Muscular System Activities for Middle School Science
The Kesler Science Muscular System resources provide a comprehensive, student-centered approach to learning about the muscular system, designed for middle school classrooms. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of muscular system. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Muscular System Complete 5E Lesson offers everything needed for an engaging, multi-day lesson with minimal prep and maximum student engagement. Students will explore the muscular system through student-led learning, answering essential questions about its function and organs.
This lesson is highly differentiated, with materials designed to support a range of learners. It includes multimodal learning options such as hands-on activities, reading passages in both English and Spanish, interactive videos, and student-choice projects. Teachers can tailor lessons to fit their classroom needs with editable PowerPoints and printable or digital formats.
Using the well-researched 5E Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation), this resource offers flexible learning experiences. Virtual learning options ensure that students can engage in the lesson both in-person and remotely.
The Kesler Science Muscular System Complete 5E Lesson offers everything needed for an engaging, multi-day lesson with minimal prep and maximum student engagement. Students will explore the muscular system through student-led learning, answering essential questions about its function and organs.
This lesson is highly differentiated, with materials designed to support a range of learners. It includes multimodal learning options such as hands-on activities, reading passages in both English and Spanish, interactive videos, and student-choice projects. Teachers can tailor lessons to fit their classroom needs with editable PowerPoints and printable or digital formats.
Using the well-researched 5E Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation), this resource offers flexible learning experiences. Virtual learning options ensure that students can engage in the lesson both in-person and remotely.
The Kesler Science Muscular System modular, student-led Station Lab keeps middle school students engaged by allowing them to take control of their learning. With eight differentiated stations, plus a bonus challenge station, students explore the muscular system through hands-on demonstrations, research, reading, videos, and more.
The stations offer a variety of ways for students to learn and demonstrate their knowledge, from organizing and illustrating concepts to writing and completing assessments. These resources are perfect for both in-person and virtual classrooms, with digital tools like PowerPoint and Google Slides to enhance learning.
This low-prep, comprehensive activity provides students with creative and personalized ways to grasp the muscular system’s concepts while saving teachers valuable preparation time.
The Kesler Science Muscular System modular, student-led Station Lab keeps middle school students engaged by allowing them to take control of their learning. With eight differentiated stations, plus a bonus challenge station, students explore the muscular system through hands-on demonstrations, research, reading, videos, and more.
The stations offer a variety of ways for students to learn and demonstrate their knowledge, from organizing and illustrating concepts to writing and completing assessments. These resources are perfect for both in-person and virtual classrooms, with digital tools like PowerPoint and Google Slides to enhance learning.
This low-prep, comprehensive activity provides students with creative and personalized ways to grasp the muscular system’s concepts while saving teachers valuable preparation time.
The Kesler Science Muscular System Student Choice Projects offer middle school students the freedom to select from six project options or design their own, allowing for diverse, personalized expression of their understanding. A grading rubric is provided for flexible assessment, whether by teachers, peers, or the students themselves.
The project board includes nine options plus a "design your own" choice, with teacher directions and editable rubrics that assess key concepts, vocabulary, and presentation. The lesson is differentiated to meet various student needs, offering modifications for those needing additional support and challenges for advanced learners.
Materials are minimal, with most projects using basic classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors. Many projects can be completed digitally, and some crafting supplies may be needed for model-building tasks.
The Kesler Science Muscular System Student Choice Projects offer middle school students the freedom to select from six project options or design their own, allowing for diverse, personalized expression of their understanding. A grading rubric is provided for flexible assessment, whether by teachers, peers, or the students themselves.
The project board includes nine options plus a "design your own" choice, with teacher directions and editable rubrics that assess key concepts, vocabulary, and presentation. The lesson is differentiated to meet various student needs, offering modifications for those needing additional support and challenges for advanced learners.
Materials are minimal, with most projects using basic classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors. Many projects can be completed digitally, and some crafting supplies may be needed for model-building tasks.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Interactive Notebook Bundle provides a hands-on and engaging way for students to learn about body systems, offering both print and digital options for flexible use in traditional classrooms, 1:1 settings, or distance learning environments. Students can explore key systems, such as the circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems, while interacting with customized templates and reflection pages to enhance understanding.
