Changes by Thermal Energy Activities for Middle School Science
Introduce middle school students to the concepts of conduction, convection, and radiation with this engaging 5E lesson. Designed for differentiated, student-led learning, this unit includes presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments that align with NGSS and TEKS standards. The lesson begins with interactive engagement activities and discussion prompts before students explore thermal energy transfer through a hands-on station lab featuring demos, reading passages, videos, and digital interactions. Explanation materials include editable presentations and interactive notebooks, while elaboration allows for creative extension through choice projects. Evaluation is reinforced with STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments, review questions, and worksheets. Available in both printable and digital formats, this lesson seamlessly supports in-class and virtual learning. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of thermal energy. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Conduction, Convection, and Radiation 5E Lesson is a fully editable, engaging middle school unit with presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments requiring minimal prep. Designed for differentiated, student-led learning, it aligns with NGSS and TEKS standards and includes Spanish translations of key materials.
The unit follows the 5E Model, beginning with engagement activities, word wall cards, and discussion prompts. The exploration phase features a student-led station lab with multimodal input and output activities, including hands-on demos, reading passages, videos, and digital interactions. Explanation includes editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates. Elaboration allows students to extend learning through choice projects, while evaluation includes STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments, review questions, and worksheets.
With flexible formats for printable and digital use, this lesson supports both in-class and virtual learning environments.
The Kesler Science Conduction, Convection, and Radiation 5E Lesson is a fully editable, engaging middle school unit with presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments requiring minimal prep. Designed for differentiated, student-led learning, it aligns with NGSS and TEKS standards and includes Spanish translations of key materials.
The unit follows the 5E Model, beginning with engagement activities, word wall cards, and discussion prompts. The exploration phase features a student-led station lab with multimodal input and output activities, including hands-on demos, reading passages, videos, and digital interactions. Explanation includes editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates. Elaboration allows students to extend learning through choice projects, while evaluation includes STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments, review questions, and worksheets.
With flexible formats for printable and digital use, this lesson supports both in-class and virtual learning environments.
Engage your middle school students with this student-led station lab on conduction, convection, and radiation. Designed to encourage independent learning, this modular activity helps students develop a model predicting and describing changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of pure substances.
This lab includes nine interactive stations, each with differentiated activities to support various learning styles. Input stations introduce concepts through hands-on demonstrations, research, reading passages (available in English and Spanish), and videos. Output stations allow students to demonstrate their understanding by organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. A bonus challenge station provides extension activities for early finishers.
With all necessary signage, literature, resources, and task cards included, students can work independently or in small groups, whether in class or virtually. This low-prep, high-engagement resource fosters active learning and critical thinking.
Engage your middle school students with this student-led station lab on conduction, convection, and radiation. Designed to encourage independent learning, this modular activity helps students develop a model predicting and describing changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of pure substances.
This lab includes nine interactive stations, each with differentiated activities to support various learning styles. Input stations introduce concepts through hands-on demonstrations, research, reading passages (available in English and Spanish), and videos. Output stations allow students to demonstrate their understanding by organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. A bonus challenge station provides extension activities for early finishers.
With all necessary signage, literature, resources, and task cards included, students can work independently or in small groups, whether in class or virtually. This low-prep, high-engagement resource fosters active learning and critical thinking.
The Conduction, Convection, and Radiation Student Choice Projects lesson allows middle school students to select a project that aligns with their preferred output style. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, with an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment.
These flexible, multimodal projects provide creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding. Two versions of the project page support differentiation, with modified options for students needing remediation and challenge opportunities for advanced learners. Teachers can adjust the rubric to fit grading needs.
The projects use standard classroom supplies such as paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion. Some crafting supplies may be helpful for building models.
The Conduction, Convection, and Radiation Student Choice Projects lesson allows middle school students to select a project that aligns with their preferred output style. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, with an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment.
These flexible, multimodal projects provide creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding. Two versions of the project page support differentiation, with modified options for students needing remediation and challenge opportunities for advanced learners. Teachers can adjust the rubric to fit grading needs.
The projects use standard classroom supplies such as paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion. Some crafting supplies may be helpful for building models.
