Like a lot of new teachers, I could plan engaging back to school activities, but I struggled with what came next. How was I going to transition from icebreakers and classroom expectations into actual science content without losing students’ interest? How could I introduce concepts that feel meaningful without overwhelming them during the first few weeks of school?

One of the goals I set for myself during that first year probably seems overly simplistic and shallow, but it was simple and worked well as a guiding light all school year. My goal was to minimize the deer-in-the-headlights look whenever I started teaching. I wanted genuine interest and a desire to learn. If I were lucky, I wanted to see some excitement too!

Over time, I developed a flow that helped students ease into physical science while still making space for curiosity and building respect for the subject. Here’s exactly how I introduce physical science to my high school students.

Related: What I Do the First Week of School Middle and High School Science New Teacher (Ideas that Aren’t Boring!)

Day 1: “What Is Science?” and Why It Matters

On the first day of the unit, I challenge students to think about a simple question: What is science?

When I introduce physical science to my students, I want them to be able to define science, but more importantly, I want them to understand why science matters in their lives. We discuss why people study science and how scientific discoveries impact the world around us.

The three major reasons we learn science are that humans are naturally curious, we want to understand the world around us, and we can use scientific knowledge to help people and solve problems.

Many students enter physical science convinced it isn’t their favorite subject. Before we dive into content, I want them to see the value of what they’re about to learn.

I’ve found that by the end of the year, my students are often saying things like “I’ve never been good at science, but I liked this class,” or “This is the best I’ve ever done in science,” and “I was talking to my dad about what we learned this weekend.”

Those comments light me up inside because they remind me why I love what I do! To be honest, though, these kinds of comments didn’t just happen by accident. I believe they came about because we established the importance of science from the very beginning.

If you’d like a ready-to-use PowerPoint that covers these concepts and includes an activity about science careers, you can find that resource on TPT.

Day 1 Assignment: Introduce Scientific Fields with a Choice Board Activity

To end Day 1, I have my students complete a career exploration choice board.

Students select a scientific field from a provided list and then choose one task from a menu of options. Their response should be 10–15 well-written sentences that demonstrate understanding of the field they selected.

I also encourage students to include at least two sources they used during their research. This is optional, but it holds them accountable and decreases the amount of cheating.

They tend to truly enjoy this activity because they’re learning about real-world careers and discovering how science connects to potential future jobs. Because the assignment is personalized, they tend to be more engaged than they would be with a traditional worksheet.

I typically assign any unfinished work as homework, and students rarely complain because the activity feels relevant and interesting.

Day 2: Models, Laws, and Theories Before the Scientific Method

On Day 2, we begin discussing how scientists explain and understand the world. I use my PowerPoint to teach students about the three types of models we use in science: physical models, conceptual models, and mathematical models. 

We also discuss the difference between scientific laws and scientific theories, which is a distinction many students have never considered before.

To check understanding, students complete a Scientific Theories, Laws, and Models Check Your Understanding activity before we move on. 

You can download this matching activity here.

Understandably, students often have misconceptions about theories and laws. Addressing those misconceptions early helps build confidence before introducing more complex scientific concepts later in the year. I try to use examples they’ll see throughout the year to make it relevant for them.

Day 2 Assignment: Concept Review Activity

After the lesson and the check for understanding, students complete a concept review activity that reviews what we’ve learned these last few days. If you don’t want to download my concept review activity, you can also have the students simply answer the questions in the review section of the chapter. The idea here is both practice and an informal assessment of what they’ve learned so far.

The concept review allows students to revisit key concepts independently before we move into the scientific method. As with most of my assignments, anything not completed in class becomes homework. In addition, it helps the students start developing the habit of using their notes to study and find answers. When I’m checking answers to these worksheets, I’m looking for the exact answers from my slides and their notes. This helps me know the students are actually doing the work and not just coping and pasting answers from the internet.

I’ve found that easing into physical science and focusing on the “why” before the content makes a huge difference throughout the rest of the school year.

Instead of immediately jumping into vocabulary, formulas, or the scientific method, students first develop an appreciation for what science is and why it matters. Once that foundation is established, the transition into more challenging content becomes much smoother.

If you’re a new physical science teacher or looking for some fresh ideas to start the new year, I hope this sequence gives you some ideas for introducing physical science without overwhelming your students.

Try these blogs next!

• What I Do the First Week of School Middle and High School Science New Teacher (Ideas that Aren’t Boring!)
• Back to School Organization Ideas
• I Pulled Off A Schoolwide STEM Day! Here’s What Happened and How You Can Do It Too
• 12 Best Eye-Opening Environmental Movies For Students to Inspire on Earth Day (with FREE discussion questions!)

These are the exact resources I mentioned in this blog post about how I introduce Physical Science to my students.

Everyone talks about the benefits of going screen free, but you hardly see any practical ideas about how to implement this idea. I find this especially true in the summertime when the kids are homeschooling less, and we find ourselves in less of a routine and more of a rhythm.

It’s so easy for one episode to turn into three or four, or for 30 minutes of iPad time to turn into two hours!

We’re not letting that happen this summer, though. This summer, we are going to focus on intentional parenting and some screen free summer activities.

Here are my best ideas for activities to keep your kids engaged and enjoying the summer without constantly being bored, behind a screen, or that mom burnout feeling.

Ice Excavation

Sink or Float Experiment

Lemonade Stand

We got this idea from the Blipee episode here!

Chalk Math Hopscotch (Outdoor)

DIY Bird Feeder

Pretend Restaurant

Baking Soda Volcano Science

Build With Cardboard

Nature Treasure Hunt

Planting Seeds in Milk Cartons

Recycling Crayons

Rock Walk and Sort

DIY Candles

Create Costumes and Have a Superhero Day

Smores Outside

Create a Summer Memory Book

Find the Icecream Truck

Make Homemade Playdoh

Make a Solar Oven

Looking for more ideas for the summer? Check this post out: The Chaos of Summer Homeschooling Without a Schedule (And the Simple Fix That Saved Our Summer)

The idea of schoolwide STEM Day was sparked by my previous profession as an education and outreach professional who participated in hundreds of STEM Days. As a teacher, I knew that I wanted to find a way to bring real STEM professionals to the school to show students that what they’re learning in class can really translate into the real world. What’s more, choosing local professionals helped the students learn about STEM events and opportunities happening in their own community.

Last month, my school hosted our first schoolwide STEM day, which was both memorable and rewarding for the students. Instead of stations being run by teachers or student leaders, I invited community STEM vendors to partner with us!

