Welcome to Episode 40 of The Science Teacher's Playbook Podcast! In this episode, we're breaking down the big shifts coming to Pennsylvania science education with the upcoming implementation of the STEELS Standards in July 2025. Whether you're new to STEELS or still working through what it means for your classroom, this episode offers a practical, teacher-centered overview of how these new standards compare to the 2002 PA Science Standards—and why the change is such a big deal. 🔍 In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why STEELS is a framework, not just a checklist ✅ How engineering practices are now a core part of science learning ✅ Why depth > breadth when it comes to content coverage ✅ How STEELS pushes interdisciplinary thinking across science, math, and engineering ✅ The importance of aligning to current scientific practices and ideas 👩🏫 You'll also hear tips for how to get started now—even during this planning year—and why you don't need to buy a new program to get started with STEELS. (Spoiler: The state hasn't endorsed any curriculum yet. NONE!) 🔗 Resources mentioned: STEELS Standards Hub – PA Dept. of Ed. OpenSciEd – Free NGSS-Aligned Curriculum 🎧 Listen now and get inspired to take the first step toward a more modern, integrated, and student-centered approach to science teaching. SHOW NOTES
What if we stopped treating leadership like a checklist and started thinking of it as an ecosystem? In this episode of The Science Teacher's Playbook, Beth dives into her transformation from traditional leadership to Buildership, exploring how she stopped managing teachers and started cultivating a thriving learning environment. Through insights from Stop Leading, Start Building by Robyn Jackson, Beth reframes leadership using an ecosystem model, where teachers, students, and professional learning thrive in a balanced, interconnected system. She breaks down her Science Department Buildership Plan, a 10-step framework designed to empower teachers, foster collaboration, and create a sustainable culture of growth—just like a thriving natural ecosystem. In this episode, you'll learn: Why compliance-based leadership is like a fragile monoculture 🌾 vs. a resilient, biodiverse ecosystem The four key stages of Buildership and how they mirror natural system How Beth's 10-step Buildership Plan transformed her science department into a self-sustaining learning environment How to rewild your leadership approach by creating conditions for teachers to flourish instead of controlling them Tune in now to discover how you can stop leading and start building a science education ecosystem that thrives! Have thoughts or questions? DM Beth on Instagram @TheScienceTeachersPlaybook and share how you're growing your own educational ecosystem! Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help more educators cultivate lasting change! SHOW NOTES Check out the website https://thescienceteachersplaybook.com/ Follow on social at The Science Teacher's Playbook Instagram Facebook
In this episode of The Science Teacher's Playbook, we're diving into one of the most powerful yet underused tools in the 3D science classroom: the Driving Question Board (DQB). These boards are more than a collection of questions—they're a living record of student thinking, wonderings, and discoveries that guide learning throughout a unit. You'll learn: What a DQB is and why it's a key part of NGSS/STEELS-aligned instruction. How to launch a DQB with a phenomenon that gets students asking deep, authentic questions. Tips for organizing, revisiting, and using student questions to shape investigations. Ways to increase student ownership and keep the DQB active—not just something that sits on the wall. We'll also share classroom-tested examples, practical management strategies, and a free DQB starter kit to get you going—plus a bonus paid resource packed with ready-to-use DQB templates and teacher guides. If you're ready to turn your science classroom into a space of genuine curiosity and student-driven learning, this episode is your playbook. SHOW NOTES Follow on social at The Science Teacher's Playbook Instagram Facebook Website TpT Store
In this episode of The Science Teacher's Playbook, we're unpacking one of the most powerful tools in 3D science instruction: phenomena. Whether it's a broken phone screen, a changing population of moths, or polluted local waterways, phenomena are what make science feel real to students. You'll learn: What makes a great phenomenon (and what doesn't). How to use phenomena to spark curiosity and drive inquiry. Where to find high-quality examples. Real-life classroom strategies to make phenomena the anchor of your lessons. We'll wrap up with a free planning tool to help you evaluate or design your own phenomena—and a bonus paid resource that gives you ready-to-go unit starters aligned to NGSS/STEELS. Whether you're new to phenomena or looking to level up your use of them, this episode will help you turn curiosity into meaningful science learning. SHOW NOTES Check out my TPT resources for some great FREE and low cost resources! Follow on social at The Science Teacher's Playbook Instagram Facebook Website TpT Store
