Exploring Our Universe Together
Welcome to my Earth and Space Science classroom! I'm passionate about helping 6th graders discover the wonders of our planet and the cosmos beyond. Here, you'll find resources, lesson plans, and insights into how we make science come alive.
Meet Your Teacher
About Ms. Jimenez-Salls
Academic Background
I am currently pursuing a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies in Biomedical Science and Enterprise at Georgia State University, where I am training in both scientific research and business applications through a professional track internship with Teach for America. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Human Biology from Emory University, with a minor in Neuroethics. I currently teach Earth and Space Science in DeKalb County, where I design hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that help students connect real-world science to the classroom. Every day, I strive to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love for scientific discovery in my students.
My teaching philosophy centers on hands-on exploration, inquiry, and real-world application. I believe students learn best when they actively engage in experiments, analyze real data, and see how science impacts their lives and communities. By combining my background in biomedical research with Earth and Space Science instruction, I aim to create meaningful, accessible learning experiences that empower all students to succeed.
Fun Fact About Me
In addition to teaching, I am also a biomedical researcher! I’ve worked in multiple research labs studying topics such as cancer biology, neuroimaging, genetic ancestry, and pain science. I’ve even presented my research at national scientific conferences. I love sharing my real research experiences with students to show them what careers in science can truly look like beyond the classroom.
Contact Information
Email: ​jade_jimenez-salls@dekalbschoolsga.org​
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jaderowanjimenez
School: Champion Theme Middle School – DeKalb County School District
My Teaching Philosophy
Hands-On Learning
Students learn best by doing. Every unit includes lab activities, models, and experiments that bring abstract concepts to life.
Curiosity-Driven
I encourage questions and wonder. Science begins with asking "why?" and "how?" and I celebrate every curious mind in my classroom.
Collaborative Discovery
Science is a team sport! Students work together to solve problems, share observations, and learn from each other's perspectives.
In my classroom, mistakes are celebrated as learning opportunities. We create a safe space where taking risks, testing hypotheses, and revising thinking are all part of the scientific process. I strive to connect every lesson to real-world phenomena that students can observe in their own lives, from weather patterns to the phases of the moon they see each night.
Georgia Standards of Excellence
My curriculum is aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) for 6th Grade Earth and Space Science. These standards ensure that students develop a comprehensive understanding of Earth systems, space science, and scientific inquiry.
The Georgia standards emphasize both content knowledge and scientific practices, preparing students for advanced science courses in middle and high school. Throughout the year, we explore Earth's structure, weather and climate, the solar system, and the universe beyond.
All lesson plans and units on this site directly reference specific GSE standards, making it easy for parents, administrators, and fellow educators to see how activities connect to learning objectives.
01
Earth's Systems & Structures
S6E5: Investigating Earth's crust, mantle, core, plate tectonics, and geological phenomena
02
Weather & Climate
S6E4: Understanding atmospheric conditions, water cycle, and weather patterns
03
Solar System & Beyond
S6E1: Exploring celestial objects, gravity, and our place in the universe
04
Scientific Investigation
S6CS: Developing inquiry skills, data analysis, and scientific communication
Mini-Unit Plan: Exploring Earth's Layers
Unit Overview
This three-week mini-unit engages students in discovering Earth's internal structure through hands-on modeling, data analysis, and creative demonstration. Students will understand how scientists use indirect evidence to study Earth's layers and how these layers affect surface phenomena like earthquakes and volcanoes.
1
Georgia Standard
S6E5.a: Compare and contrast the Earth's crust, mantle, and core including temperature, density, and composition
2
Duration
Three weeks, 45-minute class periods, total of 15 lessons including assessments and project work time
3
Learning Objectives
Students will identify Earth's layers, explain how scientists gather evidence about Earth's interior, and create accurate models demonstrating understanding
Essential Questions
  • How do scientists study something they cannot directly observe or access?
  • What are the unique characteristics of each of Earth's layers?
  • How does Earth's internal structure affect surface phenomena we can observe?
  • Why is understanding Earth's structure important for predicting natural disasters?
Week-by-Week Breakdown
1
Week 1: Introduction & Investigation
Day 1-2: Hook activity with mystery boxes to model indirect observation. Students develop hypotheses about box contents without opening them.
Day 3-4: Direct instruction on seismic waves and how scientists use earthquake data. Interactive simulation using PhET Earth's Interior model.
Day 5: Lab activity: Creating density columns to model how Earth's layers are arranged by density.
2
Week 2: Deep Dive into Each Layer
Day 6-7: Stations rotation exploring crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. Each station includes readings, videos, and hands-on materials.
Day 8-9: Collaborative research project: Groups become experts on one layer and create teaching presentations.
Day 10: Student presentations and peer teaching. Class creates comprehensive notes from all groups.
