Energy Transformations Activities for Middle School Science
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations resources provide a comprehensive, student-centered approach to teaching energy transformations through the 5E model. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of energy transformations. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations Complete 5E Lesson simplifies lesson planning with engaging, student-led materials for a multi-day unit. Designed for middle school students, the lesson focuses on answering the key question: "How can you demonstrate energy transformations?" With differentiated resources, multimodal learning approaches, and flexibility in formats, this lesson is ideal for both in-person and virtual classrooms.
The 5E model covers all aspects of learning: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation. In the Engagement phase, students explore essential vocabulary with teacher-guided activities. The Exploration phase features a student-driven station lab with nine stations that offer varied ways for students to learn about energy transformations. These include hands-on demos, reading, research, and video. Output stations allow students to demonstrate their understanding through activities like categorizing, writing, illustrating, and assessing.
The Explanation section includes editable PowerPoints and interactive notebook templates to help students organize and retain their learning. For Elaboration, students can extend their knowledge with choice-based projects. The lesson wraps up with an Evaluation phase, where assessments are available in multiple formats, ensuring flexible and effective learning for all students.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations Complete 5E Lesson simplifies lesson planning with engaging, student-led materials for a multi-day unit. Designed for middle school students, the lesson focuses on answering the key question: "How can you demonstrate energy transformations?" With differentiated resources, multimodal learning approaches, and flexibility in formats, this lesson is ideal for both in-person and virtual classrooms.
The 5E model covers all aspects of learning: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation. In the Engagement phase, students explore essential vocabulary with teacher-guided activities. The Exploration phase features a student-driven station lab with nine stations that offer varied ways for students to learn about energy transformations. These include hands-on demos, reading, research, and video. Output stations allow students to demonstrate their understanding through activities like categorizing, writing, illustrating, and assessing.
The Explanation section includes editable PowerPoints and interactive notebook templates to help students organize and retain their learning. For Elaboration, students can extend their knowledge with choice-based projects. The lesson wraps up with an Evaluation phase, where assessments are available in multiple formats, ensuring flexible and effective learning for all students.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformation Station Lab offers a dynamic, student-centered way for middle school students to dive into energy transformations. These carefully designed materials save you time on prep, while empowering students to take charge of their own learning. Throughout this engaging activity, students explore how energy is transferred and its relationship with mass, matter, and kinetic energy.
The lab features eight differentiated activities, ensuring that every student can engage in a personalized learning experience. With a ninth challenge station for early finishers, this approach fosters student independence, with the teacher acting as a facilitator. The nine modular stations include all necessary signage, literature, and resources, allowing students to work independently or in small groups.
The stations cover a range of learning modalities. "Explore It!" provides a hands-on demonstration, "Research It!" guides students to online resources, and "Read It!" and "Watch It!" incorporate reading and video for different learning styles. For demonstrating their learning, students can "Organize It!" using manipulatives, "Illustrate It!" through sketching, or "Write It!" through short answers. The final assessment station allows students to showcase their mastery of energy transformations with task cards. The flexible format makes it easy to implement both in the classroom and in virtual learning settings.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformation Station Lab offers a dynamic, student-centered way for middle school students to dive into energy transformations. These carefully designed materials save you time on prep, while empowering students to take charge of their own learning. Throughout this engaging activity, students explore how energy is transferred and its relationship with mass, matter, and kinetic energy.
The lab features eight differentiated activities, ensuring that every student can engage in a personalized learning experience. With a ninth challenge station for early finishers, this approach fosters student independence, with the teacher acting as a facilitator. The nine modular stations include all necessary signage, literature, and resources, allowing students to work independently or in small groups.
The stations cover a range of learning modalities. "Explore It!" provides a hands-on demonstration, "Research It!" guides students to online resources, and "Read It!" and "Watch It!" incorporate reading and video for different learning styles. For demonstrating their learning, students can "Organize It!" using manipulatives, "Illustrate It!" through sketching, or "Write It!" through short answers. The final assessment station allows students to showcase their mastery of energy transformations with task cards. The flexible format makes it easy to implement both in the classroom and in virtual learning settings.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations Student Choice Projects give middle school students the opportunity to choose how they demonstrate their understanding. With six different project options and the flexibility to create their own, students can tailor their projects to match their strengths and interests. The included grading rubric allows for assessments by teachers, peers, or students themselves, and it can be adjusted to meet specific needs.