Every student group met with our vendors for about 5 minutes, then rotated. They were able to connect with real professionals in a high-impact, fun way.

In this post, I’m breaking down exactly how I planned the schoolwide STEM Day, how I ran the day, and the lessons learned so your school can do it too! Also, even if you’re not in a formal school setting, I’ve attending these with a homeschool coop, and it still works well!

Why I chose a Vendor STEM Day

I chose a vendor STEM day because I wanted students to hear real voices from STEM fields. I didn’t just want them to learn what STEM stood for, I wanted to see it happening in the realworld. Our school is pre-k through 12th grade, so it was important that our STEM Day was highly engaging and varied for multiple age groups. I didn’t want the kids waiting in long lines or being bored, so we structured the day to be broken into short, five minute rotations to keep everyone’s energy high.

As a teacher, I also looked at this event from my perspective. Although we always love to have opportunities for our students, we don’t necessarily want extra work in order to participate. I made sure that this was a guiding principle while I was planning the schoolwide STEM Day.

I asked for permission to plan this event from my admin about 14-20 weeks before I planned to have the actual schoolwide STEM Day. My administration allowed me to lead the planning and run the event with periodic update meetings throughout the planning process.

Choosing Vendors

In full transparency, I have been in the STEM field in my community for over 10 so I already had a lot of built-in contacts. However, I wanted to make sure I had a wide-range of vendors to peak various student interests.

First, research! This is your brainstorming stage.

When you’re looking for vendors, make a list of all the vendors you want to invite. Check their website, social media, and if possible, fill out their vendor request form. For each potential vendor, write their name, contact number, contact email, and the contact person’s name.

For your first schoolwide STEM Day, double the number of vendors you want to attend. My goal for this schoolwide STEM day was 10 vendors. I reached out to 20 vendors and received confirmation from 11 vendors.

What To Say To Vendors

My first form of contact for each of the vendors was email. This was easiest for me to reach out to a large number of people at one time. Later, some vendors set up a phone call with me to brainstorm and talk about details, but initially, I reached out via e-mail.

At this stage, I didn’t have a lot of details to send about the event. My goal here was to make sure interested vendors saved the date and reserved their calendar to attend. At this stage, you still have time to plan the details.

Suggested Timeline: Send an email request for vendors 8-10 weeks before the event. Here is my sample e-mail.

Subject: STEM Day Invitation + Date

Hello!

My name is [Teach Go Green] and I am a ]middle and high school science teacher] at [insert school]. Our [school/co op] is excited to expand STEM opporuntities for our students in order to deepend their undersanding of how science, technology, energineering, and mathmateics connect to the real world. We are especially intersted in helping students learn STEM career paths in our local community. On [insert date], we are our hosting our first STEM Day and would love for you to host a table.

Our students are [insert adjectives: curious, engaged] and always excited about new opportunties like this! STEM Day will be a schoolwide event designed to reach [grades] in hands-on STEM experiences with organiations like you!

Please SAVE THE DATE for [school name] STEM Day on [date] and [time].

An exact schedule and number of students, along with more details will be forthcoming as the event gets closer. Snacks will be served during a “vendor break” as well as a catered lunch provided at the end of the event.

Please RSVP no later than COB [date]. Suggestion: 4-5 weeks before event date.

We hope you can join us on [date]!

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Planning the Details of the Schoolwide STEM Day

This is the meat and potatoes of the event. In my opinion, this is my favorite part because I love details. For me, the more details, the better.

I planned out the day based on my goal number of vendors I wanted to attend the event. Once I received confirmations from the vendors, I was able to make mild adjustments according to my actual numbers.

1. I divided our students by grade level.
2. I assigned each group a starting vendor station
3. Timed out each rotation for 5 minutes.

Here is what my rotation system looked like:

Communication with Vendors, Staff, and Students

Communication is so important!

Throughout this process, I kept an active Google Document with my admin so they could see any updates in real time. This helped keep them informed if they needed additional information. I also set up a meeting with the admin once a month to give updates and ask any logistical questions I had at the time

For teachers, we sent out a flyer with all the information teachers needed to know, including times and location. They were also made aware of their roles and student expectations.

Communication with Vendors

For vendors, I sent out an email with the schedule, objectives, and answers to questions they may have had.

Email to vendors one month before – please customize for your event specifics.

Subject: [school/coop name] STEM DAY DETAILS: [date of event]

Hello, and thank you so much for signing up for our STEM Day!

We are incredibly excited to have you visit next month. Below you will find additional information for the day. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or need further information.

Event Details: On [date], students will enter by grade level starting at [time] and rotate every 5 minutes to a different table. Students will have a bingo card to get stamped, marking that they have visited your table. During your 5 minutes with each group, please provide a hands-on engagement activity related to STEM and your organization. There will be a short break between elementary students (Pre-K – 5th) and middle/high school students (6th – 12th), where we will provide snacks and give you time to reset.  We have chairs for everyone, but please bring your own table*. If you do not have a table, let me know. 

Address: [insert address here]

Set Up Time: *insert time here. We allowed set up 1 hour before the event

Catered lunch served at: *insert time here. We opted for a catered lunch as a thank you to our vendors. This, of course, is optional.

Additional notes: [include event specifics and day of contact name and phone number]

Roles for Vendors, Staff, and Students

Vendor Roles

Ensure vendors know to bring hands-on activities. I told the vendors our students love activities that are messy, uses technology, is a competition or game, and anything helps them think of everyday items in a new way. Make sure to find out if your vendors need electricity or access to water, and whether they need a table and chairs or if they will bring their own. Vendors received a “stamp“/dot marker to mark the sheet of each of the students who came to their table to count as attendance for the student. I left a welcome sheet and a schedule of the day on each table.

Staff Roles

I created signs for staff to keep their students together in groups. The teachers were responsible for making sure the students were broken up into groups before they came to the gym for the schoolwide STEM day.

Student Roles

The students received a STEM bingo card. They were required to have each vendor stamp their name on the bingo card. On the back of the bingo card are reflection questions that their teacher can use with them in class after the event.

Lessons learned

Now that our first schoolwide STEM Day is done, I will incorporate an FAQ. This will help answer questions before they’re asked outloud. I will also add some sample questions for the students to ask the vendors. This will help the students stay engaged while at each of the vendor tables. I will also do a morning huddle with the vendors and staff before the event to make sure everyone knows how the day is going to go.

