Queen Of Curiosity - Teacher

Microscopes open up a world of discovery, allowing us to see cells—tiny building blocks of life—that are far too small to view with the naked eye. But once we’ve zoomed in using magnification, how do we figure out the actual size of what we’re seeing? This post will walk you through the process of calculating the real size of a cell using magnification and a ruler. Whether you're a student preparing for an exam or a teacher looking for ways to break it down for your class, this step-by-step guide will help. 🔬 Why Micrometres, Not Millimetres? Most cells we encounter are smaller than 1 mm. So, using millimetres (mm) to describe them wouldn’t make much sense—they’re simply too tiny! Instead, we use micrometres (µm) . Micrometres use a symbol that looks like a little “u” with a tail: µ . And here’s the key conversion: 1 mm = 1000 µm So, a typical cell might be anywhere from 10 to 100 micrometres wide . 🧫 What Does Magnification Mean? When you see a cell under a microscop...

 If you're an online teacher, you probably know the pressure of having to juggle multiple tasks—planning, teaching, providing feedback, and still making time for professional development (and maybe even a lunch break). Over the years, I’ve experimented with all sorts of strategies to make my workload more manageable. But there’s one simple hack that consistently makes a big difference in my week: reusing and customizing lesson formats . Why It Works Lesson planning doesn’t need to start from scratch every time. I have a structure I really like and stick to it for most of my classes. It gives me a strong base to build on, whether I’m teaching photosynthesis to KS3 students or guiding younger learners through the states of matter. The key benefit? It saves me mental energy. I don’t have to reinvent the wheel—I already know what sections to include and how to pace the lesson. From there, it’s just a matter of adjusting the content to suit the topic and learner needs. This gives me ...

  After my last pregnancy, I started feeling this horrible pain in my right arm and especially in my hand. It was like a dull spasm that would build into a throbbing pain, and it made writing on the board during my brick-and-mortar teaching so hard. It wasn’t just uncomfortable — some days it felt almost impossible to get through lessons. I didn’t even realise at the time, but I had developed something called "mom wrist" (basically a form of tendinitis) that I had never heard of about until I was living it. Another teacher I really look up to saw how much I was struggling and immediately gave me the number of her physiotherapist. She pretty much made me call her right away — and I am so glad she did. That physiotherapist was a game changer for me. She didn’t just treat my wrist; she really went the extra mile to help my whole body recover.  Looking back, I had already had random back spasms before, and sometimes weird pains in my foot — always more on the right side, which ma...

In the heart of South Africa, a powerful alliance is working around the clock to protect our endangered wildlife — and it's not just the rangers out there anymore. Enter: the dogs, the women, and the meds that are changing the game 👊✨ Our wildlife heroes? K9 anti-poaching dogs trained to sniff out trouble, Bravecto keeping them parasite-free, and the fierce all-female ranger unit — the Black Mambas 🖤💪 This isn’t just conservation. This is collaboration . And it’s making a real difference for our rhinos and beyond 🌿 🐶 Why the K9 anti-poaching dogs are the MVPs of the bush Anti-poaching dogs aren’t just good boys and girls — they’re elite athletes, trained to detect weapons, track poachers through rough terrain, and work tirelessly under pressure. Breeds like Belgian Malinois and Bloodhounds are out there every day, putting their incredible senses to work to stop poachers before any harm is done. But it’s not all action and glory — these dogs face tough conditions, fro...

 Let me start with this: I’m a teacher, yes—but I’m also a learner. A lifelong, curious, slightly obsessive learner. I’ve always found joy in exploring new ideas, trying out new tools, and discovering creative ways to make lessons more engaging. That’s why I’ve launched this blog and my YouTube channel—because I want to share the journey with others who care about education as much as I do. So… why am I doing all of this? To be honest, it started as a little itch. I’d often find myself deep in an article on teaching strategies, watching hours of YouTube videos on creative lesson ideas, or downloading free classroom resources from around the internet. I’d try things out, tweak them for my students, and sometimes create my own from scratch. I realised I was building this treasure trove of ideas—lesson materials, thought-provoking articles, engaging activities—and I wanted somewhere to put it all. Not just for others, but for myself too. Because honestly? I forget! I come across s...

Recently, I received an email that lit a spark—an invitation to contribute to the #CreateConnectCare initiative. Although I’m not based in the U.S., the mission of this global call deeply resonated with me. As an educator who works with diverse learners, including those navigating low self-esteem, anxiety, and emotional challenges, the idea of using creativity to raise mental health awareness felt not just powerful—but necessary. What is #CreateConnectCare? #CreateConnectCare is a global initiative inviting students and educators to submit creative work that raises awareness around youth mental health. Submissions range from digital art to poetry, music, and collaborative class projects. What makes it unique is its triple focus— create , connect , and care —three actions that lie at the heart of transformative education. The email I received detailed awards for innovative student work and powerful contributions from educators. What stood out to me was not just the recognition, but ...

