Evidence of Changes Over Time Activities for Middle School Science
Explore how Earth has changed over time with this engaging, low-prep 5E lesson aligned to TEKS 7.10A. Students examine fossil evidence, superposition, and plate tectonics through interactive activities, including a nine-station lab with hands-on demos, reading passages, videos, and research tasks. Explanation resources like editable PowerPoints and interactive notebooks support learning, while student-choice projects reinforce understanding. Assessments align with STAAR 2.0, ensuring comprehension. Available in English and Spanish, this flexible lesson offers both digital and printable formats, making it easy to adapt for diverse learning environments. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of evidence of changes over time. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Evidence of Changes Over Time 5E Lesson provides an engaging, low-prep unit on how Earth has changed over time, supported by fossil evidence, superposition, and plate tectonics. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, assessments, and student-choice projects designed for differentiated, student-led learning. The lesson aligns with TEKS 7.10A and offers materials in English and Spanish.
Following the 5E Model, students engage with objectives, vocabulary, and discussion-based activities. The exploration phase features a nine-station, multimodal lab where students interact with hands-on demos, reading passages, research tasks, videos, and output stations to organize, write, illustrate, and assess their understanding. A bonus station extends learning for early finishers. Explanation resources include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates. Elaboration is reinforced through student-choice projects, while evaluation includes STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments and review materials.
This flexible lesson works for in-class and virtual learning, offering printable and digital formats. With multimodal engagement and differentiation, students explore Earth's dynamic history while educators have the tools to support diverse learning needs.
The Kesler Science Evidence of Changes Over Time 5E Lesson provides an engaging, low-prep unit on how Earth has changed over time, supported by fossil evidence, superposition, and plate tectonics. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, assessments, and student-choice projects designed for differentiated, student-led learning. The lesson aligns with TEKS 7.10A and offers materials in English and Spanish.
Following the 5E Model, students engage with objectives, vocabulary, and discussion-based activities. The exploration phase features a nine-station, multimodal lab where students interact with hands-on demos, reading passages, research tasks, videos, and output stations to organize, write, illustrate, and assess their understanding. A bonus station extends learning for early finishers. Explanation resources include editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates. Elaboration is reinforced through student-choice projects, while evaluation includes STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments and review materials.
This flexible lesson works for in-class and virtual learning, offering printable and digital formats. With multimodal engagement and differentiation, students explore Earth's dynamic history while educators have the tools to support diverse learning needs.
Engage your middle school students with this student-led station lab aligned with TEKS 7.10A. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, this Earth science lesson explores evidence of changes over time, including fossil evidence, plate tectonics, and superposition, through nine interactive stations.
Students will engage with new concepts through multimodal input stations, including hands-on demonstrations, videos, readings, and research activities. Output stations allow them to demonstrate their learning by organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. A bonus challenge station offers extension activities for advanced learners. English and Spanish reading passages support differentiated instruction.
This low-prep, high-engagement resource fosters active learning and critical thinking.
Engage your middle school students with this student-led station lab aligned with TEKS 7.10A. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, this Earth science lesson explores evidence of changes over time, including fossil evidence, plate tectonics, and superposition, through nine interactive stations.
Students will engage with new concepts through multimodal input stations, including hands-on demonstrations, videos, readings, and research activities. Output stations allow them to demonstrate their learning by organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. A bonus challenge station offers extension activities for advanced learners. English and Spanish reading passages support differentiated instruction.
This low-prep, high-engagement resource fosters active learning and critical thinking.
The Evidence of Changes Over Time Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standard 7.10A, providing middle school students with flexible, multimodal options to demonstrate their understanding. A project page outlines six student-led choices plus a “design your own” option, all supported by an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment. This resource is also included in the Evidence of Changes Over Time Complete Lesson for TEKS 7.10A.
Two versions of the project page support differentiation, with a modified version offering targeted options for students needing remediation and challenge opportunities for advanced learners. Teachers can adjust the rubric to fit grading needs.
These projects require standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion.
The Evidence of Changes Over Time Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standard 7.10A, providing middle school students with flexible, multimodal options to demonstrate their understanding. A project page outlines six student-led choices plus a “design your own” option, all supported by an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment. This resource is also included in the Evidence of Changes Over Time Complete Lesson for TEKS 7.10A.
Two versions of the project page support differentiation, with a modified version offering targeted options for students needing remediation and challenge opportunities for advanced learners. Teachers can adjust the rubric to fit grading needs.
These projects require standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion.
The Continental Drift Theory Inquiry Lab aligned with TEKS helps students explore evidence supporting the Plate Tectonic Theory and model continental drift using shaving cream. This resource includes three differentiated labs designed to accommodate various learning levels.
