Middle School NGSS Curriculum Maps
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Unit 1 — The Moon, Seasons, and Eclipses
MS-ESS1-1 • 11 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1-2 |
The Moon |
The Moon - Lesson — 45 min; Class discussion/exit ticket — 15 min Moon Student-Led Presentations or NASA Moon Survival Mission |
|
3 |
Moon Phases |
The Moon and its Phases - Lab Station Activity |
|
4 |
Moon Phases |
The Moon Phases Mystery |
|
5 |
Why the Moon Matters |
Why Do We Need the Moon - Reading — 30 min; Teacher Choice: Crash Course Video Worksheet - The Moon OR Moon Phases — 30 min |
|
6 |
Eclipses |
Solar and Lunar Eclipse Lesson |
|
7 |
Solar and Lunar Eclipses |
Solar and Lunar Eclipses Reading or Solar and Lunar Eclipses Digital INB |
|
8 |
Eclipse Application |
Teacher Choice: Eclipse - Solar and Lunar - Lab Station Activity OR Eclipse - Scavenger Hunt — 60 min |
|
9-11 |
The Seasons |
The Seasons – Lesson Teacher Choice: The Seasons Digital INB OR The Seasons - Reading |
|
12 |
Investigating the Seasons |
Earths Seasons - Lab Station Activity — 60 min |
|
13 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 2 — Solar System, Gravity, and the Universe
MS-ESS1-2 and MS-ESS1-3 • 13 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1-3 |
Our Solar System |
Our Solar System – Lesson Our Solar System Digital INB |
|
4-5 |
Modeling the Solar System |
Model Solar System Activity — 60 min |
|
6 |
Gravity in Space |
Finish Model Solar System Activity Crash Course Video Worksheet - The Gravity of the Situation or Crash Course Video Worksheet - Newtonian Gravity |
|
7 |
Galaxies and the Universe |
Galaxies Other Objects and the Universe - Lesson — 40 min; Teacher Choice: Stars Galaxies and the Universe - Word Search and Scramble OR Bill Nye Outer Space Video Worksheet — 20 min |
|
8 |
Distances in Space |
Distances in Space - Lesson Teacher Choice: Crash Course Video Worksheet - Distances in Space or Case Study - The Vastness of the Universe |
|
9-11 |
Solar System Application |
Exploring the Solar System Project |
|
12-13 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 3 — Rocks, Weathering, Fossils, and Geologic Time
MS-ESS1-4, MS-ESS2-1, and MS-ESS2-3 • 11 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1 |
Rock Types and the Rock Cycle |
Rock Types and the Rock Cycle - Lesson |
|
2 |
Rock Cycle Investigation |
The Rock Cycle - Scavenger Hunt |
|
3 |
Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition |
Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition Lesson |
|
4-5 |
Fossils and Geologic Time |
Fossils and Geologic Time - Lesson Fossils Reading |
|
6 |
Fossil Evidence |
Fossils and Geologic Time Lab Station Activity |
|
7-8 |
Reading Earth's History |
Geologic Time - Reading The Earths Puzzle - A Geologic Adventure - Story Prompt |
|
9 |
Review |
Earths Systems and the Rock Cycle Review Game - Science Word Sprint |
|
10 |
Rock Cycle Review |
Teacher Choice: The Rock Cycle - Lab Station Activity, OR The Rock Cycle Word Search and Scramble Activity |
|
11 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 4 — Earth's Layers, Plate Tectonics, and Geologic Hazards
MS-ESS2-2 • 11 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1-2 |
Earth's Layers |
Earth's Layers Lesson Plate Tectonics Reading |
|
3 |
Tectonic Plates |
Tectonic Plates Lesson |
|
4 |
Plate Tectonics Investigation |
Plate Tectonics Lab Station Activity |
|
5-6 |
Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis |
Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Tsunamis Lesson |
|
7 |
Geologic Hazard Investigation |
Earthquakes and Volcanoes Lab Station Activity |
|
8 |
Earthquake and Volcano Review |
Earthquakes and Volcanoes - Scavenger Hunt |
|
9 |
Caves and Surface Processes |
Caves and How They Form Lesson |
|
10 |
Weathering, Erosion and Deposition |
Weathering, Erosion and Deposition Lesson |
|
11 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 5 — Natural Hazards and Engineering
MS-ESS3-2 • 6 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1-2 |
Comparing Natural Hazards |
