Inside a Middle School Science Modern Classroom
Susan Russell’s middle school science class in Shelby County Public Schools uses a combination of routines and structures to build classroom community while self-pacing.
Walk into Susan's classroom and it doesn't look chaotic — but a lot is happening at once.
Some students are working through independent assignments. A group near the back is on the computers. Another cluster is deep in a lab. Susan is moving, checking in, pulling a student aside. At first glance it might look like several different classes happening in the same room. That's exactly the point.
Some things you might not see in this photo:
The beginning-of-class check-in loop. Susan spends the first fifteen to twenty minutes of class pulling mastery checks, scanning for students who haven't moved in a few days, and sitting down with anyone who needs a goal reset. By the time the room is fully in motion, she already knows exactly where everyone is.
How the groups formed. Susan didn't assign seats. Instead, students gravitated toward peers at the same pace. Over time, those groups solidified on their own.
The weight of the routine. Routine is the backbone of Susan’s classroom. Once students know what to expect every single day, the room finds its own rhythm.
Keep Learning About Modern Science Classrooms
MCPU: Modern Science Classrooms
Learn how four expert science educators use the Modern Classrooms model to increase opportunities for targeted learner support while leveraging whole-group opportunities for discussion and hands-on collaboration.
Webinar: Self-Paced Science Labs
Discover how to create a self-paced science lab. Modern Classrooms Expert Mentors including middle school educator, RJ Tenga, and high school educator, Eileen Ng, will lead this workshop and equip you with actionable next steps for creating self-paced lab activities that will transform your science classroom.
Listen: Elementary Science Classrooms
Zach is joined by Hilary Stover to talk about how she implements the model in her elementary science class, including how she transitions into the science block, how she has students conduct experiments, and how she incorporates science demonstrations.
