Queen Of Curiosity - Teacher

  Have you ever looked at the periodic table and wondered what those numbers really mean? If you’re a student studying chemistry or just curious about atoms, understanding the atomic number and mass number is key to unlocking the secrets of elements. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to identify the atomic number, calculate the mass number, and find out how many neutrons are in an atom — using real examples from elements like lithium, beryllium, and sodium. What Is the Atomic Number? Let’s start with the basics: the atomic number. The atomic number of an element tells you the number of protons in the nucleus of its atoms. Protons are positively charged particles that, along with neutrons, make up the nucleus of an atom. The atomic number is usually the smaller number displayed on the periodic table square for each element. For example, magnesium has an atomic number of 12, which means every magnesium atom contains 12 protons in its nucleus. Boron, on the other han...

  As science educators, we’re always searching for that just right activity—something engaging, academic, and effective without requiring hours of prep. If you teach middle or high school biology (or Natural/Life Sciences), you know the challenge of getting learners to truly absorb terms like osmosis , chloroplast , or diffusion . And let’s be honest: sitting through another worksheet isn’t going to cut it—especially for students who struggle with focus , prefer movement , or need variety in how they learn. That’s exactly why I created this FREE Vocabulary Hunt Activity —a classroom-friendly science review that feels like a game but works like a solid academic tool. A Free Movement-Based Science Activity That Works I noticed many of my Grade 7 students , in particular, were struggling to sit still for long periods . They’d glaze over during passive lessons, no matter how much I broke things down. So I started looking for ways to incorporate movement and sensory input into ...

 When it comes to teaching English online, choosing the right platform can really make or break a lesson. Over time, I’ve found that no single app works for every student. Their age, location, and even their comfort with tech all play a role. That’s why I keep a few solid platforms in my teaching toolkit—each one with its own strengths depending on the situation. Here’s a look at the platforms I use (and love), and why I keep coming back to them. 1. ClassIn – My Favorite All-in-One Teaching Platform If I had to choose just one platform for most of my lessons, it would be ClassIn. It’s perfect for interactive, engaging sessions—especially with younger students or small groups. What makes ClassIn a standout: A shared whiteboard Real-time annotations Built-in classroom tools like timers, stamps, and rewards Seamless multimedia integration It’s a bit more complex than some platforms, but once you get the hang of it, ClassIn is an absolute powerhouse for creating st...

  When learning how to calculate the actual size of a cell under a microscope, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. But don’t worry—it’s just like following a recipe. Once you know the ingredients (your values) and the steps (your formula), it all clicks into place! In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a typical exam-style question: calculating the real size of a cell when a scale line is provided. This method is frequently tested, so understanding it will boost your confidence and exam marks. Let’s break it down step-by-step with a real example and some visual support from my latest video.   🧪 Scenario: You’re Given a Scale Line Imagine you’re looking at a microscopic image of a cell, and underneath, you see a little black line labelled 1 µm . This is your scale line—it tells you that the line on the image represents 1 micrometer in real life. Now, using your ruler, you measure that this line on your printed or digital image is 13 mm long. The goal is to fig...

  We live in an era where phones buzz more than birds chirp, where our attention is split across screens, apps, and endless notifications. But what if I told you that all of this could be silently reshaping your brain—and not for the better? Jonathan Haidt, an Ivy League-trained psychologist and professor at New York University, says there’s one soft skill that every young person must learn by the age of 25. It’s not leadership. It’s not teamwork. It’s something much simpler and yet far more endangered in the digital age: focus . The Attention Crisis: What the Data Says In a recent appearance on The Oprah Podcast , Haidt warned that teens today are drowning in screen time. According to Common Sense Media, teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 spend over 8.5 hours a day on screens. Another study found they check their phones more than 100 times and receive nearly 240 notifications daily. It’s not just a bad habit—it’s brain-altering. These constant interruptions, Haidt argues,...

When I first started teaching online, I didn’t think much about how my environment looked on camera. I figured if I showed up, had a working laptop, and delivered a good lesson, that would be enough. Looking back now... oh my goodness. I still cringe thinking about a lesson I recorded early on — the lighting was so dark, I could barely see my own face on screen! And yet, I sent it in anyway. At the time, I didn’t realize just how important lighting, sound, and setup are in the world of online teaching. It wasn’t just about having content ready — it was about making sure I could be seen, heard, and present in a way that kept learners engaged. Since then, I’ve made changes. My space isn’t perfect or Pinterest-worthy, but it works — and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Lesson 1: Let There Be (Good) Light I don’t have a fancy ring light or desk lamp. What I do have is a great window. Natural light became my best friend, and now I always teach with the curtains open and my desk fac...