Middle School Science Laboratory (by date, oldest first)

Engage your students with this lab experience designed to investigate mass, weight and calculating W=mg. This resource is a great way to practice the skills of measuring mass and weight, noting the difference in the measurements, calculating W=mg and connecting the relationship between mass and weight. 

This resource covers

• Making Predictions About Outcomes
• Using Measuring Tools - Triple Beam Balance/Scale and Spring Scale
• Measuring Mass
• Measuring Weight
• Calculating W=mg
• Comparing Calculated vs. Measured Values

Not every student needs the same support! This resource comes with 2 different student recording sheets. One to help learners that need more support and another for more independent students.

Includes:

• Teacher Guide
• 2 Versions of the Student Procedures and Answer Sheet
• Answer Keys
• BONUS Extension Activity: Acceleration Due to Gravity On Other Planets Research

Materials Needed:

• Triple Beam Balance or Digital Scale
• Spring Scale
• Several small objects of different masses
• Calculator

One "mini" lab that will help students observe and make connections that energy cannot be created or destroyed.

These short activities reinforce or introduce concepts to students. I call these activities “mini labs” because they are simple activities that do not take the whole class period. They are also activities that are safe for use in the classroom and do not have to be done in a lab or with any specialty equipment or materials.

Materials Needed

• 1-1.5 m length of string
• Pencil with an eraser
• Meter stick
• Level
• Pendulum Bob (I have substituted a fishing weight or mass with a hook when I did not have these available in my lab)
• Nail or hook above whiteboard (A 3M hook is great for this, no tools needed to install and does not hurt the walls!
• Whiteboard/Chalkboard (I have also used large sheets of paper on the wall for multiple stations)

For Middle School this supports or extends NGSS: MS PS3-5

For High School this supports MS PS2-2

Distance learning or need a digital copy to assign?

• No problem! This activity now includes a Google Slides options! Ready to go, no prep needed from you!

Three Forms of Use Included

1. Printable PDF
2. Google Slides

3 "mini" labs -or shortened activities- to reinforce or introduce concepts to students. These are simple activities that do not take the whole class period. Each activity is meant to help support the following concepts.

• Organism specialization
• Stored energy in plants/producers
• Specialized reproduction of fungi

Packet comes with the following:

Organism races: Teacher Guide & Student Handout (MS-LS1-2)

Plant Stored Energy: Teacher Guide & Student Handout (MS-LS1-7)

Fungi and Spores: Teacher Guide & Student Handout (MS-LS1-4)

Materials needed per group set up:

Organism Races: 20 paper clips, 2 pieces of paper, 1 pencil

Plant Stored Energy: Potato pieces, celery pieces, pear pieces, 3 clear plastic cups, iodine solution, eye dropper

Fungi and Spores: Fresh mushrooms (store bought) sharp knife, clear plastic cup, white paper, hand lens

MS-LS1-7: Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.

MS-LS1-7: Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.

MS-LS1-4 : Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively.

One "mini" lab -or shortened activity- to reinforce or introduce concepts to students. I call these activities “mini labs” because they are simple activities that do not take the whole class period.

This particular lab focuses on the observation of two chemical changes and reinforces or introduces the signs that a chemical change has taken place.

Includes: teacher information, materials list, procedures, helpful tips for facilitating the activities and student handouts/lab sheets

Materials Needed:

Graduated cylinder

Water

2 clear plastic cups

2 eye droppers

Iodine solution

Cornstarch or Potato Starch

Spoon

Vitamin C tablet (Orange Juice Concentrate can be subbed)

MS-PS1-2: Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.

FOUR "mini" labs -or shortened activities- to reinforce or introduce concepts to students. I call these activities “mini labs” because they are simple activities that do not take the whole class period. They are also activities that are safe for use in the classroom and do not have to be done in a lab or with any specialty equipment or materials. I often use these demonstrations to lead into new content, that way as we cover material I can refer back to the things that my students have experienced first hand.

