Classroom Currents - Water Science School Newsletter Summer 2025
In this newsletter, educator Julie Meyer shares how she uses Water Science School resources to enhance student engagement and environmental awareness.
About Julie Meyer
I am an experienced science educator with 33 years of teaching expertise, including 24 years in traditional private and public education and six years in online instruction. My approach emphasizes hands-on, choice-driven, and differentiated learning experiences that foster engagement, critical thinking, and a passion for discovery. I strive to make complex scientific concepts accessible, encouraging students to develop analytical skills, problem-solving techniques, and real-world applications of scientific principles.
Beyond the classroom, I have served as a Science Education Specialist at the collegiate level, mentoring elementary educators in effective science instruction. I have also taught a science elementary education methods course at the collegiate level. I have presented at local, regional, and national science conventions, contributing to the advancement of best practices in science education. My dedication extends to professional development, collaboration, and the integration of innovative methodologies that enhance the learning experience.
I believe in cultivating a collaborative classroom environment where students and educators work together toward shared learning objectives. I create a classroom culture where errors are seen as stepping-stones rather than setbacks, which help students develop critical thinking skills and the ability to adapt, problem-solve, and persevere. By embracing vulnerability in teaching, I aim to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of science, empowering students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate an ever-evolving, scientifically driven world.
Using the USGS Water Cycle Website in Middle School Science
Engaging students in science requires creativity, adaptability, and meaningful connections to real-world concepts. In this presentation, I will demonstrate how I foster student engagement by utilizing the USGS Interactive Water Cycle Diagram for Kids in innovative ways. By leveraging the differentiated versions - beginner, intermediate, and advanced -I ensure that students of varying skill levels can explore the water cycle at an appropriate depth, making learning accessible and impactful.
Through interactive discussions, inquiry-based activities, and hands-on applications, I integrate the USGS Water Science School resources into the middle school classroom to enhance comprehension and curiosity. My approach encourages students to take ownership of their learning, ask questions, and make connections between scientific principles and their everyday experiences. By incorporating choice-driven exploration and collaborative learning strategies, I aim to ignite a lasting interest in environmental science and empower students to think critically about the world around them.
This lesson highlights practical methods for maximizing the potential of these resources, ensuring that students not only understand the water cycle but also appreciate its significance in global ecosystems.
This lesson was used in an on-line classroom, but can easily be adapted to use in a brick and mortar classroom.
- Open the PPT attachment. View the lessons, read the activities, and note the varied teaching strategies in the “red boxes”.
Julie Meyer
INDLS (Indiana Learning Digital School)