The digital version features an interactive PowerPoint file that can be uploaded to Google Slides or other platforms like MS Teams or Canvas, making it easy to assign and complete remotely. Students can add notes, complete reflection activities, and access modified templates as needed. The teacher key and modified digital versions ensure accessibility for all learners.
The paper version includes blank and pre-filled templates, along with color photos for guidance, making it ideal for interactive notebooks. This comprehensive bundle offers everything teachers need to support students’ mastery of body system concepts while catering to diverse learning needs.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Interactive Notebook Bundle provides a hands-on and engaging way for students to learn about body systems, offering both print and digital options for flexible use in traditional classrooms, 1:1 settings, or distance learning environments. Students can explore key systems, such as the circulatory, digestive, and nervous systems, while interacting with customized templates and reflection pages to enhance understanding.
The digital version features an interactive PowerPoint file that can be uploaded to Google Slides or other platforms like MS Teams or Canvas, making it easy to assign and complete remotely. Students can add notes, complete reflection activities, and access modified templates as needed. The teacher key and modified digital versions ensure accessibility for all learners.
The paper version includes blank and pre-filled templates, along with color photos for guidance, making it ideal for interactive notebooks. This comprehensive bundle offers everything teachers need to support students’ mastery of body system concepts while catering to diverse learning needs.
The Kesler Science Muscular System Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS standards and allows students to explore how skeletal muscles function by dissecting and manipulating a chicken wing. Students will observe the interaction between muscles and bones and identify different types of muscles during the hands-on or virtual experience. Both versions include comprehension checks, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and reflection questions to deepen understanding.
This lab includes three differentiated levels—dependent, modified, and independent—designed to support learners at various levels of readiness. Whether students need guided steps, scaffolded supports, or a more student-led approach, the structure accommodates diverse learning needs. The digital version also includes a pre-recorded video demonstration for added flexibility and accessibility, especially for remote or absent learners.
All materials are provided in editable formats compatible with Google Slides and PowerPoint, making them easy to customize. Teachers will find planning simple with provided answer keys, teacher resource pages, and clear objectives. Required materials for the hands-on version include a chicken wing, dissection tray and tools, and gloves, while the digital version needs no physical supplies.
The Kesler Science Muscular System Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS standards and allows students to explore how skeletal muscles function by dissecting and manipulating a chicken wing. Students will observe the interaction between muscles and bones and identify different types of muscles during the hands-on or virtual experience. Both versions include comprehension checks, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and reflection questions to deepen understanding.
This lab includes three differentiated levels—dependent, modified, and independent—designed to support learners at various levels of readiness. Whether students need guided steps, scaffolded supports, or a more student-led approach, the structure accommodates diverse learning needs. The digital version also includes a pre-recorded video demonstration for added flexibility and accessibility, especially for remote or absent learners.
All materials are provided in editable formats compatible with Google Slides and PowerPoint, making them easy to customize. Teachers will find planning simple with provided answer keys, teacher resource pages, and clear objectives. Required materials for the hands-on version include a chicken wing, dissection tray and tools, and gloves, while the digital version needs no physical supplies.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Sub Plans guide students through an engaging sequence of activities, including a warm-up puzzle, a reading passage, and a hands-on project to create a booklet labeling the organs and functions of each body system. Using their booklets, students answer questions to deepen their understanding. Extension activities challenge early finishers to explore how systems like the skeletal and muscular systems work together or how multiple systems collaborate to digest a meal. The lesson concludes with an assessment or exit ticket.
Comprehensive support is provided for both in-class and distance learning formats, including substitute teacher instructions, a Google Form answer sheet, and editable resources. Each lesson is thoughtfully crafted to minimize downtime, with substitute directions, behavior checkpoints, and engaging activities to ensure a productive day. Digital versions allow students to annotate PDFs or submit answers online, making the resource versatile for remote or in-person use.
