Start with one animal to make a food web.

 Now is the time to get ready for Biology in the fall.  Start with one animal!  Ideally, I encourage my students to select species which are native to Virginia.  Kiddos can look outside to see local species of wildlife and plants.  Here is how to create a food web.  First begin with one animal.  Let’s start with a cardinal.  What does it eat?  Where does it nest?  With whom does it compete for resources?  What animals eat cardinals?  This leads to more species of both plants and wildlife.  Add to the list. For example, squirrels eat baby cardinals.  Add squirrels to the list.  What do they eat, in addition to acorns?  (Add acorns, too!) In which trees to they prefer to nest?  What animals prey on their young?  Be sure to add plan species.  Include lichens, Virginia creeper, and poison ivy.  See how much the list has grown?  Once the kiddos is stumped for a new animal, make a few suggestions, such as bats or brown bears.  (As a parent, it’s not cheating to do a Google search.  You are a busy person!)  Each new animal should lead to any number of insect, plant, and animal species.  Once the kiddos is has 100 species, look up their scientific names.  I suggest a spreadsheet.  Now, it’s time to organize the species into a food web. Here are brief instructions.

Science can be low key!

In our family, we are all animal lovers.  Right now, my son is home.  Fr. Josh is a Catholic priest, currently with the Military Archdiocese, in the Air Force, as a chaplain.  There is a week-long retreat in Tampa.  The past two years, we met my family to spend a week-end together in Tampa, after his retreat..  While we have visited Lowry Park Zoo, (now Zoo Tampa) we didn’t this time.  Instead, we like to watch any animals we happen to see—even roosters out for a stroll!  Okay, when we visit family in Ocala, I do want to see the monkeys at Silver Spring Park.  (BTW, the glass bottom boat usually has an expert scientist on board.)  Here is an article about the monkeys.  Sorry, the egrets and herons just aren’t as fun as watching monkeys.

Yes, my family is scattered like shrapnel.  We’re off to visit more family in a tiny town, Rock Hall, Md.   Near Rock Hall, is the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge.  Here are some of the species.  Look for the osprey nests in tall platforms.  The Lawrence Wetlands Preserve is in Chestertown, Md.  We can go for a walk and see shore birds.  Rock Hall is located right along the Chesapeake Bay.  Like your family, travel often means visiting relatives.  Take a walk!  Hike a trail!  Science doesn’t have to be all tech or STEM.  What are the plants and wildlife like in the area you’re visiting?

Collect photos of bridges!

 There are people who collect bridges they see or drive over.  Some collect covered bridges or historic bridges.  You could take photos of different types of bridges.  Now it’s STEM-related!  We go back and forth over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge a duel-span suspension bridge, on our route to visit family in Rock Hall, MD.  I can ride over the bridge; I am one of those people Afraid to Drive Over the Bridge.  I’ve made it across hyperventilating a few times.  Once, I couldn’t maintain speed;  I never exceeded about 20 mph.  You can imagine the cars beeping their frustrations.  Surprise!  The additional pressure made it even harder to put my foot on the gas.  Yes, I have had a driver take me over several times.   The bridge crew would like advance notice.  I prayed my way over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, a trestle bridge, exactly once. There are any number of cool bridges: New River Gorge, an open-spandrel arch bridge,  Mackinac Bridge, another suspension bridge, Steubenville, Ohio and Sunshine Skyway Bridge , both cable-stayed bridges, the Peace Bridge, unusual truss span, Pittsburgh (143 bridges), NYC—especially the Brooklyn Bridge, a hybrid, Golden Gate, a suspension bridge, to name a few.  The American Society of Civil Engineers list The top 5 bridges 2026, Eight Standout Steel Bridges, Top Five Longest Bridges in the USA, and 20 Iconic Bridges.  Take photos and research the bridge type,.  You may need a spreadsheet.  I doubt I’ll collect bridges—but I may consider it.  There are so many beautiful bridges.  Since I’m teaching Physical Science I should include bridges.

Civil Engineering: Build Bridges and Towers

Kiwi Co has a Civil Engineer Starter Kit. (Good Will has one listed.). You definitely don’t need a kit!  Most bridge and tower challenges use paper, straws, or craft sticks.  You can use blocks with tiny kiddos.