The structured, modified, and independent lab versions provide varying degrees of guidance, allowing for customization based on student needs. Reflection questions encourage claim, evidence, and reasoning statements, and answer keys simplify grading.
Using common materials such as colored pencils, wax paper, and shaving cream, this hands-on activity engages students in understanding the historical development of plate tectonic theory.
The Continental Drift Theory Inquiry Lab aligned with TEKS helps students explore evidence supporting the Plate Tectonic Theory and model continental drift using shaving cream. This resource includes three differentiated labs designed to accommodate various learning levels.
The structured, modified, and independent lab versions provide varying degrees of guidance, allowing for customization based on student needs. Reflection questions encourage claim, evidence, and reasoning statements, and answer keys simplify grading.
Using common materials such as colored pencils, wax paper, and shaving cream, this hands-on activity engages students in understanding the historical development of plate tectonic theory.
The Plate Tectonics Escape Room is an engaging, student-centered activity designed to reinforce concepts related to plate tectonics and Wegener's continental drift theory. It aligns with TEKS and NGSS, covering geological events, historical evidence of plate tectonic theory, and geoscience processes that have shaped Earth's surface.
Teachers have full control over the eight independent puzzles, allowing customization based on class time and student needs. The activity can be conducted using simple materials like manila envelopes or a more immersive setup with locks and a storage box. A digital version is available for online learning via PowerPoint or Google Slides, with printable versions for home use.
The resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, a digital answer sheet, editable templates, a video challenge, printable props, reward templates, and over 50 prize ideas. With interactive elements and engaging content, this escape room provides an exciting, standards-aligned learning experience.
The Plate Tectonics Escape Room is an engaging, student-centered activity designed to reinforce concepts related to plate tectonics and Wegener's continental drift theory. It aligns with TEKS and NGSS, covering geological events, historical evidence of plate tectonic theory, and geoscience processes that have shaped Earth's surface.
Teachers have full control over the eight independent puzzles, allowing customization based on class time and student needs. The activity can be conducted using simple materials like manila envelopes or a more immersive setup with locks and a storage box. A digital version is available for online learning via PowerPoint or Google Slides, with printable versions for home use.
The resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, a digital answer sheet, editable templates, a video challenge, printable props, reward templates, and over 50 prize ideas. With interactive elements and engaging content, this escape room provides an exciting, standards-aligned learning experience.
The Plate Tectonics Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore the historical development of evidence supporting plate tectonic theory through a nonfiction article, comprehension questions, and a foldable on key scientists. Designed for grades 6-8 (and advanced 5th graders), the leveled passage supports science literacy and reading comprehension.
The resource includes two leveled articles (Lexile 1100-1300), five to seven comprehension questions, a hands-on mini-project, and a Cornell notes template. Engaging, colorful graphics are printable in grayscale.
Perfect for sub plans, extra credit, ISS, or whole-class instruction, this resource fosters critical thinking, classroom discussions, and textual analysis while reinforcing plate tectonics concepts. It is compatible with virtual learning platforms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, allowing students to complete assignments digitally.
The Plate Tectonics Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore the historical development of evidence supporting plate tectonic theory through a nonfiction article, comprehension questions, and a foldable on key scientists. Designed for grades 6-8 (and advanced 5th graders), the leveled passage supports science literacy and reading comprehension.
The resource includes two leveled articles (Lexile 1100-1300), five to seven comprehension questions, a hands-on mini-project, and a Cornell notes template. Engaging, colorful graphics are printable in grayscale.
Perfect for sub plans, extra credit, ISS, or whole-class instruction, this resource fosters critical thinking, classroom discussions, and textual analysis while reinforcing plate tectonics concepts. It is compatible with virtual learning platforms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, allowing students to complete assignments digitally.
The Plate Tectonics Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a creative, interview-based writing exercise to reinforce their understanding of plate tectonic theory. Aligned with TEKS, this activity allows students to explore the historical development of evidence supporting plate tectonic theory while enhancing their science reasoning and writing skills. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, this low-prep, student-centered resource keeps students engaged inside and outside the classroom.
This resource includes teacher directions with an answer guide, project ideas, and rubrics, along with projection and print-ready handouts in full-sized and half-sheet formats. A digital PowerPoint version, compatible with Google Slides, allows for easy virtual assignment and completion. The activity works well as a cross-curricular project, pre-test assessment, student choice assignment, or enrichment for early finishers. It is also ideal for extra credit, make-up work, TELPAS samples, or differentiation, making it a valuable addition to any science classroom.