These middle school science sub plans are perfect for days when teachers are out, offering clear instructions for substitutes and meaningful, student-centered activities. They are also ideal for homework, extra credit, or small group sessions. Packed with editable documents, answer keys, and flexible learning formats, these plans make managing classroom learning seamless and stress-free.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Sub Plans guide students through an engaging sequence of activities, including a warm-up puzzle, a reading passage, and a hands-on project to create a booklet labeling the organs and functions of each body system. Using their booklets, students answer questions to deepen their understanding. Extension activities challenge early finishers to explore how systems like the skeletal and muscular systems work together or how multiple systems collaborate to digest a meal. The lesson concludes with an assessment or exit ticket.
Comprehensive support is provided for both in-class and distance learning formats, including substitute teacher instructions, a Google Form answer sheet, and editable resources. Each lesson is thoughtfully crafted to minimize downtime, with substitute directions, behavior checkpoints, and engaging activities to ensure a productive day. Digital versions allow students to annotate PDFs or submit answers online, making the resource versatile for remote or in-person use.
These middle school science sub plans are perfect for days when teachers are out, offering clear instructions for substitutes and meaningful, student-centered activities. They are also ideal for homework, extra credit, or small group sessions. Packed with editable documents, answer keys, and flexible learning formats, these plans make managing classroom learning seamless and stress-free.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Escape Room provides an immersive, hands-on way for students to demonstrate their understanding of major body systems, their structures, and their functions. With eight unique puzzles, teachers have full control over the activities, choosing which puzzles to use and their order—perfect for adapting to different class lengths. This engaging activity combines critical thinking, teamwork, and science content into a memorable classroom experience.
The escape room can be run using simple materials like manila envelopes or with more authentic props, including locks and a storage box, for a realistic feel. Both physical and digital versions are available, offering flexibility for in-person or virtual learning. Digital versions include editable PowerPoints and Google Slides, while printable materials support at-home or classroom setups. Tools like UV pens, red cellophane, and mirrors add to the fun, but alternatives are provided for cost-effective implementation.
The product includes everything needed for a smooth experience: teacher directions, a detailed answer key, a digital answer sheet, editable templates, a mood-setting video challenge, printable props, reward templates, and over 50 prize ideas. Whether used in a physical or digital format, the Kesler Science Escape Room is an engaging and versatile resource for reinforcing body systems knowledge.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Escape Room provides an immersive, hands-on way for students to demonstrate their understanding of major body systems, their structures, and their functions. With eight unique puzzles, teachers have full control over the activities, choosing which puzzles to use and their order—perfect for adapting to different class lengths. This engaging activity combines critical thinking, teamwork, and science content into a memorable classroom experience.
The escape room can be run using simple materials like manila envelopes or with more authentic props, including locks and a storage box, for a realistic feel. Both physical and digital versions are available, offering flexibility for in-person or virtual learning. Digital versions include editable PowerPoints and Google Slides, while printable materials support at-home or classroom setups. Tools like UV pens, red cellophane, and mirrors add to the fun, but alternatives are provided for cost-effective implementation.
The product includes everything needed for a smooth experience: teacher directions, a detailed answer key, a digital answer sheet, editable templates, a mood-setting video challenge, printable props, reward templates, and over 50 prize ideas. Whether used in a physical or digital format, the Kesler Science Escape Room is an engaging and versatile resource for reinforcing body systems knowledge.
The Kesler Science Muscular System Reading Comprehension Lesson offers middle school students an engaging nonfiction article on the muscular system, followed by comprehension questions and a hands-on investigation. The lesson is designed to boost reading comprehension and science literacy with leveled science passages and interactive mini-projects.
The resource includes two Lexile-leveled articles for grades 6-8, corresponding questions, a hands-on mini-activity, and Cornell notes templates. Colorful graphics enhance the material, and the content is easily adapted for virtual learning via Google Slides or other LMS platforms.