🎙️ In this episode, we're diving into 3D science teaching—what it is, why it matters, and how you can start incorporating it into your classroom. If you've ever been told to "make your lessons more 3D" but felt lost, this episode is for you! We'll break down Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs), and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs) and explain how these dimensions work together to transform science education. You'll hear real classroom examples, practical starting points, and simple ways to shift from traditional teaching to an inquiry-based, 3D approach. By the end of this episode, you'll have concrete strategies to implement right away and a better understanding of why NGSS and PA STEELS emphasize 3D learning for modern classrooms. 🔎 What You'll Learn in This Episode: The 3 dimensions of 3D science teaching (SEPs, DCIs, CCCs) Why 3D learning is essential for student engagement and real-world problem-solving Examples of 3D teaching in action—from designing solutions for plastic pollution to exploring moon phases How to start small with simple strategies for implementing 3D learning in your classroom Resources and tools to help make NGSS and PA STEELS standards more accessible SHOW NOTES Elementary Teacher Cohort Calling all elementary science teachers! Are you feeling overwhelmed by NGSS and STEELS standards? This summer, I'm launching an exclusive cohort to help you bring 3D science learning to life in your classroom. You'll get live training, ready-to-use lesson plans, and personalized support to confidently implement the new standards. Spots are limited! Sign up will open soon so keep listening to future episodes or DM me @TheScienceTeachersPlaybook to learn more! Let's make science exciting and accessible for all students! Check out the website https://thescienceteachersplaybook.com/ Follow on social at The Science Teacher's Playbook Instagram Facebook
Feeling overwhelmed by NGSS and STEELS standards? You're not alone! These 3D learning frameworks ask teachers to move beyond memorization and engage students in real-world science—but what does that actually look like in practice? In this episode, we break it all down: 🔬 What NGSS & STEELS actually are (and how they're different) 🎂 A simple "baking a cake" analogy to understand 3D learning 🚀 Easy ways to incorporate Science & Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas into your lessons 💡 Real-world examples, lesson ideas, and practical strategies to make 3D learning feel doable We'll also tackle common challenges—like finding time for 3D learning and assessing student understanding—and share solutions that actually work. Plus, don't miss our free NGSS/STEELS Cheat Sheet to help you get started! 🚀 Take the Challenge: Try ONE 3D learning strategy this week! Share your experience on Instagram @TheScienceTeachersPlaybookPod or email your questions to mrsbadessoteaches@gmail.com for a future Q&A episode! 🎧 Tune in now and start transforming your science teaching with confidence! SHOW NOTES Elementary Teacher Cohort Calling all elementary science teachers! Are you feeling overwhelmed by NGSS and STEELS standards? This summer, I'm launching an exclusive cohort to help you bring 3D science learning to life in your classroom. You'll get live training, ready-to-use lesson plans, and personalized support to confidently implement the new standards. Spots are limited! Sign up will open soon so keep listening to future episodes or DM me @TheScienceTeachersPlaybook to learn more! Let's make science exciting and accessible for all students! Check out the website https://thescienceteachersplaybook.com/ Follow on social at The Science Teacher's Playbook Instagram Facebook
After a year-long break, The Science Teacher's Playbook is back! In this episode, Beth is sharing why she hit pause, what's been happening behind the scenes, and what you can expect moving forward. Whether you're a new listener or have been here since the beginning, this relaunch is all about fresh ideas, practical strategies, and real talk about teaching science. Tune in to hear about upcoming topics, new series, and how Beth plans to make this podcast more valuable than ever. Let's jump back in and level up science education together! Show Notes Check out the website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com Follow on social: Instagram: @TheScienceTeachersPlaybook Facebook: The Science Teacher's Playbook
You are listening to episode 33 of the ready, set, science podcast. Today is all about quick tips for getting started with the STEELS standards. Whether you like them or not these standards will be the new standards for science, technology, engineering and STEM teachers starting in July 2025. So what can you put into practice RIGHT now to start embracing these standards. This episode will outline 3 quick and easy things to do today. So are you ready? Get set. Let's teach science. Read the SHOW NOTES here Check out the website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com Follow on social: Instagram: @MrsBadessoTeaches Facebook: MrsBadessoTeaches Sign up for our email list here: https://forms.gle/yb2imYRH3zC4PdXh7 The links may be affiliate links. I earn a small commission from affiliate links to fund Mrs. Badesso Teaches. Thank you for your support!
