of gloves and safety glasses

Disclaimer: This blog post, ‘Lab Safety 101: A Comprehensive Guide for Middle and High School Science Teachers’, may contain links to resources that I have created for classroom use. Read full disclaimer here. activ

Understanding the Importance of Lab Safety

Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to recognize the significance of lab safety. The laboratory is a space where students engage in hands-on learning, often with potentially hazardous materials and equipment.

By establishing a culture of safety, you not only protect your students but also foster an environment that encourages curiosity, exploration, and a lifelong love of science.

Essential Lab Safety Protocols

1. Safety Briefings and Demonstrations

Begin every lab session with a safety briefing. Emphasize key safety rules, potential hazards, and the proper use of equipment. Consider demonstrating techniques and procedures to ensure students have a clear understanding.

2. Safety Equipment and Emergency Procedures

Familiarize students with the location and proper use of safety equipment, including eyewashes, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency exits. Conduct regular drills so that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Require students to wear appropriate PPE, including lab coats or aprons, safety goggles, and closed-toe shoes. Stress the importance of wearing these items at all times while in the lab.

4. Handling Chemicals

  • Store chemicals properly, following manufacturer guidelines.
  • Label all containers clearly, including any secondary containers.
  • Never mix chemicals unless directed to do so by the experiment instructions.
  • Provide proper ventilation when working with volatile substances.

5. Handling Glassware and Equipment

  • Inspect glassware for cracks or defects before use.
  • Instruct students on proper techniques for handling, cleaning, and storing glassware and equipment.

6. Waste Disposal

Clearly designate and label waste disposal containers for different types of waste (e.g., chemicals, broken glass). Teach students how to dispose of materials safely and in compliance with local regulations.

Setting Up a Safe Laboratory Environment

1. Lab Layout and Organization

  • Arrange workstations to allow for easy movement and supervision.
  • Keep aisles and exits clear of obstructions.
  • Provide clear signage indicating safety equipment and emergency exits.

2. Storage and Labeling

  • Store chemicals, glassware, and equipment in designated areas.
  • Clearly label shelves and containers to indicate contents and hazards.

3. Ventilation and Fume Hoods

Ensure adequate ventilation in the lab to prevent the buildup of fumes or gases. If available, instruct students on the proper use of fume hoods.

4. Safety Inspections and Maintenance

Regularly inspect equipment, safety devices, and emergency systems. Address any issues promptly and keep a record of maintenance activities.

5. Safety Documentation

Maintain up-to-date records of safety protocols, emergency procedures, and any incidents or accidents that occur in the lab.

 

Classroom resources for teaching lab safety

1. Lab safety contract – this was actually a game changer for me in my middle school classroom. By having a lab safety contract that students signed, it gave students a sense of seriousness and ownership over the lab and their behaviour in it. It also gave me something to refer back to if I felt students weren’t behaving properly, and to remind them of the consequences of it (which they agreed to when they signed it!)

2. Lab safety posters – these are great to have as visual reminders of lab safety protocol, as well as being a part of your classroom decor! 

3. Lab safety escape room – want a fun way to review lab safety rules and procedures? This escape room is a super fun way to have students engage in revising these – perfect for the start of the school year! 

4. Bunsen burner licence – My middle school students LOVE getting their Bunsen burner licences. It makes them feel like they have accomplished something and the physical certificate is something they really value.

5. Rainbow Lab Following Instructions this Rainbow lab is a great back to school activity as it impresses the importance of following instructions and taking precise measurements.

 

Resources for Teaching Lab Safety

1. American Chemical Society (ACS) Safety Guidelines

The ACS provides a wealth of resources, including safety guidelines, lesson plans, and videos to help teach lab safety effectively. ACS Safety Guidelines

2. Flinn Scientific Safety Resources

Flinn Scientific offers a range of safety resources, including safety data sheets, instructional videos, and safety posters. Flinn Safety Resources

3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Lab Safety

OSHA provides a comprehensive guide to lab safety, including regulations, training resources, and hazard communication guidelines. OSHA Lab Safety

4. National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Safety Resources

NSTA offers a variety of safety resources, including articles, lesson plans, and safety checklists for science teachers. NSTA Safety Resources

Conclusion

As a new science teacher, prioritizing lab safety lays the foundation for a successful and enriching learning experience. By instilling proper safety protocols, maintaining a safe laboratory environment, and utilizing resources for teaching lab safety, you create an environment where students can explore the wonders of science with confidence and curiosity.