This resource provides nine project options on a choice board, as well as a “design your own” project. Teachers will find support in the Teacher Directions page, and the editable rubric pages evaluate vocabulary, concepts, presentation, clarity, and accuracy. The projects come in both modified and advanced versions, making them suitable for students at varying levels.
Designed to work with common classroom supplies, such as paper, scissors, and markers, many of the projects can be completed digitally. Some projects may require crafting materials for hands-on models, giving students the chance to be creative with their learning.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations Student Choice Projects give middle school students the opportunity to choose how they demonstrate their understanding. With six different project options and the flexibility to create their own, students can tailor their projects to match their strengths and interests. The included grading rubric allows for assessments by teachers, peers, or students themselves, and it can be adjusted to meet specific needs.
This resource provides nine project options on a choice board, as well as a “design your own” project. Teachers will find support in the Teacher Directions page, and the editable rubric pages evaluate vocabulary, concepts, presentation, clarity, and accuracy. The projects come in both modified and advanced versions, making them suitable for students at varying levels.
Designed to work with common classroom supplies, such as paper, scissors, and markers, many of the projects can be completed digitally. Some projects may require crafting materials for hands-on models, giving students the chance to be creative with their learning.
The Kesler Science Energy Interactive Notebook Bundle offers an engaging way to teach energy concepts with both print and digital options. It’s perfect for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, or distance learning, providing flexibility for teachers and students alike.
Topics include conduction, convection, and radiation, energy transformations, renewable and nonrenewable resources, photosynthesis, potential and kinetic energy, and more. The digital version features a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint, compatibility with Google Slides, reflection pages, teacher answer keys, and a modified version for accommodations. The paper version includes blank templates, pre-filled templates for modified needs, and visual guides for assembly.
This bundle ensures students can actively participate in learning energy concepts while offering teachers versatile tools for instruction and assessment in any learning environment.
The Kesler Science Energy Interactive Notebook Bundle offers an engaging way to teach energy concepts with both print and digital options. It’s perfect for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, or distance learning, providing flexibility for teachers and students alike.
Topics include conduction, convection, and radiation, energy transformations, renewable and nonrenewable resources, photosynthesis, potential and kinetic energy, and more. The digital version features a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint, compatibility with Google Slides, reflection pages, teacher answer keys, and a modified version for accommodations. The paper version includes blank templates, pre-filled templates for modified needs, and visual guides for assembly.
This bundle ensures students can actively participate in learning energy concepts while offering teachers versatile tools for instruction and assessment in any learning environment.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations Inquiry Lab helps students explore how energy changes form as it moves through everyday devices. Students can participate in a hands-on printed experiment or follow a virtual demonstration with a pre-recorded video. Both formats include comprehension questions, C.E.R. prompts, and a reflection section to support critical thinking. The lab setup includes six station options using familiar items like wind-up toys, flashlights, microwaves, and glow sticks, with the flexibility to choose the most appropriate ones for your class.
Differentiation is built into the resource through three versions tailored for dependent, modified, and independent learners. The dependent version offers guided inquiry with structured questions, the modified version includes additional support like sentence stems and simplified tasks, and the independent version encourages student-led investigation and decision-making. Teachers can mix and match stations and levels to fit students’ needs, with recommendations for how many stations to use for each group.
The digital version includes built-in interactivity and a full lab video demonstration, requiring no materials—ideal for absent students or low-prep days. Editable formats compatible with Google Slides and PowerPoint give teachers full control to adapt the lessons. Additional resources include teacher guides, answer keys, and clearly defined learning objectives, making this lab a flexible, engaging option for teaching energy transformations.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations Inquiry Lab helps students explore how energy changes form as it moves through everyday devices. Students can participate in a hands-on printed experiment or follow a virtual demonstration with a pre-recorded video. Both formats include comprehension questions, C.E.R. prompts, and a reflection section to support critical thinking. The lab setup includes six station options using familiar items like wind-up toys, flashlights, microwaves, and glow sticks, with the flexibility to choose the most appropriate ones for your class.
Differentiation is built into the resource through three versions tailored for dependent, modified, and independent learners. The dependent version offers guided inquiry with structured questions, the modified version includes additional support like sentence stems and simplified tasks, and the independent version encourages student-led investigation and decision-making. Teachers can mix and match stations and levels to fit students’ needs, with recommendations for how many stations to use for each group.
