Boost Science Literacy with Engaging Science Bell Work Activities
Updated: Jan 11
As teachers, we all know the sound of that bell can be both a blessing and a curse. It signals the start of a new class, but getting students to settle in and focus right away? That’s the real challenge.
That's why I love bell work/ bell ringers. These are an easy, structured way to kick off your lessons, reduce the chaos, and get your students thinking critically before they’ve even finished yawning.
In this post, I’m sharing two of my favorite resources to streamline your routine while promoting science literacy: Science Journal Prompts and Science in Focus Newsletters.
Not only do they save you time (because who has extra time?), but they also foster critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful discussions.
Why Science Literacy Matters
The world is full of information—and unfortunatelt...misinformation.
A quick scroll through social media makes that clear!
Teaching students to analyze, evaluate, and communicate about science is more important than ever.
Science literacy goes beyond reading comprehension; it’s about understanding the “why” behind the facts and being able to communicate those ideas effectively.
By embedding science literacy into daily routines, you’ll help students:
Think critically about scientific information.
Make connections between science and their lives.
Build communication skills (which is important for future STEM careers).
Lets have a look at two amazing resources I highly recommend.
Resource 1: Science Journal Prompts
These Science Journal Prompts are perfect for a quick, meaningful way to start your class or use as a reflection tool at the end of the day.
Each prompt encourages students to think deeply about science topics and hone their communication skills.
What’s Included:
Printable Task Cards: Great for individual or group work during science rotations.
Interactive Google Slides Version: Perfect for whole-class discussions or brainstorming sessions.
Printable and Digital Journal Pages: Prompts are embedded directly, making it easy for students to reflect and write.
Editable Rubrics: Whether you’re assessing writing, group discussion, or peer collaboration, these rubrics save time and provide consistency.
How to Use Science Journal writing in the Classroom:
Morning Work or Bell Work: Start the day by having students grab a journal page and respond to the prompt. It’s a calm, structured way to ease them into class.
Group Discussions: Use the Google Slides version to spark class debates. For example, “Should scientists prioritize curing diseases or extending human lifespan?” (Spoiler: they’ll have opinions).
Homework Assignments: Assign prompts for deeper reflection outside of class. They’re ideal for tying lessons to real-world issues.
Science Rotations: Set up a science literacy station with task cards for group or individual work.
Why You’ll Love It
The prompts are flexible and cover everything from biology to technology and ethics.
They help students develop writing and critical thinking skills in small, manageable doses.
No more blank stares when you ask, “What do you think?” These prompts give structure to their responses.
Resource 2: Science in Focus Newsletters
These Science in Focus Newsletters bring science alive with bite sized articles about discoveries and scientists who changed the world.
What’s Included:
Intriguing Articles: Cover topics like Jane Goodall’s groundbreaking work, the discovery of penicillin, and Marie Curie’s perseverance in the face of adversity.
Choice Boards: Thought-provoking questions challenge students to analyze and apply the information they’ve read.
Diverse Topics: From the periodic table to Nikola Tesla’s genius, there’s something to captivate every student.
How to Use in the Science in Focus Newsletters in your Classroom:
Bell Work: Assign an article as morning work, then use a question from the choice board as a quick discussion starter.
Group Reading and Analysis: Split students into groups and have them read different articles. They can present key takeaways to the class (a sneaky way to cover more ground).
Mini Research Projects: Let students pick a scientist or discovery to research further and present their findings.
Cross-Curricular Connections: Tie articles to historical events or ethics discussions in ELA or social studies.
GRAB A FREE SAMPLE FROM MY TPT STORE TO TRY IT OUT!
Why Students Love It
The stories are engaging and relatable, showing the people behind the science.
The choice boards give them options, so they can explore what interests them most.
It feels like real-world science—not just another worksheet.
Why You’ll Love It
The articles are ready-to-use, saving you prep time.
They promote reading comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking—all in one activity.
You can easily pair them with experiments or hands-on projects to reinforce concepts.
5 Reasons to Incorporate Science Literacy into Your Bell Work Routine
Smooth Transitions: Starting class with a structured activity eliminates the “What are we doing today?” chaos.
Critical Thinking on Autopilot: Prompts and articles encourage students to think beyond rote memorization.
Real-World Connections: Students see how science impacts their lives, from vaccines to technology.
Skill-Building: Science literacy activities improve communication, comprehension, and analytical skills.
Time-Saving for Teachers: These ready-to-use resources mean less planning for you and more meaningful learning for them.
Making It Work in Your Classroom
If you’re thinking, “This sounds great, but my schedule is already packed,” don’t worry. These resources are designed to fit seamlessly into your routine. Here’s how:
Short on Time? Use a single journal prompt or newsletter article as a quick 5-minute warm-up.
Need Variety? Alternate between journal prompts and newsletters throughout the week.
Want More Depth? Build entire lessons around the prompts or articles by incorporating research, experiments, or debates.
The Teacher’s Reality Check
Some days, you’ll be thrilled when students quietly complete their bell work. Other days, they’ll surprise you with the depth of their responses. Either way, you’re giving them tools to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage with science in meaningful ways.
Plus, these resources save your sanity. No more scrambling for last-minute bell work ideas or feeling guilty about giving them “busy work.” Instead, you’re providing thoughtful, structured activities that benefit everyone.
Final Thoughts: Make Science Literacy a Priority
Teaching science isn’t just about equations and experiments—it’s about helping students make sense of the world. By incorporating resources like Science Journal Prompts and Science in Focus Newsletters into your bell work or morning routine, you’ll not only enhance their science literacy but also create a calm, focused start to your class.
Ready to give it a try? Check out these resources and watch your students’ curiosity (and critical thinking skills) grow.
How do you incorporate science literacy into your classroom? Share your ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
