Modeling Matter Activities for Middle School Science

Understanding modeling matter is essential for middle school students, but it can be a challenging concept to grasp! These engaging materials provide everything you need to help students explore how scientists use models to represent the structure and behavior of atoms, molecules, and states of matter. With interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and assessments, students will develop a strong foundation in atomic theory, molecular interactions, phase changes, and the role of models in explaining the properties of different substances. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of modeling matter. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

The Kesler Science Modeling Matter 5E lesson is a comprehensive middle school chemistry unit focused on using models to understand elements, compounds, pure substances, and mixtures. It includes editable PowerPoints, worksheets, assessments, and student-choice projects, all designed for differentiated, student-led learning.

The unit follows the 5E Model, with resources for each phase: engagement activities, a hands-on, differentiated exploration station lab, editable PowerPoints, and interactive notebooks in English and Spanish for explanation. Students can apply their learning through choice projects and assessments aligned with STAAR 2.0.

Flexible for both in-class and virtual learning, the lesson is aligned with the 2021 TEKS 8.6A standard. Bundles offer savings for purchasing multiple topics or the complete curriculum.

Engage your middle school students with this student-led station lab aligned with the 2021 TEKS.8.6A. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, it helps students model and classify elements, compounds, and mixtures through nine interactive stations featuring videos, readings, research, and hands-on tasks.

Students demonstrate their learning by organizing information, illustrating models, writing responses, and completing assessments. A bonus challenge station offers extension activities, and English and Spanish reading passages support differentiated learning.

This low-prep, high-engagement resource promotes active learning and critical thinking. Also available in the Chemistry Station Lab Bundle with 15 labs.

The Modeling Matter Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standards, allowing middle school students to choose a project that fits 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. This resource is also included in the Modeling Matter Complete Lesson for TEKS 8.6A.

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 options for advanced learners. Teachers can adjust the rubric to fit grading needs.

The projects use standard classroom supplies like paper, markers, and scissors, with many options available for digital completion. Also available in the Chemistry Bundle (15 topics) and the MEGA Student Choice Project Bundle (84 topics) for grades 6-8.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Essential Questions

How can models be used to represent and classify matter according to its composition?

Standards

TEKS Science - 8.6A Modeling Matter