3
Week 3: Application & Assessment
Day 11-13: Students design and construct 3D models of Earth's layers using various materials. Models must include labels and scale considerations.
Day 14: Gallery walk and peer feedback on models. Students explain their design choices.
Day 15: Summative assessment combining multiple choice, short answer, and diagram labeling. Exit project: Write a "journey" story traveling through Earth's layers.
Materials & Multimedia Resources
Required Materials
  • Mystery boxes (various objects inside)
  • Clear containers for density columns
  • Corn syrup, dish soap, water, vegetable oil
  • Food coloring and small objects
  • Modeling clay (4 colors)
  • Styrofoam balls (various sizes)
  • Chart paper and markers
  • Printed station materials
  • Chromebooks for research
Digital Resources
  • Discovery Education videos on plate tectonics
  • National Geographic Earth cutaway animations
  • Google Earth for exploring surface features
  • Kahoot! review games for each layer
  • YouTube: "Journey to the Center of Earth" scientific documentary
Differentiation Strategies
  • Sentence frames for ELL students
  • Audio versions of reading materials
  • Modified graphic organizers
  • Extension activities for advanced learners
  • Partner work options for struggling students
  • Visual supports and vocabulary walls
Assessment Methods
Formative Assessment
Daily exit tickets, lab notebook checks, station observations, peer teaching evaluations, and ongoing model progress monitoring
Summative Assessment
Written test covering all layers, 3D model project with rubric, journey story creative writing, and oral presentation of findings
Sample Activities & Engagement Strategies
Density Column Lab
Students create density columns using household liquids to visualize how Earth's layers separate by density. They predict, observe, and explain the arrangement, connecting it to Earth's structure formation.
Clay Modeling Project
Using different colored clay, students construct scale models of Earth's layers. This tactile activity helps kinesthetic learners grasp the relative thickness of each layer and reinforces proportional reasoning.
Seismic Wave Analysis
Students analyze real seismograph data to understand how P-waves and S-waves behave differently through Earth's layers. This connects abstract concepts to real scientific methods.
Engagement Hooks
Each lesson begins with a compelling hook to capture student interest. For example, we start the unit by asking students to imagine they're scientists who need to study Earth's interior but can never drill deeper than 7 miles. How would they solve this problem? This creates cognitive dissonance and authentic curiosity.
Throughout the unit, we incorporate real-world connections like discussing how understanding Earth's core helps us navigate using compasses, how seismic data helps locate oil deposits, and how plate tectonics explains earthquake patterns in Georgia's history.
Reflection & Professional Growth
Unit Implementation Reflection
This Earth's Layers mini-unit represents my commitment to inquiry-based, student-centered learning. After multiple implementations, I've refined the pacing and activities based on student feedback and assessment data. The mystery box hook activity consistently generates enthusiasm and sets the stage for understanding indirect observation methods.
One significant learning from teaching this unit is the importance of providing multiple representation modes. Some students grasp the concept through visual diagrams, others through the tactile clay models, and still others through the mathematical density calculations. By incorporating varied approaches, I've seen engagement and comprehension increase across all student populations.

Key Takeaway: The most powerful moment in this unit occurs when students realize that everything they know about Earth's interior comes from indirect evidence. This "aha moment" fundamentally shifts their understanding of how science works and builds critical thinking skills that extend far beyond this single unit.
Areas for Continued Growth
  • Incorporating more technology for data visualization and simulation
  • Developing stronger cross-curricular connections with math and literacy standards
  • Creating more opportunities for student choice in demonstrating understanding
  • Building partnerships with local geologists and earth science professionals
  • Expanding the unit to include more current research about Earth's structure
Professional Development Focus: I'm currently pursuing additional training in project-based learning and STEM integration. My goal is to create even more authentic, real-world learning experiences that prepare students for careers in science and develop their scientific literacy.
Let's Explore the Universe Together
For Students & Families
Thank you for visiting my portfolio! I hope you've gained insight into how we make Earth and Space Science come alive in our classroom. Learning is a partnership between teachers, students, and families, and I'm grateful for your support.
If you have questions about curriculum, want to see more lesson plans, or need resources to support your student's learning at home, please don't hesitate to reach out. I love hearing from curious minds!
For Fellow Educators
Thank you for taking the time to explore my teaching portfolio. I believe in the power of collaboration and sharing best practices. If you'd like to discuss lesson plans, exchange resources, or collaborate on curriculum development, I'd love to connect.
Feel free to adapt any materials you see here for your own classroom. Let's continue inspiring the next generation of scientists together!
Email Me
sarah.johnson@schooldistrict.edu
Schedule a Meeting
Office hours: M/W 3:30-4:30 PM
Class Website
www.msjohnsonscience.com
"The universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose." - J.B.S. Haldane