The Top 5 Brilliant.org Courses for Teachers
Guest Post by Bethany on Healthy Minds Journey
Hi there! My name is Bethany, and I’ve been a middle school teacher for over a decade. Teaching has always been my passion, but staying up-to-date with innovative teaching methods and new subject material has been a challenge. That’s where Brilliant.org comes in. This platform has not only transformed my teaching approach but has also helped me inspire my students in ways I never thought possible.
In this article, I’ll share my top five Brilliant.org courses tailored for teachers. Whether you’re a math teacher looking to strengthen your core concepts or a science instructor seeking engaging ways to teach physics, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Mathematical Fundamentals: A Teacher’s Foundation for Success
As a teacher, I’ve often found that my students struggle with basic mathematical concepts, which can hinder their progress in more advanced topics. This course from Brilliant.org felt like a game-changer for me. The “Mathematical Fundamentals” course takes a deep dive into arithmetic, number theory, and algebra while presenting them in interactive and digestible ways.
Why This Course Stands Out:
- Interactive Problem-Solving: Unlike traditional courses, this one uses puzzles and challenges to reinforce concepts. As a teacher, I found these exercises invaluable, and I now incorporate similar activities into my lessons.
- Progressive Design: It begins with foundational topics like addition and subtraction, making it perfect for teachers working with younger students. As you progress, you’ll encounter more complex algebraic concepts, which are ideal for middle and high school educators.
How I Use It in the Classroom:
One specific activity I adapted involves using number patterns to teach sequences. After completing a section of the course, I created a lesson where my students discovered number sequences through their own exploration. It was a hit—they were engaged and eager to participate.
Benefits for Teachers:
- Helps strengthen your confidence in teaching complex mathematical concepts.
- Offers practical examples that can be seamlessly integrated into your curriculum.
- Boosts your creativity in lesson planning.
2. Scientific Thinking: Building Critical Minds in the Classroom
The “Scientific Thinking” course is an absolute must for any science teacher. What I love most is how it focuses on the scientific method and the importance of evidence-based reasoning. This course doesn’t just teach you the steps; it helps you develop a mindset that questions and investigates, something I always aim to instill in my students.
What Makes This Course Unique:
- Historical Context: The course walks you through real-life case studies, such as how scientists discovered electricity or studied diseases. These stories are fantastic for sparking curiosity in students.
- Hands-On Activities: Brilliant.org includes virtual experiments that you can replicate in your classroom with minimal resources.
How It Helped My Teaching:
One of my favorite lessons is based on the case study about Galileo’s experiments. I had my students recreate simplified versions of his work to understand the concept of gravity. They were enthralled, and I felt a sense of accomplishment watching their curiosity grow.
Benefits for Teachers:
- Teaches you how to encourage critical thinking in your students.
- Provides engaging stories and experiments that make science come alive.
- Helps you stay current with modern scientific applications.
3. Computer Science Fundamentals: The New Essential Skill for Teachers
In today’s world, understanding computer science is no longer optional—it’s essential. The “Computer Science Fundamentals” course on Brilliant.org taught me everything from algorithms to data structures, and it did so in a way that felt accessible, even as a non-technical person.
Highlights of the Course:
- Simplified Explanations: The course breaks down intimidating topics like algorithms into bite-sized, understandable chunks.
- Practical Applications: I now use visual programming tools with my students, inspired by what I learned here.
- Student-Friendly Tools: Brilliant.org’s lessons are perfect for adapting into middle and high school classrooms.
My Experience:
After completing this course, I introduced a unit on coding for my students using block-based programming. It was a hit—they loved creating their own mini-projects, and I felt empowered to guide them.
Why It’s Perfect for Teachers:
- Prepares you to teach coding, even if you’re new to it.
- Encourages computational thinking, a skill that benefits students in all disciplines.
- Provides tools and examples you can easily adapt to fit your curriculum.
4. Logic: Empowering Students to Think Critically
Logic is a subject that transcends disciplines, and Brilliant.org’s “Logic” course is a masterclass in teaching students how to think critically and solve problems systematically. From truth tables to propositional logic, this course dives into concepts that are both intellectually stimulating and incredibly useful.
Course Benefits:
- Engaging Exercises: Each topic is paired with puzzles and games that make learning fun.
- Real-World Applications: The course includes examples of how logical reasoning applies to everyday decisions, making it relatable for students.
How It Shaped My Teaching:
One section on logical connectives inspired me to develop a lesson where students analyzed arguments in famous speeches. The activity not only helped them understand logic but also improved their public speaking and debate skills.
5. Physics of the Everyday: Making Science Relatable
Physics can sometimes feel abstract and disconnected from everyday life, but this course changes that. The “Physics of the Everyday” course connects theoretical physics to phenomena like electricity, motion, and energy that students encounter daily.
Highlights:
- Interactive Simulations: These allow students to explore concepts in real-time, deepening their understanding.
- Relatable Examples: The course explains everyday phenomena, like how refrigerators work or why we see rainbows.
How I Use It:
After completing this course, I introduced a lesson where students explored the physics of roller coasters. We even designed our own mini roller coasters in the classroom—an unforgettable experience!
These courses have not only enriched my teaching methods but have also inspired my students to embrace learning with enthusiasm. I wholeheartedly recommend Brilliant.org to fellow teachers—it’s an investment in yourself and your students. What are you waiting for? Let’s inspire the next generation together!
Bethany
Guest Writer, Healthy Minds Journey
