Updated Model Earth
This year, the current fifth and sixth grade students created model Earths while learning about the four main layers of the Earth. These models were very similar to the models that the seventh grade students created last year. However, instead of using pre-cut circular Styrofoam balls, we used Styrofoam semicircles. This change made the project easier because there was significantly less preparation involved and it also made the project cheaper. At the local dollar store, I was able to purchase two semicircles for $1.00, whereas it cost approximately $1.00 for each circular Styrofoam ball at the local craft store. 

This picture shows the outer layer of the Earth, the crust. 

This picture shows the three inner layers: the mantle, the outer core, and the inner core. 

This picture shows how the completed semicircle model looks. 

Layers of the Earth
While learning about the layers of the Earth, my seventh grade students created model Earths last year. The model demonstrates that there are four main layers of the Earth: the crust, the mantle, the outer core, and the inner core. The students enjoyed this mini-project because they absolutely loved to paint! The only materials that were needed for this project were Styrofoam balls, which I cut a slice out of prior to the activity, and paint. We used a separate paint color for each layer of the Earth to make it easy to differentiate between the different layers. This year, I will be using Styrofoam semi-circles, so I will not need to make any cuts. I will post pictures of these new models later next week. 

This picture shows the Earth's first layer, the crust. 

This picture shows the three inner layers: the mantle, the outer core, and the inner core.

Periodic Table
Last year, I taught chemistry to the eighth grade students. They had never been exposed to chemistry before, so we had to start with the basics. After studying about protons, neutrons, and electrons, we began to learn about the different elements through the periodic table. While the students were learning about how to use the periodic table, we created a very large model of one that we proudly displayed in the school hallway for several months. This project not only aided the learning of the eighth grade students, but also all of the students that passed by this hallway. Students as young as kindergartners were interested in learning about the periodic table model that we had created! 

I tried to get a picture that showed how large the model actually was.

This picture shows the entire periodic table.

This picture gives a good idea as to how large the model actually was. 

Introduction
Welcome to my middle school science teaching blog! I am a second-year teacher who has found a passion in teaching science. Currently, I teach Earth science, chemistry, and physics to fifth through eighth grade students. I have created this blog to share my science teaching methods with other classroom teachers. I hope that you are able to use some of the strategies in your own classroom.