Filtering by Tag: learning

What If We Approached Education The Same Way We Approach Business?

April 17, 2026 / Oskar Cymerman

A student cried in my chemistry class today.

Two days away from the big unit test and upset enough not to bother to grab a tissue and wipe off the snot dripping from her nose, she confirms to me she's freaking out.

Stressed out she'll bomb the test.

She has to work a lot to help out with the bills, so coming in for help is a challenge, but after a rough beginning, she was on a roll.

I even wrote a "good job" postcard and send it home saying I looked into my crystal ball and saw great things in her future. And now this...

I love learning, but I hate compulsory education.

I don't hate learning standards. There are perhaps too many, but it's good to have a guidance system.

I do hate the idea of force-feeding the same standards to all kids though.

You see, in Minnesota, we require students to take chemistry or physics to graduate high school. Choosing the lesser evil—or so they think—most kids who'd normally opt for something else take chemistry.

Just get through it with the best possible grade they think.

And who can blame them when the system says they have no other choice but to suck it up and pretend they like it?

And don’t get me wrong - I love chemistry.

I love science.

I teach and love teaching it.

I just do not believe in systems that force kids to take subjects they feel will not play a big role in their future.

And while I also believe that you just never know when the information you learn in the present might become helpful in what you do in the future, roughing it seems all kinds of wrong.

After all, the world wide web will have even more information in the future than it does today.

And, a more patient approach to educating our society’s youngins does not nullify the undeniable fact that the information we so painstakingly force-feed them now will still be readily accessible, but easier to understand, more relevant, and applicable when they’re older and more ready for it.

But What If We Educated The Same Way We Do Business?

Whether it's a service or a product, to be viable, the ideas and the things any business is selling must be Understandable, Relevant, and Relatable to the consumer, because let's be real: We Typically Don't Buy Stuff We Don't Comprehend or Need.

If They Don't Understand It, They Can't Learn It

If we approached educating the same way we approach business we would see the necessity of delivering content that's understandable to kids.

This means taking into account their brain development before we tell them to take this or that class.

As a chemistry teacher, I notice many kids taking my class being unable to understand chemistry. It is hard to quantify it—to put a percentage on it—but maybe half of the 16 and 17-year-olds I encounter do not possess the abstract thinking required to understand chemistry. Their brain just isn't developed well enough when they're taking this class, one full of abstract ideas and nonconcrete concepts.

The plain and simple truth is we do not take enough time to figure out if our students are ready to take certain classes. We just have them grind it out.

They hate it.

We blame it on the teenage phase.

In the business world, this would be equivalent to a company putting the blame for its incompetence on its customers.

Imagine this: A startup puts out a product nobody gets—something so abstract that most people have to work really hard to imagine what it does. How successful do you think that would be?

If They Don't Find It Relevant, They Don't Want To Learn It

If we approached educating the same way we approach business we would see that we really need to focus on delivering content that's relevant to kids.

I am not saying that everything we teach in schools is irrelevant.

What I am saying is that a lot of it is.

For example, we talk about electron configurations in an atom. Why the hell do kids need to know that? They should know what the atom looks like, but why do they need to write a bunch of numbers and letters they have no use for to represent theoretically probable locations of particles no one can see?

They cannot use it right now.

It does not fulfill a tangible pressing need.

It can't make their life better in any way, shape, or form.

They don't buy it.

Once again, imagine if someone in the business world took this approach. Maybe some startup could create a service nobody needs now but might need in the future. I wonder how that would do? Somehow, I am having difficulty visualizing people lining up to sign up for something some of them might or might not use in 5 to 10 years. Shaky.

If They Can't Relate To It, They Won't Learn It

If we approached educating the same way we approach business in today's world we would see that we really need to focus on delivering content that's relatable to kids.

In any other industry, if the user doesn't see themselves in the product, the product fails. Yet, in the classroom, we expect students to buy into a narrative that feels like it was written for a different species.

It has been a long-standing tradition to teach social studies through slideshows and packets.

It goes something like this:

First, students transfer information from the lecture slides into their notebooks—most often verbatim as processing time costs too much class time.

Second, students transfer the previously transferred information from their notebooks into packets that contain questions on the left and empty boxes for answers on the right. They often copy from each other to avoid sifting through the notes taken during what feels now like an out of body experience.

Too bad the aliens didn’t upload this shit to my brain some regret.

But what comes next takes the cake—the temporary data transfer from packet to brain, because the test is tomorrow. Just follow these simple instructions:

Read through the packet as many times as possible the night before and the morning of the test.
Get an A.
Promptly forget all this garbage and hope the final is not cumulative.