Perfect for differentiated instruction, this resource is ideal for use with absent students, as extra credit, or during class discussions. It can be assigned throughout a unit or as a standalone activity to enhance science literacy and critical thinking skills.
The Kesler Science Muscular System Reading Comprehension Lesson offers middle school students an engaging nonfiction article on the muscular system, followed by comprehension questions and a hands-on investigation. The lesson is designed to boost reading comprehension and science literacy with leveled science passages and interactive mini-projects.
The resource includes two Lexile-leveled articles for grades 6-8, corresponding questions, a hands-on mini-activity, and Cornell notes templates. Colorful graphics enhance the material, and the content is easily adapted for virtual learning via Google Slides or other LMS platforms.
Perfect for differentiated instruction, this resource is ideal for use with absent students, as extra credit, or during class discussions. It can be assigned throughout a unit or as a standalone activity to enhance science literacy and critical thinking skills.
The Kesler Science Muscular System Science Writing Prompt Activity provides middle school students with journal entry-based exercises to test their knowledge of the muscular system. These engaging, standards-aligned prompts foster critical thinking and writing skills while supporting virtual learning. Students can explore scientific concepts and enhance their writing through creative, student-led activities.
This resource includes teacher directions, answer guides, project ideas, and customizable rubrics. The materials are available in both full-sized and half-sheet handouts, suitable for printing or digital use. The PowerPoint version can be saved as Google Slides, enabling students to complete the activity in-person or remotely.
Perfect for differentiation, this activity serves as a pre-test assessment, student choice project, or elaboration for early finishers. It can also be used for extra credit, make-up work, or TELPAS samples. This low-prep, high-quality resource ensures students remain engaged and actively learning about the muscular system.
The Kesler Science Muscular System Science Writing Prompt Activity provides middle school students with journal entry-based exercises to test their knowledge of the muscular system. These engaging, standards-aligned prompts foster critical thinking and writing skills while supporting virtual learning. Students can explore scientific concepts and enhance their writing through creative, student-led activities.
This resource includes teacher directions, answer guides, project ideas, and customizable rubrics. The materials are available in both full-sized and half-sheet handouts, suitable for printing or digital use. The PowerPoint version can be saved as Google Slides, enabling students to complete the activity in-person or remotely.
Perfect for differentiation, this activity serves as a pre-test assessment, student choice project, or elaboration for early finishers. It can also be used for extra credit, make-up work, or TELPAS samples. This low-prep, high-quality resource ensures students remain engaged and actively learning about the muscular system.
The Kesler Science WIKI Tickets provide engaging, flexible formative assessments for 6th–8th grade science topics, designed to check student understanding in a fun and interactive way. Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments cover nine body systems, including the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems, as well as sensory information. Each topic includes five formats: projection, full-page, split-page, quarter-page handouts, and editable digital versions for use in PowerPoint or Google Slides.
These colorful WIKI Tickets can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick checks for learning progress. Teachers have the flexibility to use them in print, project them for whole-class responses, or assign them digitally for 1:1 and virtual settings. A bonus table of contents file shows the alignment of each ticket to middle school science standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of key concepts.
Perfect for both in-person and remote learning, the WIKI Tickets make lesson planning easier while keeping students engaged and on track. These versatile tools ensure you're prepared to assess understanding in any learning environment.
The Kesler Science WIKI Tickets provide engaging, flexible formative assessments for 6th–8th grade science topics, designed to check student understanding in a fun and interactive way. Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments cover nine body systems, including the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems, as well as sensory information. Each topic includes five formats: projection, full-page, split-page, quarter-page handouts, and editable digital versions for use in PowerPoint or Google Slides.
These colorful WIKI Tickets can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick checks for learning progress. Teachers have the flexibility to use them in print, project them for whole-class responses, or assign them digitally for 1:1 and virtual settings. A bonus table of contents file shows the alignment of each ticket to middle school science standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of key concepts.
