Skip to content

Conservation in Reactions Activities for Middle School Science

Understanding the conservation of mass 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 matter behaves in chemical reactions, balance equations, and apply the law of conservation of mass to real-world scenarios. With interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and assessments, students will develop a strong foundation in mass relationships, reactants and products, and the fundamental principles of physical and chemical changes. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of conservation in reactions. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

The Kesler Science Conservation of Mass 5E lesson covers mass conservation in chemical reactions. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, assessments, and choice projects, designed for differentiated, student-led learning.

Using the 5E Model, students engage in hands-on demos, reading, research, and videos. Output stations like card sorts and writing help them understand chemical equations and atom rearrangement. Interactive PowerPoints and digital/printable notebooks are available in English and Spanish.

The unit includes STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments and is suitable for both in-class and virtual learning, aligned with the 2021 TEKS standards. Bundles offer savings on multiple topics or the full curriculum.

The Kesler Science Conservation of Mass 5E lesson covers mass conservation in chemical reactions. It includes editable presentations, worksheets, assessments, and choice projects, designed for differentiated, student-led learning.

Using the 5E Model, students engage in hands-on demos, reading, research, and videos. Output stations like card sorts and writing help them understand chemical equations and atom rearrangement. Interactive PowerPoints and digital/printable notebooks are available in English and Spanish.

The unit includes STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments and is suitable for both in-class and virtual learning, aligned with the 2021 TEKS standards. Bundles offer savings on multiple topics or the full curriculum.

Cover 2024 New TEKS - Conservation in Reactions

This Conservation in Reactions Station Lab aligns with the 2021 TEKS standards, helping students explore how mass is conserved in chemical reactions and how atoms rearrange in equations like photosynthesis. This modular, student-led activity promotes independent learning while minimizing teacher prep time. It is also part of the Chemistry Station Lab Bundle, which includes 15 labs.

With nine differentiated stations, students engage through experiments, videos, readings, and research, then demonstrate their understanding with organizing, illustrating, writing, and assessments. A bonus Challenge It! station provides extension activities for advanced learners. The digital version supports interactive learning with PowerPoint and Google Slides.

This ready-to-use resource includes all necessary materials, signage, and task cards for independent or small-group work. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, it offers a flexible and engaging approach to mastering conservation in reactions.

This Conservation in Reactions Station Lab aligns with the 2021 TEKS standards, helping students explore how mass is conserved in chemical reactions and how atoms rearrange in equations like photosynthesis. This modular, student-led activity promotes independent learning while minimizing teacher prep time. It is also part of the Chemistry Station Lab Bundle, which includes 15 labs.

With nine differentiated stations, students engage through experiments, videos, readings, and research, then demonstrate their understanding with organizing, illustrating, writing, and assessments. A bonus Challenge It! station provides extension activities for advanced learners. The digital version supports interactive learning with PowerPoint and Google Slides.

This ready-to-use resource includes all necessary materials, signage, and task cards for independent or small-group work. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, it offers a flexible and engaging approach to mastering conservation in reactions.

Cover SL NewTEKS ConservationReactions

These Conservation in Reactions Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standards, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding through six project options or a design-your-own approach. A flexible, editable rubric supports teacher, peer, or self-assessment. This resource is also included in the Conservation in Reactions Complete Lesson.

Designed for differentiation, the project includes a modified version for students needing support, while advanced learners can complete multiple projects. The Chemistry Bundle covers 15 topics, and the MEGA Bundle offers 84 topics for Grades 6-8.

With minimal prep, students can complete projects using basic classroom supplies or digital tools. This versatile, ready-to-use resource provides an engaging, student-led learning experience.

These Conservation in Reactions Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standards, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding through six project options or a design-your-own approach. A flexible, editable rubric supports teacher, peer, or self-assessment. This resource is also included in the Conservation in Reactions Complete Lesson.

Designed for differentiation, the project includes a modified version for students needing support, while advanced learners can complete multiple projects. The Chemistry Bundle covers 15 topics, and the MEGA Bundle offers 84 topics for Grades 6-8.

With minimal prep, students can complete projects using basic classroom supplies or digital tools. This versatile, ready-to-use resource provides an engaging, student-led learning experience.