Students should complete both readings after having a class discussion to start the periods about how buildings are made to withstand natural disasters. Provide some context for different parts of the world and why some are more affects than others. Tailor your discussion around Hurricanes on Day 1 and Earthquakes on Day 2. - Day 1 - Hurricanes Reading - Day 2 - Earthquakes Reading |
|
3 & 4 |
Earthquake Engineering Design |
Straw Tower STEM Engineering Challenge - Day 3 - Design and Build - Day 4 - Test, Evaluate, and Redesign |
|
5 & 6 |
Engineering Design Application |
Teacher Choice: Paper Bridge STEM Challenge OR Pasta Tower STEM Challenge |
|
|
NO UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 6 — Water Cycle and Groundwater
MS-ESS2-4 • 9 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1-3 |
The Water Cycle |
Water Cycle Lesson Water Cycle Diagram Activity |
|
4-5 |
Water Cycle Evidence |
The Water Cycle Reading Teacher Choice: Bill Nye Video Worksheet - The Water Cycle OR Crash Course Video Worksheet - The Hydrologic and Carbon Cycles |
|
6 |
Groundwater |
The Water Table Lesson |
|
7-8 |
Modeling an Aquifer |
Build Your Own Aquifer Project — 60 min |
|
9 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 7 — Weather and Air Masses
MS-ESS2-5 • 9 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1 |
Water and Weather |
Water and Weather Lesson |
|
2 |
Air Masses and Weather |
How Air Masses Shape Our Weather Lesson |
|
3 |
Air Mass Collision |
Simulated Air Mass Collision - Lab Activity — 60 min |
|
4 |
Reading Weather Maps |
Weather Map Detective - Activity — 60 min |
|
5 |
How Weather Works |
How Weather Works Reading — 40 min; Weather Climate Word Search and Scramble — 20 min |
|
6 |
Regional Climates |
Regional Climates Lesson |
|
7 |
Atmospheric Circulation and Wind |
Atmospheric Circulation Reading OR Why The Wind Blows Reading |
|
8 |
Ocean Currents and Climate |
Ocean Currents and Climate Simulation Activity — 60 min |
|
9 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 8 — Earth's Natural Resources and Energy
MS-ESS3-1 • 8 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1 |
Earth's Natural Resources |
Earth's Natural Resources - Mineral, Energy, and Groundwater Lesson — 45 min; Resource-distribution discussion — 15 min |
|
2 |
Resource Distribution and Extraction |
Earth's Natural Resources - Reading and/or Crash Course Worksheet - Mineral Extraction |
|
3-4 |
Biomass and Fossil Fuels |
Biomass and Fossil Fuels Lesson Biomass and Fossil Fuels Digital INB Pages |
|
5 |
Fossil Fuel Use |
Fossil Fuels Reading and/or Crash Course Worksheet - Can We Make Electricity without Fossil Fuels |
|
6 |
Nonrenewable Energy Sources |
Nonrenewable Energy Sources Lab Station Activity |
|
7 |
Energy Production Review |
Fossil Fuel and Nuclear Energy Production - Scavenger Hunt |
|
8 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 9 — Reducing Human Impact on Earth's Systems
MS-ESS3-3 • 7 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1-2 |
Reducing Human Impact |
Save the Drops - Designing a Water Conservation Plan Project - Give project to start the unit so it can be worked on throughout Reducing Human Impact on the Environment Lesson — 45 min; Application/exit ticket — 15 min |
|
3 |
Industrial Pollution |
Case Study - The Devastating Impact of Industrial Pollution on Local Water Source — 60 min |
|
4 |
Pollution Solutions |
Pollution Control Devices Reading Crash Course Video Worksheet Human Impacts on the Environment |
|
5 |
Urban Growth and Land Use |
Crash Course Video Worksheet How Are Cities Organized Urban Sprawl Reading |
|
6 |
Water Conservation |
Save the Drops - Designing a Water Conservation Plan Project - Presentations |
|
7 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 10 — Biodiversity, Population, and Resource Use
MS-ESS3-4 • 10 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1-2 |
Understanding Biodiversity |
Understanding Biodiversity - Lesson Biodiversity - Reading |
|
3 |
Human Population Growth |
