Even though I don't teach science, I was still inspired by a lot of the decorations I found in the science classrooms at
#edcampTULSA. I'm not sure if I ever told you this, but if I wasn't a math teacher, I think I would want to be a chemistry teacher. Chemistry was the only science class that I ever truly enjoyed. And, I'm pretty sure the reason I'm so enamored with chemistry is that it's just math in disguise. Equations to balance. Polyatomic ions. Valence electrons. What's not to love?!?
Several of the science classrooms featured periodic tables of the elements. Each student was assigned a different element to research. Their research was summarized on a small rectangle of paper, and the pieces of paper were joined to form the entire periodic table.
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Periodic Table of the Elements |
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Close-Up of Periodic Table |
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Another Close-Up of Periodic Table |
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A third close-up of the periodic table |
I'm not quite sure how to make this into a math project, but I'm thinking about it. Maybe I could have students make posters over different mathematical properties??? Then, they could research one property and present it to the class. The posters could be posted on the wall as a reminder for the remainder of the school year.
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Science Timelines |
I found a bulletin board of science timelines in one classroom that I LOVED. I would love to adapt this idea and have students make timelines of major mathematical discoveries.
One thing that struck me was that the thing I was drawn to the most in these classrooms was student work. Yet, I have a classroom where no student work is displayed. This needs to change. When an outsider walks in my classroom, they need to see more than just cute posters. They need to be able to see evidence of student learning. I have two small spaces of wall that were left blank this year in my classroom. Last year, they held word walls for Algebra 1 and 2. I planned on redesigning my word walls this year, but that never happened. They just stayed empty. Next year, I want to dedicate that space to displaying work.
When I took chemistry in high school, the most important day of the year was October 23rd. Why? It was Mole Day. Math teachers celebrate Pi Day. Chemistry teachers celebrate Mole Day. Inspired by these Mole Day decorations, I want my students to design their own Pi Day decorations next year.
Enjoy the pictures!
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Mole Day Bulletin Board |
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Mole Day Bulletin Board |
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Mole Day Bulletin Board |
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Question vs Inquiry Bulletin Board with Mole Day Decorations |
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Mole Day Poster |
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Mole Day Signage |
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How Big is a Mole? |
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Scientific Element Posters |