Integrating real STEM careers into a schoolwide STEM Day elevated student learning in ways that felt authentic, exciting, and unique. The 5-minute rotation worked so well because it kept the energy high for every class.

Whether you’re in a small school district, a large school district, or a local homeschool coop, I encourage you to plan a schoolwide STEM Day. This model is adaptable for any size.

Products you may like

Check out these guest speaker worksheets for your next career day event or guest speaker presentation! Keep your students engaged with these activities to pique their interest, encourage critical thinking, and prepare them to make the most of the guest speaker’s insights.

Other Posts You May Like:

• Proven Guest Speaker Worksheets That Will Keep Your Students Engaged
• What I Do the First Week of School Middle and High School Science New Teacher (Ideas that Aren’t Boring!)
• 12 Best Eye-Opening Environmental Movies For Students to Inspire on Earth Day (with FREE discussion questions!)

When I’m teaching living and nonliving things I’ve found that some students actually have a hard time with the conept! When we start this unit, students have an easy time catorizing items like “a dog” or “a rock”, but when it comes to things like “clouds” or “fire” or even “a leaf that fell of the tree”, the kids have a harder time categorizing.

As a homeschool mom, it’s important to be prepared for this potential confusion and be prepared to meet the students where they are and help them understand the concepts of living and nonliving things, even when the choices seem less clear.

When something moves, changes, or looks alive, even if it technically isn’t, it can get confusing. However, with simple language, real-life examples, and hands-on experiences, kids can build a strong understanding that actually sticks.

What Living and Nonliving Things Really Mean

Keeping it simple, here are some characteristics of living things.

A living thing is something that needs food and water to live! Living things can grow and change.

Criteria for living things:

• Need food, water
• Need air
• Need shelter
• Grow and change
• Can reproduce
• Move or respond to their environment
• Need care to stay healthy

A nonliving thing does not need food or water. Nonliving things do not grow or change on their own.

Criteria for nonliving things:

• Do NOT need food, water, or air
• Do NOT grow or reproduce
• Can move or change, but only because something else causes it

Remember, movement alone does not mean something is living. Once kids understand that living things meet their own needs, I’ve found that everything becomes clearer.

Real-Life Ways to Teach Living and Nonliving Things

You don’t need the perfect lesson plan to make this work! Honestly, this is such a great lesson to teach outdoors, especially during the springtime. Here are a few ways to teach living and nonliving things with a real world connection.

1. Nature Walks

On a nature walk you’ll find plenty of living and nonliving things.

One way we extend this living vs. nonliving exploration is with nature walks using this nature journal. Being able to actually see different living and nonliving things helps bring this lesson to life.

2. Everyday household items

As we know as homeschool moms, everyday household items are an excellent opportunity for learning. Even when I’m teaching in the classoom, I can guide students to pull from things found in their home rather than having them identify items that may not have as much meaning to thing.

The home is already full of so many examples!

Living: pets, houseplants, people

Nonliving: furniture, toys, dishes, books

Talking about these familiar objects helps kids connect science to real life instead of seeing it as just a school-only topic.

Hands-On Living and Nonliving Activities Kids Actually Enjoy

3. Planting

You can build on these living vs. nonliving observations with simple planting activities.

Planting is one of the easiest ways to reinforce living and nonliving concepts. Kids have an opportunity to observe seeds change over time, notice how plants need water, sunlight, and care, and even compare a growing plan to nonliving soil or pots.

4. Living and Nonliving Sorting Activity

This sorting activity is such a great way to help kids practice decision-making related to the topic of living and nonliving things.

Here are some questions to make sure to ask your students:

• “Why did you place this here?”
• “What made you so sure or unsure?”

Having conversations about their choices helps to utilize critical thinking skills and check for deeper understanding.

5. Simple Science Investigations

If you have a microscope, this is a perfect opportunity to compare living and nonliving things under the microscope!

Creative & Visual Ways to Reinforce Living and Nonliving Concepts

6. Drawing and Labeling

Drawing and labeling the characteristics helps slow down your kids’ thinking and deepen their understanding.

7. Journals, Mini Books, and Anchor Charts

My kids LOVE anchor charts. These anchor charts with characteristics of living things can be incredibly powerful when confusion comes up later. You can refer back to this visual tool to remind the kids the difference between living and nonliving things again and again.

Teaching Living and Nonliving Things Through Play and Movement

8. Scavenger hunts

My default is a scavenger hunt as often as possible! They require little to no prepa and help get the kids up and moving. It also allows them to make connections to the real world!

Have you kids search for living and nonliving things around the yard or at a part and you can either sort them as they go or have them do it all at the end.

FREE Nature Scavenger Hunt for kids

A free, no-prep printable activity.

Color it, head outdoors, and explore nature with this free scavenger hunt.

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9. Act it out (grow, move, stay still)

This one is so fun because it allows kids to use their imagination! Personally, my son LOVES the opporutnity to act it out.

Here are some ideas:

• Pretend to grow like a plant
• Breath like a living thing
• Freeze like a non living object

Movement really helps cement abstract ideas in a memorable way!

How We Approach Living and Nonliving Things in Our Homeschool

TIPS: Adapting Living and Nonliving Lessons for Different Ages

For Younger Learners

• Focus on observation
• Fewer words
• Repetition

For our little learners, here are some great age-appropriate science ideas to incoporate at home.

For Older Learners

• Life cycles
• Needs vs wants
• Environmental connections

For older students, you can connect living and nonliving concepts to the life cycle of a compost pile.

Simple Nature Tools We Actually Use for Homeschool Science

We don’t bring much with us, but having a magnifying glass or small observation tool really helps kids slow down and notice details.

• Kids binoculars
• Magnifying glasses
• Bug viewers
• Clipboards
• Bug inspector

Outdoor Essentials for Year-Round Homeschool Learning

Getting outside is always easiest for us when eveyone is comfortable and prepared.

• Rain boots
• Weather-resistant jackets
• Outdoor mats or picnic blankets
• Small backpacks for kids

Get a full Living and Nonliving Things Mini Packet Here

Other Blog Posts You May Like:

• Easy DIY Activity: How To Start Seeds in Cartons (Living vs. Nonliving Lesson)
• How to Make a Nature Field Journal for Students
• Best Science Educational Activities for 3–5 Year Olds at Home
• Making Composting Understandable for Kids

You can do this in your homeschool or classroom. If you work alongside other teachers, you can set up these stations in a central location, like the library or the resource room, and have each class rotate into the room. Coordinate with the other teachers in your grade/subject and make a schedule so each student has time to rotate.