Crash Course Video Worksheet - Human Population Growth — 30 min; Population and resource-use synthesis discussion — 30 min |
|
4 |
Biodiversity and Climate Change |
Biodiversity and Climate Change - Lesson Crash Course Video Worksheet - The Effects of Climate Change |
|
5-6 |
Ecosystem Impacts |
Case Study - Plastic Pollution and Marine Ecosystems or Case Study - Causes and Consequences of Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest or Case Study - Investigating the Impact of Climate Change on Coral Reefs |
|
7-9 |
Human Impact Application |
Teacher Choice: Invasive Species - Project OR Human Impact on Ecosystems – Assignment |
|
10 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 11 — Climate Change
MS-ESS3-5 • 12 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1-3 |
Introduction to Climate Change |
Climate Change Lesson Crash Course Video Worksheet: What is Climate Change |
|
4-5 |
Climate Change Evidence |
Climate Change Reading Climate Change - Digital Interactive Notebook Bundle |
|
6 |
Climate Change Investigation |
Climate Change Lab Station Activity — 60 min |
|
7 |
Climate Change Case Study |
Teacher Choice: Case Study - Polar Bear and Climate Change and/or Case Study - African Elephant and Climate Change |
|
8 |
Climate Change Review |
Teacher Choice: Climate Change Crossword Puzzle Activity or Climate Change Word Search and Scramble Activity or Crash Course Video Worksheet: Can We Keep Warm and Stay Cool Without Fossil Fuels |
|
9 |
UNIT TEST |
|
|
10-12 |
Climate Change Project |
Climate Change Project |
Get ACCESS to Unit 1 — The Moon, Seasons, and Eclipses for FREE - Click Here
Physical Science
MS-PS1: Matter & Its Interactions
Students model atoms and the periodic table, analyze properties vs. changes, and dive into chemical reactions (including energy changes, conservation of mass, and how synthetic materials connect to real-world uses). Includes lessons, labs, readings, scavenger hunts/word activities, and a digital interactive notebook.
MS-PS1-1:
- Atomic Structure and Notation Lesson
- Atomic Theory and Model Lesson
- Atoms - History and Theory – Scavenger Hunt
- Atoms Elements and Compounds Digital Interactive Notebook – Chapters 2, 3, and 4
- Atoms Elements and the Periodic Table Word Search and Scramble
- Crash Course Chemistry the History of Atomic Chemistry
- The Periodic Table Lesson
- Counting Atoms in Compounds Worksheet
- Chemical Symbols Formulas and Compounds Lesson
MS-PS1-2:
- Physical and Chemical Properties Lesson
- Physical and Chemical Changes – Scavenger Hunt
- Physical and Chemical Properties and Changes Science Word Sprint
- Physical and Chemical Properties Changes Lab Station Activity
- Physical and Chemical Properties Word Search and Scramble Activity
- Matter Lesson
- Chemical Reactions Lesson
- Density and Buoyancy Lesson
- Mass Volume Density and Buoyancy Scavenger Hunt
- Measuring Density Lab
- Introductory Chemistry Labs
MS-PS1-3:
- Synthetic Materials Lesson
- Synthetic Material Research Assignment
- Biofuels from Algae Reading
- The Development of Synthetic Insulin Reading
MS-PS1-4:
- Relationship Between Kinetic Energy Mass Speed Lesson
- Particle Motion Temperature and States Lesson
- The Insulator – Thermal Insulator Challenge
- Thermal Energy Change Reactions Experiments
- Matter and the Particle Theory Lab Station Activity
- Matter and Particle Theory Science Word Sprint
- Matter and the Particle Theory Infographic Assignment
MS-PS1-5:
- Law of Conservation of Mass Lesson
- The Law of Conservation of Mass Worksheet
- Crash Course Chemistry The History of Atomic Chemistry
- Matter - Exploring the World Around You Reading
- Properties of Matter Reading
MS-PS1-6:
- Thermal Energy Change Reactions Experiments
- How Instant Ice Packs and Heat Packs Work Reading
MS-PS2: Motion & Stability—Forces & Interactions
From Newton’s Laws to gravity, electric/magnetic forces, and force fields, students plan investigations, analyze data, and design solutions. Includes lessons, labs/activities, readings, word activities, and video worksheets (Crash Course, Bill Nye) to reinforce core ideas.