You are listening to episode 32 of the ready, set, science podcast. In today's episode we are going to outline some of the big changes coming with the STEELS standards and how the STEELS compares to the old 2002 science standards. So are you ready? Get set, let's teach science. CLICK HERE to sign up for the STEELS PLC SHOW NOTES All the links: Check out the website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com Follow on social: Instagram: @MrsBadessoTeaches Facebook: MrsBadessoTeaches Sign up for our email list here: https://forms.gle/yb2imYRH3zC4PdXh7 The links may be affiliate links. I earn a small commission from affiliate links to fund Mrs. Badesso Teaches. Thank you for your support!
You are listening to episode 31 of the Ready, Set, Science Podcast and today is all about setting yourself up with a STEELS PLC. What is a PLC? What is their purpose? How can you set one up at your school or join one? We will talk about all of this and more, so are you ready, get set, let's talk PLCs. CLICK HERE to sign up for the STEELS PLC SHOW NOTES All the links: Check out the website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com Follow on social: Instagram: @MrsBadessoTeaches Facebook: MrsBadessoTeaches Sign up for our email list here: https://forms.gle/yb2imYRH3zC4PdXh7 The links may be affiliate links. I earn a small commission from affiliate links to fund Mrs. Badesso Teaches. Thank you for your support!
You are listening to episode 30 of Ready, Set, Science! On today's episode we will discuss my recent trip to PETE & C. I am going to review what I heard, learned and my reactions, good and bad. So are you ready? Get set. Let's teach science! SHOW NOTES All the links: Check out the website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com Follow on social: Instagram: @MrsBadessoTeaches Facebook: MrsBadessoTeaches Sign up for our email list here: https://forms.gle/yb2imYRH3zC4PdXh7 The links may be affiliate links. I earn a small commission from affiliate links to fund Mrs. Badesso Teaches. Thank you for your support!
You are listening to episode 32 of the ready, set, science podcast. On today's show, we are talking all about the 5E model and how to use it in your science classroom. The 5E method of learning is a pedagogical framework commonly used in science education to engage students in the learning process through a series of phases that encourage active participation and critical thinking. The 5E model stands for Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. Each of these phases represents a key step in the learning process and is designed to help students build a deep understanding of scientific concepts. SHOW NOTES All the links: Check out the website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com Follow on social: Instagram: @MrsBadessoTeaches Facebook: MrsBadessoTeaches Sign up for our email list here: https://forms.gle/yb2imYRH3zC4PdXh7 The links may be affiliate links. I earn a small commission from affiliate links to fund Mrs. Badesso Teaches. Thank you for your support!
Welcome back to ready, set, science! Today we are going to focus on all things phenomena! I am so excited to get into this topic because it is one of my favorite ways to teach science. I love when students get to experience science and phenomena is the best way to do that. So let's get ready to teach science! SHOW NOTES All the links: Check out the website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com Find all of the products mentioned in the show on my teachers pay teachers store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mrs-Badesso-Teaches Follow on social: Instagram: @MrsBadessoTeaches Facebook: MrsBadessoTeaches Sign up for the email list here: https://forms.gle/yb2imYRH3zC4PdXh7 Resources: www.iexplorescience.com www.sadlerscience.com www.thewonderofscience.com The links may be affiliate links. I earn a small commission from affiliate links to fund Mrs. Badesso Teaches. Thank you for your support!
