January Classroom Resources to Kick Off the New Year
January has a way of showing up fast. You’re back in the classroom, routines are rebooting, and suddenly you’re juggling energy units, sustainability conversations, and the very real need for lessons that actually work right now.
To make this month a little easier, we’re highlighting three brand-new January science resources designed to be practical, flexible, and immediately useful in real classrooms.
Whether you’re teaching energy, environmental science, or looking for meaningful ways to connect content to your school community, these are easy wins to start the year strong.
Celebrations and Energy: Math Task Cards
Real-world energy scenarios tied to New Year celebrations and traditions
If you’re heading into energy concepts (or reviewing them), these task cards are a great low-prep option that still feels thoughtful and rigorous.
Each card puts students into real-world energy situations connected to New Year celebrations and traditions, making the content feel timely and relevant while students are getting back into the swing of learning. It’s a nice way to meet them where they are in January without sacrificing rigor.
Students are asked to think through:
- Units (without the busywork)
- Efficiency
- Energy transformations
They work beautifully for:
- Bell ringers or station rotations
- Small-group discussion
- Quick formative checks when you need to see who really gets it
It’s the kind of resource you can grab on a Monday morning and feel confident using immediately, no overplanning required.
Recycling Waste Audit (With a Focus on Contamination)
Because “we recycle” isn’t the same as “we recycle well”.
There are lots of recycling audits out there, but this one goes a step further by zeroing in on contamination, which is where most school recycling programs quietly fall apart.
Students don’t just count bins or track materials. They investigate:
- What’s actually ending up in recycling
- Why contamination happens
- How a few wrong items can send an entire load to the landfill
The best part? Students use their findings to propose real, student-led solutions – better signage, clearer sorting systems, or changes that can be implemented immediately at your school.
It’s hands-on, locally relevant, and has immediate real-world impact. Students love seeing that their work actually matters beyond a grade.
APES Unit 6 Guide: Energy Resources & Consumption
The “what you really need to know” version of Unit 6
APES Unit 6 can feel like a lot, especially after winter break. This guide was written by a veteran APES teacher to give you the straight-up essentials without the fluff.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Clear guidance on pacing
- Common student misconceptions to watch for
- Tips for balancing content, skills, and exam prep
Think of it as the teacher-to-teacher 411 – the stuff you wish someone had told you before teaching this unit the first time (or the fifth).
If you’re looking to head into energy resources and consumption feeling calm and confident, this guide is a solid place to start.
A Simple Way to Start the Year Strong
January doesn’t need brand-new systems or perfectly polished plans. Sometimes it’s just about having the right resources at the right moment, ones that respect your time and your students’ curiosity.
Whether you try one activity or all three, we hope these help you settle back into the classroom with a little more ease and a lot more confidence.
Explore January’s featured resources and see what fits your classroom best.