We call this education and hope kids dig it.

They don’t. They are right not to.

But they Machiavelli it ‘cause college.

The truth is, we are asking them to save lifeless, useless data. The content doesn't resonate so their brains treat it like spam and put it in the junk folder.

We turn the vibrant stories humanity was built on into hollow transcripts and we wonder why they unsubscribe.

I hope you enjoyed these ideas from my upcoming book Unschooling School: Teaching Agency and Free Thinking in a System Built for Compliance and Conformity., scheduled for release in August 2026.

If you’re done watching students treat your lessons like spam to be deleted the moment the test is over, this book is your guide to engineering relevance that sticks. Let’s stop training kids to Machiavelli their way through packets and start creating the loud, messy, and meaningful learning experiences they deserve.

BOOKS & TOOLS

Climate Change Debate: The Earth Science Intellectual Thunderdome

$4.00

In this 3- to 4-day lesson, designed for a high school Earth and Space Science classroom, student groups are assigned and investigate 4 leading solutions to the climate change crisis our planet is experiencing. Then, they are called upon to debate against each other to try to convince others that their solution is the most viable and provide counterarguments against other solutions. It’s an intellectual thunderdome in which students are encouraged to use science to attacks each others points of view on climate change but not character.

Why and how does this learning strategy work?

Rote memorization out; seeking answers and deeper learning in.

The debate-style approach to learning is engaging and motivating for learners, because they are challenged to use real evidence and their wits to outmaneuver their opposition.

Not only do they act as investigators, developing communication, collaboration, and argumentation skills but they learn about viable solutions to the climate change conundrum we all find ourselves in. They learn Earth and Space Science content while investigating and debating solutions to a real-world phenomenon, which is what the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) call for.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Research multiple, complex climate change solutions to discover that the world is more complicated than a single TikTok trend.
Articulate scientific arguments with actual evidence.
Listen to opposing viewpoints, to hone "social awareness" skills.
Realize that climate change solutions are multi-faceted, messy, and require more than just good vibes.
Describe and support with, not mere belief but actual evidence, the leading climate solutions proposed by, not the coven of online witches but the scientific community.

What's included:

24 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and follow up activities
General Lesson flow for teacher to follow to make it all seamless
A short and funny “hook” to increase student buy in
Detailed student directions
A list (research starter pack) of links to legit, scientific websites for students to use.
Group roles (team jobs) with descriptions of what each entails.
4 climate change solutions to assign to 4 different student groups
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Detailed Grading Rubric to guide students and make assessment easy
Debate Day introduction and format description
Follow up discussion questions (reflection and debrief)

Buy on Amazon

Mistakes Are... Poster

$3.00

In this classroom Mistakes are Expected, Respected, Inspected, Corrected!

Learned helplessness is a result of years of conditioning that mistakes are bad for learning. Nothing is further from the truth - some of the most powerful life lessons come from making mistakes, reflecting on them, and growing as a result.

This is a PNG Poster you can print and display in your classroom to encourage a culture of risk-taking and learning from mistakes.

Buy on Amazon

BLOG ARCHIVE:

[Earth Science] Terraforming Mars: The Red Planet "Shark Tank" Innovation Challenge

$4.00

Are your students tired of just reading about Earth? Do they gaze longingly at the night sky, dreaming of a future beyond textbook pages? Excellent! Because today, we're not just learning about science; we're making science. We're launching them into the ultimate entrepreneurial challenge: Terraforming Mars: The Red Planet "Shark Tank" Innovation Challenge!

Forget your quaint little recycling programs. We're talking about taking a dusty, desolate rock and turning it into a vacation spot for humanity.

This isn't just a project; it's a desperate plea from the future (and a cunning way to keep them engaged). Your students will become "Terraforming Tech Startups," armed with nothing but their wits, some internet access, and a burgeoning understanding of how Earth actually works. Because, let's be honest, trying to make Mars habitable without understanding our own planet's life support systems is like trying to bake a cake without knowing what flour is.

Prepare for an explosion of creativity (hopefully not literal, on Mars or in your classroom) as they grapple with the fundamental cycles that make life possible. The competitive drive to secure that "virtual investment" (and bragging rights) will channel all their boundless energy into productive, scientific output. Just try to keep the "mad scientist" cackles to a minimum.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Demonstrate understanding of the Carbon, Water, Nitrogen, and Oxygen cycles.
Apply your knowledge of the principles of these cycles to design an ecosystem on a different planet (e.g. Mars).
Illustrate how biogeochemical cycles support life in a closed system (Earth, Mars colony, dome ecosystem etc.).
Pitch your solutions to practice collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving/design.