The Investigating Thermal Energy Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS MS-PS1-4, guiding students to develop a model predicting and describing changes in particle motion, temperature, and state when thermal energy is added or removed. This lab offers both a hands-on printed experiment and a fully interactive digital version, including a pre-recorded video demonstration. Both formats incorporate comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and a reflection section.
Students will observe how temperature changes over time until equilibrium is reached. The lab is available in three differentiated versions: Dependent for on-level learners with guided inquiry, Modified with structured support and simplified questioning, and Independent for advanced learners with a student-led approach.
The print format includes step-by-step procedures for an in-person experiment using common lab materials such as beakers, thermometers, and water at different temperatures. The digital format is an interactive PowerPoint compatible with Google Slides, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, allowing students to engage virtually without materials. A recorded video guides students through the experiment, measuring temperature changes over 20 minutes.
This lab is designed for flexibility, offering editable PowerPoints, multimodal learning, teacher resource pages, answer keys, and built-in differentiation to support diverse learners in any classroom setting.
The Investigating Thermal Energy Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS MS-PS1-4, guiding students to develop a model predicting and describing changes in particle motion, temperature, and state when thermal energy is added or removed. This lab offers both a hands-on printed experiment and a fully interactive digital version, including a pre-recorded video demonstration. Both formats incorporate comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and a reflection section.
Students will observe how temperature changes over time until equilibrium is reached. The lab is available in three differentiated versions: Dependent for on-level learners with guided inquiry, Modified with structured support and simplified questioning, and Independent for advanced learners with a student-led approach.
The print format includes step-by-step procedures for an in-person experiment using common lab materials such as beakers, thermometers, and water at different temperatures. The digital format is an interactive PowerPoint compatible with Google Slides, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, allowing students to engage virtually without materials. A recorded video guides students through the experiment, measuring temperature changes over 20 minutes.
This lab is designed for flexibility, offering editable PowerPoints, multimodal learning, teacher resource pages, answer keys, and built-in differentiation to support diverse learners in any classroom setting.
The Conduction, Convection, Radiation Escape Room is an interactive activity that allows students to explore conduction, convection, and radiation in an engaging way. Designed to align with NGSS and TEKS standards, this escape room challenges students to investigate thermal energy transfer and its predictable movement from warmer to cooler substances.
Teachers have full control over the eight independent puzzles, allowing customization based on class duration and student needs. The activity can be conducted using manila envelopes and passwords or a more authentic lock-and-box setup. A digital version is available for online learning via PowerPoint or Google Slides, with printable versions for home use.
The resource includes teacher directions, a detailed answer key, a digital answer sheet, and an editable teacher version. Additional features include a video challenge, printable props, reward templates, and over 50 prize ideas, ensuring an immersive and exciting learning experience.
The Conduction, Convection, Radiation Escape Room is an interactive activity that allows students to explore conduction, convection, and radiation in an engaging way. Designed to align with NGSS and TEKS standards, this escape room challenges students to investigate thermal energy transfer and its predictable movement from warmer to cooler substances.
Teachers have full control over the eight independent puzzles, allowing customization based on class duration and student needs. The activity can be conducted using manila envelopes and passwords or a more authentic lock-and-box setup. A digital version is available for online learning via PowerPoint or Google Slides, with printable versions for home use.
The resource includes teacher directions, a detailed answer key, a digital answer sheet, and an editable teacher version. Additional features include a video challenge, printable props, reward templates, and over 50 prize ideas, ensuring an immersive and exciting learning experience.
This Particles in Motion Science Reading Comprehension Passage explores changes in particle motion, temperature, and state when thermal energy is added or removed. Students read a nonfiction article about particles in motion, answer comprehension questions, and conduct a colorful ice experiment.
Designed for middle school students, the resource includes a leveled passage (Lexile 1100-1300), five to seven comprehension questions, and a hands-on mini-project. A Cornell notes template is provided for support. The engaging graphics are printable in grayscale.
Ideal for in-class or virtual learning, the passage is compatible with Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas. Students can respond directly in the document. This resource is perfect for sub plans, extra credit, ISS, or whole-class instruction, fostering critical thinking, discussion, and science literacy.
