Humans & Ocean Systems Activities for Middle School Science

The Human Impact on Oceans Inquiry Lab aligns with TEKS, helping students understand human dependence on ocean systems and how activities like overfishing impact ecosystems. Students will model the effects of fishing quotas on a recovering population and estimate a cod population using beans if time allows.

This resource includes three differentiated lab versions to support diverse learners. The Dependent Student Lab provides structured guidance with procedural instructions and inquiry questions. The Modified Student Lab offers a highly structured experience with simplified questions and sentence stems. The Independent Student Lab allows advanced learners to take control of the lab process with minimal guidance.

Teacher resource pages include standards, objectives, materials, and preparation details. Editable reflection questions guide students through Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) statements. Answer keys and additional teacher support simplify planning and grading.

Using simple materials like cod cards, beans, bowls, measuring cups, and markers, this hands-on lab engages students in real-world ecological concepts.

This Human Impact on Oceans Science Reading Comprehension Lesson explores how human activities like runoff, artificial reefs, and resource use have altered ocean systems. Students read a nonfiction article on human dependence on ocean systems, answer comprehension questions, and create a mock interview with a dive master or ocean life expert about changes in the Great Barrier Reef.

Designed for grades 6-8 (and advanced 5th graders), the resource includes a leveled science passage (Lexile 1100-1300), five to seven comprehension questions, and an interactive mini-project. A Cornell notes template is provided for student use. The visually engaging materials are printable in grayscale and compatible with digital learning platforms such as Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas.

Ideal for sub plans, ISS, extra credit, or whole-class instruction, this lesson builds science literacy and reading comprehension while fostering critical thinking and classroom discussions.

The Human Impact on Oceans Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in an invention-based design challenge to reinforce their understanding of human dependence on ocean systems. Aligned with TEKS, this activity encourages students to explore how human activities, such as runoff, artificial reefs, and resource use, have modified ocean systems. It fosters science reasoning, creativity, and writing skills while supporting both in-person and virtual learning.

This resource includes teacher directions with answer guides, project ideas, and rubrics, along with projection and print handouts in both full-sized and half-sheet formats. A digital PowerPoint version, compatible with Google Slides, allows for seamless integration into virtual classrooms. The writing prompt works well for cross-curricular activities, pre-test assessments, student choice projects, elaboration for early finishers, extra credit, make-up work, TELPAS samples, or differentiation exercises. These activities can be displayed on bulletin boards or compiled into student anthologies. Designed for review, this prompt assumes students have prior knowledge or access to research materials.

The WIKI Tickets© Formative Assessments provide engaging, flexible ways to check student understanding in 6th-8th grade science. This Ecosystems Set includes 20 topics, each with five format options: a full-screen projection version, three printable handouts, and a digital interactive version compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides.  

Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments cover key ecosystem concepts such as biodiversity, biotic and abiotic factors, competition for resources, ecological succession, energy flow, food webs, natural selection, and environmental impacts. Some topics have multiple assessments, ensuring comprehensive coverage. A table of contents file is included for easy alignment reference.  

WIKI Tickets© can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick checks in both in-person and virtual learning settings. Students can respond on paper, interact digitally, or complete assignments in a remote environment. These engaging, ready-to-use assessments help gauge student progress with ease.

Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of ecosystems. These activities reinforce critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while keeping students engaged in rigorous yet enjoyable learning experiences. They are ideal for wrapping up lessons, filling downtime, and preventing distractions.

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 support independent learning and enrichment.

Covering topics such as biodiversity, biomes, ecological succession, food webs, human impact, photosynthesis, and resource availability, Lesson Extensions align with NGSS and TEKS standards, providing high-level, supplementary materials to push students further in their understanding of ecosystems.

This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson engages students with ocean ecosystems through real-world connections. It begins with an introductory reading on artificial reefs, followed by comprehension and extension questions to prepare students for further learning. An explanatory reading then breaks down the science behind ocean ecosystems, reinforcing concepts with additional comprehension questions.

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 supplements to reinforce learning in any in-person or virtual classroom.