What's included:

20 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Introductory popcorn reading activity
Research Guide (G-doc link): Includes Note-taking space and links to reputable websites for students to use.
Project timeline and detailed tasks for each day
Group Roles explained in detail
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and best practices
List of materials
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Grading Rubric and Peer Evaluation Form

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tags / focus, teaching teens, deeper learning, learning, teaching

Discomfort + Confrontation = Growth

April 13, 2026 / Oskar Cymerman

As adults, we tend to avoid even the smallest of confrontations. I know I do this a lot.

I know better, but I avoid, because feeling tough feelings is tough. So, I avoid the discomfort.

Think about a similar situation from your own life. Maybe your neighbor’s dog barks too loud and too much scrambling your brain cells to the point of homicide. But instead of saying something, you stay quiet.

We avoid the neighbor because we fear the friction. But without friction, nothing changes.

The same thing happens in our classrooms. When we let students “sit and get” the information, we are choosing the path of the quiet neighbor.

Listening to lectures and filling out worksheets quietly feels peaceful and productive, but obscured by the cloak of silence, we fail to see that no one’s growing.

Not us and certainly not them.

But just as eventually having that scary conversation proves that we are stronger than we thought, feeling and overcoming the discomfort induced by a hard math problem or a complex science concept proves to students they are capable of more than they realize.

And when they realize that they can do hard things, they become more willing to do more hard things.

Because feeling discomfort and confronting the problem leads to a solution, and all these things combined equal growth.

So we need to normalize the discomfort—expose students to it by challenging them to do things outside of their comfort zone, because

Safe is the Enemy of Growth

The Shared Root of Avoidance In both the neighbor scenario and the "sit and get" classroom, the goal is the same: emotional safety. We stay quiet about the barking dog to avoid the awkwardness of the talk, while students stay quiet during a lecture to avoid the “embarrassment" of being wrong or the mental strain of a hard problem.
The Cost of Silence: When you don't talk to your neighbor, the dog keeps barking and your resentment grows. When a student just "sits and gets," their brain stays in "low-power mode." In both cases, the lack of confrontation leads to stagnation.
The Resolution: The "scary" conversation with a neighbor usually ends with "My bad!" and a solved problem. In learning, the "scary" moment can be seen as productive struggle. When a student finally solves that hard problem after failing a few times, they experience an "Aha!" moment accompanied by relief, satisfaction, and most crucially, growth.

More Benefits of Overcoming Discomfort

When our students learn to handle hard things, they get better at school and life. Here’s how they level up:

Better Problem Solving: They learn how to find answers even when things are confusing and frustrating.
More Confidence: Every time they overcome a challenge, they realize they are stronger than they thought.
Resilience: They learn how to "bounce back" when things get tough.
Creativity: Friction forces the brain to look for new and different ways to do things.
Future Success: Jobs in the real world require people who can handle change and hard tasks without giving up.

So next time you or your students feel that "uncomfortable" sensation, don't run. That feeling is just the first step toward becoming someone better.

Because Discomfort + Confrontation = Growth

Can you recall a recent discomfort that helped you grow?

I hope you enjoyed these ideas from my upcoming book Unschooling School: Teaching Agency and Free Thinking in a System Built for Compliance and Conformity—scheduled for release in late August 2026.

The book is dedicated to every educator tired of the hollow quiet of a "sit and get" classroom; to every teacher who knows there has to be a louder, messier, and more meaningful way to growing young minds. If you’re ready to stop avoiding the discomfort of real learning and start engineering "Aha!" moments that stick, this book is your guide to building the future of education.

BOOKS & TOOLS

EQUITY Poster

$1.50

Equity-Promoting Classroom Poster. What does EQUITY in the classroom look like?

Everyone has a different start and finish line
Quality is more important that quantity
Understanding that diversity makes us stronger
Inclusion despite beliefs, appearances, and circumstances
Thoughtfulness lowers barriers and reduces biases
Yesterday's mistakes are today's learning agenda

You can teach your students about equity and make it a daily classroom practice using this inspirational poster, which also includes images that accompany the equity description. You can discuss each letter characteristic with your students as a way of introducing your inclusive classroom and display it prominently as a reminder that diversity makes the classroom community stronger.

Sale

Introduction to Earth and Space Science - 5 Phenomenon-Based Projects

$10.00 $15.00

Save 2 - 3 weeks of planning time and start your Earth and Space Science school year off right using NGSS and Phenomenon Based Learning with this “Introduction to Earth and Space Science” Unit that contains 5 relevant and engaging multi-day projects.