The digital version includes built-in interactivity and a full lab video demonstration, requiring no materials—ideal for absent students or low-prep days. Editable formats compatible with Google Slides and PowerPoint give teachers full control to adapt the lessons. Additional resources include teacher guides, answer keys, and clearly defined learning objectives, making this lab a flexible, engaging option for teaching energy transformations.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations Sub Plan guides students through a structured lesson featuring a warm-up, reading passage, independent activities, extension exercises, and an assessment. The lesson starts with a puzzle that introduces energy transformations, followed by a passage and an activity where students identify energy transformations from images. Students also create a graphic organizer with descriptions and illustrations of various energy changes.
For early finishers, extension activities are available, such as drawing energy transformations from daily life or compiling a list of transformations they encountered during the week. The lesson concludes with an assessment or exit ticket. Full substitute instructions are included, along with a Google Form option for distance learning, making this resource ideal for both in-class and virtual learning environments.
The comprehensive sub plan package includes engaging activities, behavior checkpoints, a class set of handouts, editable documents, and both printable and digital formats. Designed for ease of use, the sub plans are perfect for substitutes, students in ISS, extra credit, or small group settings. With detailed directions, answer keys, and student instructions, this plan ensures smooth, student-centered learning with minimal preparation.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations Sub Plan guides students through a structured lesson featuring a warm-up, reading passage, independent activities, extension exercises, and an assessment. The lesson starts with a puzzle that introduces energy transformations, followed by a passage and an activity where students identify energy transformations from images. Students also create a graphic organizer with descriptions and illustrations of various energy changes.
For early finishers, extension activities are available, such as drawing energy transformations from daily life or compiling a list of transformations they encountered during the week. The lesson concludes with an assessment or exit ticket. Full substitute instructions are included, along with a Google Form option for distance learning, making this resource ideal for both in-class and virtual learning environments.
The comprehensive sub plan package includes engaging activities, behavior checkpoints, a class set of handouts, editable documents, and both printable and digital formats. Designed for ease of use, the sub plans are perfect for substitutes, students in ISS, extra credit, or small group settings. With detailed directions, answer keys, and student instructions, this plan ensures smooth, student-centered learning with minimal preparation.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations Escape Room provides an engaging, interactive experience where students can showcase their understanding of how energy changes forms. With eight distinct puzzles, teachers have complete control over which ones to use and in what order, making it ideal for both short and long class periods. Each puzzle is independent, offering flexibility to tailor the activity to your classroom's needs.
The escape room can be set up in two ways: a low-cost option using manila envelopes, or a more immersive setup requiring locks, a lockout hasp, and a storage box. Both methods come with printed materials and detailed instructions. For online use, there are two versions: the digital version that can be uploaded to Google Slides or assigned as a PowerPoint, and a print version for families to complete at home.
What's included in the product are teacher directions, detailed answer keys, a video challenge to kick off the activity, and editable versions of the materials for customization. There's also a digital answer sheet for Google Classrooms, over 50 prize ideas, reward templates, and 30 unique signs for a memorable class photo at the end of the escape room.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations Escape Room provides an engaging, interactive experience where students can showcase their understanding of how energy changes forms. With eight distinct puzzles, teachers have complete control over which ones to use and in what order, making it ideal for both short and long class periods. Each puzzle is independent, offering flexibility to tailor the activity to your classroom's needs.
The escape room can be set up in two ways: a low-cost option using manila envelopes, or a more immersive setup requiring locks, a lockout hasp, and a storage box. Both methods come with printed materials and detailed instructions. For online use, there are two versions: the digital version that can be uploaded to Google Slides or assigned as a PowerPoint, and a print version for families to complete at home.
What's included in the product are teacher directions, detailed answer keys, a video challenge to kick off the activity, and editable versions of the materials for customization. There's also a digital answer sheet for Google Classrooms, over 50 prize ideas, reward templates, and 30 unique signs for a memorable class photo at the end of the escape room.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations Reading Comprehension activity invites students to dive into the concept of energy change by reading a nonfiction article. After reading, they will answer comprehension questions and complete a mini-project that involves identifying energy transformations found in a typical home. This activity engages students in both scientific literacy and critical thinking.
With two levels of reading passages, ranging from Lexile levels 1100-1300, this resource is suitable for grades 6-8 and advanced 5th graders. The passage comes with a set of 5-7 comprehension questions, a hands-on mini-project, and a Cornell notes template. Engaging, colorful graphics are included to help students visualize the concepts, making the learning experience more dynamic and interactive.