Cover SCRUBS NewTEKS ConservReactions

The Cellular Respiration Lab engages students in observing cellular respiration and modeling the conservation of mass in its chemical equation. Aligned with the 2021 TEKS and NGSS standards, this resource includes three differentiated labs to meet varying student needs.

The Dependent Lab offers guided inquiry, the Modified Lab provides structured support, and the Independent Lab encourages student-driven exploration. Editable teacher resources, answer keys, and CER reflection questions are included for easy assessment.

With minimal prep and common classroom materials, this lab saves teachers time while providing an engaging, hands-on experience. It is also available in the Complete Inquiry Labs Bundle and Chemistry Inquiry Labs Bundle for additional savings.

The Cellular Respiration Lab engages students in observing cellular respiration and modeling the conservation of mass in its chemical equation. Aligned with the 2021 TEKS and NGSS standards, this resource includes three differentiated labs to meet varying student needs.

The Dependent Lab offers guided inquiry, the Modified Lab provides structured support, and the Independent Lab encourages student-driven exploration. Editable teacher resources, answer keys, and CER reflection questions are included for easy assessment.

With minimal prep and common classroom materials, this lab saves teachers time while providing an engaging, hands-on experience. It is also available in the Complete Inquiry Labs Bundle and Chemistry Inquiry Labs Bundle for additional savings.

Cover- Law Conserv Mass

The Counting Atoms Escape Room is an interactive activity where students apply their knowledge of counting atoms and balancing equations. Aligned with the 2021 TEKS standards and NGSS standards, it reinforces chemical formulas, subscripts, and conservation of mass in a fun, engaging way.

With eight independent puzzles, teachers can customize the experience for different class lengths. It can be run using manila envelopes or a lock-and-box setup. A digital version is available for Google Slides and PowerPoint, with printable options for home learning.

This resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, digital tools, editable templates, video challenges, and reward templates. With 50+ prize ideas, students stay engaged while mastering key chemistry concepts.

The Counting Atoms Escape Room is an interactive activity where students apply their knowledge of counting atoms and balancing equations. Aligned with the 2021 TEKS standards and NGSS standards, it reinforces chemical formulas, subscripts, and conservation of mass in a fun, engaging way.

With eight independent puzzles, teachers can customize the experience for different class lengths. It can be run using manila envelopes or a lock-and-box setup. A digital version is available for Google Slides and PowerPoint, with printable options for home learning.

This resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, digital tools, editable templates, video challenges, and reward templates. With 50+ prize ideas, students stay engaged while mastering key chemistry concepts.

Cover24-Counting Atoms Balancing Equations

This Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore conservation of mass in chemical reactions through a nonfiction article, comprehension questions, and a hands-on particle model activity. Designed for grades 6-8 (and advanced 5th graders), the leveled passage enhances science literacy and reading comprehension.

With Lexile levels 1100-1300, the resource includes 5-7 comprehension questions, a mini-project, and a Cornell notes template. It is compatible with Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, making it ideal for in-class or virtual learning.

Perfect for sub plans, absent students, ISS, or extra credit, this engaging resource builds text analysis skills, fosters discussion, and strengthens science comprehension in a flexible, ready-to-use format.

This Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore conservation of mass in chemical reactions through a nonfiction article, comprehension questions, and a hands-on particle model activity. Designed for grades 6-8 (and advanced 5th graders), the leveled passage enhances science literacy and reading comprehension.

With Lexile levels 1100-1300, the resource includes 5-7 comprehension questions, a mini-project, and a Cornell notes template. It is compatible with Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, making it ideal for in-class or virtual learning.

Perfect for sub plans, absent students, ISS, or extra credit, this engaging resource builds text analysis skills, fosters discussion, and strengthens science comprehension in a flexible, ready-to-use format.

Cover Do Chemical Reactions Destroy Matter

The Law of Conservation of Mass Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in creative writing through poetry, reinforcing their understanding of mass conservation in chemical reactions. Aligned with the 2021 TEKS and NGSS standards, this low-prep, student-centered resource is perfect for elaboration, review, or cross-curricular activities.

Available in 145 topics, this activity includes teacher directions, rubrics, digital and printable versions, and interactive notebook-friendly handouts. It supports in-person and virtual learning with a PowerPoint version that can be used in Google Slides.

