Temperature & Energy Activities for Middle School Science
Help your middle school students master temperature and energy with this engaging, student-led 5E lesson. Designed for minimal prep and maximum impact, it includes interactive presentations, worksheets, hands-on labs, and assessments aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards. Students explore key concepts through discussions, vocabulary activities, and a dynamic station lab featuring experiments, reading passages in English and Spanish, research tasks, videos, and interactive categorization exercises. They demonstrate understanding through written responses, illustrations, and assessments, with a challenge station for early finishers. Editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and structured note-taking templates support the explanation phase, while student-choice projects allow for deeper exploration. Assessments aligned with STAAR 2.0 ensure comprehension, and flexible digital and printable options make this lesson ideal for any learning environment. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of temperature and energy. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, student-led unit designed for middle school science classrooms. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments, requiring minimal prep while promoting differentiated learning. The lesson aligns with NGSS and TEKS standards and follows the 5E Model: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation.
Students engage with vocabulary word wall cards, teacher-led discussions, and activities addressing common misconceptions. The hands-on station lab provides nine multimodal stations, including experiments, reading passages in English and Spanish, research tasks, videos, and interactive categorization exercises. Students demonstrate understanding through written responses, illustrations, and assessments. A bonus challenge station extends learning for early finishers.
Explanation materials include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks in multiple formats, and structured note-taking templates. Student-choice projects in the elaboration phase allow for deeper exploration of energy transformations, while assessments aligned with STAAR 2.0 provide evaluation opportunities. The lesson is flexible for both in-person and virtual learning, with digital and printable options available.
The Kesler Science Energy Transformations 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, student-led unit designed for middle school science classrooms. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments, requiring minimal prep while promoting differentiated learning. The lesson aligns with NGSS and TEKS standards and follows the 5E Model: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation.
Students engage with vocabulary word wall cards, teacher-led discussions, and activities addressing common misconceptions. The hands-on station lab provides nine multimodal stations, including experiments, reading passages in English and Spanish, research tasks, videos, and interactive categorization exercises. Students demonstrate understanding through written responses, illustrations, and assessments. A bonus challenge station extends learning for early finishers.
Explanation materials include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks in multiple formats, and structured note-taking templates. Student-choice projects in the elaboration phase allow for deeper exploration of energy transformations, while assessments aligned with STAAR 2.0 provide evaluation opportunities. The lesson is flexible for both in-person and virtual learning, with digital and printable options available.
Engage your middle school students with this student-led Energy Transformations Station Lab, designed to foster independent learning and critical thinking. Through interactive stations, students explore the relationships between energy transfer, mass, matter type, and kinetic energy.
This modular lab includes nine differentiated stations, allowing students to learn in various ways. Input stations introduce energy transformation concepts through hands-on demonstrations, research, reading, and video analysis. Output stations enable students to showcase their understanding by organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. A challenge station provides extension activities for early finishers.
All necessary signage, literature, task cards, and resources are included for independent or small-group learning, with minimal additional materials needed. This lab is adaptable for both in-class and virtual learning, ensuring flexibility for any teaching environment.
Engage your middle school students with this student-led Energy Transformations Station Lab, designed to foster independent learning and critical thinking. Through interactive stations, students explore the relationships between energy transfer, mass, matter type, and kinetic energy.
This modular lab includes nine differentiated stations, allowing students to learn in various ways. Input stations introduce energy transformation concepts through hands-on demonstrations, research, reading, and video analysis. Output stations enable students to showcase their understanding by organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. A challenge station provides extension activities for early finishers.
All necessary signage, literature, task cards, and resources are included for independent or small-group learning, with minimal additional materials needed. This lab is adaptable for both in-class and virtual learning, ensuring flexibility for any teaching environment.
The Energy Transformations Student Choice Projects align with NGSS science standards, allowing middle school students to demonstrate their understanding through a variety of creative formats. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, all with an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment.
These flexible, multimodal projects support differentiated learning with two versions of the project page—one offering modified options for students needing remediation and another allowing teachers to challenge advanced learners by assigning multiple projects using the same rubric.