MS-PS2-1:
- Newtons Laws of Motion – Lesson
- Newton’s Laws Identification Worksheet
- Newton’s Third Law and Colliding Objects - Activity
- Crash Course Video Worksheet Newtons Laws
- Isaac Newton - Reading
MS-PS2-2:
- Newtons Laws of Motion – Lesson
- Newton’s Second Law Student-Led Lab
- Newton’s Laws Identification Worksheet
- Newtons Laws of Motion Word Search and Scramble Activity
- The Newtonian Adventures - Story Prompt
MS-PS2-3:
- Magnets and Electromagnets – Lesson
- Motors and Generators – Lesson
- Magnets and Electromagnets - Reading
- Electricity and Magnetism Word Search and Scramble Activity
MS-PS2-4:
- Gravitational Interactions - Mass and Distance – Lesson
- Orbit Rope Model Activity
- Crash Course Video Worksheet Compilation - GRAVITY
- Crash Course Video Worksheet - The Gravity of the Situation
MS-PS2-5:
- Magnets and Electromagnets – Lesson
- Static Electricity - Lesson
- Magnets and Electromagnets - Reading
- Effects of Everyday Forces - Reading
- Forces at a Distance – 4 Student-Led Activities
- ElectroQuest- The Spark of Discovery - Story Prompt
- Bill Nye – Static Electricity Video Worksheet
- Static Electricity Word Search and Scramble – Activity
- Static Electricity - Lab Station Activity
MS-PS3: Energy
Builds conceptual and quantitative understanding of kinetic & potential energy, energy transfer (thermal systems, heat/temperature), and changes during interactions—through models, investigations, data analysis, and engineering challenges (e.g., thermal insulators, solar ovens).
MS-PS3-1:
- Relationship Between Kinetic Energy Mass & Speed – Lesson
- Rolling Into Energy - Lab Investigation
- Kinetic Catapult Challenge
MS-PS3-2:
- Energy at a Distance - Understanding Potential Energy – Lesson
- Gravitational Potential Energy – Lesson
- The Science of Roller Coasters - Reading
MS-PS3-3:
- The Insulator – Thermal Insulator Challenge
- Thermal Energy Change Reactions Experiments and Demonstrations
- Solar Oven STEM Engineering Challenge
MS-PS3-4:
- Thermal Energy Temperature and Heat Lesson
- Particle Motion, Temperature, and States of Matter Lesson
- Relationship Between Kinetic Energy, Mass, and Speed Lesson
- How Does the Type of Matter Affect Heat Transfer – Activity
- How Does Mass Affect Temperature Change – Activity
MS-PS3-5:
- Thermal Energy Temperature and Heat Lesson
- When Kinetic Energy Changes Energy Transfers
- Heat by Friction – Activity
- Crash Test Challenge - Activity
MS-PS4: Waves & Applications in Information Transfer
Covers wave properties and their relationship to energy, wave interactions with materials, and how digital signals are used to encode and transmit information—connecting directly to modern communication technologies.
MS-PS4-1:
- Waves An Introduction – Lesson
- Experimenting with Waves – Activity
- Crash Course Traveling Waves - Video Worksheet
- Crash Course Sound - Video Worksheet
- Earthquakes - Reading
MS-PS4-2:
- Light – Lesson
- Lasers, Absorption and Transmission – Lesson
- Why is the Sky Blue - Reading
- Crash Course Light - Video Worksheet
- Light and Optics Word Search and Scramble
- Bill Nye Light and Color - Video Worksheet
MS-PS4-3:
- Digital vs Analog Signals for Communication – Lesson
- How Waves Are Used for Communication - Reading
Life Science
Unit 1 — Cells and Organization of Living Things
MS-LS1-1 and MS-LS1-2 • 10-15 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1 |
What Makes Something Alive? |
What Makes Something Alive Lesson — 45 min; Class discussion/exit ticket — 15 min |
|
2-3 |
Introduction to Cells |
Animal and Plant Cells Lesson Unicellular Multicellular Organisms Digital Interactive Notebook Pages |
|
4 |
Exploring Cells |
Introduction to Cells Station Activity — 60 min |
|
5 |
Cells in Context |
Teacher Choice: Bill Nye Cells Video Worksheet OR Crash Course Biology: Why We Aren’t Just One Big Cell Story Prompt: Maya and the Remarkable World of Cells — 60 min |
|
6 |
Viruses and Cells |
Viruses Reading — 30 min; and/or Case Study - How Viruses Make Us Sick — 30 min |
|
7 |
Cell Organelles |
Cellular Organelles Lesson |
|