These Earth Day stations can be adjusted for different grade levels too! I’ve done this even with high school students, just make each station applicable to what they may be learning in science or important Earth Day concepts. Below, I’ll give some examples to help inspire you.

Earth Day Stations: Transform your classroom into an Earth Day celebration with multiple stations:

Below is your detailed guide to running 4 Earth Day-themed stations, complete with activities for each. Grab your supplies, set expectations, and let’s make Earth Day hands-on and memorable for your students!

Step 1: Prep Your Station Rotation Plan

• Decide on your group size — I recommend 4 groups with around 5-6 students per group (adjust for your class size).
• Timing: Plan for 15-20 minutes per station. The whole event will run about 1.5 hours, including cleanup and transitions.
• Print and prep materials — Print all printables ahead of time, prep sensory bins, gather rocks, planting materials, and recyclables.
• Label your stations — Use signs or posters: “Story Time Station,” “Rock Station,” etc.
• Create a rotation chart — Display it so students know where they’re headed next.

Step 2: Introduce Earth Day Stations

Before jumping in, gather your class and explain:

• What is Earth Day?
• Each activity
• Rotation expectations (quiet voices, clean-up, teamwork)
• How they’ll rotate (timer/bell will signal when to switch)

Tip: Use a fun Earth Day video or read an Earth Day book to kick things off!

Step 3: Run The Stations

Step 4: Rotation Logistics

• Set a timer or bell for 15-35 minutes per station.
• Give a 5-minute warning for wrapping up and cleaning.
• Have students rotate clockwise to avoid traffic jams.
• Assign one adult/volunteer per station if possible for smoother flow.

Step 5: Wrap-Up and Reflect

Gather your students back together:

• Share what they loved most
• Let students show off their crafts (books, rocks, handprints)
• Recap what we learned about Earth Day and taking care of the planet

Extra Tips for Success

• Play soft nature sounds or Earth Day music during stations
• Have a clean-up plan ready for the sensory bin, paint, and planting
• Take photos to create an Earth Day bulletin board or digital slideshow
• Send home student creations with a short Earth Day info sheet for parents

Station Idea #1: Trace and Color Pages

Students trace Earth Day words and color the pictures.

Station Idea #2: Earth Day Bingo

Play a round (or two) of bingo using printable cards. Reward winners with a sticker or small prize.

Station Idea #3: Earth Day Bookmarks

Students color bookmarks with Earth-friendly messages.

Station Idea #4: Earth Day Book

Students color and staple their mini book to read later.

Station Idea #5: Rock Hunt

If you can go outside, students search for unique rocks (if not, provide rocks in a bin).

Station Idea #6: Rock Sink or Float Activity

Students predict, test, and record if rocks sink or float in a tub of water. Keep towels nearby!

Station Idea #7: Rock Sensory Bin

Set up a bin with rocks, dirt, sand, and magnifying glasses for exploration.

Station Idea #8: Rock Bingo

Play rock-themed bingo based on rock types, textures, or colors.

Station Idea #9: Happy Earth, Sad Earth Habits

Students write whether each practice is a happy or sad environmental actions.

Station Idea #10: Earth Day Coloring Spinner Wheel

Students color their spinner and play by spinning and landing on actions.

Station Idea #11: Recycling/Trash/Compost sort

Use printed pictures. Students sort using the provided sheet.

Station Idea #12: Earth Day Handprint Activity

Students make a handprint Earth using the printable below by dipping their hands in the paint and adding it to the paper.

Station Idea #13: Planting seeds in old egg cartons, cleaned keurig cups, or small plastic cups

Use egg cartons or yogurt cups. Label them for students to take home.

Station Idea #14: Gardening Bingo

Play bingo with garden-themed words or pictures.

Station Idea #15: DIY Seed paper

Use shredded scrap paper. Mix with water, press into shapes, and dry to plant later.

Station Idea #16: Garden Rock Painting

Students paint rocks with flowers, Earth symbols, or words like “Grow” or “Recycle.”

Read more here: Best Creative Rock Painting Ideas For Earth Day (Easy + Fun)

Station Idea #17: Window Sill Herbs

Station Idea #18: Ecosystem Coloring Pages

Station Idea #19: Earth Day Scattegories/Fact or Fiction

Station Idea #20: Create an Earth Day Poster

I hope you enjoyed this blog post all about Earth Day Stations!

Related Posts:

• What Is Photosynthesis? And 24 Other Earth Day Jeopardy Questions
• Unbelievably Good Earth Day Preschool Activities For Your Preschool Curriculum
• The Most Adorable Earth Day Treat Ideas and Gifts From Teachers (Easy + Fun!)

This year I am teaching science to both middle and high school students. I want my classroom to feel structured, but not stiff. I want the kids to be able to learn by doing and experience how science is used in their lives every single day.

Since we can’t just jump into instruction on the first day of school, I wanted to have a variety of activities to introduce the students to my class, set the expectations, and make sure everyone feels welcomed in my classroom.

Here is a list of what I do the first week of school activities as a new middle and high school science teacher. These resources will keep things low-stress but high-impact. And don’t worry, some of them are completely free!

By the end of the first week students will:

• Have learned each others names
• Feel a sense of belonging in my classroom
• Be able to identify safety lab procedures
• Understand the basic rules and expectations in my classroom

Syllabus and Lab Safety Review BINGO

Instead of giving direct instruction, standing at the front of the classroom and reading off the syllabus and lab safety review information, I made a game out of it! These first week of school activities are always a hit! My students LOVED it! It kept them engaged, and a few classes got so competitive. I keep a “treasure box” of prizes for the kids to choose from, which made the stakes even higher. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a 12th grader take bingo extremely seriously.

Back To School Folders

During our teacher work days I print out sheets from this back-to-school reflection packet and place them in a folder. Students have the opportunity to decorate the front of their folder and work on the reflection sheets quietly. I love this activity because it is a great early finsher activity or “may do” for the rest of the week! Since students are just getting back in the groove of school, some may only write one word answers. I’m not picky about how well they answer, but I like that this activity gives the students independent work that’s low pressure and engaging.

Find Someone Who: Science Edition

These first week of school activities gets my kids up and moving. I love how this activity also gives me an opportunity to practice our attention getters and our voice control levels. We can actively practice these classroom rules while also having fun and getting to know each other.