Teachers can easily adapt the rubric to fit their grading needs. The projects use standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion. Some crafting supplies may be useful for building models.
The Energy Transformations Student Choice Projects align with NGSS science standards, allowing middle school students to demonstrate their understanding through a variety of creative formats. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, all with an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment.
These flexible, multimodal projects support differentiated learning with two versions of the project page—one offering modified options for students needing remediation and another allowing teachers to challenge advanced learners by assigning multiple projects using the same rubric.
Teachers can easily adapt the rubric to fit their grading needs. The projects use standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion. Some crafting supplies may be useful for building models.
The Temperature and Energy Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS MS-PS3-4, guiding students in investigating the relationship between energy transfer, matter type, mass, and temperature change. This lab allows students to measure temperature changes in water when food burns and use the data to determine caloric content.
Students can engage with either a virtual demonstration and pre-recorded video or a hands-on printed experiment. Both versions include comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and reflection activities. Three differentiated levels—dependent, modified, and independent—cater to varying student needs, providing structured guidance or allowing for more student-led exploration.
The print version includes hands-on procedures requiring materials such as a triple beam balance, thermometer, snack foods, and a support stand. Each student completes an individual sheet, even when working in groups. The digital version is a fully interactive PowerPoint compatible with Google Slides, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas. It features a recorded lab demonstration where students observe food samples being burned and track temperature changes to understand caloric content.
Additional resources include editable PowerPoints, teacher resource pages, answer keys, and differentiated versions for varied learning levels. This lab offers a flexible, multimodal learning experience that keeps middle school students engaged.
The Temperature and Energy Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS MS-PS3-4, guiding students in investigating the relationship between energy transfer, matter type, mass, and temperature change. This lab allows students to measure temperature changes in water when food burns and use the data to determine caloric content.
Students can engage with either a virtual demonstration and pre-recorded video or a hands-on printed experiment. Both versions include comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and reflection activities. Three differentiated levels—dependent, modified, and independent—cater to varying student needs, providing structured guidance or allowing for more student-led exploration.
The print version includes hands-on procedures requiring materials such as a triple beam balance, thermometer, snack foods, and a support stand. Each student completes an individual sheet, even when working in groups. The digital version is a fully interactive PowerPoint compatible with Google Slides, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas. It features a recorded lab demonstration where students observe food samples being burned and track temperature changes to understand caloric content.
Additional resources include editable PowerPoints, teacher resource pages, answer keys, and differentiated versions for varied learning levels. This lab offers a flexible, multimodal learning experience that keeps middle school students engaged.
The Conduction, Convection, and 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, and 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 Energy Transformations Escape Room is an interactive experience that helps students demonstrate their understanding of how energy transforms from one type to another. Designed to align with NGSS standards MS-PS3-2 and MS-PS3-4, this activity allows students to explore energy changes, such as chemical energy converting to electrical and light energy in a flashlight.
Teachers have full control over the eight independent puzzles, allowing customization to fit different class periods. The escape room can be set up using manila envelopes for a simple implementation or enhanced with locks and a storage box for a more immersive experience. Digital versions are available for online learning through PowerPoint or Google Slides, with printable options for home use.
This resource includes teacher directions, a detailed answer key, a digital answer sheet, video challenges, and engaging printable props. Students will stay engaged with reward templates, over 50 prize ideas, and themed signs for a fun photo finish. This escape room transforms learning into an exciting challenge that students will remember long after the activity ends.
The Energy Transformations Escape Room is an interactive experience that helps students demonstrate their understanding of how energy transforms from one type to another. Designed to align with NGSS standards MS-PS3-2 and MS-PS3-4, this activity allows students to explore energy changes, such as chemical energy converting to electrical and light energy in a flashlight.
Teachers have full control over the eight independent puzzles, allowing customization to fit different class periods. The escape room can be set up using manila envelopes for a simple implementation or enhanced with locks and a storage box for a more immersive experience. Digital versions are available for online learning through PowerPoint or Google Slides, with printable options for home use.