  As an online teacher, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is building real connections with my students—even though we’re separated by screens. Whether I’m teaching science to a 12-year-old or playing vocabulary games with a 6-year-old, creating a positive relationship is the key to engagement and success. Over the years, I’ve found a few simple but powerful strategies that help me build trust and open communication with my learners, no matter their age or ability level. Here are three of my go-to methods: 💬 1. Start Every Lesson With a Personal Check-In One of the first things I do in each lesson is ask a question like: “What emoji describes how you feel today?” “What was something good that happened this week?” This is more than just an icebreaker—it shows students that I care about them , not just their academic progress. It also helps me adjust my teaching if someone’s having a rough day or is bursting with excitement over something cool. For younger lear...

If you've ever felt like everything is happening all at once —I’m right there with you. Let me just start by saying: my kitten chewed through my piano keyboard cable. Yep, chewed it right in half. So now the cable is in two sad little pieces, and I’m sitting here wondering if I should laugh, cry, or just surrender to the chaos that is life lately. What’s wild is that none of my other cats ever did anything like this! This one? She’s totally the baby of the bunch—into everything , always up to something, and so fiesty . She’s adorable, but wow… she keeps me on my toes! Mini Escape Room Training – You’re Invited! I’ve got a Mini Escape Room Training coming up, and I would love for you to join! Whether you’re a teacher looking for ways to make your classes more interactive or someone interested in creating digital products for passive income, this training is packed with value. I’ll walk you through how I create and use escape rooms in my lessons—both to boost engagement and m...

Have you ever wondered how plants actually make their food? It all starts with a leaf! Whether you're a curious learner, a supportive parent, or a busy teacher looking for a fun and visual way to teach science, this blog will help you dive into the fascinating world of plant biology. And yes — there’s a full video lesson to go with this post! So if you're more of a visual learner (or want a ready-to-use classroom resource), scroll down to the end to watch the lesson in action with Teacher Jolande. 🎥 🍃 Why Leaves Matter: The Food Factories of Plants Leaves aren’t just green decorations on a plant — they’re hardworking food factories! Using a special process called photosynthesis , plants take in carbon dioxide from the air, absorb sunlight, and draw water up from the soil to produce glucose , a type of sugar that gives the plant energy. But wait, it gets better: as a bonus, plants release oxygen into the air — which is what we need to survive. So, next time you take a ...

  Every year, Earth Day reminds us not only of the beauty and fragility of our planet but also of the urgent responsibility we carry to protect it. This year’s theme— “Our Power, Our Planet” —is a call to action that hits close to home. It reminds us that the choices we make about energy use, consumption, and sustainability are deeply connected to the health of our Earth. And one of the most critical choices of our time? How we power our world. What Does “Net-Zero” Really Mean? You’ve probably heard the term “net-zero” being used more and more in the news and by governments. Net-zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. To reach this balance, countries, industries, and even individuals need to reduce their carbon footprint drastically, and the shift to renewable energy is central to making that happen. Imagine a world where the energy that runs your home, powers your car, and fuels your workpla...

  This morning, something small but significant happened. After I dropped the kids off and went for a jog, I found myself doing what I usually do next—driving toward my favorite coffee spot. I could already picture that white mocha in my hand, warm and sweet, giving me that little pick-me-up I’ve come to love (and honestly rely on some days). But as I sat in the car, just a few minutes from ordering, I stopped myself. I thought, Maybe not today. Now, I know that might not sound like a big deal. But for me, it felt like a personal win. A little moment of self-discipline that’s been missing lately. After my youngest was born, I found myself reaching for caffeine more often—understandably. It helped me feel more alive, more “on,” especially on the days when sleep was a rare luxury. But as time went on, that daily coffee became more of a habit than a treat. Something I expected, rather than something I looked forward to. And I’ve realized that I miss looking forward to things. Th...

  Miscarriage isn’t something we talk about enough. It’s private, painful, and often brushed aside with silence or well-meaning but unhelpful words. Today, I want to share something deeply personal — my own miscarriage experience. As someone with a background in biology and science education, I thought I’d understand it all. But even knowing what’s happening inside your body doesn’t prepare you for the emotional side of loss. When it happened to me, I found myself sitting between two worlds. One was clinical and familiar — filled with terms like “spontaneous abortion,” “chromosomal abnormalities,” and “implantation failure.” The other world was messy, raw, and unpredictable — a wave of grief, confusion, and self-doubt I hadn’t anticipated. I’m sharing this now not because it’s easy, but because I know that someone out there might need it. Maybe it’s a student who wants to understand more about reproduction. Maybe it’s a fellow woman who’s experienced the same quiet heartbreak. Or...

  How to Stay Organised, Focused, and Calm During Exam Season Exams are a part of every student’s academic journey, but they don’t have to be a source of overwhelming stress. With the right preparation strategies, you can walk into your exam room feeling confident, calm, and in control. In this blog post, we’ll explore five practical, actionable tips to help you stay organised, manage stress, and incorporate relaxation techniques into your study routine. Whether you're in high school, university, or studying for a certification, these strategies can help boost your performance while protecting your mental well-being. 1. Create a Study Plan That Works for You One of the most effective ways to reduce exam stress is to create a structured and realistic study plan. Planning ahead helps you break your workload into manageable sections, which makes it easier to stay focused and avoid last-minute cramming. Start by writing down all your upcoming exams and the topics you need to revi...