Civil engineers build bridges and towers.  This British version, Civil Engineering Challenge, is written for Girl Guides.  The language in the text can be confusing.  Jelly is Jello.  What’s a chocolate twirl?  The material in the booklet is different from most bridge challenges I’ve seen which focus on the bridge or tower, not the soil or foundation.  Below are conventional bridge and tower challenges, lessons, and activities.  Add ‘build a bridge or tower’ to your summer can of ideas on craft sticks to do when the kiddos are bored.

1. Bridge Up! is a complete curriculum with different lessons for grades K-12.  The links all work.  There are novel activities, such as Making Concrete. (I noticed some of the links are Wikipedia, which some teachers and families find anathema. I don’t.  I know people who have strong opinions about Wikipedia.)

2.  The Center for Architecture has a number of Teacher Resource Packets; sometimes museums expect teachers to provide some basic instruction before the tour.  Look at Building Bridges; the flash cards are terrific!  

3.  Designing Bridges is a unit study before you try a Toothpick Bridge, Popsicle Bridge, Coffee Stirrers, or Straw Bridge.

4. Towers fit into Civil Engineering, too.  Nature Play Tours has natural tower ideas with pix.  Tall Tower Challenge uses straws.  Dot Tours uses index cards. Windy City Towers uses paper and has pictures—in case you’ve never done a paper tower challenge.  They used to be popular ice-breakers at conferences, along with Spaghetti Towers.  

5.  Try these 5 Engineering Challenges.

Make your own instructional kits.

 As a Co-op instructor, I teach the science classes, some of them on repeat, such as Chemistry.  Therefore, I make instructional kits.  I’ve seen beautiful binders with sheet protectors used to organize and save all of the lessons and materials.  Since I am more of a pile-file organizer, my system is different.  Some materials are boxed—not the DIY kits. 

What works for me is a giant mailing envelope with the instructions, an answer key, and bags or envelopes for the students.  These kits are jammed on a shelf in the basement, making them easy to locate.  Below are a few of my kits.

Basement Pile Shelf

POGIL Dimensional Analysis and practice cards

It’s in the Cards

Plotting Trends

Putting Ions in Their Hands (printed on colored card stock)

Periodic Table Cards and PT Table to memorize elements

Sets of vocabulary terms for students to create concept maps.

Let’s plant!

 I’ve been making a daily inspection of the plants at our house.  Last summer, we hired a neighbor kid to clean out the iris bed.  We gave away at least 40, replanted a bunch in the back, and finally had Tyler dump the dirt with bulbs and roots in the back yard.  Surprise!  We have loads of irises. Sadly, we don’t have a lovely, manicured yard—just loads of irises.  The small porch and back deck are crowded with pots and planters.

 I have had success with amaryllis bulbs, snake plants, and Purple Heart plants.  I over-winter a bunch of plants and have had good results getting orchids to rebloom.  No, I don’t have a green thumb. Aside from the orchids, most of my plants thrive on neglect.  

Now is supposed to be a good time to propagate plants.  We’ve been propagating Purple Heart every spring for years.  How?  We cut back the plant and put the cuttings in soil and  keep them moist for a few weeks.  

I’m trying this method with Kalanchoe.  I cut off some pieces and jammed them in moist soil.  Period.

I like to start herbs from seeds.  I plant seeds outside in boxes and keep them moist.

I bought bag of begonia and canna bulbs.  The canna are just starting to emerge; the begonias are coming in.

Ironically, this year, I’m struggling to get the zinnias to sprout.  Zinnias!  I bought a big, two-pound bag.  I’ve reseeded several pots three or four times!  

Did you know you can divide amaryllis bulbs?  Right now I have five bulbs, which re-bloom on their own. I may need another bag of soil.   (BTW we don’t keep all of these plants.  We give them away all the time.  Don’t forget your parting gift!)  

Use tech as a tool!

Did you see the WSJ article, How YouTube Took Over the American Classroom?  The article focuses on YouTube as a vehicle kiddos use to access all manner of tech.  But, many of us are concerned with tech, not just YouTube.  In the local district, most of the instruction occurs on Chromebooks.  Students don’t use textbooks.  Are the teachers getting ebooks as textbooks?  Do teacher piece together their courses with the Standards of Learning rather than a textbook?  Are the teachers relying on individual curricula, such as It’s Not Rocket Science or Amoeba Sisters?  I suspect too many districts have abandoned textbooks.  I want a textbook students can read.  Yes, many kiddos are scanning the textbook in search of answers to study guide questions.  Fine.  They are still using their books.  

