Lisa Velagic at Middle School Menagerie and More

Density Tower Lab! - 6th grade science!

I love the teachers pay teachers does this! What a joy being part of this community and getting to contribute to the profession that I love. !

I have been hard at work creating zero prep Ancient Civilization units for the 4 major river civilizations; Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and India. I am selling these units individually or bundled (see link to my TpT store in my bio). Each unit includes reading passages that cover GRAPES (geography, religion, achievements, politics, and economy, and social structure). There are thought provoking questions for discussion, journaling, or writing prompts after each section. Every unit contains a test that will be a wonderful tool to assist in informing rational text test prep standards. There are vocabulary activities, mapping, social structure activities, and more sprinkled throughout the units - Enjoy and happy teaching!

Today begins year 23! Let’s gooo!!!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Positive-Behavior-System-PBS-Cash-Passes-Awards-for-the-Classroom-11096192 - As you start the school and look for ways to engage students in positive behaviors, this class money and incentive system is awesome. My kids will do anything to earn class cash! I pay them to do weekly jobs, for participation, amazing performance, and all sorts of little things throughout the day. They can spend money on the passes available in this packet, or you can do a little classroom store like I do (I only also them to spend money on Friday). You could also have them buy their way into an end of quarter reward, or host end of quarter auctions. These are just come ideas but this system is fail proof and your kids will adore it.

Positive Behavior System (PBS) - Cash, Passes, Awards for the Classroom Positive Behavior System (PBS) - Cash, Passes, Awards for the Classroom:Incentivize positive classroom behaviors with these simple resources!Included:Classroom ExpectationsClass CashClass Passes: Seat Swap, Music Pass, Gaming Pass, Bonus Points, Homework PassCertificates: Student of the Day, "A" Stu...

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Paper-Roller-Coaster-Project-Potential-and-Kinetic-Energy-11522707 - This is my absolute FAVORITE classroom project to help teach the concept of potential and Kinetic energy to my middle school students. They are always HIGHLY engaged and I am truly amazed at the creativity and ingenuity that is shown by often the most unsuspecting students. Please message or comment if you have questions about this project and how I make it work in my classroom. IT'S FANTASTIC!

Paper Roller Coaster Project: Potential and Kinetic Energy Middle School Science Kinetic and Potential Energy Paper Roller Coaster Project for Middle School Science (Grades 6, 7, 8): If you are looking for a fun and engaging way to introduce and teach kinetic and potential energy, having your students build paper roller coaters is an awesome way to do it! This project packet wil...

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It's that time of year again! As I am again switching classrooms, have been drained of supplies, want to have lots of fun incentives for my students to earn, and want to have an incredible learning space, please preview my TEACHER WISHLIST and feel free to donate to my classroom. I love making my space a fun place to learn and a home away from home for all of my students. (https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/36JQC18XN1MOA?ref_=wl_share) - Please share/repost, donate, and support your fellow educators.

It's hard to believe that I am less than a month away from returning back to school. A new classroom (ONCE AGAIN). Anyone else feel like they are constantly being shifted around from room to room? I will be returning to 6th grade Science and Social Studies (which I LOVE). I have an amazing team of teachers I will be teaching with. Hard to believe this will be year 23 in my current district!!! (10 years of computer technology, 10 years of ELA, and 3 years of Science and Social Studies). SO, in the spirit of helping teachers mentally prepare... I will be posting some resources you may find useful and I will also post pictures as I transform my new classroom (which I hope to start sometime towards the end of this week). CHEERS to all my fellow educators. I hope you are having a restful summer and are recharging for all that is about to come!