Many people have a complicated relationship with failure, including me! How do we move away from teaching so kids can "get the right answer" toward teaching to understanding the process? Why are we in a society where failure is a "4 letter word" and how do we get kids to break the cycle of always having to be right? Let's talk about making failure our FIRST ATTEMPT IN LEARNING. Show Notes Thanks for listening! Don't forget to check out our website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com Follow on social: Instagram: @MrsBadessoTeaches Facebook: MrsBadessoTeaches Sign up for our email list here: https://forms.gle/yb2imYRH3zC4PdXh7
For generations, the scientific method has been the "go to" method for teaching real science in the classroom. But what it has really done, is take out the problem solving and thinking processes that are at the heart of science exploration. In this episode we will explore the scientific method's flaws and discuss better methods to help our students understand science for the real world. Thanks for listening! Don't forget to check out the website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com SHOW NOTES Follow on social: Instagram: @MrsBadessoTeaches Facebook: MrsBadessoTeaches Sign up for our email list here: https://forms.gle/yb2imYRH3zC4PdXh7
You are listening to episode 28 of the ready, set, science podcast. On today's show, we will discuss homework. I feel like homework is such a debatable topic. Even in my teaching career there have been so many changes in what is and is not appropriate for students. So today, we are going to break it all down and discuss what is good homework and what is not good homework. So are you ready, get set, let's teach science! SHOW NOTES Thanks for listening! All the links: Check out the website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com Follow on social: Instagram: @MrsBadessoTeaches Facebook: MrsBadessoTeaches Sign up for our email list here: https://forms.gle/yb2imYRH3zC4PdXh7 The links may be affiliate links. I earn a small commission from affiliate links to fund Mrs. Badesso Teaches. Thank you for your support!
You are listening to episode 26 and today we are going to talk about what to do when students have science misconceptions and how to help them break those to really understand science. So are you ready? Get set, let's teach science. Helping to break student misconceptions in science is a crucial part of effective science education. Misconceptions can hinder a student's ability to understand and apply scientific principles. SHOW NOTES Thanks for listening! All the links: Check out the website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com Follow on social: Instagram: @MrsBadessoTeaches Facebook: MrsBadessoTeaches Sign up for our email list here: https://forms.gle/yb2imYRH3zC4PdXh7 The links may be affiliate links. I earn a small commission from affiliate links to fund Mrs. Badesso Teaches. Thank you for your support!
You are listening to episode #25 of the Ready, Set, Science Podcast. This week we are talking all about Critical Thinking and how to promote it with your students.Critical thinking skills are not only vital for academic success but also for navigating the challenges of life beyond the classroom. As educators, parents, and mentors, it is our responsibility to foster these skills in our students.Today's episode explores the significance of critical thinking skills and offers strategies for nurturing them. So are you ready? Get set…let's teach science. All the links: SHOW NOTES Check out the website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com Follow on social: Instagram: @MrsBadessoTeaches Facebook: MrsBadessoTeaches Sign up for our email list here: https://forms.gle/yb2imYRH3zC4PdXh7 The links may be affiliate links. I earn a small commission from affiliate links to fund Mrs. Badesso Teaches. Thank you for your support!
You are listening to episode 24 of the Ready, Set, Science Podcast. On today's episode we are talking about STEM competitions. There are numerous STEM competitions and events designed specifically for middle and high school students. These competitions offer opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills, engage in hands-on learning, and often compete at regional, national, or even international levels. Participating in STEM competitions can be a great way for students to explore their interests, build problem-solving skills, and potentially earn scholarships or recognition. All the links: SHOW NOTES Check out the website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com Follow on social: Instagram: @MrsBadessoTeaches Facebook: MrsBadessoTeaches Sign up for our email list here: https://forms.gle/yb2imYRH3zC4PdXh7 The links may be affiliate links. I earn a small commission from affiliate links to fund Mrs. Badesso Teaches. Thank you for your support!
You are listening to episode 23 of the "Ready, Set, Science Podcast". This week we are talking about having fun with fall science activities. These activities are not only educational but also a lot of fun for kids and adults alike during the fall and Halloween season. This episode is packed full of ideas so let's dive right in! All the links: SHOW NOTES Check out the website www.mrsbadessoteaches.com Follow on social: Instagram: @MrsBadessoTeaches Facebook: MrsBadessoTeaches Sign up for our email list here: https://forms.gle/yb2imYRH3zC4PdXh7 The links may be affiliate links. I earn a small commission from affiliate links to fund Mrs. Badesso Teaches. Thank you for your support!