8 |
Cell Organelles |
Cell Organization Digital Interactive Notebook Pages |
|
9 |
Organelle Structure and Function |
Cellular Organelles Structure and Function Lab Station Activity — 60 min |
|
10-11 |
Cell Membrane and Transport |
Cell Membrane and Transport Lesson — 40 min; Diffusion Osmosis Through Cell Membrane Digital Interactive Notebook Pages |
|
12-14 |
Cell Review and Application |
Teacher Choice: Cell Organelles - Scavenger Hunt, Cell Organelle Card Matching Game, Cells and Cell Organelles BINGO, OR Cells and Organelles Word Sprint Game — 35 min; Crash Course Biology: A Tour of the Cell Video Worksheet — 25 min |
|
15 |
Unit Test |
|
Unit 2 — Human Body Systems
MS-LS1-3 • 9-13 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1 |
Body Systems Working Together |
Body Systems - Working Together to Keep You Alive! Lesson |
|
2-3 |
Circulatory and Respiratory Systems |
The Cardiovascular System Reading The Circulatory System Digital Interactive Notebook Pages The Respiratory System Digital Interactive Notebook Pages |
|
4 |
Respiratory System Application |
Finish up work from last day Asthma and Asthma Attacks Reading |
|
5-6 |
Digestive and Excretory Systems |
The Digestive System Digital Interactive Notebook Pages and/or The Excretory System Digital Interactive Notebook Pages |
|
7-8 |
Musculoskeletal and Nervous Systems |
The Muscular and Skeletal System Digital Interactive Notebook Pages and/or The Nervous System Digital Interactive Notebook Pages Muscle Growth Reading |
|
9 |
Systems Working Together |
Human Body Systems Station Activity |
|
10 |
UNIT TEST |
|
|
11-13 |
Project |
Body Systems in Action! Project |
Unit 3 — Reproduction and Growth
MS-LS1-4 & MS-LS1-5 • 12-14 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1 |
How Organisms Reproduce |
How Plants and Animals Reproduce Lesson |
|
2-3 |
Plant Reproduction |
Plant Reproduction Lesson Why Bees Are Important Reading |
|
4-5 |
Reproductive Strategies |
Crash Course Video Worksheet: Sexual and Asexual Reproduction — 25 min; Animal and Plant Adaptations Station Activity — 35 min |
|
6 |
Why Organisms Grow Differently |
Why Do Organisms Grow Differently? Lesson — 45 min; Discussion — 15 min |
|
7 |
Genetics vs. Environment |
Genetic and Environmental Factors and Growth Station Activity — 60 min |
|
8 |
Analyzing Growth Data |
What Affects Growth - Exploring Environmental and Genetic Factors Through Data Activity — 60 min |
|
9 |
Genes and Expression |
Teacher Choice: Crash Course Biology: Nature Nurture Not That Simple OR How Genes Express Themselves — 25 min; Physical Adaptations Reading — 35 min |
|
10-11 |
Genetic Technologies |
Genetic Technologies and Gene Therapy Introduction Lesson — 35 min; Teacher Choice: Genetics and Gene Therapy Reading OR Genetically Modified Organisms Reading — 25 min |
|
12 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 4 — Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration
MS-LS1-6 & LS1-7 • 10-12 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1 |
Introduction to Photosynthesis |
Photosynthesis Lesson |
|
2 |
Investigating Photosynthesis |
Photosynthesis Station Activity — 60 min |
|
3 |
Photosynthesis in Context |
Photosynthesis Reading and/or Why Leaves Change Color in the Fall - Reading |
|
4-5 |
Carbon and Photosynthesis |
Crash Course: Carbon Biological Molecules Video Worksheet — 25 min; Carbon Cycle Diagram Activity — 2 days |
|
6-7 |
Photosynthesis Application |
Teacher Choice: Photosynthesis Comic Book Assignment OR Photosynthesis Infographic Assignment |
|
8 |
Cellular Respiration |
Cellular Respiration Lesson — 45 min; Review — 15 min |
|
9 |
Investigating Respiration |
Cellular Respiration - Station Activity — 60 min |
|
10 |
Photosynthesis vs. Respiration |
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Lab Station Activity — 60 min |
|
11 |
Energy Review |
Crash Course - Do Cells Breathe Video Worksheet — 25 min; Teacher Choice: Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Crossword Puzzle, BINGO, OR Word Search and Scramble — 35 min |
|