The Plate Tectonics Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a creative, interview-based writing exercise to reinforce their understanding of plate tectonic theory. Aligned with TEKS, this activity allows students to explore the historical development of evidence supporting plate tectonic theory while enhancing their science reasoning and writing skills. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, this low-prep, student-centered resource keeps students engaged inside and outside the classroom.
This resource includes teacher directions with an answer guide, project ideas, and rubrics, along with projection and print-ready handouts in full-sized and half-sheet formats. A digital PowerPoint version, compatible with Google Slides, allows for easy virtual assignment and completion. The activity works well as a cross-curricular project, pre-test assessment, student choice assignment, or enrichment for early finishers. It is also ideal for extra credit, make-up work, TELPAS samples, or differentiation, making it a valuable addition to any science classroom.
The Earth Science WIKI Tickets© provide engaging, flexible formative assessments for 6th–8th grade science. This set includes 15 topics, each available in five formats: a full-screen display for projection, three printable handout versions, and an interactive digital version compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides.
Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments cover key Earth Science topics such as ecoregions in Texas, human impact on the environment and natural resources, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, watersheds, and more. Some topics include multiple tickets, ensuring comprehensive coverage of standards. A bonus table of contents file is included to show alignment.
These assessments can be used in both in-person and virtual learning settings. Students can respond on paper, interact with projected questions, or complete digital versions in a 1:1 or remote environment. Whether used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick checks, WIKI Tickets© provide a dynamic way to gauge student understanding.
The Earth Science WIKI Tickets© provide engaging, flexible formative assessments for 6th–8th grade science. This set includes 15 topics, each available in five formats: a full-screen display for projection, three printable handout versions, and an interactive digital version compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides.
Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments cover key Earth Science topics such as ecoregions in Texas, human impact on the environment and natural resources, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, watersheds, and more. Some topics include multiple tickets, ensuring comprehensive coverage of standards. A bonus table of contents file is included to show alignment.
These assessments can be used in both in-person and virtual learning settings. Students can respond on paper, interact with projected questions, or complete digital versions in a 1:1 or remote environment. Whether used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick checks, WIKI Tickets© provide a dynamic way to gauge student understanding.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities that challenge early finishers with critical thinking and creativity. They help wrap up lessons, fill downtime during testing, and keep students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities. Aligned with NGSS and TEKS Earth Science standards, these activities encourage deeper exploration of key concepts.
Each Lesson 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. Teacher directions, answer keys, projection-friendly formats, and printable versions ensure flexibility in the classroom.
Designed for independent learners, these extensions enhance understanding of Earth Science topics, including climate, plate tectonics, geological time, fossils, and natural hazards. Perfect for lesson wrap-ups and enrichment, they provide high-level, engaging opportunities for students ready to go beyond the basics.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities that challenge early finishers with critical thinking and creativity. They help wrap up lessons, fill downtime during testing, and keep students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities. Aligned with NGSS and TEKS Earth Science standards, these activities encourage deeper exploration of key concepts.
Each Lesson 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. Teacher directions, answer keys, projection-friendly formats, and printable versions ensure flexibility in the classroom.
Designed for independent learners, these extensions enhance understanding of Earth Science topics, including climate, plate tectonics, geological time, fossils, and natural hazards. Perfect for lesson wrap-ups and enrichment, they provide high-level, engaging opportunities for students ready to go beyond the basics.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson engages students in plate tectonic theory through a real-world connection. It begins with an introductory reading on how iguanas relate to Wegener’s theory of continental drift, followed by comprehension and extension questions to support learning. The second reading explains the historical evidence behind plate tectonic theory in an accessible way, with reinforcement questions to deepen understanding.
Aligned with TEKS, this no-prep resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and both print and digital formats for Google Classroom and other LMS platforms. A modified version provides sentence starters to support student comprehension. Designed to bookend a lesson, these engaging readings serve as valuable supplements in any in-person or virtual classroom.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson engages students in plate tectonic theory through a real-world connection. It begins with an introductory reading on how iguanas relate to Wegener’s theory of continental drift, followed by comprehension and extension questions to support learning. The second reading explains the historical evidence behind plate tectonic theory in an accessible way, with reinforcement questions to deepen understanding.
Aligned with TEKS, this no-prep resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and both print and digital formats for Google Classroom and other LMS platforms. A modified version provides sentence starters to support student comprehension. Designed to bookend a lesson, these engaging readings serve as valuable supplements in any in-person or virtual classroom.
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 atoms unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
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How has Earth changed over time?
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How does evidence of fossils, superposition, and plate tectonics support that Earth has changed over time?
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TEKS Science - 7.10A Evidence of Changes Over Time
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.