I love to add a bit of tech.  My classes start with slide decks and discussions.  I rigged an old laptop and iPad with an old TV to use in the basement.

But, tech is a tool.  Do I use videos?  Sure, in Anatomy.  I made instructional videos for Chemistry, in case a kiddo is absent or gets stuck.  In reality, the student usually just stays after class for help.  We have lessons on using the graphing calculator or spreadsheets, especially with labs or math class.  (I show kiddos the SciTools app on the TI83/84 after I teach conversions.) I have an entire set of older PASCO SPARKvue.

What’s the difference in my approach to tech?  Apart from the slide decks, most of the tech I use or introduce is interactive.  They are tools for labs or activities.  Let the tech you use support the curriculum, not supplant the curriculum.  Sometimes teachers  manage classes without any direct instruction. Student watch a video, complete guided notes, and take a quiz.  I check in with young friends who attend the local, public schools.  They aren’t doing many hands-on labs or activities—even in their science classes.  If you are going it alone and trying to teach your teen physics, (or any subject outside your area) by all means, use every resources available.  But, have your child read and use the textbook.  Do hands-on labs.  Don’t let a video substitute for a lab.  Sure, kids could watch a demo in Chemistry, especially if the chemicals are expensive.  They will be better off doing their own lab using baking soda and citric acid.  Use tech judiciously, as an aid.

Types of Periodic Tables

 Chemistry requires several types of Periodic Tables.  Each one has a different purpose.  You may want to begin with Mendeleev’s Periodic Table and a brief history.  The Race to Invent the Periodic Table is only about five minutes.  Mendeleev’s table was accepted because he left gaps for new elements—which were discovered in his lifetime.  (It’s in the Cards is one of my favorite activities.)  Below are a bunch of different types.

1. One early activity is to Color Code the Periodic Table.  Here is a colorful version; however, I assigned specific colors to families of elements when the kiddos do the Periodic Table cards, a summer assignment.  I like to be consistent to help them associate a group with a color, to remember the group.

2. I use a stack of blank copies which only the symbols for quizzes.  My teens must memorize 1-50.

3. Additionally, I print copies with the names for quick reference.

4.  Usually, the Periodic Chart of Ions is printed double-sided with a table with names and symbols.

5.  When we do Periodic Trends, we use Electronegativities. Here is an interactive table with all sorts of I formation to use for trends: density, atomic radius, melting point, boiling point, and first ionization energy.  (Here is a 3D Periodic Trend lab.) Ironically, the kiddos model their trend, including electronegativity on a plain Periodic Table.

6.  IUPAC sets standards; here is the IUPAC Periodic Table.

7. I like Britannica’s PT with Roman numerals. Here is the explanation; the Roman numeral for the group represents the number of valence electrons, or number of electrons available for bonding.  (Don’t confuse this with the Stock System, the Roman numerals used when the element forms differently charged ions with different oxidation states.)

On another note, I added a few transition elements to my card deck.  For a few, I used Alchemical Symbols with their Latin names.

Why do we dissect?

 The NABT has a position statement about dissections in class.  But, when you teach, every decision is personal.  Yesterday, when we dissected the fetal pig (and a kidney), Charlie, one of my students, stayed home.  All year, we’ve done dissections around him.  He has profound  learning differences and only lasts about an hour in class.  We do the dissections after he leaves.  Last year, Charlie did synthetic dissections with my husband, Rob.  He just can’t cut up specimens.  (Yesterday, my husband, Rob, wouldn’t come down into the basement until everything was cleaned up.  He loathes dissections.) The rest of the class copes.  Why dissect?

First, every organism is unique.  We use several manuals, diagrams, graphics, etc when we dissect.  Why?  Each specimen looks just a little different from the diagram.  Labeling a diagram on paper and identifying the organs in a fetal pig are different experiences.  It can be hard to find a tiny, green sac (gall bladder) lying under the liver.  You see first hand how the stomach, small, and large intestines are continuous.  

Sure, why not wait until college to dissect?  You could.  Yesterday, when we dissected the fetal pig, we didn’t invest hours and hours doing a thorough job.  Here are instructions.  We did a survey of the exterior and interior without an in depth study of the muscles or circulatory system.  (In college, I took home my pig to study it!) 