12 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 5 — Ecosystem Interactions and Population Dynamics
MS-LS2-1 and MS-LS2-2 • 11-14 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1-2 |
Energy Flow in Ecosystems |
Food Chains and Food Webs - Energy Flow in Ecosystems Lesson and Worksheet |
|
3 |
Population and Resources |
Populations and Resource Availability Station Activity — 60 min |
|
4 |
Biotic and Abiotic Factors |
Biotic and Abiotic Population Influences Lesson |
|
5-6 |
Ecosystem Relationships |
Biodiversity and Interrelationships Species Interactions and Relationships Lesson |
|
7 |
Predator-Prey Interactions |
Predator Prey Relationships Reading — 30 min; Teacher Choice: Crash Course Ecology: Population Ecology OR Crash Course: Predators — 30 min |
|
8-9 |
Ecosystems Investigation |
Teacher Choice: Interactions Within Ecosystems Lab Station Activity OR Ecosystems Interactions - Abiotic and Biotic - Station Activity — 60 min |
|
10 |
UNIT TEST |
|
|
11-14 |
Project |
Biodiversity Culminating Project Bundle – Teacher Choice - Ecosystem Diorama Project - Indigenous Agriculture Presentation Project - Invasive Species Impact Infographic Project |
Unit 6 — Cycling of Matter
MS-LS2-3 • 10-11 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1 |
Cycling of Matter |
Cycling of Matter Lesson — 45 min; Review — 15 min |
|
2 |
Matter and Energy in Ecosystems |
Matter and Energy Cycling in Ecosystems - Station Activity — 60 min |
|
3-4 |
Matter and Energy in Ecosystems |
Food Chains and Food Webs - Energy Flow in Ecosystems Lesson and activities |
|
5 |
Water and Carbon Cycles |
The Carbon and Water Cycle - Lab Station Activity — 60 min |
|
6-7 |
Water and Carbon Cycles |
Cycling of Matter Digital INB and/or Cycling of Matter in Ecosystems - Water and Carbon Cycles - Scavenger Hunt
|
|
8-10 |
Water and Carbon Cycles |
Water and Carbon Cycle Diagram Activity |
|
11 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 7 — Ecosystem Change and Climate
MS-LS2-4 • 9-10 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1 |
Environmental Change |
Environmental Changes in Ecosystems - Station Activity |
|
2-3 |
Climate Change |
Biodiversity and Climate Change Lesson Crash Course Video Worksheet: What is Climate Change |
|
4 |
Climate Change Case Study |
Crash Course Video Worksheet: The Effects of Climate Change Case Study - Koalas and Climate Change |
|
5-7 |
Invasive Species |
Biodiversity and Invasive Species Lesson Invasive Species Reading |
|
8-9 |
Invasive Species Application |
Invasive Species Digital Scavenger Hunt Invasive Species Digital Interactive Notebook Pages |
|
10 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 8 — Biodiversity and Human Impact
MS-LS2-5 • 11-13 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1-2 |
Biodiversity |
Importance of Biodiversity Lesson Biodiversity Interactive Notebook Activity
|
|
2-3 |
Biodiversity |
The Biodiversity Loss Mystery |
|
4-5 |
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health |
Ecosystem Health & Biodiversity Data Graphing Lab Bundle |
|
6 |
Ecosystem Services |
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services - Station Activity |
|
7 |
Pollution and Ecosystems |
The Effects of Pollution Reading or Ecology Case Study - The Impact of Industrial Pollution on Local Water Sources |
|
8 |
Engineering Solution |
Species Protection Ecology Decision Challenge and/or |
|
9 |
Biodiversity Activity |
Biodiversity – Digital Scavenger Hunt Activity |
|
10 |
UNIT TEST |
|
|
11-13 |
Human Impact Investigation |
Human Impact on Ecosystems Assignment or Biodiversity Culminating Project Bundle |
Unit 9 — Heredity, Genes, and Mutations
MS-LS3-1, MS-LS1-8 • 13 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1 |
DNA, Genes, and Mutations |
DNA Genes and Mutations Lesson |
|
2 |
Mutations and Inheritance |
Mutations and Inheritance of Traits - Station Activity |
|
3-4 |
Foundations of Genetics |
Gregor Mendel – Reading Crash Course Video Worksheet: How Genes Express Themselves |
|
5 |
Sexual vs. Asexual Reproduction |
How Traits Are Passed On — Asexual vs Sexual Reproduction Lesson |
