Shaped: The Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Education Blog

Teaching NGSS: Phenomena in the Science Classroom

Using science phenomena can jumpstart instruction by helping students realize the real-world context of the topic to be studied. Start with this NGSS phenomena example.

Michael DiSpezio

Author, ScienceFusion and HMH Science Dimensions Programs

October 22, 2019

Empowering Students to Protect the Environment: Teacher Tips

How do educators approach the topic of climate change and environmental protection? Teachers offer advice on how they empower their students.

Onalee Smith

Shaped Staff

September 27, 2019

Podcast: Tracy in Marion, North Carolina, for Teachers in America

On Teachers in America, Tracy Childers, a science teacher at a STEM magnet middle school, talks about project-based learning, looping with his students, and considering retirement.

Onalee Smith

Shaped Staff

August 20, 2019

Shapebook Patterns: Science Evidence Notebooks for Elementary Students

Use these shapebook patterns as an engaging space for students to write their science observations and outstanding questions.

Shaped Staff

August 07, 2019

Disappearing Glaciers: A Lesson in Climate Change for Middle and High School

To teach climate change to students in Grades 5-12, consider using real-life examples of the effects, such as the loss of the Okjökull glacier in Iceland.

Ann Pearson

Shaped Contributor

July 25, 2019

Should We Rethink Literacy’s Role in How We Teach Science and Social Studies?

The author argues in support of teaching students how to think in terms of science and social studies with reading and writing as the tools they hone as they learn.

Heidi Cruz

Shaped Contributor

July 11, 2019

Podcast: Georgette in Blanchester, Ohio, for Teachers in America

On the HMH Learning Moments: Teachers in America podcast, Georgette McClain, a life sciences teacher in Blanchester, Ohio, talks about school safety, teacher salaries, and state testing.

Onalee Smith

Shaped Staff

July 09, 2019

NGSS Summative Assessments: Tips for Science Teachers

Activities that reflect 3D student learning can offer a clear picture of students’ progress toward achieving mastery of performance expectations.

Bernadine Okoro

2010–2011 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, National Science Foundation Fellow

June 27, 2019

Podcast: Donna in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, for Teachers in America

This episode of HMH Learning Moments: Teachers in America features Donna Gradel, 2019 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year and a finalist for National Teacher of the Year.

Onalee Smith

Shaped Staff

June 11, 2019

6 Activities to Honor Earth Day in Your Classroom

Students of all ages can honor Earth Day. Here’s a list of activities—separated by grade level—that teachers can incorporate in their classrooms.

Danni Green

Writer, Girls Write Now

April 05, 2019