Nervous System Activities for Middle School Science
The Kesler Science Nervous System Resources provide a comprehensive, engaging, and student-centered approach for teaching the nervous system to middle school students. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of the nervous system. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Nervous System Complete 5E Lesson for 6th-8th grade offers all the materials you need for a comprehensive, engaging, and student-led lesson. With minimal prep, it covers essential questions like the function and structure of the nervous system, and the organs involved. The lesson includes differentiated materials to meet the needs of all students, along with flexible formats for both print and digital use.
Based on the 5E Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation), it provides multimodal learning experiences, including hands-on activities, reading, research, videos, and interactive stations. Students also engage in creative output stations and have opportunities for extension activities in the "Challenge It!" bonus station.
This resource is perfect for both in-person and virtual learning, with editable PowerPoints, interactive notebook templates, and Spanish translations to support diverse learners.
The Kesler Science Nervous System Complete 5E Lesson for 6th-8th grade offers all the materials you need for a comprehensive, engaging, and student-led lesson. With minimal prep, it covers essential questions like the function and structure of the nervous system, and the organs involved. The lesson includes differentiated materials to meet the needs of all students, along with flexible formats for both print and digital use.
Based on the 5E Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation), it provides multimodal learning experiences, including hands-on activities, reading, research, videos, and interactive stations. Students also engage in creative output stations and have opportunities for extension activities in the "Challenge It!" bonus station.
This resource is perfect for both in-person and virtual learning, with editable PowerPoints, interactive notebook templates, and Spanish translations to support diverse learners.
The Kesler Science Nervous System Station Lab is a student-led, modular activity that allows middle school students to explore the nervous system through nine differentiated stations. Each station offers multimodal activities, including hands-on demonstrations, reading passages, research tasks, and videos, enabling students to engage with the material in multiple ways.
Students will compare key structures like the cerebellum and cerebrum, and explore how information flows within the body. The lab includes a challenge station for early finishers and provides materials for independent or group work.
Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, the stations come with all the necessary resources, including task cards and signage. This flexible, student-centered approach fosters independent learning while ensuring all students can engage with the content effectively.
The Kesler Science Nervous System Station Lab is a student-led, modular activity that allows middle school students to explore the nervous system through nine differentiated stations. Each station offers multimodal activities, including hands-on demonstrations, reading passages, research tasks, and videos, enabling students to engage with the material in multiple ways.
Students will compare key structures like the cerebellum and cerebrum, and explore how information flows within the body. The lab includes a challenge station for early finishers and provides materials for independent or group work.
Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, the stations come with all the necessary resources, including task cards and signage. This flexible, student-centered approach fosters independent learning while ensuring all students can engage with the content effectively.
The Kesler Science Nervous System Student Choice Projects provide middle school students with nine project options, including a "design your own" project, allowing them to choose a method that best fits their output style. The flexible, multimodal projects cater to various learning needs, enabling students to demonstrate their understanding creatively.
A grading rubric is included, which can be modified by teachers to suit their specific grading criteria. The project options are differentiated for students requiring remediation, while more challenging combinations can be assigned for advanced learners.
Materials needed are simple and include common classroom supplies such as paper, markers, and scissors. Many projects can also be done digitally, offering versatility for different learning environments.
The Kesler Science Nervous System Student Choice Projects provide middle school students with nine project options, including a "design your own" project, allowing them to choose a method that best fits their output style. The flexible, multimodal projects cater to various learning needs, enabling students to demonstrate their understanding creatively.
A grading rubric is included, which can be modified by teachers to suit their specific grading criteria. The project options are differentiated for students requiring remediation, while more challenging combinations can be assigned for advanced learners.
Materials needed are simple and include common classroom supplies such as paper, markers, and scissors. Many projects can also be done digitally, offering versatility for different learning environments.
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 Nervous System Reaction Time Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS MS-LS1-8 and guides students in exploring how the brain processes different types of sensory stimuli. Students will compare the speed of nervous system responses to visual, auditory, and tactile inputs, then reflect on how these variations affect behavior. Both print and digital versions include comprehension checks, C.E.R. prompts, and a final reflection section to help students synthesize their learning.
This lab includes three differentiated versions—dependent, modified, and independent—to meet various student needs. The dependent level combines procedural steps with guided inquiry, the modified version offers more structure and support, and the independent version challenges students to take the lead. Whether students are in class or learning virtually, this resource provides a flexible and inclusive experience.
The print lab uses simple materials such as a meter stick to measure reaction time. The digital version includes an interactive, no-materials-required lab with a video demonstration of the procedure, making it perfect for absent students or remote settings. Editable files, answer keys, teacher resources, and compatibility with Google Slides ensure ease of planning and classroom integration.
The Kesler Science Nervous System Reaction Time Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS MS-LS1-8 and guides students in exploring how the brain processes different types of sensory stimuli. Students will compare the speed of nervous system responses to visual, auditory, and tactile inputs, then reflect on how these variations affect behavior. Both print and digital versions include comprehension checks, C.E.R. prompts, and a final reflection section to help students synthesize their learning.
This lab includes three differentiated versions—dependent, modified, and independent—to meet various student needs. The dependent level combines procedural steps with guided inquiry, the modified version offers more structure and support, and the independent version challenges students to take the lead. Whether students are in class or learning virtually, this resource provides a flexible and inclusive experience.