This Particles in Motion Science Reading Comprehension Passage explores changes in particle motion, temperature, and state when thermal energy is added or removed. Students read a nonfiction article about particles in motion, answer comprehension questions, and conduct a colorful ice experiment.
Designed for middle school students, the resource includes a leveled passage (Lexile 1100-1300), five to seven comprehension questions, and a hands-on mini-project. A Cornell notes template is provided for support. The engaging graphics are printable in grayscale.
Ideal for in-class or virtual learning, the passage is compatible with Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas. Students can respond directly in the document. This resource is perfect for sub plans, extra credit, ISS, or whole-class instruction, fostering critical thinking, discussion, and science literacy.
The Thermal Energy and Molecules Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a compare-and-contrast essay to test their understanding of physical science concepts. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, this activity enhances science reasoning and writing skills while keeping students engaged beyond the classroom.
Aligned with NGSS MS-PS1-4, this low-prep, student-centered resource supports elaboration and review. It includes teacher directions with answer guides and rubrics, projection and print handouts, and a digital PowerPoint version adaptable for Google Slides. Full-sized and half-sheet handouts provide writing prompts, student self-checks, and pre-writing strategies, making it easy to integrate into interactive notebooks or journals.
Ideal for cross-curricular activities, pre-test assessments, student choice projects, early finisher tasks, extra credit, make-up work, TELPAS samples, and differentiation, this writing prompt fosters engagement and creativity. These activities can be displayed on bulletin boards or compiled into student anthologies. While designed for review, students should have prior knowledge of the topic or access to research materials.
The Thermal Energy and Molecules Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a compare-and-contrast essay to test their understanding of physical science concepts. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, this activity enhances science reasoning and writing skills while keeping students engaged beyond the classroom.
Aligned with NGSS MS-PS1-4, this low-prep, student-centered resource supports elaboration and review. It includes teacher directions with answer guides and rubrics, projection and print handouts, and a digital PowerPoint version adaptable for Google Slides. Full-sized and half-sheet handouts provide writing prompts, student self-checks, and pre-writing strategies, making it easy to integrate into interactive notebooks or journals.
Ideal for cross-curricular activities, pre-test assessments, student choice projects, early finisher tasks, extra credit, make-up work, TELPAS samples, and differentiation, this writing prompt fosters engagement and creativity. These activities can be displayed on bulletin boards or compiled into student anthologies. While designed for review, students should have prior knowledge of the topic or access to research materials.
The WIKI Tickets© Energy Set provides engaging formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science, offering flexible ways to check student understanding. This set includes 18 topics, each available in five formats: a full-screen projection version, three printable handouts (full, split, and quarter-page sizes), and an interactive digital version compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides.
Aligned to NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments ensure comprehensive coverage, with at least one ticket per standard. A bonus table of contents file is included for alignment reference. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, WIKI Tickets© can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick checks. Topics covered include energy transformations, calorimetry, heat transfer, wave characteristics, and more. Students can respond on printed handouts, their own paper, or digitally in a 1:1 or remote setting. These vibrant, ready-to-use assessments help you gauge student progress effectively in any learning environment.
The WIKI Tickets© Energy Set provides engaging formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science, offering flexible ways to check student understanding. This set includes 18 topics, each available in five formats: a full-screen projection version, three printable handouts (full, split, and quarter-page sizes), and an interactive digital version compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides.
Aligned to NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments ensure comprehensive coverage, with at least one ticket per standard. A bonus table of contents file is included for alignment reference. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, WIKI Tickets© can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick checks. Topics covered include energy transformations, calorimetry, heat transfer, wave characteristics, and more. Students can respond on printed handouts, their own paper, or digitally in a 1:1 or remote setting. These vibrant, ready-to-use assessments help you gauge student progress effectively in any learning environment.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers while reinforcing critical thinking and creativity. These activities help wrap up lessons, fill downtime during testing, and keep students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities aligned to NGSS and TEKS chemistry standards.
Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital media demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. Teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions ensure flexibility in the classroom.
Covering topics such as atomic structures, chemical reactions, the periodic table, and synthetic materials, these extensions provide high-level enrichment for independent learners ready to explore chemistry concepts more deeply.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers while reinforcing critical thinking and creativity. These activities help wrap up lessons, fill downtime during testing, and keep students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities aligned to NGSS and TEKS chemistry standards.
Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital media demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. Teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions ensure flexibility in the classroom.
Covering topics such as atomic structures, chemical reactions, the periodic table, and synthetic materials, these extensions provide high-level enrichment for independent learners ready to explore chemistry concepts more deeply.
This NGSS- and TEKS-aligned Amazing Anchors lesson introduces thermal energy movement through the phenomenon of thermal cameras. It includes an introductory reading with comprehension and extension questions to engage students, followed by an explanatory reading that breaks down the science behind thermal cameras and thermal energy movement in an accessible way. Reinforcement questions further support student understanding.
This no-prep resource includes teacher directions with answer keys, projection slides, and both print and digital formats for flexible classroom use. It features full- and half-sheet handouts, editable materials, and a differentiated version with sentence starters for student support. Designed to bookend a lesson, this engaging resource fits seamlessly into the Engagement and Elaborate segments of the 5E model, making it a valuable supplement for any middle school science classroom.
This NGSS- and TEKS-aligned Amazing Anchors lesson introduces thermal energy movement through the phenomenon of thermal cameras. It includes an introductory reading with comprehension and extension questions to engage students, followed by an explanatory reading that breaks down the science behind thermal cameras and thermal energy movement in an accessible way. Reinforcement questions further support student understanding.
This no-prep resource includes teacher directions with answer keys, projection slides, and both print and digital formats for flexible classroom use. It features full- and half-sheet handouts, editable materials, and a differentiated version with sentence starters for student support. Designed to bookend a lesson, this engaging resource fits seamlessly into the Engagement and Elaborate segments of the 5E model, making it a valuable supplement for any middle school science classroom.
This Spangler Phenomenon lesson on particle motion and molecules features an exclusive Steve Spangler video, Instant Freeze Water, designed to engage students with the question: How does a change in thermal energy change the movement of molecules and the state of matter? The interactive investigation keeps students actively involved as they observe the effects of salt and force on water temperature.
Aligned with the 5E instructional model and NGSS standard MS-PS1-4, this lesson helps students develop a model to describe changes in particle motion, temperature, and state when thermal energy is added or removed. It incorporates the crosscutting concept of structure and function and the science and engineering practice of obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.
Students begin by thinking like scientists, analyzing real-world phenomena related to particle motion. They then study an engaging article to deepen their understanding, with the option to expand learning through additional activities like Station Labs and Inquiry Labs. Finally, they work like scientists by revisiting their conclusions after watching an exclusive Steve Spangler explanation video. Students demonstrate their learning through writing, drawing, or building activities.
This lesson includes complete teacher directions, student handouts, two Steve Spangler videos, and clear presentation slides available in PowerPoint and Google Slides formats. Vimeo links ensure an ad-free viewing experience.
The Spangler Phenomenon lesson on particle motion and molecules features an exclusive Steve Spangler video, Instant Freeze Water, designed to engage students with the question: How does a change in thermal energy change the movement of molecules and the state of matter? The interactive investigation keeps students actively involved as they observe the effects of salt and force on water temperature.
Aligned with the 5E instructional model and NGSS standard MS-PS1-4, this lesson helps students develop a model to describe changes in particle motion, temperature, and state when thermal energy is added or removed. It incorporates the crosscutting concept of structure and function and the science and engineering practice of obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.
Students begin by thinking like scientists, analyzing real-world phenomena related to particle motion. They then study an engaging article to deepen their understanding, with the option to expand learning through additional activities like Station Labs and Inquiry Labs. Finally, they work like scientists by revisiting their conclusions after watching an exclusive Steve Spangler explanation video. Students demonstrate their learning through writing, drawing, or building activities.
This lesson includes complete teacher directions, student handouts, two Steve Spangler videos, and clear presentation slides available in PowerPoint and Google Slides formats. Vimeo links ensure an ad-free viewing experience.
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 and Standards
Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the changes by thermal energy 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 methods can be used to demonstrate thermal energy?
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What are conduction, convection, and radiation, including examples?
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NGSS - MS-PS1-4 Changes by Thermal Energy
Kesler Science Membership
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