I think the main reason we dissect is that I’m a traditionalist.  Advanced Biology is an anatomy course.  Anatomy traditionally includes dissection.   I want the kiddos to study each organ and open it up.  I talked about the membrane holding organs together;  I want them to see it.  I want the teens to have a full experience in anatomy.  They should do a dissection before enrolling in any health science class; it can help them decide.  It’s a good time to find out whether or not you’re actually too squeamish for a career in medicine, as a doctor or nurse. 

My friend, Cindy, was a strong advocate for dissections.  Do you want a surgeon operating on you without having dissected a cadaver?  I agree.  However, I am a realist.  After all, I made accommodations for Charlie, didn’t I?  I never force a student to dissect.  Max, who also loathes dissections, came to class as a plague doctor yesterday.  He wears, gloves, mask, apron, and safety glasses for his own protection—like the others.  He doesn’t actually touch any specimen.  Max just observes; he’s simply more comfortable with an extra layer of protection, should a drop of formalin get on the table top.  I pair him up with Jacob, who does all the cutting.    

Lastly, it’s becoming radical to dissect.  More and more schools make it optional or use virtual dissections.  I like to push back and think for myself.  No, I won’t force anyone to dissect.  However, one time a student refused to take my Biology class at Co-op because we did dissections.  She had the option to do virtual or synthetic dissections.  The student felt that morally my class was abhorrent.  So be it.  She didn’t enroll and we did do dissections.  

Virtual Dissections

 Many teachers wrap up Biology and Advanced Biology with dissections.  When I teach Biology, sometimes I save all of the dissections for the final two weeks, to allow students to compare increasingly complex organisms all at once.  While we do dissections IRL, your budget, squeamish teen, or ethical concerns might make virtual dissections a better option.  I get it.  I did another round-up.

1. Biology Corner has several Virtual Dissections and Dissection Guides.  Many virtual dissection posts circle back to Biology Corner.  

2.  The Science Bank has a plethora of dissections, many free.  Start with Dissections 101; substantial lesson plans align with each dissection video.

3. 3D Virtual Frog—if you only do one direction, make it the frog.  Make a 3D Printer Frog Dissection Kit.  Do a paper frog dissection. Watch a video or two and complete a guide.  

4.  Fetal Pig: Ward’s (cartoon graphic), Whitman College (images of fetal pig specimen),      HST’s Fetal Pig Dissection Guide

5.  Getting Nerdy has changed to Inside Out Science.  This is the new home to those expensive paper and vinyl dissection models. However, you might be making an investment for Co-op.  They are high quality.  

6. Paper Dissections (free): Clam, Frog, and Salmon.  

7. Paper anatomy: Human Body Organs, Human Body,  , Adventure in a Box (kiddos), Human Body Cut-out, and Human Body Systems. 

Disney STEM

 I’m ambivalent about Disney.  The prices! What would Walt think about some of the movies? The lines!   Our family has gone to Walt Disney World a few times.  ( We took the Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot once. I was underwhelmed.)  However, we know Disney freaks. You do you.  While I don’t share your enthusiasm for all things Disney, I can appreciate your zeal.

1. Magic of Disney Science Experiments, the Magic of Animal Kingdom, or Learning at Epcot all have ideas to connect your curriculum to Disney.  

2. Creative Projects Inspired by Disney

3.  Disney Demistified

4. See if the local library has or can acquire the Disney Imagineering videos—all about Physical Science.  eBay and Amazon sell used copies.

5.  The Physics of Walt Disney Parks are workshops.  The prices are breath taking!  There are Technology workshops, too.  (Wall Disney Imagineering has loads of ‘behind the scenes’ video, too!)  Look at this trip to study Science and STEM at Disneyland Paris.

6. How to HomeSchool at Disney is fascinating.  WSJ had an article about moms who home-school at Disney.  Disney Schooling is interesting, too!  Florida residents can buy annual passes or buy special tickets.  California residents can get similar discounts or the Magic Key.  (I knew residents could get discounted tickets.  I had had no idea they could buy annual passes.  My friend told me that she and her daughter went nearly every weekend when they lived in Florida.  Frankly, I was dumbfounded at the idea of going to Disney World every weekend.  My husband and I felt it was a lot of work to visit Disney.)

7. Walt Disney Family Museum has a STEAM Guide.  The Educator Resources have a zoetrope and thaumatrope, which are optical illusions.  (Yes, as a matter of fact, the Thaumatrope has the bird in the cage.)