This particular lab focuses on introducing the following concepts:

Matter Takes Up Space

Two Substances Form a Mixture

Density and Volume

Change of State

(Indirectly the Properties of Matter)

Includes: teacher information, materials list, procedures, helpful tips for facilitating the activities and student handouts/lab sheets

Materials needed for these Mini Labs:

Balloons, Cups, Water, Sugar, Clay, Small Bowls, Paper Towels, Stopwatch, Chocolate Coated Candies

One "mini" lab that will help students observe and make connections that particles in matter move faster at high temperatures than at low temperatures

These short activities reinforce or introduce concepts to students. I call these activities “mini labs” because they are simple activities that do not take the whole class period. They are also activities that are safe for use in the classroom and do not have to be done in a lab or with any specialty equipment or materials. I often use these demonstrations to lead into new content, that way as we cover material I can refer back to the things that my students have experienced first hand.

Distance learning or need a digital copy to assign?

• No problem! This activity now includes a Google Slides options! Ready to go, no prep needed from you!

Three Forms of Use Included

1. Printable PDF
2. Google Slides

Materials needed:

-Two cups

-Hot water

-Cold water

-Eyedropper

-Food Coloring

-Colored Pencils

2 "mini" labs that will help students observe and make connections to compounds and mixtures. The first introduces students to the concept of mixtures. The second shows the concept that not all liquids act alike so conclusions can be drawn about how materials interact when put together.

These short activities reinforce or introduce concepts to students. I call these activities “mini labs” because they are simple activities that do not take the whole class period. They are also activities that are safe for use in the classroom and do not have to be done in a lab or with any specialty equipment or materials. I often use these demonstrations to lead into new content, that way as we cover material I can refer back to the things that my students have experienced first hand.

Distance learning or need a digital copy to assign?

• No problem! This activity now includes a Google Slides option! Ready to go, no prep needed from you!

Three Forms of Use Included

1. Printable PDF
2. Google Slides

Materials Needed

Mixed Substances Mini Lab

Materials Needed:

Cup

Cornstarch

Water

Stir stick or Spoon

Oil and Water Mini Lab

Materials Needed:

Food Coloring

Water

Jar with a lid (baby food jars are great for this)

Vegetable Oil

Stir stick or spoon

Dish Soap

One "mini" lab that will help students observe and make connections that all objects have energy, even when they are not moving.

Materials Needed

Plastic Bowl

Sand

Assorted rocks and pebbles

Ruler

These short activities reinforce or introduce concepts to students. I call these activities “mini labs” because they are simple activities that do not take the whole class period. They are also activities that are safe for use in the classroom and do not have to be done in a lab or with any specialty equipment or materials. I often use these demonstrations to lead into new content, that way as we cover material I can refer back to the things that my students have experienced first hand.

Distance learning or need a digital copy to assign?

• No problem! This activity now includes a Google Slides options! Ready to go, no prep needed from you!

Three Forms of Use Included

1. Printable PDF
2. Google Slides

Can be used to support NGSS: MS-PS3

These mini-labs are great to introducing students to NGSS and SEPs! Perfect for that first or second week of school!

This assignment is a great intro and refresher into middle school science. It includes a wide range of activities that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for introducing students to NGSS based science.

Includes:

• Instructions and tips for each activity
• 8 interactive, engaging activities that require no student devices
• Link to student worksheet

I used it for grades 6-8. It was perfect for our 6th graders because some of them had never had a designated science course before. It was perfect for our 8th graders, because it really made them think what science really is all about. Each SEP takes about 20-30 minutes! It encourage students to work together and is great for setting those group work expectations early in the year.

Activity summaries:

1. Group/class discussions on what science actually is
2. A simple experiment students can do with very little set up
3. Developing your own model
4. Creating a CER using a funny commercial
5. Graphing data that the students collected
6. Solving riddles using math
7. Engaging in an argument where there may or may not be a correct stance
8. Nice chill activity at the end to show what the students learned

Bring the holiday spirit into your science classroom with this engaging and educational “Christmas Candy Science” lesson pack! Perfect for middle school students, these hands-on experiments use festive candies to explore key scientific concepts aligned with NGSS and Tennessee state standards.

