My Go-To First Week of Middle School Science Activities
Published about 1 month ago • 1 min read
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Hey there, Reader,
I love back-to-school season! Everything feels so fresh and exciting. From catching up with coworkers after a relaxing summer to setting up the classroom and planning those first weeks of lessons, I look forward to all of it.
The first week sets the tone for the entire year, so I love using activities that build community while sneaking in those important science routines and skills.
My Go-To Resources
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Start with All About My Teacher
For as long as I can remember, I’ve started the year with this activity. I wanted something completely different from the standard "all about me" coloring pages they get in every other class.
- It’s a great, low-stakes way to practice classroom expectations while students practice making observations and inferences (foundational science skills) from the very first minute!
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Build Connections with All About Me in Pictures
By the time kids get to 7th grade, most of them are totally over coloring. I created this alternative to meet them on their level.
- Students use their devices to find photos that represent who they are and insert them into Google Slides.
- It’s quick, easy, requires zero artistic ability, and gives them early practice with Google Slides.
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Set the Tone with the Syllabus Chat
Let’s be honest: reading through a syllabus is long, boring, and tedious—but completely necessary. Nobody wants to listen to a teacher drone on about rules.
- This activity takes the load off me and puts it on the students.
- They use a scannable, easy-to-read syllabus layout to complete a syllabus scavenger hunt, then collaborate in groups to brainstorm questions for a class discussion.
By the end, we’ve covered every important expectation, and I didn’t lose my voice!
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💡 Quick Classroom Tip: When introducing digital activities like the picture slides early in the year, use them as a diagnostic tool. It will quickly show you which students need support with basic tech skills (like copying and pasting or formatting) before you start heavy science grading!
👇 Looking for more ways to kick off the year?
Before you go, I’d love to know: What's one classroom routine you can't live without? Reply and let me know!
Have an amazing start to the school year,
Brittany
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