Teach Like a Champion

As science teachers, we’re always looking for ways to make our instruction more effective and engaging without sacrificing rigor. If you haven’t explored Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov (published 2010), this powerful series offers practical, research-backed strategies that can transform your classroom management, questioning techniques, and student engagement.

Here are a few standout strategies from the book that are especially impactful in the science classroom:

1. Cold Call

Science is full of rich questions, and Cold Call ensures every student is ready to engage. Instead of asking for volunteers, simply pose a question and then call on a student. This keeps everyone on their toes and signals that all students are expected to think critically—especially during problem-solving discussions or lab analysis.

Example: 

After demonstrating a reaction between vinegar and baking soda, ask, “Why did the reaction produce gas?” then Cold Call a student to explain, supporting their answer with evidence.

2. No Opt Out

When a student says “I don’t know,” No Opt Out gives you tools to bring them back into the learning. You might provide a hint or rephrase the question, then return to the student for the answer. It builds accountability and self-belief.

Example:

Teacher: “What’s the law of conservation of mass?”Student: “I don’t know.”Teacher: “Okay, listen to what Jenna just said and try again. What does it mean when we say mass is conserved?”

3. Wait Time

Too often, we rush to fill silence. But in science, complex thinking takes time. By using Wait Time, you allow students a few seconds to think before responding. You’ll often get deeper, more thoughtful answers, especially with open-ended or analytical questions.

4. Right is Right

This technique encourages precise and accurate answers. If a student gives a mostly correct response, don’t settle. Push for clarity and completeness.

Example:

Student: “It’s photosynthesis.”Teacher: “Yes, and what exactly happens during photosynthesis? Let’s be specific about the inputs and outputs.”

5. Format Matters

This strategy reinforces the use of academic language, which is critical in science communication. Encourage complete sentences, correct terminology, and structured explanations.

Example:

Student: “It goes up.”Teacher: “Let’s rephrase that. Try: ‘The temperature of the gas increases because…’”

Using Teach Like a Champion strategies in your science instruction can elevate both classroom culture and academic outcomes. Whether you're managing a lab group, leading a Socratic seminar on climate change, or breaking down cell division, these techniques give you a practical edge.

Have you tried any of these strategies in your classroom? Please share your experiences below in the comments section!

If you found Teach Like a Champion helpful, don’t miss the sequel, Teach Like a Champion 2.0! This updated edition published in 2015 builds on the original with refined techniques, new strategies, and real classroom examples that reflect the evolving needs of today’s learners.