Remember, safety is not just a rule, but a culture that fosters a lifelong appreciation for the scientific process and ensures the safety of all students and teachers.

Note: Always consult your school’s specific safety guidelines and policies, and seek guidance from experienced colleagues or administrators when in doubt about safety protocols.

 

About the Author

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Katrina Harte is a multi-award winning educator from Sydney, Australia who specialises in creating resources that support teachers and engage students.

Spring break guide for teachers

49 Best time management tips for teachers

49 Best time management tips for teachers

49 Best time management tips for teachers

What is the one thing teacher’s never have enough of? Time. Well also pay – but let’s not go there right now. The importance of time management is not to be underestimated or undervalued as a teacher. Managing your time as a teacher is an essential skill to ensure the longevity of your career and the protection of your mental and physical health. If you have the right time management tips for teachers, then you can ensure your own well-being is not sacrificed by your job.

Teaching is a demanding profession that requires educators to wear many hats. From lesson planning and grading to engaging with students and collaborating with colleagues, managing time effectively is crucial for success in the classroom. There is never enough time, and often it is hard to determine what the best use of time is at any given moment. Good time management is essential for teachers to be able to cope with the demands of the job and find a work-life balance that suits each individual.

The beginning of the school year is a great time to reflect on your processes and determine how you might be able to set clear goals in terms of time management so that your school day doesn’t bleed into your personal life. 

So grab a coffee and sit back and relax while we explore 49 time management tips for teachers.

Time management tips for teachers

a white alarm clock next to a notebook and pen<br />
49 time management tips for teachers

Effective time management tips for teachers

As school teachers, we know the work day doesn’t have enough hours in it to get everything done. So it is even more important that you build your practical time management skills to ensure the effective use of your time. Here are 49 time management tips for teachers:

 

  1. Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most important tasks and prioritize them. Focus on essential tasks first to ensure essential responsibilities are met.
  2. Create a To-Do List: Develop a daily or weekly to-do list to keep track of tasks and stay organized. Check off items as you complete them.
  3. Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable goals for each day, week, and month. Realistic goals prevent overwhelm and boost productivity.
  4. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time to different tasks. This helps create a structured routine and prevents multitasking.
  5. Limit Multitasking: Multitasking can decrease overall efficiency. Concentrate on one task at a time to improve focus and quality of work. There is a lot of time lost in the process of task switching constantly and the mental load is also greater than just focusing on one task at a time.
  6. Use Technology Wisely: Leverage technology tools for lesson planning, grading, and communication. Platforms like Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams can streamline tasks. Utilize it to schedule out emails and class tasks so you can do them when suits you without disrupting others at an inconvenient time.
  7. Automate Repetitive Tasks: Identify tasks that can be automated, such as sending regular updates or setting recurring reminders.
  8. Utilize Planning Periods: Maximize planning periods for lesson preparation and grading. Use this time efficiently to reduce workload after school hours.
  9. Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar or specific tasks together to streamline efficiency. For instance, grade papers in one sitting or plan lessons for the week in a single session. This limits the amount of time wasted by switching between tasks and helps you get things done in less time. Time management tips for teachers
  10. Learn to Say No: Recognize your limits and politely decline additional responsibilities when necessary. Prioritize your well-being. Yes of course you need to meet your contractual obligations, but if you are asked to go above and beyond that – it is ok to say no or ‘not at this time’.
  11. Delegate When Possible: If you have support staff or can collaborate with colleagues, delegate tasks to share the workload. This could even include students if it includes keeping your classroom organised etc.
  12. Effective Communication: Clearly communicate expectations and deadlines to students and colleagues. This helps everyone stay on the same page.
  13. Take your Breaks: Use your breaks to actually have a break. It is important that you eat through the day and have some time to recharge.
  14. Reflect and Evaluate: Regularly assess your time management strategies. Identify what works well and make adjustments as needed.
  15. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid taking work home at the end of the day whenever possible.
  16. Use Templates: Develop templates for lesson plans, assessments, report writing, and other documents to save time on repetitive tasks. Even email responses to parents you can simplify by having some templates available.  You may also like this blog post ‘11 FREE editable templates for teachers‘.
  17. Limit Email Time: Allocate specific time slots for checking and responding to emails. Avoid constant interruptions throughout the day by turning off your email notifications.
  18. Invest in Professional Development: Stay updated on the latest teaching methods and tools. Continuous learning can enhance your efficiency in the long run and keep you motivated in the profession.
  19. Collaborate with Colleagues: Share resources and collaborate with fellow teachers. Working together can save time and improve the quality of teaching and share resources so you aren’t all wasting time creating the same thing.
  20. Embrace Technology-Free Zones: Designate specific times or areas where technology is not allowed to encourage focused work or relaxation. This could be done during class time or your own personal time. Time management tips for teachers