Designed for flexibility, this resource works for both in-class and virtual learning environments. Teachers can assign the reading through platforms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, or Canvas. It's perfect for absent students, sub plans, extra credit, and science review, making it a valuable tool for various teaching needs.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations Reading Comprehension activity invites students to dive into the concept of energy change by reading a nonfiction article. After reading, they will answer comprehension questions and complete a mini-project that involves identifying energy transformations found in a typical home. This activity engages students in both scientific literacy and critical thinking.
With two levels of reading passages, ranging from Lexile levels 1100-1300, this resource is suitable for grades 6-8 and advanced 5th graders. The passage comes with a set of 5-7 comprehension questions, a hands-on mini-project, and a Cornell notes template. Engaging, colorful graphics are included to help students visualize the concepts, making the learning experience more dynamic and interactive.
Designed for flexibility, this resource works for both in-class and virtual learning environments. Teachers can assign the reading through platforms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, or Canvas. It's perfect for absent students, sub plans, extra credit, and science review, making it a valuable tool for various teaching needs.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations Writing Prompt Activity is an engaging tool for middle school students to explore the concept of energy transformations. Using a song as a prompt, students apply their understanding of physical science to create thoughtful, written responses. This activity fosters critical thinking and enhances science reasoning, making it a great addition to any classroom.
Designed for flexibility, the resource is compatible with both in-person and virtual learning environments. It includes teacher directions, full and half-sheet rubrics, and a digital interactive version that can be used in PowerPoint or Google Slides. These materials make it easy for teachers to implement with minimal prep while offering students the chance to work independently or collaboratively.
The activity can be used in various ways, including as a cross-curricular project, pre-test formative assessment, or extra credit assignment. It also offers opportunities for differentiation, making it suitable for diverse student needs. Whether used in class or remotely, this resource provides an enriching, student-centered experience.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations Writing Prompt Activity is an engaging tool for middle school students to explore the concept of energy transformations. Using a song as a prompt, students apply their understanding of physical science to create thoughtful, written responses. This activity fosters critical thinking and enhances science reasoning, making it a great addition to any classroom.
Designed for flexibility, the resource is compatible with both in-person and virtual learning environments. It includes teacher directions, full and half-sheet rubrics, and a digital interactive version that can be used in PowerPoint or Google Slides. These materials make it easy for teachers to implement with minimal prep while offering students the chance to work independently or collaboratively.
The activity can be used in various ways, including as a cross-curricular project, pre-test formative assessment, or extra credit assignment. It also offers opportunities for differentiation, making it suitable for diverse student needs. Whether used in class or remotely, this resource provides an enriching, student-centered experience.
The Kesler Science Energy WIKI Tickets provide flexible, formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science topics in a fun and engaging format. This set includes 18 assessments, each aligned to NGSS and TEKS standards, covering topics like energy transformations, thermal energy transfer, wave characteristics, and more. WIKI Tickets can be used in various formats, including projection, printable handouts, and interactive digital versions for virtual or in-person learning.
Each topic offers five formats: full-screen projection, full-, half-, and quarter-page handouts, and editable PPT or Google Slides files for digital use. A bonus table of contents aligns each ticket to specific standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage. These assessments are perfect for exit tickets, bellringers, or gauging student understanding throughout a lesson.
"WIKI" stands for "What I Know Is," emphasizing student reflection and learning. Whether used in a traditional classroom or remote setting, these colorful and versatile assessments help you monitor progress effectively while keeping students engaged.
The Kesler Science Energy WIKI Tickets provide flexible, formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science topics in a fun and engaging format. This set includes 18 assessments, each aligned to NGSS and TEKS standards, covering topics like energy transformations, thermal energy transfer, wave characteristics, and more. WIKI Tickets can be used in various formats, including projection, printable handouts, and interactive digital versions for virtual or in-person learning.
Each topic offers five formats: full-screen projection, full-, half-, and quarter-page handouts, and editable PPT or Google Slides files for digital use. A bonus table of contents aligns each ticket to specific standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage. These assessments are perfect for exit tickets, bellringers, or gauging student understanding throughout a lesson.
"WIKI" stands for "What I Know Is," emphasizing student reflection and learning. Whether used in a traditional classroom or remote setting, these colorful and versatile assessments help you monitor progress effectively while keeping students engaged.