Sale

Back 2 School Classroom Bundle of 8 Posters

$5.00 $8.00

8 digital, printable, size 11 x 17 classroom posters:

“Welcome” in multiple languages
“Hi” in multiple languages
Three Equity posters
Classroom Rules: Be Open, Be Kind, Have Fun
“Classroom of Champs”
“Kindness”

ON SALE until August 30th.

[Earth & Space Science] Cosmic Scene Investigation: A Case of the Kilonova

$4.00

In this 50 - 70 minute, CSI-style investigation, designed for a high school Earth and Space Science classroom, students investigate a space phenomenon of kilonova. The investigation is set up so students do not know a kilonova occurred. Rather, they are given five case files on a major phenomenon that occurred in a fictional galaxy V57-1. The case files contain information they will have to interpret and research online to first understand the clues each file contains to later be able to arrive at the correct conclusion that a kilonova, caused by a collision and merging of two neutron stars has taken place.

Why and how does this learning strategy work?

Rote memorization out; seeking answers and deeper learning in.

The CSI-style approach to learning is fun, engaging, and motivating for learners, because they are called upon, thus challenged to find answers based on evidence rather than given a list of facts to study about a topic; space in this case.

When students are allowed to act as investigators, they develop skills such as analyzing evidence from various sources to understand the world and how it works. They not only hone and apply Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), but also learn Earth and Space Science content while investigating a real-world (or real-space) phenomenon, which is what the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) call for.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Analyze scientific evidence to arrive at a correct conclusion about the cosmic event that occurred in a distant galaxy. Synthesize multi-messenger astronomical evidence to draw conclusions about complex cosmic phenomena.
Understand the role of various astronomical instruments in space exploration.
Describe different types of data collected by these instruments.
Explain how element emission spectra are used to identify space objects and phenomena.

What's included:

13 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and follow up activities
A link to a student-only slideshow.
Detailed student directions.
5 case files that contain data collected about the event for students to investigate
Teacher answer key describing what conclusions students should make from each case file.
Report File - guided Google Doc for students to fill out as they take note on each case file. data and generate their conclusions
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Debriefing activity and key talking points
Follow up discussion questions and a next day bell ringer

Anthropogenic Phenomenon Investigation

$3.00

Save planning time with this 3 to 4-day Earth and Space Science NGSS-aligned introductory lesson during which students learn about the Systems Approach to studying science and analyzing real world phenomena.

The lesson involves investigating an anthropogenic phenomenon and examining human influence on the four spheres (biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere).

During the investigation, students create models and use them to explain how each of the four spheres is affected in a video that educates viewers on the consequences of human actions and the interconnectedness of the Earth’s systems.

Includes 9 detailed slides (PDF and Google Slides link for editing) + detailed teacher directions (2 slides).

The project follows the guidelines set by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and guides students in using Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs), and Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs).

Student Learning Objectives:

Describe what a Phenomenon is and give examples of Natural and Anthropogenic Phenomena.
Explain how phenomena can be used to study scientific concepts.
Describe the four spheres: atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere, and give examples of different matter interactions between them.
Understand, explain, and apply the Systems Approach when investigating Earth and Space Science Phenomena.
Break down how a Specific Anthropogenic Phenomenon affects each of the four spheres.

[Earth Science] Terraforming Mars: The Red Planet "Shark Tank" Innovation Challenge

$4.00

Forget your quaint little recycling programs. We're talking about taking a dusty, desolate rock and turning it into a vacation spot for humanity.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Demonstrate understanding of the Carbon, Water, Nitrogen, and Oxygen cycles.
Apply your knowledge of the principles of these cycles to design an ecosystem on a different planet (e.g. Mars).
Illustrate how biogeochemical cycles support life in a closed system (Earth, Mars colony, dome ecosystem etc.).
Pitch your solutions to practice collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving/design.

What's included:

20 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Introductory popcorn reading activity
Research Guide (G-doc link): Includes Note-taking space and links to reputable websites for students to use.
Project timeline and detailed tasks for each day
Group Roles explained in detail
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and best practices
List of materials
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Grading Rubric and Peer Evaluation Form

Buy on Amazon

Sale

Earth Science: Create a Computer Simulation of an ESS Concept

$2.00 $3.00

Save planning time with this introductory, 3-4 day Earth and Space Science engineering challenge in which students create a computer simulation of an Earth Science topic.