Students will love the festive twist on classic science experiments. This is the perfect activity to do the weird days right before Winter break when students are often absent! Each experiment is designed to reinforce important scientific principles and includes clear instructions to make it easy to implement these activities in your classroom.

Included Experiments:

• Candy Cane Dissolution Experiment
• Skittles Color Diffusion
• Chocolate Melting Point
• Gummy Bear Osmosis
• Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Inflation

Includes:

• Teacher tips and directions for each lab
• Materials list
• Student lab worksheets and data recording sheets
• Beautiful Winter themed slides to keep yourself and student on task

NGSS Middle School:

• MS-PS1-2: Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred
• MS-PS1-4: Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed
• MS-LS1-2: Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function

Tennessee State Science Standards:

• MS.PS1.4: Develop a model that predicts and describes changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure substance when thermal energy is added or removed
• MS.LS1.2: Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function

Practice the difference between structure and function and bring the excitement of Halloween into your classroom with this engaging and educational lesson plan! Perfect for middle school science classes, this lesson aligns with NGSS and Tennessee State Science Standards, making it a valuable addition to your curriculum.

In this hands-on activity, students will dissect and compare the structures of candy corn and real corn kernels. Through observation, discussion, and a taste test, students will explore the differences between natural and artificial products, and learn about the functions of various seed parts.

Key Concepts Covered or Practiced:

• Practicing making observations and differentiating between structure and function
• Structure and function of seed parts
• Sensory observation and descriptive language

Lesson Includes:

• Lesson Plan Slides: Instructions and tips to guide you through the lesson.
• Lab Worksheet: A comprehensive worksheet for students to record their observations and reflections.
• Slides Presentation: A visually appealing presentation to enhance your lesson and keep students engaged.

Add a Sweet Twist to Your Science Lessons! Make learning memorable with this unique lesson that blends education and fun. Your students will love the opportunity to explore science concepts while enjoying a tasty treat.

NGSS and Tennessee State Standards:

• NGSS MS-LS1-4 and Tennessee 6.LS1.3: Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively.

These mini-labs are great to introducing students to NGSS and SEPs! Perfect for that first or second week of school!

This assignment is a great intro and refresher into middle school science. It includes a wide range of activities that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for introducing students to NGSS based science.

Includes:

• Instructions and tips for each activity
• Instructions and example of what to put on each Nearpod Activity Slide
• 8 interactive, engaging activities that require
• Link to student worksheet

I used it for grades 6-8. It was perfect for our 6th graders because some of them had never had a designated science course before. It was perfect for our 8th graders, because it really made them think what science really is all about. Each SEP takes about 20-30 minutes! It encourage students to work together and is great for setting those group work expectations early in the year.

Activity summaries:

1. Group/class discussions on what science actually is
2. A simple experiment students can do with very little set up
3. Developing your own model
4. Creating a CER using a funny commercial
5. Graphing data that the students collected
6. Solving riddles using math
7. Engaging in an argument where there may or may not be a correct stance
8. Nice chill activity at the end to show what the students learned

Unlock the mysteries of ocean currents with a unique and engaging classroom lesson that brings science to life! This lesson uses adorable rubber ducks to illustrate how ocean currents function and impact the planet. Great for visual and kinesthetic learners.

Looking for a inquiry based investigation ready to go lesson for teaching ocean currents? This activity includes...

• Google slides to go through with students.
• Student handout link
• Tips in the Speaker notes on the Slides
• Exit ticket to assess learning
• Rubber ducks!

Tennessee State Standards

• 6.ESS2.1 - Gather evidence to justify that oceanic convection currents are caused by the sun’s transfer of heat energy and differences in salt concentration leading to global water movement. 

NGSS - Middle School

• MS-ESS2-6 - Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates.

Very fun and interactive activity for students learning about ocean currents and density.

Looking for a ready to go made lesson for ocean density and salinity? This activity include:

• slides presentation to present to students.
• lab/demonstration directions for students and teachers
• handout for student lab worksheet

Great for homeschool or school setting! Videos are included!