Entry Ticket (“Do Now” Activity): Fact or Cap

I got the idea for this game name from a Tik Tok video, but I love it! I’m also thinking about using this title to create review games for my classes as well. Teaching older kids gives us a little more room to incorporate appropriate slang and trendy topics to make things more fun. Of course, it’s a fine line between fun and being cringe, but I trust you can discern between the two!

For this activity, students get a slip of paper with statements like:

• I graduated from ____
• I once went to Disney four times in a year
• I’m married with six kids
• Science is my least favorite subject
• I have 2 cats and 4 dogs
• I once got detention for sneezing too loudly

Their job is to decide if it’s fact or cap (false). They love it and by the end, they know more information about me and feel more comfortable in my classroom.

Decorative Name Tags

This is my chance to gauge their personalities and give them some creative freedom. I allow the students to use these for the first week of school and choose their seats each day. After the first week, I make a seating chart and the students know where their seat is because I’ve used these same name tags to label their seat.

Student-Led Rules

This one is a hit every year! After the student’s are warmed up, I break them into groups and tell them “pretend you’re the teacher. What rules would you create for this class”. Each group has 3 sticky notes. They get to create 3 “rules” for the class.

The students get so into it! Then I show them my actual classroom procedures, and we compare. Ironically, their rules are sometimes. harsher than my rules. They’re always suprised that I’m more relaxed than they expected, but it’s a create opening for conversations about how to be respectful and safe and why certain rules exist.

Bonus: The Name Ball Game (Group Juggle)

I usually do this on Day 2 or 3 when students have seen each other’s faces a few times, but still don’t know each other well. I also like doing this on the first day with my homeroom because we get extra time together and the students will get to know each other very well in that class.

We stand in a circle and toss around a soft ball. Before you throw the ball to the next person, you have to say the name of the person you’re throwing to. I usually go first to get the momentum going.

It starts off slow and awkward, but by the end, students are laughing and shouting names. I add more balls in to make it more complicated, and its gets even more chaotic.

If you’re looking for the activities I use during the first week of school for my middle and high school science students, check out this list below:

• Syllabus + Lab Safety Bingo
• Back to School Reflection Sheets
• Find Someone Who – Science Edition
• Name Tag Freebie

The first week of school really sets the tone. I want my students to know that they’re part of our classroom community. In my classroom their questions matter, their personalities will have an opportunity to shine and every mistake is considered part of the process.

What better way to incorporate the earthy feeling of fall than with an eco friendly fall bucket list! This list incorporates 27 fun activities to do during the fall to make the most of the season. Even though the days are getting shorter, it doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy spending time in nature and bringing eco friendly habits into your family lifestyle.

This post is all about 27 unique eco friendly fall things to do!

1. Make your own apple cider

Fall is one of the most perfect times to go apple picking. There are so many different varieties of apples to choose from during this peak season, but what do you do with them when you get them? Try making your own apple cider! The recipe if following is from Delish. It takes about 10 apples to make 8 cups of apple cider. The apple cider is not only delicious, it makes your home smell AMAZING! Find the recipe here! *Note: for some fun fall brunch vibes, add champagne for Apple Cider Mimosas!

2. Host a bonfire party

I’m personally a fan of bonfires year-round! Honestly, they’re fun and cozy no matter the season. If I had to choose a favorite season though, it would be fall! Indulge in those chilly fall evenings with a bright and crackling bonfire party. Don’t forget the items for s’mores! I like to switch it up by adding other chocolate treats to my graham cracker and marshmallow combination, to make it even more fun.

3. Go back to school thrift shopping

Fall means back to school! Instead of only shopping at traditional stores for clothing items, try doing some back-to-school thrift shopping! Thrift shopping for back-to-school items is fun because you’ll find unique pieces no one else has. You may even be lucky enough to find some vintage items! I’m always surprised by what I may find at the thrift store and you may be too! Look for bags, clothes, accessories, binders, items for dorm rooms, pencil cases, and even lunch boxes.

4. Visit an antique store

If you love the thrill of a deal antique shopping may be for you! This fall, take a trip to an antique store. Find items that you can reuse and repurpose to give them another life in your home! Antique shopping is fun because you find the most unique and one-of-a-kind items, usually valued at less than you would expect. Antique sometimes means a trip down memory lane! Find items that remind you of past memories or find unexpected items to use in your home.

5. Go rollerskating

If ice skating is for wintertime, rollerskating is definitely a great fall activity.

Growing up rollerskating was something everyone did! I have photos from my 9th birthday getting a new pair of rollerskates and immediately going outside to practice. If you don’t already have skates, invest in some! Whether you choose a rink or just skate outside, this is a great eco friendly fall thing to do. Enjoy your time outdoors and take in the beautiful fall foliage while skating!

6. Decorate pumpkins

Yes, decorating pumpkins seems like one of those obviously eco friendly fall things to do, but I challenge you to take it a step up! Make pumpkin decorations unique with some of these ideas:

7. Reuse your pumpkins with these recipes

According to research, out of the 2 billion pounds of pumpkins grown in the US and UK each year, about 1.6 billion pounds of those pumpkins are tossed in the ground (source). This is a problem because waste in the trash accumulates in landfills. Landfills are one of the top producers of methane, a very potent greenhouse gas. Accumulation of greenhouse gases are contributing to climate change.

Instead of tossing your pumpkin in the trash, cut them up and try these recipes:

• 5 Best Recipes For Cooking With Fresh Pumpkin
• Pumpkin Puree Recipe
• Vegan Black Beans and Rice One Pot Recipe
• Healthy Pumpkin Bread (you’ll want to make the pumpkin puree from above first!)

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8. Go to a football game

Experiences are a great way to fall season environmentally friendly eco living activity. Grab a few jerseys and get to a game! Whether it is a professional football game, a college game, or even a local school football game, attending a game is a great eco friendly fall thing to do! Grab your blanket for the cozy weather and cheer on your favorite team.

9. Watch the sunset

The cooler fall temperatures make us all crave to be outdoors. Watching the sunset this fall is a way to enjoy the outdoors even from the comfort of your home! In addition, sunsets help us appreciate nature and increase our gratitude for Earth. Whether you watch from a window, in your backyard, on your front porch, or somewhere in your community, take a few months and enjoy the beauty of the sunset in the fall sky. Tune in to your five senses and take note of what you see, feel, hear, taste, and smell,

10. Plant your fall garden

Fall planting is one of my absolute favorite eco friendly fall things to do! The heat has finally taken a break and it is a perfect time to plant and allow the plants to have the ability to establish before winter. Your plants won’t have to survive the harsh heat from the beating sun and will need less water to survive.

