Temperature & Kinetic Energy Activities for Middle School Science

This Science Reading Comprehension Passage helps students explore 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 grades 6-8 (with higher-level 5th graders in mind), the resource includes two leveled articles (Lexile 1100-1300), five to seven comprehension questions, and a hands-on mini-project. A Cornell notes template is provided, along with engaging graphics that print well in grayscale. 

The passage can be used for virtual or in-person learning and is compatible with platforms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas. Students can respond directly in the included PPT or Google Slides. Ideal for sub plans, extra credit, ISS, or whole-class instruction, this resource builds science literacy, supports textual analysis, and encourages classroom discussions.

The Thermal Energy and Molecules Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a compare-and-contrast essay to reinforce their understanding of physical science concepts. Designed to enhance science reasoning and writing skills, this low-prep, student-centered activity supports both in-person and virtual learning.

Aligned with NGSS MS PS1-4, this activity helps students develop models predicting changes in particle motion, temperature, and state when thermal energy is added or removed. The resource includes teacher directions with answer guides, project ideas, and rubrics; projection and print handouts with pre-writing strategies and templates; half-sheet handouts for interactive notebooks; and a digital PowerPoint version for Google Slides.

Ideal for cross-curricular integration, pre-test assessments, student choice projects, early finisher enrichment, extra credit, make-up work, and differentiation, this writing prompt fosters engagement and critical thinking. It also works well for TELPAS samples and can be displayed on bulletin boards or compiled into student anthologies. Designed for review, it assumes students have prior knowledge 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 in varying sizes, and an interactive digital version compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides.

Aligned with 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 easy 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, heat transfer, kinetic and potential energy, wave characteristics, and more. Whether projected, printed, or assigned digitally, these engaging assessments help gauge student progress effectively.

Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of energy standards. These activities help fill downtime, reinforce critical thinking, and keep students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities. Aligned to NGSS and TEKS, they offer flexible, high-level resources that 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 are perfect for lesson wrap-ups, enrichment, or independent challenges, ensuring that students remain engaged and learning at a deeper level.  

Topics covered include energy-related concepts such as amplitude and energy, digital vs. analog signals, electromagnetic spectrum, energy transformations, kinetic and potential energy, thermal energy transfer, photosynthesis, and more.