Tennessee State Standards

• 6.PS3.4 - Conduct an investigation to demonstrate the way that heat (thermal energy) moves among objects through radiation, conduction, or convection.
• 6.ESS2.1 - Gather evidence to justify that oceanic convection currents are caused by the sun’s transfer of heat energy and differences in salt concentration leading to global water movement.
• 6.ESS2.3 - Construct an explanation for how atmospheric flow, geographic features, and ocean currents affect the climate of a region through heat transfer.

NGSS - Middle School

• MS-ESS2-6 - Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates.

Discover the secrets to prolonging the lifespan of cut flowers in this engaging biology lab. Students will design and execute their unique experiments to explore methods for maintaining the freshness and beauty of floral arrangements. Enhance your understanding of plant physiology while cultivating creativity in this hands-on learning experience.

Experimental Design

• Encourage students to think critically and design their unique experiments.
• Provide guidelines for selecting variables, controls, and measurement methods.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Explain the importance of accurate data collection and proper record-keeping.
• Suggest methods for quantifying floral freshness, such as visual assessment, petal discoloration, and stem length measurement.

Discussion and Conclusion

• Encourage students to analyze and interpret their data.
• Guide them in drawing conclusions based on their experimental findings.
• Foster critical thinking skills by prompting students to propose further research questions and improvements to their experimental designs.

Students in this lab will utilize a variety of scientific method skills. They will collect data, create their own data collection tables, perform calculations, and use inferring skills.

Students will have four separate questions that develop their scientific thinking skills.

This lab has easily accessible materials and can be altered to a variety of "atomic mass" units, such as candy or trail mix. This is great to do at home, distance learning, or in the classroom.

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If this sparked your interest, check out the other labs available!

Bubbles Science Lab - Practicing the Scientific Method!

Separating Mixtures using Paper Chromatography Science Lab

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If you enjoyed this resource, I would LOVE a review and you will earn TeachShare credit for your feedback.

A helpful introduction to lab work at any level! Students will practice the scientific method by altering the dependent variable in a bubble mixture. They have three questions that discuss observations and help them form a general conclusion.

These materials are easily accessible and can be found within the home. A great lab for distance learning or in class learning!

___________________________________________________________________

If this sparked your interest, check out the other labs available!

Separating Mixtures using Paper Chromatography Science Lab

Modelling Isotopes Science Lab - Exploring Atomic Mass and the Periodic Table

___________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this resource, I would LOVE a review and you will earn TeachShare credit for your feedback.

This lab introduces students to chromatography and provides hands-on practice using the scientific method. With three thought-provoking questions, students will engage in discussions about mixtures and learn how to identify unknown substances. All the materials needed for the lab can easily be found in the home.

This lab is perfect for distance learning, homeschooling, or in-classroom use. It provides a fun and engaging way for students to learn about chromatography and the scientific method. The lab can also be easily expanded by using alternate materials for even more learning opportunities.

Help your students explore the exciting world of science with this easy-to-use chromatography lab!

___________________________________________________________________

If this sparked your interest, check out the other labs available!

Bubbles Science Lab - Practicing the Scientific Method!

Modelling Isotopes Science Lab - Exploring Atomic Mass and the Periodic Table

___________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this resource, I would LOVE a review and you will earn TeachShare credit for your feedback.

This Bundle includes the Following resources!

1. Bubbles Science Lab - Practicing the Scientific Method!

A helpful introduction to lab work at any level! Students will practice the scientific method by altering the dependent variable in a bubble mixture.

2. Separating Mixtures using Paper Chromatography Science Lab

An easy access lab to introduce students to chromatography and get practice using the scientific method.

3. Modelling Isotopes Science Lab - Exploring Atomic Mass and the Periodic Table

Students in this lab will utilize a variety of scientific method skills. They will collect data, create their own data collection tables, perform calculations, and use inferring skills.

___________________________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this bundle, I would LOVE a review and you will earn TeachShare credit for your feedback.

Students will use a chair, a board and car with interchangeable wheels (like a LEGO or K-Nex car) to examine the affects of the inclined plane. Students will run experiments, collect data, and do mathematical calculations including mechanical advantage to complete the activity.

The Packet includes:

Materials List

Procedures Instructions

Data Collection Table

Debrief Sheet