11. Go to the beach during the off-season

The tourists are gone and it’s time to add the beach to your list of eco friendly fall things to do! Yup, visiting the beach during the off-season is a must. There are fewer people, the beach is less crowded and you can really appreciate the peace and beauty of the beach.

12. Visit National Parks on their free admission day

Have you ever visited a National Park? It’s no secret why visiting a national park made my list of eco friendly fall things to do. National parks are areas set aside by a national government for the preservation of the natural environment (source). Here are two free admission days this fall to plan your national park trip!

• Saturday, September 24 – National Public Lands Day 
• Friday, November 11 – Veterans Day 

13. Take family photos at the pumpkin patch

Is it even fall if you don’t have a photoshoot?! This is a great eco-friendly fall thing to do because it helps to capture memories. Make a lasting moment of enjoying the beauty of nature during the turning of seasons.

Check out this article for 40 fall photoshoot ideas!

14. Make a caramel apple

Did you go apple picking this summer? This is a great way to use up those apples so you are not contributing to food waste! Caramel apples are a staple in the fall and one of my favorites. They’re sticky, sweet, and so much fun to eat. Add caramel apples to your list of eco friendly fall things to do!

Here is a super simple recipe to make the most delicious caramel apples.

WANT MORE FALL FUN?

15. Create a “fall vibes” playlist

Music has a way of connecting us on a deeper level. Music is associated with our mood, our memories, and is good for the brain! When you’re thinking of eco friendly fall things to do, don’t forget to make your fall playlist. Create an ambiance of cozy warmth and all the fall feels with songs that remind you of crunchy leaves, changing colors, cardigans, and crisp air.

Here are a few songs from my “fall vibes” playlist.

• Wake Me Up When September Ends, Green Day
• September, Earth Wind, and Fire
• Autumn Leaves, Chris Brown
• Autumn Leaves, Ed Sheeran
• October, Alessia Cara
• Sunday Morning, Maroon 5
• Thriller, Michael Jackson
• Summertime Sadness, Lana Del Rey
• Spotify Fall Playlist

16. Make your own trail mix

Trail mix is a unique mixture of protein with a slight addition of sweetness. It is a crunchy, savory, on-the-go snack that is perfect for the outdoors, especially during the fall season. To make this trail one of our eco friendly fall things to do, we suggest not just buying the trail mix, but making your own!

Not only is making your own trail mix more fun and cost-effective, it also reduces packaging and cuts down on unnecessary additives in some foods because you know exactly what you’re adding in.

The trail mix I love to make has peanuts, pecans, dried mango, Reese’s pieces, and pretzels – so good!

For more inspiration, check out these 20 Best Trail Mix Recipes

17. Have a cozy self-care night

Grab some fuzzy slippers and cozy PJs and read a good book while enjoying a cup of plastic-free tea. Light a candle, play that fall playlist, and enjoy the vibes of the fall season.

Related Post: Super Simple and Relaxing At-Home Spa Date Night Idea

18. Movie marathon

Nothing says eco friendly fall things to do like a movie marathon! Here are a few recommendations:

• Harry Potter
• Waiting to Exhale
• Twitches
• Hocus Pocus
• Halloween
• Halloween Town
• You’ve Got Mail
• Silver Linings Playbook

19. Drink a pumpkin spice latte

This is fall must, right? To make this eco friendly bucket list item eco friendly, try to make your own pumpkin spice latte. If you can’t try out a local coffee shop and don’t forget your reusable cup!

20. Start your Christmas list

If we’re talking unique eco friendly fall things to do, this is definitely it. Get started on that Christmas list! Christmas is so close! Although it’s on the same date every year, it always seems to catch us off guard and leave us scrambling for items.

When thinking about your lists, consider items for yourself and for friends and families. Writing your list and beginning your shopping early will help reduce overbuying and impulse purchases.

Related post: 5 Easy and Effective Christmas Shopping Hacks to Prepare for Christmas Day

21. Read a book from start to finish

Get lost in a good book! This fall check out your local library and find a good book!

Another great option is to borrow an ebook from you local library through the Libby app.

Check out this post on 5 book apps everyone should have!

22. Make homemade hot chocolate

As the weather cools down a great way to stay warm and cozy is with a cup of hot chocolate. To make it eco, make the hot chocolate at home with fair trade chocolate or purchase coffee bombs from local shops like etsy!

23. Have a backyard barbeque

Consider these tips when hosting an eco friendly backyard barbeque:

• Use reusable dishes and utensils
• Offer cups for drinks instead of plastic drink containers
• DIY popsicles
• Recycle what you can
• Compost
• Limit food waste by cooking only what you need and giving away leftovers

24. Open the windows

Letting in natural sunlight is not only peaceful, but it is also one of the best ways to bring the feeling of outside, inside. During the fall the breeze from outdoors add a cozy feeling to your home. Opening the windows is on our list of eco friendly fall things to do because it also helps decrease your energy consumption. In the beginning of fall when temperatures have decreased from summer, but have not hit the winter cold yet, it provides the perfect amount of breeze, for free!

Natural air is good for your lungs and helps to improve air quality.

25. Unplug and enjoy the weather

Go on a hike, go on a walk, or drive to see the fall foliage. Put your phone down or place it on “do not disturb” and truly enjoy the beauty of nature. The changing of seasons is a beautiful reminder of the way in which our lives change and go through different seasons. Slowing down to enjoy the natural ambiance of Earth is not only good for your health but also helps to facilitate a connection to our planet.

26. Celebrate National Gratitude Month

November is national gratitude month! Being mindful, conscious, and environmentally aware all go hand in hand. To celebrate national gratitude month Create a list of things you’re grateful for or list one thing you are grateful for each day.

27. Donate or organize donations

At the turn of every season, I find myself cleaning and decluttering. Is it just me? When you’re decluttering this fall season, be sure to donate your clothing and other goods as opposed to placing them in the trash.

Related Posts: The Only Eco-Friendly Cleaning Routine You Need This Fall

28. Make Cinnamon Rolls

Spend a slow morning baking cinnamon rolls! It’s a perfect way to warm up the kitchen and treat your family to a cozy breakfast.

29. Get a fall coloring book

Coloring books are such a fun way to slow down and enjoy the season! Unwing with this fall-themed coloring book full of pumpkins, leaves, and woodland critters.