Time management tips for teachers continued…

21. Use Reminders: Set reminders for important deadlines and tasks. This can help prevent last-minute rushes.

22. Encourage Student Independence: Foster a sense of responsibility in students, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning, which can reduce your workload.

23. Don’t set homework: It is not always necessary and setting homework assignments only adds to your workload. Don’t set it to save you time by not needing to check or mark it.

24. Stay Healthy: Prioritize self-care, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. A healthy teacher is a more effective teacher.

25. Mindfulness and Meditation:Incorporate mindfulness practices into your routine to reduce stress and improve focus.

26. Use Visual Aids: Visual tools like calendars, charts, sticky note, and planners can enhance organization and time management.

27. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost motivation.

28. Utilize a Centralized Calendar: Maintain a single calendar for all your appointments, deadlines, and events. This prevents scheduling conflicts and helps you stay organized.

29. Use color-coding: In calendars and to-do lists it can be very helpful to have a color coding system to help you prioritise and organise your events and tasks.

30. Create a Grading System: Develop a consistent and efficient grading system. This could include using rubrics or providing feedback during specific time slots.

31. Use Checklists for Routine Tasks: For routine tasks like setting up the classroom or collecting homework, create checklists to ensure nothing is overlooked.

32. Implement a two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up.

33. Establish a Morning Routine: Develop a consistent morning routine to set a positive tone for the day. This could include reviewing the day’s schedule, checking emails and setting priorities.

34. Schedule Buffer Time: Allow for buffer time between tasks to account for unexpected interruptions or delays.

35. Use headphones: Block out interruption in the staff room by using noise cancelling headphones.

36. Adopt a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. A positive mindset can contribute to better time management.

37. Explore Time-Tracking Apps: Use time-tracking apps to monitor how you spend your time. This awareness can lead to more informed adjustments in your schedule.

38. Set Personal Deadlines: Establish personal deadlines ahead of official ones. This creates a buffer for unforeseen circumstances.

39. Create a Resource Library: Develop a digital or physical resource library with materials and lesson plans that can be reused or adapted in the future.

40. Engage in Physical Activity: Incorporate short bursts of physical activity into your day to boost energy levels and focus. Time management tips for teachers

Time management tips for teachers

More time management tips for teachers…

41. Limit Social Media Use: Set specific times for checking social media to prevent it from becoming a constant distraction.

42. Establish a Homework Collection System: Streamline the process of collecting and returning homework to save time and maintain organization.

43. Use Mind Mapping for Planning: Visualize your lesson plans and ideas using mind maps. This can enhance creativity and clarity in your teaching approach.

44. Set Clear Learning Objectives: Clearly define learning objectives for each lesson to stay focused on essential content and activities. This helps you decide quickly whether activities are going to be helpful in a lesson or just be busy work.

45. Rotate Classroom Responsibilities: Share classroom responsibilities with students to foster a sense of community and lighten your workload.

46. Designate a Clean-Up Routine: Allocate time at the end of each day for a quick clean-up of your workspace and classroom to start the next day with a fresh slate.

47. Develop a System for Paperwork: Establish a system for managing paperwork efficiently, such as color-coded folders or digital filing. If you prefer digital systems then look at using a note-taking app and organise your Google drive folders to streamline your online filing.

48. Collaborate on Lesson Planning: Collaborate with fellow teachers to share lesson planning responsibilities, allowing for diverse perspectives and shared workload.

49. Have a daily routine: know exactly what you are going to do and when you are going to do it. Are you going to check your emails first thing in the morning? Or after the day? When are you going to do photocopying? Having a set time for your daily habits is helpful so you don’t waste time figuring out what to do next – its already decided for you! This also helps remove some of the mental fatigue as it becomes repetitive practice you won’t need to think about it.