The Kesler Science Energy Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed for early finishers or as a wrap-up to energy lessons. These extensions offer rigorous, fun opportunities for critical thinking and creativity while aligning with NGSS and TEKS energy standards.
Each Lesson Extension includes four activities: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM projects, Tech Connection for digital media integration, and Word Master for creative writing. Resources include teacher directions, answer keys, digital projection versions, and printable handouts.
Topics covered range from kinetic and potential energy to photosynthesis, thermal energy, and more. These versatile activities scaffold learning and engage students in deeper exploration of energy concepts, making them perfect for independent learners and classroom enrichment.
The Kesler Science Energy Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed for early finishers or as a wrap-up to energy lessons. These extensions offer rigorous, fun opportunities for critical thinking and creativity while aligning with NGSS and TEKS energy standards.
Each Lesson Extension includes four activities: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM projects, Tech Connection for digital media integration, and Word Master for creative writing. Resources include teacher directions, answer keys, digital projection versions, and printable handouts.
Topics covered range from kinetic and potential energy to photosynthesis, thermal energy, and more. These versatile activities scaffold learning and engage students in deeper exploration of energy concepts, making them perfect for independent learners and classroom enrichment.
The Energy Transformations card matching activity helps students reinforce their understanding of energy conversions through a hands-on, visual approach. This activity is designed to engage students with interactive learning. Each pair includes a high-quality image card and corresponding energy transformation cards, making it ideal for individuals, small groups, or lab stations.
The set features examples such as gasoline-powered cars, flashlights, hydropower dams, electric guitars, and more. Teachers can use this activity during labs, for STAAR test review, or as a remediation tool.
The Energy Transformations card matching activity helps students reinforce their understanding of energy conversions through a hands-on, visual approach. This activity is designed to engage students with interactive learning. Each pair includes a high-quality image card and corresponding energy transformation cards, making it ideal for individuals, small groups, or lab stations.
The set features examples such as gasoline-powered cars, flashlights, hydropower dams, electric guitars, and more. Teachers can use this activity during labs, for STAAR test review, or as a remediation tool.
The Energy Types card matching activity is a versatile tool for helping students identify and understand different forms of energy. Designed for use by individuals or in lab stations, this activity includes high-quality image cards paired with corresponding energy type cards.
The set features two examples each of radiant, chemical, potential, kinetic, sound, electrical, thermal, and nuclear energy. It is ideal for lab stations, remediation, or STAAR test review. Students enjoy the interactive format, which promotes hands-on learning and concept reinforcement.
The Energy Types card matching activity is a versatile tool for helping students identify and understand different forms of energy. Designed for use by individuals or in lab stations, this activity includes high-quality image cards paired with corresponding energy type cards.
The set features two examples each of radiant, chemical, potential, kinetic, sound, electrical, thermal, and nuclear energy. It is ideal for lab stations, remediation, or STAAR test review. Students enjoy the interactive format, which promotes hands-on learning and concept reinforcement.
The Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces the concept of energy transfer through real-world connections. It begins with an engaging reading based on glow sticks and glow bracelets, accompanied by comprehension and extension questions to spark student curiosity. A follow-up explanatory reading uses the context of racing to help students understand the science behind energy transfer, with additional questions to support and extend learning.
This no-prep resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, and editable materials in both print and digital formats. It features full-page projection slides, printable handouts, and versions suitable for interactive notebooks. A differentiated version with sentence starters and simplified language is also included to support diverse learners.
Perfect for use at the beginning and end of a lesson, these phenomenon pages align with the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E instructional model. Whether used in person or digitally, this resource encourages students to explore energy transfer through meaningful, real-world examples.
The Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces the concept of energy transfer through real-world connections. It begins with an engaging reading based on glow sticks and glow bracelets, accompanied by comprehension and extension questions to spark student curiosity. A follow-up explanatory reading uses the context of racing to help students understand the science behind energy transfer, with additional questions to support and extend learning.
This no-prep resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, and editable materials in both print and digital formats. It features full-page projection slides, printable handouts, and versions suitable for interactive notebooks. A differentiated version with sentence starters and simplified language is also included to support diverse learners.
Perfect for use at the beginning and end of a lesson, these phenomenon pages align with the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E instructional model. Whether used in person or digitally, this resource encourages students to explore energy transfer through meaningful, real-world examples.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions
Below are the essential questions associated with the lessons and activities included in this unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
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How can you demonstrate energy transformations?
Kesler Science Membership
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