30. Create a “ber” (BRRR) basket for the start of the “ber” months

As soon as the “ber” months hit (September, October, November, December), get ready with a cozy basket full of fall and winter essentials! Create the perfect seasonal survival kit for staying warm and happy.

I hope you enjoyed this post all about eco friendly fall things to do!

Related Posts:

• The 25 Best Eco Friendly School Supplies For 2022
• 9 Festive Ways to Celebrate an Eco Friendly Halloween At Home
• Here’s how to celebrate an eco-friendly Thanksgiving with these sustainable tips

Why Should I Care About A Plastic Free Summer?

Did you know more than 380 million tons of plastic are produced every year?! Of that,half of it is single-use (source). This includes grocery bags, coffee cup lids, and takeout containers which are then stuck on Earth for centuries, littering our planet, harming marine life, and breaking down into microplastics that end up in our bodies.

Here are some additional facts that you may not realize:

• 91% of plastic isn’t recycled. It still ends up in landfills or as litter (source).
• Over 1 million animals die each year from plastic pollution (source).
• Microplastics are now found in food, water, as well as human blood, testicles, and brains (source).
• Plastic is made from oil and gas and can take hundreds of years to breakdown (source).
• 4% of global oil and gas is used for plastic production (source).
• Most plastics contain additives that are now raising concerns as we learn more about their toxicity in human bodies and the environment (source).

But don’t let these statistics get you down, I want to empower you to live your best Plastic Free July and beyond!

Here is how to actually have a plastic free summer (without the overwhelm):

First, a mindset shift: we’re not focusing on perfection, but we do need to do better.

Set your mind and your intentions to do your best. This is not a test we are aiming to ace. We want to set up habits to make real, consistent changes, that you can actually do in your everyday life. Your goal here is to DO BETTER, NOT DO IT ALL.

Plastic Benefits: Why do we use so much plastic anyway?

• Plastic is cheap
• Sometimes plastic can be reused
• Plastic performs better than some other materials
• Plastic is light-weight which means low transportation costs
• We use plastic for infrastructure and medical equipment that protect public health
• More reasons why we use so much plastic!

Even though plastic clearly has benefits, we have become dependent on it in a way that is damaging our health and the health of the planet.

Next, you’re going to do a plastic audit to find out how much plastic stuff do you really have?

When anyone calls me out on something I immediately think to myself “I’m not that bad!”. At this point in the conversation, I’m assuming you’re thinking that same thing about your plastic consumption. Considering the fact that almost half your phone is made out of plastic, your phone case is probably made out of plastic and at least one other thing in the room is made of plastic, plastic is literally all around us.

If we want to live a plastic-free summer, we’re going to have to see where the plastic is and decide how to get rid of it. Download your free step by step guide for a plastic audit in your home.

Do A Plastic Audit (for free!)

Discover how much plastic is hiding in your home with his easy to use checklist to help you track single-use plastics.

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Next, Choose One or Two Swaps to Start

Now that you understand where the plastic is hiding in your home. This is where the action starts. Only choose one or two swaps each week. We’re trying to actually have a plastic free summer without the overwhelm so don’t overcomplicate it.

You can check out my blog of easy zero waste swaps or eco friendly products to help reduce your impact.

Week 1: No Disposable Water Bottles

Use reusable stainless steel or glass bottles instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles. If you’re using a plastic reusable water bottle, you’re going to wan to replace it.

Week 2: Tackle the snacks

If you’re a mom, you know we’re always on the go and the kids are constantly asking for snacks. Now is the time to decide what alternatives you’d like to put in place for snacks in single-use bags and using “ziploc” bags.

Week 3: Swap your sunscreen

Most sunscreens come in plastic tubes and contain chemicals harmful for ocean life. Try to choose a reef-safe sunscreen in plastic free packaging.

Week 4: Bring your own straw and utensils

During the summer, I eat out more! Instead of relying on plastic utensils and straws, make sure to pack your own!

Week 5: Search your area for zero waste stores and farmers markets

Make a little outing out of finding eco spots in your neighborhood. Even if you’re just going to check them out, it’s nice to know what your city offers so you have plastic-free options when it is time to replace items which previously came in plastic – think soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.

Week 6: Try plastic free icecream and popsicles

Instead of individually wrapped ice cream bars or ice cream in a cup, choose a cone! You can also make popsicles at home with reusable silicone molds for a plastic free summer dessert!

Week 7: Swap out some travel essentials

Try to pack a reusable toiletry kit with shampoo bars, tooothpaste tablets, and a bamboo toothbrush instead of single-use plastic travel items.

Week 8: Buy in Bulk

At this point, we’re getting close to the start of the school year, and it is the perfect time to stock your pantry. Buying in bulk can significantly help reduce plastic waste.

Having a plastic free summer isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making better choices when you can.

Imagine the impact if millions of us refusing one plastic item every single day.

Related Posts:

• 31 Plastic Free July Swaps You Need To Try This Summer
• 23 Extremely Simple Summer Sustainability Tips to Go Green This Season
• Here Are The Most Amazing Vegetarian Barbecue Ideas Anyone Will Love This Memorial Day

Try these tips to reduce food waste, even if you don’t compost!

1. Use Coffee Grounds and Banana Peels for Fertilizer

You never knew it could be so easy to reduce food waste! Your morning coffee can do more than just wake you up. Used coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth. Simply sprinkle the grounds around your garden plants to give them a nutrient boost. Similarly, banana peels can be packed with potassium, phosphorous, and calcium—minerals that are great for your garden. Chop them up and bury them around your plants.

2. Make Your Own Veggie Broth

Don’t toss those vegetable scraps! Onions, garlic peels, carrot tops, and celery ends can all be saved to make a flavorful veggie broth. Simply collect your scraps in a container in the freezer until you have enough. Then, simmer them in water for a few hours, strain, and you’ve got a delicious and sustainable broth ready for soups and stews.

3. Make Homemade Bone Broth

If you’re a meat-eater, don’t throw away those bones. Beef, chicken, and pork bones can be simmered with some water and a splash of vinegar to create nutrient-rich bone broth. It’s perfect for soups, gravies, or as a cooking liquid for grains. Bone broth is not only nutritious but also a great way to ensure that no part of the animal goes to waste.

4. Make a Simmer Pot

A simmer pot is an excellent way to use up fruit peels and leftover herbs. Toss apple cores, orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary into a pot of water and let it simmer on low heat. Your home will smell amazing, and you’ll make use of otherwise discarded scraps.

