Back to School Science Discussion Starters


Discussion Starters - Educational Innovations NewsletterReturning to the classroom means getting ready for a new group of students whose names, faces and learning styles you haven’t yet learned.

We’ve collected some in-class activities and science discussion starters that will make the first days of school more productive while getting your new students ready for a fantastic year of science learning (and FUN) ahead!

Some of our choices are meant to be used in the classroom.  Others are thought-provoking essays or scholarly articles which caught our attention.

If you have a favorite back-to-school lesson or activity, please share it with us at socialmedia@teachersource.com.

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Summer Science Fun in the Dark


Priscilla Robinson, Educational Innovationsby:  Priscilla Robinson

Recently, on a warm summer evening, I did something special with my three-year-old grandson.  At 8 PM, little Henry was still full of energy, having had a late nap.  I decided to use that to my advantage.  We ventured outside to enjoy the setting sun with the twilight of oncoming darkness. My bag was packed with a blanket, some bottles of water, two headlamps, and a few special summer science surprises from Educational Innovations. Henry was delighted to have an outing instead of being hustled up to bed, so off we went—down the block to our local elementary schoolyard.

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Centripetally Yours


Donna Giachetti, Educational InnovationsBy:  Donna Giachetti

Around the EI offices lately, something magical has happening.  Folks are laughing more… There’s a lighter spring in their step and a happy-go-lucky chirp in their voices…  It’s as if we have all become enchanted.

Well, let me amend that…

EI employees are a very grown-up, responsible bunch.  They take pride in doing their jobs as well as humanly possible.  If you haven’t yet read Ted’s blog (EI’s Pick-and-Pack Customer Service Crew), don’t miss out!  It’s a paean to the hardest working group of individuals I have ever met.

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EI TV – Ultraviolet (UV) Light


EI TV - Educational Innovations BlogThough invisible to the human eye, ultraviolet (UV) light has amazing properties.  Whether you’re teaching about the light spectrum, skin cancer awareness or forensic science, these video clips will grab your students’ attention and help you start a lively discussion.

If you come across a video you’d like us to add to this list, leave the URL in a comment below or write to us at socialmedia@teachersource.com.

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Ultraviolet Humor


Science Humor - Educational Innovations Newsletter

While UV radiation may not be a laughing matter when it comes to skin damage, there’s nothing under the sun like a good joke to brighten your day.

Why not insert a bit of ultraviolet humor into your next quiz or homework page?  Extra points for students who guess the right punchlines to our riddles!

If you have a favorite cartoon or joke, insert it below as a comment, or email us at socialmedia@teachersource.com.

Happy teaching!

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