Classroom Management for Science Teachers: Why I Use Daily Agenda Slides
- Androy Bruney
- Jul 11, 2025
- 3 min read
I Wanted Routine… But Had No Idea Where to Start
The first time I tried using daily agenda slides to manage my science class, I opened PowerPoint, typed "Welcome" on a blank screen, and stared at it for a full five minutes. I knew I wanted to build a smoother routine—especially during messy lab days—but I didn’t know how. What do I include? How do I organize it?
Would students even care?
Spoiler alert: they did care. It turned out that using daily science slides transformed how I managed time, transitions, labs, and behavior. And now I wouldn’t start a school year without them.
This post is a behind-the-scenes look at how daily slides helped me bring order, focus, and even fun into my science classroom. Whether you're teaching biology, chemistry, or general science, these tips can help you set the tone from the moment students walk in.
Why Use Daily Agenda Slides in a Science Classroom?
1. They Make Transitions Smoother
If you're a science teacher, you know that time disappears between “pass out goggles” and “start cleaning up.” Daily slides keep everyone on task because students see what’s expected at every phase.
Tip: Include a “Welcome to the Lab” slide on lab days and a “Time to Clean Up” slide to prompt an orderly wrap-up.
2. They Set Clear Expectations
Instead of repeating the day’s objective five times, I post it once. Slides like “Today’s Learning Target,” “What Are We Investigating?” and “Your Task” help students take ownership of their learning.
Bonus Tip: Create a visual slide that shows the full list of lab apparatus and materials needed for the day. I like to include photos of the actual items from my own classroom—graduated cylinders, ring stands, digital scales—so students know exactly what to grab from their lockers or lab stations. It reduces confusion and helps the setup go smoothly.
3. They Reduce Behavior Issues
When students know what's next, they're less likely to get off track. My “Do Now” and “Bell Ringer” slides keep students busy from the moment they sit down, while “Fast Finishers” slides give early finishers meaningful options.
Favorite Slide: “Rate Your Understanding” helps me quickly see who’s struggling without calling anyone out.
4. They Add Structure to Messy Lab Days
Lab days used to feel like a three-ring circus. But now, I use slides—with timers on each slide—to structure every phase and keep things moving seamlessly:
“Apparatus Needed”
“Conduct Your Investigation”
“Analyze the Data”
“Experimental Error Analysis”
“Lab Clean-Up Checklist”
These slides act like mini-signposts, guiding students through each part of the investigation. And they save me from having to shout instructions over bubbling beakers.
5. They Reinforce Classroom Community
I love using my “Quote of the Day,” “Spotlight on a Scientist,” and “Science Mythbusters” slides to build a culture of curiosity and celebration. I even include a “Science Student of the Week” slide to recognize effort and growth.
Low-Prep Add-On: Slides like “Today in Science History” or “Science in the News” are great warm-ups or discussion starters when you need a brain break from the content-heavy days.
A Peek at My Slide Routine
Here’s what a typical day might look like in my classroom:
Slide 1: Good Morning, Scientists
Slide 2: Do Now / Bell Ringer
Slide 3: Today’s Learning Target + Vocabulary
Slide 4: What Are We Investigating?
Slide 5: Your Task + Materials Needed
Slide 6: Voice Level + Expectations
Slide 7: Wrap-Up: Rate Your Understanding or Exit Ticket
On lab days, I swap in my lab series. On test days, I use "Quick Check-In" and “Take Note” slides instead. Once you have the templates ready, you just plug in the day’s content.
Want to Try These in Your Classroom?
If you’ve ever wished your science class could run just a little smoother… these slides were made for you.
I created a ready-to-use set of over 200 editable science classroom slides—organized for labs, lessons, warm-ups, student check-ins, and more. It includes a variety of templates for chemistry, biology, life science, environmental science, and physics.
You’ll also get:
Clipart-themed welcome slides by subject
Spotlight on a Scientist profiles
Lab checklists and error analysis prompts
Editable text boxes for your content
A few blank templates if you want to create your own
No, the colors aren’t editable—but I’ve got other matching sets in different color palettes if this one isn’t your jam.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been thinking of using slides to manage your science classroom but feel overwhelmed, I’ve been there. Start simple: choose 5–7 slides you’ll use daily. Watch how it changes your class flow, your student focus, and your peace of mind.
And if you’re ready to hit the ground running, check out the full slide pack here. You’ll wonder how you ever taught without it.