Includes 12 detailed slides (PDF and Google Slides link for editing) + detailed teacher directions (last slide) + a BONUS resource: Animation Guide for Google Slides.

The project follows the guidelines set by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and guides students in using Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs).

Student Performance and Learning Objectives:

Design and create an informative computer simulation.
Use computer animation to simulate a key ESS concept.
Explain the key ideas of an ESS concept of your choice.

Climate Change Debate: The Earth Science Intellectual Thunderdome

$4.00

Why and how does this learning strategy work?

Rote memorization out; seeking answers and deeper learning in.

The debate-style approach to learning is engaging and motivating for learners, because they are challenged to use real evidence and their wits to outmaneuver their opposition.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Research multiple, complex climate change solutions to discover that the world is more complicated than a single TikTok trend.
Articulate scientific arguments with actual evidence.
Listen to opposing viewpoints, to hone "social awareness" skills.
Realize that climate change solutions are multi-faceted, messy, and require more than just good vibes.
Describe and support with, not mere belief but actual evidence, the leading climate solutions proposed by, not the coven of online witches but the scientific community.

What's included:

24 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and follow up activities
General Lesson flow for teacher to follow to make it all seamless
A short and funny “hook” to increase student buy in
Detailed student directions
A list (research starter pack) of links to legit, scientific websites for students to use.
Group roles (team jobs) with descriptions of what each entails.
4 climate change solutions to assign to 4 different student groups
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Detailed Grading Rubric to guide students and make assessment easy
Debate Day introduction and format description
Follow up discussion questions (reflection and debrief)

Periodic Table of Students: A Fun Back to School Chemistry Classroom Activity

$3.00

Can teachers make Chemistry less stressful for students?

I am not sure about this one. After all, chemistry gets the bad rep for being hard and a lot of work. But while this may be true, teachers can help make the beginning of the school year less stressful for their students by easing into chemistry using a low pressure, high bang for their buck activity.

In this one- to two- day Back to School activity, designed for a high school Chemistry classroom, students visually share and learn various facts about each other which helps in building a supportive classroom community and, along the way, learn some chemistry lingo and facts that will come in handy later. But, psssst! Don't tell them they are unconsciously learning chemistry. Just let them have fun getting to know each other and their teacher.

Why and how does this learning strategy work?

The main idea is to begin the new school year and your chemistry class low-stress. This benefits both students and teachers as we often find getting back to doing something we are rusty on rough (translation for non-teachers: we are barely holding it together and are ten seconds from crashing out, because we are only about 50% sure we still know how to participate in society at large, let alone teach). So rather than continuously wondering about the 10,000 things that can go wrong (but never will) in the first few days of the new school year, we can combine chemistry, social-emotional learning, and classroom community-building and get to know our students a little bit before we hit them with atoms, bonding, stoichiometry, and Le Chatelier's Principle.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Put together a periodic table of chemistry students in our class.
Create an element box for each student with their characteristics, likes, dislikes etc.
Start building a classroom community.
Allow students to familiarize themselves with each other by learning a few things about their classmates.

What's included:

10 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students through this 2-day activity
An element box/card template for either digital or old school use (you choose)
Teacher notes explaining the purpose, teacher participation, possible extensions, and the side benefits of the activity
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Materials list
Detailed directions for what information students should include on their card
Directions on how to assemble the classroom periodic table
Follow up discussion questions

Climate Change Debate: The Earth Science Intellectual Thunderdome

$4.00

Why and how does this learning strategy work?

Rote memorization out; seeking answers and deeper learning in.

The debate-style approach to learning is engaging and motivating for learners, because they are challenged to use real evidence and their wits to outmaneuver their opposition.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Research multiple, complex climate change solutions to discover that the world is more complicated than a single TikTok trend.
Articulate scientific arguments with actual evidence.
Listen to opposing viewpoints, to hone "social awareness" skills.
Realize that climate change solutions are multi-faceted, messy, and require more than just good vibes.
Describe and support with, not mere belief but actual evidence, the leading climate solutions proposed by, not the coven of online witches but the scientific community.

What's included:

24 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and follow up activities
General Lesson flow for teacher to follow to make it all seamless
A short and funny “hook” to increase student buy in
Detailed student directions
A list (research starter pack) of links to legit, scientific websites for students to use.
Group roles (team jobs) with descriptions of what each entails.
4 climate change solutions to assign to 4 different student groups
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Detailed Grading Rubric to guide students and make assessment easy
Debate Day introduction and format description
Follow up discussion questions (reflection and debrief)

[Earth & Space Science] Cosmic Scene Investigation: A Case of the Kilonova

$4.00

Why and how does this learning strategy work?

