Math and Science In the Classrooms

Engaging Science & Math Classroom Activities

Our classrooms are buzzing with hands-on learning experiences that bring science and mathematics to life for students. Through activities such as Extracting DNA from Strawberries, Building Balloon-Powered Cars, and Exploring Robotics, students are developing critical-thinking skills, creativity, and a deeper understanding of core STEAM concepts.

In our DNA from Strawberries investigation, students become real-world scientists as they extract and observe genetic material using simple household materials. This activity builds curiosity about biology while reinforcing the structure and function of living organisms.

With the Balloon Car Engineering Challenge, students apply mathematical reasoning, measurement, and the engineering design process. As they construct and test their balloon-powered vehicles, they explore motion, force, and cause-and-effect relationships while using data to improve their designs.

Our Robotics experiences inspire problem-solving as students code, build, and troubleshoot robots to complete specific tasks. This activity strengthens computational thinking, precision, and teamwork—skills essential for 21st-century learners.

Together, these activities transform learning into an exciting, inquiry-driven adventure where students think like scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.

Pre-K through 6th. Go Bucs

Here are some other traditional greetings, including how to pronounce them!

Event Information

3-6 Grade Robotics Team

Students in Grades 3–6 participate in Robotics Teams that meet every Friday from 11:00–12:00, where they design, build, test, and refine innovative projects such as a robotic arm tank, beverage robot, camera dolly, rolling tank, and other student‑driven creations. These projects encourage engineering design thinking, teamwork, and perseverance.

When?

Friday, Jan 30, 2026, 11:00 AM

Where?

Room 2

IXL

Future Rollout of IXL and Sparks Studio for Math & Reading

Beecher Community Schools is excited to announce the upcoming rollout of IXL and Sparks Studio, two game‑changing platforms designed to elevate Math and Reading achievement for all students. These powerful tools will provide our scholars with personalized, adaptive learning pathways that strengthen foundational skills, accelerate growth, and support mastery across grade levels.

With the launch of this innovative system, teachers will experience a significant reduction—cut nearly in half—in the time needed to plan customized learning opportunities for all students. The platform’s built‑in diagnostics, skill recommendations, and real‑time progress monitoring allow educators to focus more on teaching, mentoring, and small‑group instruction.

In addition, M‑STEP, PSAT, SAT, and I‑Ready test preparation resources will be integrated directly into the platform, giving students targeted practice aligned to state standards and college‑ and career‑readiness expectations. This comprehensive support ensures that every student has the tools needed to grow, achieve, and excel.

To ensure a smooth and successful implementation, professional development will be provided for all staff. Educators will receive hands‑on training, ongoing coaching, and continuous support to maximize the impact of IXL and Sparks Studio in their classrooms.

Together, these platforms represent a major step forward in our commitment to personalized learning, academic excellence, and empowering every Beecher scholar to thrive.

Instructional Support in the Classrooms

Friendly Reminder: Requesting Instructional Support

Dear Instructors,

This is a friendly reminder that all requests for instructional support in the classroom should be submitted via email to the following contacts: Communicate your concerns and needs.

📧 acook@beecherschools.org (Math and Science)

➗
📧 dwells@beecherschools.org (ELA and Social Studies)

📖

Submitting your requests by email ensures timely scheduling, clear communication, and efficient support for both you and your students.

Thank you for your cooperation and your continued commitment to high‑quality instruction!

Staff Spotlight

🔬 Q & A With Mrs. Hall: A Scientist With Style… and Pink Snowshoes

Q1: Mrs. Hall, before becoming an educator, what field were you in?

A:
“Oh, I was just a simple Chemical Engineer,” she says modestly—though her résumé tells another story. She’s worked with major companies like Union Carbide, MK Ferguson, and other reputable engineering firms.
Translation: she's basically our district’s own Marvel superhero.

Q2: What certifications do you hold?

A:
“Well, I’m certified in grades 9–12 for Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, and Physical Science. DI

She says this like it’s no big deal… meanwhile the rest of us are still trying to balance chemical equations from high school.

Q3: How would you describe your teaching style?

A:
“I prefer to facilitate my class with hands‑on activities and real lab situations. I aim to model what a true scientist really does.”

Whether she’s guiding students through the scientific method or orchestrating a bubbling chemistry experiment, Mrs. Hall keeps learning active, engaging, and safe (most of the time… it is chemistry).

Q4: What’s your favorite subject to teach?

A:
“Chemistry! Mixing two things together and getting something completely different—it's fascinating.”

Spoken like a true chemist… and possibly a magician.

Q5: How do you keep students engaged?

A:
“Project-based, hands-on challenges! Students learn best when they DO. There’s no substitute for authentic experience.”

If you hear excited shouts from her classroom, don’t worry—it’s just science happening.

Q6: You’re currently sharpening your skills with Teach Michigan… what drives your continued learning?

A:
“I want to offer students the very best. Growing teachers grow strong thinkers.”

And that’s exactly what she models every single day.

Q7: What’s one thing you hope your students always remember from you?

A:
“How to think!”

Not what to think.
Not what page to memorize.
Not even how to balance a chemical equation.

But—how to think.
That’s a legacy.

Q8: Fun fact! What’s something people might not know about you?

A:
“I love snowshoeing… in pink snowshoes.”

If that image alone doesn’t make your day better, we don’t know what will.

Q9: If you could have dinner with any scientist—past or present—who would it be?

A:
“Oh, easy. Marie Curie or Rosalind Franklin.”

Marie Curie—discoverer of polonium and radium, and winner of the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics and 1911 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Rosalind Franklin—whose groundbreaking work led to the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA.

Two scientific giants. Two women who redefined history. Perfect dinner guests for a true scientist like Mrs. Hall.

❤️ Celebrating a True Beecher Gem

The Instructional Specialist Team proudly spotlights Mrs. Susan Hall—a brilliant scientist, compassionate educator, and down‑to‑earth human being who brings wisdom, humor, and heart to Beecher High School every single day.

Beecher Community School District salutes you, Mrs. Hall.
May you continue to inspire, teach, and challenge our scholars to think deeply, boldly, and scientifically.

We love you, Mrs. Hall! 🧪✨

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Keep on Moving!

“Beecher Family, we’ve reached the halfway mark of our school year—an incredible milestone made possible by your dedication, resilience, and heart. Keep your head up and your spirit strong. Every day, your work inspires our scholars, uplifts our parents, empowers our staff, and strengthens our community. Let’s finish the year with the same passion and purpose that brought us this far—together, we rise.”