Perfect for both in-person and remote learning, the WIKI Tickets make lesson planning easier while keeping students engaged and on track. These versatile tools ensure you're prepared to assess understanding in any learning environment.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Lesson Extensions provide student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of body systems through engaging, creative, and rigorous learning opportunities. These activities are perfect for ending lessons, filling testing gaps, or keeping students focused with NGSS- and TEKS-aligned content. Students can explore critical thinking and creativity through puzzles, STEAM-based maker activities, digital media projects, and creative writing tasks.
Each extension includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection options for digital boards, and printable handouts in full- and half-sheet formats. Topics covered include the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, integumentary, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems, as well as sensory information, making them a perfect supplement for anatomy and physiology units.
Kesler Science Lesson Extensions help scaffold learning for independent learners, offering a variety of high-level activities to enhance problem-solving, creativity, and hands-on engagement, all while maintaining alignment with key science standards.
The Kesler Science Body Systems Lesson Extensions provide student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of body systems through engaging, creative, and rigorous learning opportunities. These activities are perfect for ending lessons, filling testing gaps, or keeping students focused with NGSS- and TEKS-aligned content. Students can explore critical thinking and creativity through puzzles, STEAM-based maker activities, digital media projects, and creative writing tasks.
Each extension includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection options for digital boards, and printable handouts in full- and half-sheet formats. Topics covered include the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, integumentary, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems, as well as sensory information, making them a perfect supplement for anatomy and physiology units.
Kesler Science Lesson Extensions help scaffold learning for independent learners, offering a variety of high-level activities to enhance problem-solving, creativity, and hands-on engagement, all while maintaining alignment with key science standards.
The Body Systems Card Sort activity helps students learn about the ten major human body systems by sorting them based on their system name, main function, and major organs. This engaging activity can be used during instruction, as a review game, or for intervention and tutoring, providing a fun alternative to traditional study methods.
The body systems included are circulatory, skeletal, endocrine, muscular, integumentary, nervous, digestive, excretory, respiratory, and reproductive. This resource is suitable for any middle school students studying body systems.
The Body Systems Card Sort activity helps students learn about the ten major human body systems by sorting them based on their system name, main function, and major organs. This engaging activity can be used during instruction, as a review game, or for intervention and tutoring, providing a fun alternative to traditional study methods.
The body systems included are circulatory, skeletal, endocrine, muscular, integumentary, nervous, digestive, excretory, respiratory, and reproductive. This resource is suitable for any middle school students studying body systems.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces the muscular system through a real-world connection to muscle pain. Students begin with an introductory reading focused on muscle soreness, followed by comprehension and extension questions that activate prior knowledge and set the stage for deeper learning. An explanatory reading then breaks down the science behind the muscular system and pain response in an accessible way, supported by additional comprehension and reinforcement questions.
The resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and both digital and print formats—featuring full- and half-sheet versions for interactive notebooks. This editable, no-prep lesson supports flexible classroom use. A differentiated version is also included, providing sentence starters and simplified language to support a range of student needs.
Designed to bookend a core lesson, this two-part activity fits perfectly within the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E Instructional Model. Whether used in person or digitally through Google Classroom or other LMS platforms, this resource helps students make meaningful connections to the muscular system using a phenomenon-based approach.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces the muscular system through a real-world connection to muscle pain. Students begin with an introductory reading focused on muscle soreness, followed by comprehension and extension questions that activate prior knowledge and set the stage for deeper learning. An explanatory reading then breaks down the science behind the muscular system and pain response in an accessible way, supported by additional comprehension and reinforcement questions.
The resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and both digital and print formats—featuring full- and half-sheet versions for interactive notebooks. This editable, no-prep lesson supports flexible classroom use. A differentiated version is also included, providing sentence starters and simplified language to support a range of student needs.
Designed to bookend a core lesson, this two-part activity fits perfectly within the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E Instructional Model. Whether used in person or digitally through Google Classroom or other LMS platforms, this resource helps students make meaningful connections to the muscular system using a phenomenon-based approach.
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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What is the main function of the muscular system and how is it structured?
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What are the main organs associated with this system?
Kesler Science Membership
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