Rote memorization out; seeking answers and deeper learning in.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Analyze scientific evidence to arrive at a correct conclusion about the cosmic event that occurred in a distant galaxy. Synthesize multi-messenger astronomical evidence to draw conclusions about complex cosmic phenomena.
Understand the role of various astronomical instruments in space exploration.
Describe different types of data collected by these instruments.
Explain how element emission spectra are used to identify space objects and phenomena.

What's included:

13 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and follow up activities
A link to a student-only slideshow.
Detailed student directions.
5 case files that contain data collected about the event for students to investigate
Teacher answer key describing what conclusions students should make from each case file.
Report File - guided Google Doc for students to fill out as they take note on each case file. data and generate their conclusions
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Debriefing activity and key talking points
Follow up discussion questions and a next day bell ringer

[Earth Science] Terraforming Mars: The Red Planet "Shark Tank" Innovation Challenge

$4.00

Forget your quaint little recycling programs. We're talking about taking a dusty, desolate rock and turning it into a vacation spot for humanity.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Demonstrate understanding of the Carbon, Water, Nitrogen, and Oxygen cycles.
Apply your knowledge of the principles of these cycles to design an ecosystem on a different planet (e.g. Mars).
Illustrate how biogeochemical cycles support life in a closed system (Earth, Mars colony, dome ecosystem etc.).
Pitch your solutions to practice collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving/design.

What's included:

20 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Introductory popcorn reading activity
Research Guide (G-doc link): Includes Note-taking space and links to reputable websites for students to use.
Project timeline and detailed tasks for each day
Group Roles explained in detail
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and best practices
List of materials
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Grading Rubric and Peer Evaluation Form

Comment 0 Likes

categories / Science, Earth Science
tags / teaching teens, parenting teens, deeper learning, independence, lifelong learning, simplicity, skills, success skills, learning, making life easier, kids

The Tragedy of Performance Over Learning (Act I)

April 10, 2026 / Oskar Cymerman

Act I. Scene I. — The Staff Meeting

(The setting: A fluorescent-lit high school library, projector humming quietly, displaying a “Raising Student Achievement” slide. Teachers sit in small groups, minds somewhere between the beach and denial.)

Characters:

PRINCIPAL KIM, mid-40s, energetic buzzword user
MR. KERMODY, a sarcastic teacher nearing retirement
MR. FRESH, young teacher pursuing his Master’s in Educational Leadership
MS. LEHIGH, data specialist overly enthusiastic about tables and graphs

PRINCIPAL KIM: Welcome back everyone! I hope you are well rested and just as excited as I am to keep making our school great for our students! Because the data is in and our reading proficiency scores went up by 1.5% and math readiness increased by 1.1%! Today is all about deep diving into the test data and planning how we can level up even more! Take us through it Ms. Lehigh!

MS. LEHIGH: Alright, team, our state’s alternative pay system, Q Comp, is once again allowing teachers to earn extra pay for increasing our standardized test scores. Earlier, our school's administrative team met and decided to set a new goal of two percent increase in math and reading. We got this!

MR. KERMODY: Why stop there? Let’s just shoot for a hundred. Really give them a show.

MR. FRESH: Technically, two percent is realistic if we implement new strategies like targeted formative assessments and tiered intervention cycles…

MR. KERMODY (interrupting): English, please.

MS. LEHIGH: If we disaggregate the subgroups, we’ll see our biggest gap is still students in the ‘approaching proficiency’ range. If we move just twenty seven of them to ‘meets,’ we can hit the target.

MR. KERMODY: So, we’re not teaching kids. We’re moving dots on a chart. Got it.

PRINCIPAL KIM: Come on, Kermody. You know data tells our story.

MR. KERMODY: If data told our story, it’d be a tragedy.

(MR. FRESH leans forward, defensive.)

MR. FRESH: We can’t just dismiss the data. It’s how we measure success.

MR. KERMODY: And by “success,” you mean how well they can eliminate wrong answers under pressure?

PRINCIPAL KIM: Alright, alright, let’s stay positive. We’re setting a goal of two percent growth. Now get in your PLCs and make it happen people.

MR. KERMODY (under his breath): Two percent increase in bullshit, coming right up.

(The projector blinks to black. The teachers shuffle out.)

End of Act I.

I hope you enjoyed this excerpt from my upcoming book Unschooling School: Teaching Agency and Free Thinking in a System Built for Compliance and Conformity—scheduled for release in late August 2026.