This resource includes teacher directions, a detailed answer key, a digital answer sheet, video challenges, and engaging printable props. Students will stay engaged with reward templates, over 50 prize ideas, and themed signs for a fun photo finish. This escape room transforms learning into an exciting challenge that students will remember long after the activity ends.
This Science Reading Comprehension Lesson introduces students to the concept of specific heat by exploring the relationships among energy transfer, matter type, mass, and temperature change. Designed for middle school, the leveled passage enhances science literacy and reading comprehension.
Students read a nonfiction article, answer five to seven comprehension questions, and design an experiment on heat transfer. The resource includes a hands-on mini-project, a Cornell notes template, and engaging visuals that print well in grayscale.
Suitable for in-person or virtual learning, the materials are compatible with Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas. Perfect for sub plans, extra credit, ISS, or whole-class instruction, this resource fosters critical thinking, classroom discussions, and textual analysis.
This Science Reading Comprehension Lesson introduces students to the concept of specific heat by exploring the relationships among energy transfer, matter type, mass, and temperature change. Designed for middle school, the leveled passage enhances science literacy and reading comprehension.
Students read a nonfiction article, answer five to seven comprehension questions, and design an experiment on heat transfer. The resource includes a hands-on mini-project, a Cornell notes template, and engaging visuals that print well in grayscale.
Suitable for in-person or virtual learning, the materials are compatible with Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas. Perfect for sub plans, extra credit, ISS, or whole-class instruction, this resource fosters critical thinking, classroom discussions, and textual analysis.
The Energy Transfer Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a creative letter-writing exercise to reinforce their understanding of energy transfer. Aligned with NGSS MS-PS3-4, this low-prep, student-centered activity enhances science reasoning and writing skills while supporting both in-person and virtual learning.
This resource includes teacher directions with an answer guide and rubrics, projection and print handouts, and a digital PowerPoint version for Google Slides. It offers full-sized and half-sheet handouts with prompts, student self-checks, and pre-writing strategies. Designed for flexibility, it works well as a cross-curricular activity, pre-test assessment, student choice project, or enrichment for early finishers. Ideal for extra credit, make-up work, differentiation, or TELPAS samples, this writing prompt fosters engagement and scientific literacy, making it a valuable addition to any classroom.
The Energy Transfer Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a creative letter-writing exercise to reinforce their understanding of energy transfer. Aligned with NGSS MS-PS3-4, this low-prep, student-centered activity enhances science reasoning and writing skills while supporting both in-person and virtual learning.
This resource includes teacher directions with an answer guide and rubrics, projection and print handouts, and a digital PowerPoint version for Google Slides. It offers full-sized and half-sheet handouts with prompts, student self-checks, and pre-writing strategies. Designed for flexibility, it works well as a cross-curricular activity, pre-test assessment, student choice project, or enrichment for early finishers. Ideal for extra credit, make-up work, differentiation, or TELPAS samples, this writing prompt fosters engagement and scientific literacy, making it a valuable addition to any classroom.
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, thermal energy 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, thermal energy 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 and deepen their understanding of energy concepts. These activities encourage critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while preventing distractions and making use of downtime. Aligned to NGSS and TEKS energy standards, they support independent learning and enrichment.
Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. With teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions, these extensions offer flexible, rigorous learning opportunities.
Covering topics such as energy transformations, kinetic and potential energy, thermal energy transfer, the electromagnetic spectrum, and photosynthesis, these extensions help students explore energy concepts in a meaningful way. Perfect for lesson wrap-ups, early finishers, or independent challenges, Lesson Extensions ensure continued engagement and deeper learning.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of energy concepts. These activities encourage critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while preventing distractions and making use of downtime. Aligned to NGSS and TEKS energy standards, they support independent learning and enrichment.
Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. With teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions, these extensions offer flexible, rigorous learning opportunities.
Covering topics such as energy transformations, kinetic and potential energy, thermal energy transfer, the electromagnetic spectrum, and photosynthesis, these extensions help students explore energy concepts in a meaningful way. Perfect for lesson wrap-ups, early finishers, or independent challenges, Lesson Extensions ensure continued engagement and deeper learning.