The print lab uses simple materials such as a meter stick to measure reaction time. The digital version includes an interactive, no-materials-required lab with a video demonstration of the procedure, making it perfect for absent students or remote settings. Editable files, answer keys, teacher resources, and compatibility with Google Slides ensure ease of planning and classroom integration.
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 Nervous System Reading Comprehension Activity engages middle school students by introducing them to the main structures and functions of the nervous system through a nonfiction article. Students will read about the nervous system, answer comprehension questions, and label a brain diagram to identify the functions of different parts. This hands-on activity also includes a mini-project to enhance their understanding.
The reading passages are leveled for grades 6-8, with Lexile levels ranging from 1100-1300. Students will benefit from 5-7 comprehension questions for each article, and the activity is perfect for both in-person and remote learning environments. The materials include Cornell notes templates, engaging graphics, and a format suitable for LMS tools like Google Classroom, MS Teams, and more.
Ideal for a range of uses, this resource supports student learning in various settings, whether it’s for regular classwork, extra credit, or make-up work. It helps build science literacy, fosters meaningful discussions, and provides opportunities for students to practice their textual analysis and reading comprehension skills.
The Kesler Science Nervous System Reading Comprehension Activity engages middle school students by introducing them to the main structures and functions of the nervous system through a nonfiction article. Students will read about the nervous system, answer comprehension questions, and label a brain diagram to identify the functions of different parts. This hands-on activity also includes a mini-project to enhance their understanding.
The reading passages are leveled for grades 6-8, with Lexile levels ranging from 1100-1300. Students will benefit from 5-7 comprehension questions for each article, and the activity is perfect for both in-person and remote learning environments. The materials include Cornell notes templates, engaging graphics, and a format suitable for LMS tools like Google Classroom, MS Teams, and more.
Ideal for a range of uses, this resource supports student learning in various settings, whether it’s for regular classwork, extra credit, or make-up work. It helps build science literacy, fosters meaningful discussions, and provides opportunities for students to practice their textual analysis and reading comprehension skills.
The Kesler Science Nervous System Science Writing Prompt Activity offers a fun and engaging way for middle school students to deepen their understanding of the nervous system. Through vocabulary stories, students are encouraged to test their knowledge and explore key concepts related to nervous system stimuli. The activity promotes critical thinking and scientific reasoning as students enrich their own writing.
This resource is designed to be flexible and easily adaptable for both in-class and virtual learning environments. It includes teacher directions, full and half-sheet rubrics, as well as a projection version to share with the class. The digital format allows for seamless integration into Google Slides or PowerPoint, making it accessible for all students, whether in person or remote.
The writing prompt activity is aligned with TEKS and NGSS standards, offering a student-centered approach to learning. It’s ideal for use as a cross-curricular project, formative assessment, or even as a differentiation tool for students at different learning levels. The materials are designed for minimal prep, giving teachers more time to focus on student engagement and success.
The Kesler Science Nervous System Science Writing Prompt Activity offers a fun and engaging way for middle school students to deepen their understanding of the nervous system. Through vocabulary stories, students are encouraged to test their knowledge and explore key concepts related to nervous system stimuli. The activity promotes critical thinking and scientific reasoning as students enrich their own writing.
This resource is designed to be flexible and easily adaptable for both in-class and virtual learning environments. It includes teacher directions, full and half-sheet rubrics, as well as a projection version to share with the class. The digital format allows for seamless integration into Google Slides or PowerPoint, making it accessible for all students, whether in person or remote.
The writing prompt activity is aligned with TEKS and NGSS standards, offering a student-centered approach to learning. It’s ideal for use as a cross-curricular project, formative assessment, or even as a differentiation tool for students at different learning levels. The materials are designed for minimal prep, giving teachers more time to focus on student engagement and success.
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 and reinforces the nervous system through the relatable experience of getting the shivers. The lesson begins with an introductory reading that explores this real-world phenomenon and includes comprehension and extension questions to activate student thinking. An explanatory reading follows, breaking down the science behind the nervous system with clarity, supported by additional comprehension and reinforcement questions.
Designed to supplement any middle school lesson, this no-prep resource is aligned with NGSS MS LS1-8 and TEKS standards. It includes teacher directions with answer keys, projection slides, and editable formats for both print and digital use. Full- and half-sheet handouts are also provided for interactive notebooks, and a differentiated version supports students with sentence starters and simplified language.
Perfect for the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E model, this lesson helps students make real-world connections to science content. Whether used in-person or through a digital platform like Google Classroom, the materials are flexible and ready to enhance student learning before and after your core instruction.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces the nervous system through the relatable experience of getting the shivers. The lesson begins with an introductory reading that explores this real-world phenomenon and includes comprehension and extension questions to activate student thinking. An explanatory reading follows, breaking down the science behind the nervous system with clarity, supported by additional comprehension and reinforcement questions.
Designed to supplement any middle school lesson, this no-prep resource is aligned with NGSS MS LS1-8 and TEKS standards. It includes teacher directions with answer keys, projection slides, and editable formats for both print and digital use. Full- and half-sheet handouts are also provided for interactive notebooks, and a differentiated version supports students with sentence starters and simplified language.
Perfect for the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E model, this lesson helps students make real-world connections to science content. Whether used in-person or through a digital platform like Google Classroom, the materials are flexible and ready to enhance student learning before and after your core instruction.
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 nervous 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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