In it, I am experimenting with narrative nonfiction and elements of playwriting such as the scene above. But most of the book is filled with strategies that make the classroom more game-changing, because we all know schools at large—for all the wrong reasons—are taking their time with that.

BOOKS & TOOLS

EQUITY Poster

$1.50

Equity-Promoting Classroom Poster. What does EQUITY in the classroom look like?

Everyone has a different start and finish line
Quality is more important that quantity
Understanding that diversity makes us stronger
Inclusion despite beliefs, appearances, and circumstances
Thoughtfulness lowers barriers and reduces biases
Yesterday's mistakes are today's learning agenda

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Introduction to Earth and Space Science - 5 Phenomenon-Based Projects

$10.00 $15.00

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Back 2 School Classroom Bundle of 8 Posters

$5.00 $8.00

8 digital, printable, size 11 x 17 classroom posters:

“Welcome” in multiple languages
“Hi” in multiple languages
Three Equity posters
Classroom Rules: Be Open, Be Kind, Have Fun
“Classroom of Champs”
“Kindness”

ON SALE until August 30th.

[Earth & Space Science] Cosmic Scene Investigation: A Case of the Kilonova

$4.00

Why and how does this learning strategy work?

Rote memorization out; seeking answers and deeper learning in.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Analyze scientific evidence to arrive at a correct conclusion about the cosmic event that occurred in a distant galaxy. Synthesize multi-messenger astronomical evidence to draw conclusions about complex cosmic phenomena.
Understand the role of various astronomical instruments in space exploration.
Describe different types of data collected by these instruments.
Explain how element emission spectra are used to identify space objects and phenomena.

What's included:

13 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and follow up activities
A link to a student-only slideshow.
Detailed student directions.
5 case files that contain data collected about the event for students to investigate
Teacher answer key describing what conclusions students should make from each case file.
Report File - guided Google Doc for students to fill out as they take note on each case file. data and generate their conclusions
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Debriefing activity and key talking points
Follow up discussion questions and a next day bell ringer

Anthropogenic Phenomenon Investigation

$3.00

The lesson involves investigating an anthropogenic phenomenon and examining human influence on the four spheres (biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere).

Includes 9 detailed slides (PDF and Google Slides link for editing) + detailed teacher directions (2 slides).

Student Learning Objectives:

Describe what a Phenomenon is and give examples of Natural and Anthropogenic Phenomena.
Explain how phenomena can be used to study scientific concepts.
Describe the four spheres: atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere, and give examples of different matter interactions between them.
Understand, explain, and apply the Systems Approach when investigating Earth and Space Science Phenomena.
Break down how a Specific Anthropogenic Phenomenon affects each of the four spheres.

[Earth Science] Terraforming Mars: The Red Planet "Shark Tank" Innovation Challenge

$4.00

Forget your quaint little recycling programs. We're talking about taking a dusty, desolate rock and turning it into a vacation spot for humanity.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Demonstrate understanding of the Carbon, Water, Nitrogen, and Oxygen cycles.
Apply your knowledge of the principles of these cycles to design an ecosystem on a different planet (e.g. Mars).
Illustrate how biogeochemical cycles support life in a closed system (Earth, Mars colony, dome ecosystem etc.).
Pitch your solutions to practice collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving/design.

What's included:

20 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Introductory popcorn reading activity
Research Guide (G-doc link): Includes Note-taking space and links to reputable websites for students to use.
Project timeline and detailed tasks for each day
Group Roles explained in detail
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and best practices
List of materials
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Grading Rubric and Peer Evaluation Form

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Earth Science: Create a Computer Simulation of an ESS Concept

$2.00 $3.00

Save planning time with this introductory, 3-4 day Earth and Space Science engineering challenge in which students create a computer simulation of an Earth Science topic.

Includes 12 detailed slides (PDF and Google Slides link for editing) + detailed teacher directions (last slide) + a BONUS resource: Animation Guide for Google Slides.

The project follows the guidelines set by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and guides students in using Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs).

Student Performance and Learning Objectives:

Design and create an informative computer simulation.
Use computer animation to simulate a key ESS concept.
Explain the key ideas of an ESS concept of your choice.

Climate Change Debate: The Earth Science Intellectual Thunderdome

$4.00

Why and how does this learning strategy work?

Rote memorization out; seeking answers and deeper learning in.

The debate-style approach to learning is engaging and motivating for learners, because they are challenged to use real evidence and their wits to outmaneuver their opposition.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Research multiple, complex climate change solutions to discover that the world is more complicated than a single TikTok trend.
Articulate scientific arguments with actual evidence.
Listen to opposing viewpoints, to hone "social awareness" skills.
Realize that climate change solutions are multi-faceted, messy, and require more than just good vibes.
Describe and support with, not mere belief but actual evidence, the leading climate solutions proposed by, not the coven of online witches but the scientific community.