Ideal for early finishers, extra credit, make-up work, and differentiation, these prompts encourage scientific reasoning and creativity. Use them for bulletin board displays or student anthologies to showcase learning in a unique way.

The Law of Conservation of Mass Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in creative writing through poetry, reinforcing their understanding of mass conservation in chemical reactions. Aligned with the 2021 TEKS and NGSS standards, this low-prep, student-centered resource is perfect for elaboration, review, or cross-curricular activities.

Available in 145 topics, this activity includes teacher directions, rubrics, digital and printable versions, and interactive notebook-friendly handouts. It supports in-person and virtual learning with a PowerPoint version that can be used in Google Slides.

Ideal for early finishers, extra credit, make-up work, and differentiation, these prompts encourage scientific reasoning and creativity. Use them for bulletin board displays or student anthologies to showcase learning in a unique way.

Law of Conversation of Mass Cover

The WIKI Tickets© Formative Assessments provide flexible, engaging ways to check student understanding in 6th-8th grade science. This Chemistry Set includes 14 topics, each with five format options: projectable display, three print handouts, and a digital interactive version for PowerPoint or Google Slides.

Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments can be used for exit tickets, bellringers, or quick checks. They work both in-class and virtually, allowing students to respond on paper or digitally. A Table of Contents file helps track standard alignment.

Perfect for in-person, hybrid, or remote learning, WIKI Tickets© make assessment easy, adaptable, and visually engaging, ensuring you're ready for any teaching scenario.

The WIKI Tickets© Formative Assessments provide flexible, engaging ways to check student understanding in 6th-8th grade science. This Chemistry Set includes 14 topics, each with five format options: projectable display, three print handouts, and a digital interactive version for PowerPoint or Google Slides.

Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments can be used for exit tickets, bellringers, or quick checks. They work both in-class and virtually, allowing students to respond on paper or digitally. A Table of Contents file helps track standard alignment.

Perfect for in-person, hybrid, or remote learning, WIKI Tickets© make assessment easy, adaptable, and visually engaging, ensuring you're ready for any teaching scenario.

Cover Wiki MS Chemistry-2

Lesson Extensions offer engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen understanding of NGSS and TEKS chemistry standards. These activities help fill downtime, reinforce critical thinking, and keep students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities. Covering 17 chemistry topics, they provide 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.

Lesson Extensions offer engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen understanding of NGSS and TEKS chemistry standards. These activities help fill downtime, reinforce critical thinking, and keep students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities. Covering 17 chemistry topics, they provide 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.

Chemistry-2

Easily introduce an anchoring phenomenon into your middle school science lesson with this no-prep activity focused on chemical reactions. This two-part resource bookends any lesson by first engaging students with an introductory reading about a science lab, followed by comprehension and extension questions to build understanding. The explanatory reading then breaks down the science behind baking soda and vinegar reactions, reinforcing key concepts with additional questions.

This Amazing Anchors lesson includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, digital PPT versions, and printable handouts for interactive notebooks. Aligned with the 2021 TEKS and NGSS, it works as a real-world introduction and follow-up activity for in-class or digital learning. A modified version with sentence starters supports differentiation, ensuring accessibility for all students. While not a full lesson, these phenomenon pages serve as an excellent supplement to deepen student engagement and comprehension.

Easily introduce an anchoring phenomenon into your middle school science lesson with this no-prep activity focused on chemical reactions. This two-part resource bookends any lesson by first engaging students with an introductory reading about a science lab, followed by comprehension and extension questions to build understanding. The explanatory reading then breaks down the science behind baking soda and vinegar reactions, reinforcing key concepts with additional questions.

This Amazing Anchors lesson includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, digital PPT versions, and printable handouts for interactive notebooks. Aligned with the 2021 TEKS and NGSS, it works as a real-world introduction and follow-up activity for in-class or digital learning. A modified version with sentence starters supports differentiation, ensuring accessibility for all students. While not a full lesson, these phenomenon pages serve as an excellent supplement to deepen student engagement and comprehension.

Cover - Matter and Its Interactions

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.

Essential Questions
  • How is mass conserved in chemical reactions?
  • How can you relate the conservation of mass to the rearrangement of atoms using chemical equations?
Standards
  • TEKS Science - 8.6E Conservation in Reactions

access every resource.

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.