Time management tips for teachers

Conclusion

Working towards developing excellent time management skills as a teacher is a great way to back yourself. It will have long-term gains for you and ensure you are able to tackle the day to day without being in constant fight or flight mode.

Make sure you share these time management tips for teachers with your teaching bestie!

Time management tips for teachers

classroom management strategies for high school

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Katrina is a multi-award winning educator from Sydney, Australia who specialises in creating resources that support teachers and engage students.

See the quality and browse her best selling resources below on either The Animated Teacher website or on Teachers Pay Teachers:

8 Fun science lab safety worksheets and activities

8 Fun science lab safety worksheets and activities

8 Fun science lab safety worksheets and activities

Teaching middle school and high school students about lab safety is a necessary evil. 

Students find it boring and teachers hate teaching it.

 

But… with the right lab safety resources and activities, you can engage students and have fun with ensuring they understand best practices in the science laboratory.

 

From lab safety rules posters, to lab safety contracts, digital escape rooms and scavenger hunts, these fun science lab safety worksheets and activities will ensure that your students don’t get bored while learning the essential concepts. 

science lab safety worksheets and activities a group of people wearing lab coats

Disclaimer: This blog post, ‘Fun science lab safety worksheets and activities’, contains links to resources that I have created for classroom use. Read full disclaimer here. 

What lab safety features should students know about?

When I was a new teacher I was so overwhelmed when trying to figure out the different lab safety features students needed to know to ensure a safe learning environment.

 

Here is a list I refer to each year to make sure I don’t forget anything:

1. Location of safety equipment such as the fire extinguisher & fire blanket

2. Location of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles, lab coats and gloves. 

3. Emergency gas cutoff switch

4. Emergency exits and evacuation procedure

5. Location of the sand bucket for a chemical spills

6. Chemical shower

7. Eye wash stations

8. Hazardous materials signs and symbols

9. Fume hoods 

8 fun science lab safety worksheets and activities

 

Fun science lab safety worksheets and activities

 

These science lab safety worksheets and activities will make your lesson plans so much more interesting without adding extra prep to your workload. 

1. Lab Safety Posters:  These are a great reminder and reference to have up in your classroom. Plus they double as classroom decorations! 

2. Lab safety contract: this is a great way to have students take ownership over their own behaviour in the chemistry lab by having them sign an agreement to adhere to the general rules of the science classroom.

3. Lab safety lesson: including lab safety worksheet and cute lab safety posters. This full lesson covers key lab safety practices and basic rules such as 

tieing up long hair, and what to do if there is an accident.

4. Lab safety digital escape room – science students LOVE this as it is an engaging way to review key science lab safety ideas while being collaborative and fun. Students can complete with a lab partner or individually. You may also like this lab equipment digital escape room.

5. Bunsen burner licence: A Bunsen burner licence is an excellent way to keep students accountable for the safe use of a Bunsen burner. The Bunsen burner checklist is a clear and easy way to assess whether students can use a Bunsen burner safely, as well as being a great checklist for students to look back on in case they forget anything.

6. Science equipment scavenger hunt: this activity is a great way to introduce students to various pieces of science equipment while also getting them familiar with where things are stored in a lab.

7. Following instructions lab: this is a fun introduction for middle school students to the scientific method and importance of following instructions carefully. This is great to use in any general science subject to enforce careful attention to detail. 

8. Boiling water experiment: This is a simple experiment that is great for a class’ first experiment as it is simple to set up, yet needs proper lab safety protocol to be followed including use of PPE, lighting the Bunsen burner etc. It is also a good way to introduce recording data as students measure temperature and record it in a table. 

8 fun science lab safety worksheets and activities

*Each resource contains a teacher answer key (where relevant).

Conclusion

In a science lab setting, there are many safety features and protocols to be aware of. This is even more important when you are responsible for up to 30 students working in the lab. 

Having a bank of fun science lab safety worksheets and resources is key to engaging students in learning about the fundamentals.

 Always consult your school’s specific safety guidelines and policies, and seek guidance from experienced colleagues or administrators when in doubt about safety protocols.

8 fun science lab safety worksheets and activities

About the Author

the animated teacher photo logo
Katrina Harte is a multi-award winning educator from Sydney, Australia who specialises in creating resources that support teachers and engage students.

Spring break guide for teachers