What's included:

24 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and follow up activities
General Lesson flow for teacher to follow to make it all seamless
A short and funny “hook” to increase student buy in
Detailed student directions
A list (research starter pack) of links to legit, scientific websites for students to use.
Group roles (team jobs) with descriptions of what each entails.
4 climate change solutions to assign to 4 different student groups
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Detailed Grading Rubric to guide students and make assessment easy
Debate Day introduction and format description
Follow up discussion questions (reflection and debrief)

Periodic Table of Students: A Fun Back to School Chemistry Classroom Activity

$3.00

Can teachers make Chemistry less stressful for students?

Why and how does this learning strategy work?

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Put together a periodic table of chemistry students in our class.
Create an element box for each student with their characteristics, likes, dislikes etc.
Start building a classroom community.
Allow students to familiarize themselves with each other by learning a few things about their classmates.

What's included:

10 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students through this 2-day activity
An element box/card template for either digital or old school use (you choose)
Teacher notes explaining the purpose, teacher participation, possible extensions, and the side benefits of the activity
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Materials list
Detailed directions for what information students should include on their card
Directions on how to assemble the classroom periodic table
Follow up discussion questions

Climate Change Debate: The Earth Science Intellectual Thunderdome

$4.00

Why and how does this learning strategy work?

Rote memorization out; seeking answers and deeper learning in.

The debate-style approach to learning is engaging and motivating for learners, because they are challenged to use real evidence and their wits to outmaneuver their opposition.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Research multiple, complex climate change solutions to discover that the world is more complicated than a single TikTok trend.
Articulate scientific arguments with actual evidence.
Listen to opposing viewpoints, to hone "social awareness" skills.
Realize that climate change solutions are multi-faceted, messy, and require more than just good vibes.
Describe and support with, not mere belief but actual evidence, the leading climate solutions proposed by, not the coven of online witches but the scientific community.

What's included:

24 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and follow up activities
General Lesson flow for teacher to follow to make it all seamless
A short and funny “hook” to increase student buy in
Detailed student directions
A list (research starter pack) of links to legit, scientific websites for students to use.
Group roles (team jobs) with descriptions of what each entails.
4 climate change solutions to assign to 4 different student groups
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Detailed Grading Rubric to guide students and make assessment easy
Debate Day introduction and format description
Follow up discussion questions (reflection and debrief)

[Earth & Space Science] Cosmic Scene Investigation: A Case of the Kilonova

$4.00

Why and how does this learning strategy work?

Rote memorization out; seeking answers and deeper learning in.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Analyze scientific evidence to arrive at a correct conclusion about the cosmic event that occurred in a distant galaxy. Synthesize multi-messenger astronomical evidence to draw conclusions about complex cosmic phenomena.
Understand the role of various astronomical instruments in space exploration.
Describe different types of data collected by these instruments.
Explain how element emission spectra are used to identify space objects and phenomena.

What's included:

13 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and follow up activities
A link to a student-only slideshow.
Detailed student directions.
5 case files that contain data collected about the event for students to investigate
Teacher answer key describing what conclusions students should make from each case file.
Report File - guided Google Doc for students to fill out as they take note on each case file. data and generate their conclusions
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Debriefing activity and key talking points
Follow up discussion questions and a next day bell ringer

[Earth Science] Terraforming Mars: The Red Planet "Shark Tank" Innovation Challenge

$4.00

Forget your quaint little recycling programs. We're talking about taking a dusty, desolate rock and turning it into a vacation spot for humanity.

Student Learning and Performance Objectives:

Demonstrate understanding of the Carbon, Water, Nitrogen, and Oxygen cycles.
Apply your knowledge of the principles of these cycles to design an ecosystem on a different planet (e.g. Mars).
Illustrate how biogeochemical cycles support life in a closed system (Earth, Mars colony, dome ecosystem etc.).
Pitch your solutions to practice collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving/design.

What's included:

20 slides that introduce, explain, and guide the teacher and students
Introductory popcorn reading activity
Research Guide (G-doc link): Includes Note-taking space and links to reputable websites for students to use.
Project timeline and detailed tasks for each day
Group Roles explained in detail
Detailed teacher notes on prep, main lesson, and best practices
List of materials
Student Learning and Performance Objectives
Grading Rubric and Peer Evaluation Form

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