|
6 |
DNA Evidence |
DNA Paternity Tests Reading |
|
7 |
Modeling Inheritance |
Punnett Square Practice Traits in Action - Activity |
|
8 |
Reproduction Models |
Create-a-Creature Reproduction Models - Activity |
|
9-10 |
Reproduction Review |
Teacher Choice: Asexual and Sexual Reproduction Station Activity OR Plant Reproduction - Scavenger Hunt — 40 min; Teacher Choice: Bill Nye Video Worksheet - GENES OR Crash Course Biology 47 Sexual and Asexual Reproduction — 20 min |
|
11 |
How Organisms Sense Their Environment |
How Do We Sense the World Around Us? Lesson |
|
12 |
Sensory Receptors and Memory |
Sensory Receptors and Memories Station Activity |
|
13 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 10 — Fossils and Evidence of Evolution
MS-LS4-1 through MS-LS4-3 • 10 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1 |
Fossils and Geologic Time |
Fossils and Geologic Time Lesson |
|
2 |
Fossil Evidence |
Teacher Choice: Evidence of Evolution in Fossils - Station Activity OR Fossils and Geologic Time Lab Station Activity — 60 min |
|
3 |
Fossils and Evolution |
Fossils Reading |
|
4-5 |
Introduction to Evolution |
Crash Course Video Worksheet - The Timeline of Life Evolution Lesson |
|
6 |
Common Ancestry |
Common Ancestry - Station Activity |
|
7 |
Evolution |
Evolution - Scavenger Hunt |
|
8 |
Comparative Embryology |
Comparing Embryos Evidence of Common Ancestry and Evolution Lesson |
|
9 |
Comparative Embryology |
Comparative Embryology - Station Activity |
|
10 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Unit 11 — Natural Selection and Adaptations
MS-LS4-4, MS-LS4-5, MS-LS4-6 • 16 days
|
Day |
Focus |
Resources & Timing |
|
1 |
Adaptations |
Physical & Behavioral Adaptations Lesson |
|
2 |
Adaptation Evidence |
Teacher Choice: Physical Adaptations Reading OR Animal Adaptations Reading — 30 min; Application activity — 30 min |
|
3 |
Natural Selection |
Natural Selection Lesson |
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4 |
Natural Selection in Action |
Natural Selection and Adaptation - Station Activity — 60 min |
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5-6 |
Population Change |
Natural Selection and Population Modeling - Station Activity — 40 min; Teacher Choice: Crash Course Video Worksheet Population Genetics OR Crash Course Video Worksheet - Life’s Way of Stayin Alive — 20 min |
|
7-8 |
Genetic Technology |
Genetic Technologies and Gene Therapy Lesson Genetics and Gene Therapy Reading |
|
9 |
Reproductive Technologies |
Reproductive Technologies Lesson |
|
10 |
Reproductive Technologies |
Reproductive Technologies - Scavenger Hunt |
|
11 |
GMOs and Genetic Engineering |
GMO Research Activity |
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12-13 |
Genetic Technology |
Genetic Technologies and Gene Therapy Lesson Genetics and Gene Therapy Reading |
|
14 |
Reproductive Technologies |
Reproductive Technologies Lesson |
|
15 |
Artificial Selection |
Artificial Selection - Station Activity |
|
16 |
UNIT TEST |
|
Get ACCESS to Unit 1 - Cells and Organization of Living Things for FREE - Click Here
Engineering Design
MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4:
- The Scientific Method – Lesson
- STEM Challenge Journal
- Pasta Bridge STEM Engineering Challenge
- Straw Tower STEM Engineering Challenge
- Balloon-Powered Rocket STEM Engineering Challenge
- Marshmallow Catapult STEM Engineering Challenge
- Scientific Method MandM Activity
- Paper Bridge STEM Engineering Challenge
- Egg Drop STEM Engineering Challenge
- Paddle Boat STEM Engineering Challenge
- Simple Telescope STEM Engineering Challenge
- The Electric Home - Electricity PBL Project
- Paper Towel Absorbency Test
- Paper Ball Run STEM Engineering Challenge
- Wind-Powered Car STEM Engineering Challenge
- Pasta Tower STEM Engineering Challenge
- Portable Water Purification STEM Engineering Challenge
- Portable Water Purification – Reading The Scientific Method PBL
- Crash Course KIDS Video Worksheet – ENGINEERING
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