This NGSS-aligned Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces temperature and kinetic energy through a real-world connection: having a fever. It includes an introductory reading with comprehension and extension questions to prepare students for further learning, followed by an explanatory reading on how old-fashioned thermometers work, reinforcing key scientific concepts with additional questions.
This no-prep resource includes teacher directions with answer keys, full-page projection slides, editable PowerPoint files for digital use, and print versions in full- and half-sheet formats. Designed to bookend a lesson, these readings effectively support the Engagement and Elaborate phases of a 5E lesson. The resource is aligned with NGSS standard PS3-4 and includes a differentiated version with sentence starters to assist students in answering comprehension questions. Available in both print and digital formats, it can be used in Google Classroom or other learning management systems.
This NGSS-aligned Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces temperature and kinetic energy through a real-world connection: having a fever. It includes an introductory reading with comprehension and extension questions to prepare students for further learning, followed by an explanatory reading on how old-fashioned thermometers work, reinforcing key scientific concepts with additional questions.
This no-prep resource includes teacher directions with answer keys, full-page projection slides, editable PowerPoint files for digital use, and print versions in full- and half-sheet formats. Designed to bookend a lesson, these readings effectively support the Engagement and Elaborate phases of a 5E lesson. The resource is aligned with NGSS standard PS3-4 and includes a differentiated version with sentence starters to assist students in answering comprehension questions. Available in both print and digital formats, it can be used in Google Classroom or other learning management systems.
The Spangler Phenomenon lesson on matter, mass, and temperature engages students with an interactive investigation centered around the question: How can we demonstrate the relationship between mass and the rate at which thermal energy is transferred? Featuring an exclusive Steve Spangler video, the lesson follows the 5E framework and aligns with middle school NGSS physical science standards.
In Part 1: Think Like a Scientist, students explore the relationship between matter, mass, and temperature through a Steve Spangler video, "Water Thermometer," and then create their own thermometers. In Part 2: Study Like a Scientist, they gather information from an engaging article and can extend their learning with additional activities such as Station Labs and Inquiry Labs. In Part 3: Work Like a Scientist, students refine their understanding by watching an exclusive Steve Spangler explanation video and then demonstrate their learning through writing, drawing, or building activities.
Each lesson includes teacher directions with a materials list, learning objectives, and an answer key, as well as student handouts for classroom use. Two Steve Spangler videos introduce and conclude the investigation, supported by clear presentation slides available in standard and digital interactive formats. PowerPoints can be uploaded to Google Slides, and Vimeo links ensure ad-free video access.
This exciting collaboration between Kesler Science and Steve Spangler delivers engaging, hands-on science experiences that inspire curiosity and deepen understanding.
The Spangler Phenomenon lesson on matter, mass, and temperature engages students with an interactive investigation centered around the question: How can we demonstrate the relationship between mass and the rate at which thermal energy is transferred? Featuring an exclusive Steve Spangler video, the lesson follows the 5E framework and aligns with middle school NGSS physical science standards.
In Part 1: Think Like a Scientist, students explore the relationship between matter, mass, and temperature through a Steve Spangler video, "Water Thermometer," and then create their own thermometers. In Part 2: Study Like a Scientist, they gather information from an engaging article and can extend their learning with additional activities such as Station Labs and Inquiry Labs. In Part 3: Work Like a Scientist, students refine their understanding by watching an exclusive Steve Spangler explanation video and then demonstrate their learning through writing, drawing, or building activities.
Each lesson includes teacher directions with a materials list, learning objectives, and an answer key, as well as student handouts for classroom use. Two Steve Spangler videos introduce and conclude the investigation, supported by clear presentation slides available in standard and digital interactive formats. PowerPoints can be uploaded to Google Slides, and Vimeo links ensure ad-free video access.
This exciting collaboration between Kesler Science and Steve Spangler delivers engaging, hands-on science experiences that inspire curiosity and deepen understanding.
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 temperature and energy unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
-
How can you demonstrate energy transformations?
-
NGSS - MS-PS3-4 Temperature & Energy
Kesler Science Membership
Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).
Say goodbye to long hours of lesson prep.