5. DIY Cleaner with Citrus Peels

Citrus peels are excellent for making homemade cleaners. Fill a jar with leftover lemon, lime, or orange peels and cover them with white vinegar. Seal the jar and let it sit for about two weeks. Strain out the peels, and you’ve got a powerful, all-natural cleaner. It’s perfect for countertops, windows, and more.

6. Regrow Vegetables and Fruits

Many vegetables and fruits can be regrown from scraps. Green onions, lettuce, celery, and even pineapples can sprout new life if given the chance. Place the roots or seeds in water or soil, and watch them grow. It’s a fun and educational activity that can yield delicious results.

7. Reuse Pasta (Unsalted) Pasta Water

Pasta water is a surprisingly useful byproduct. If you cook pasta without salt, use the leftover water to hydrate your plants. The starchy water provides additional nutrients that can benefit their growth.

Reducing food waste doesn’t have to be complicated. By implementing these tips, you can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle and make the most out of every ingredient in your kitchen.

These tips offer practical, compost-free ways to reduce food waste and live more sustainably. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can make a significant impact on the environment and get more value from your groceries.

Other Posts You Might Like:

• 10+ Surprising Eco Tips You Probably Never Knew About That Will Actually Help The Earth
• The Best Sustainable Living Books You Need To Read Right Now
• How Can People Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle? 20+ Free Ways to Reduce Your Waste

What makes teaching shapes fun is the fact that shapes are everywhere! I always strive to introduce shapes in creative, hands-on ways to teaching shapes to your kindergarteners for kindergarteners.

If you’re looking for ideas to bring shapes to life in your classroom, you’re in the right place!

Here are some awesome ideas to know and love to use shapes to teach kindergarten and pre-k students.

Benefits of learning about shapes:

By using shapes to teach kindergarten, students will

• Develop problem-solving skills by recognizing patterns.
• Understand spatial awareness and visual perception.
• Build vocabulary as they learn to describe shapes and their attributes.
• Understand connections between classroom learning and real-world objects.

1. Real-life Examples:

Have your students identify the shapes around the classroom or homeschool room. This helps students make a real world connection by connecting the lesson to the students’ everyday environment. Take a classroom walk or go outside to find shapes in windows, signs, toys, or natural objects. The students will be able to connect abstract concepts to tangible examples. Here are some examples to shapes to teach kindergarten:

Square

• Window panes
• Checkerboard squares
• Post-it notes
• Picture frames

Circle

• Clocks
• Wheels
• Plates
• Frisbees

Oval

• Eggs
• Balloons
• Mirror frames
• Face shapes in portraits

Star

• Starfish
• Christmas tree stars
• Sheriff badges
• Stars in the night sky

Triangle

• Traffic yield signs
• Pizza slices
• Pyramids
• Roof gables

Heart

• Valentine’s Day cards
• Heart-shaped jewelry
• Cookie cutters
• Heart-shaped leaves

Rectangle

• Books
• Doors
• Phones and tablets
• Dollar bills

Hexagon

• Honeycombs
• Nuts and bolts (hexagonal heads)
• Stop signs in some countries (e.g., Canada)
• Tiled floors

Pentagon

• The Pentagon (U.S. Department of Defense building)
• Home plate in baseball
• Certain gemstones and decorative designs
• Some coasters

Diamond

• Kite shapes
• Playing card suits
• Diamond-shaped road signs
• Jewelry cuts

2. Get Moving

Use shapes to teach kindergarten by getting students active and involved.

Draw large shapes on the floor with tape or chalk. Have students trace the shapes with their fingers or walk along the edges. This activity is a fun way to reinforce the differences between shapes and encourage physical movement.

Students will be able to compose shapes and compare shapes with this activity made to teach shapes to your kindergarteners.

3. Use the Shapes Worksheet Packet

The Shapes Worksheet Packet includes activities that make learning shapes fun and interactive! I created this ultimate packet to help students learn and identify shapes.

Here are some of the components in the shapes worksheet packet:

• Shape Tracing Pages: Help students develop fine motor skills while reinforcing shape recognition.
• Sorting Activities: Challenge students to group shapes by type, size, or color.
• Matching Games: Connect shapes to real-world objects, like matching a circle to a pizza or a rectangle to a door.
• Drawing and Coloring: Encourage creativity by letting students design their own pictures using shapes.

These worksheets are great for independent practice, center activities, or even homework.

4. Shape Art Project

This is a project you can have your students do at home as a take home project.

Encourage students to create shape-based art projects. They can design houses, animals, or abstract collages using paper cutouts of different shapes.

5. Scavenger Hunt

Prep your classroom for a scavenger hunt! Hide objects around the room or make a list of object shapes that are already in the room. Create a list of clues such as “Find something shaped like a triangle,” or “Find three circles in the room.” “Find something with 4 equal sides”.

This game is more fun when students work in teams.

6. Shape Sort Relay

Have your students identify and sort shapes into the correct categories to build recognition and classification skills.

You can use the shapes packet to print out cutouts of the shapes. You can print in various colors too!

Place baskets or labeled bins around the room for each shape. Once you divide the class into teams, have each student one at a time run to pick up a shape and place it in the correct bin.

7. Shape Hopscotch

This activity uses shapes to teach kindergarteners and also gets them moving.

Draw or tape out hopscotch and tape the large cut-outs of the shapes on the floor.

Your students will love this! You can even make it even more fun like hop on one foot to the triangle, etc.

8. Shape Snacks

I love this activity because who doesn’t love a little snack!

In this activity, students will be able to identify and sort shapes. You’ll need to provide students with a variety of snack items and asked them to sort the snacks onto the correct part of their paper.

Circle Snacks

• Cookies
• Pepperoni slices
• Fruit or veggies cut into circles
• Bagels (mini bagels)
• Rice cakes
• Cereal in the shape of circles

Square Snacks

• Cheese slices
• Crackers
• Sandwiches
• Cheese It’s

Triangle Snacks

• Tortilla chips
• Pizza slices
• Watermelon slices

Rectangle Snacks

• Granola bars
• Carrot sticks
• Pretzel rods
• Graham crackers

Oval Snacks

• Grapes
• Almonds
• Mini sasuages

Star Snacks, heart snacks, hexagon snacks, pentagon snacks, diamond snacks

• use a shaped cookie cutter

8. Virtual Game

This game is fun an interactive and my students really loved it!

I hope you enjoyed these ideas about the best ways to use shapes to teach kindergarten!

Don’t forget to check out the shapes packet with over 75 pages of low/no prep activities to help your students meet learning objectives about shapes!

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