Origin of the Universe Activities for Middle School Science
Understanding space science is essential for middle school students, but it can be a challenging concept to grasp! These engaging materials provide everything needed to help students explore key space science topics, including the structure of the universe, celestial bodies, and the forces that shape them. With interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and assessments, students will build a strong foundation in astronomy, gravity’s role in space, and how cosmic phenomena evolve over time. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of the origin of the universe. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
This engaging middle school space science unit explores redshift and cosmic background radiation as evidence for the Big Bang theory and the origin of the universe. Aligned with the 2021 TEKS 8.9C and NGSS standards, it includes presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, and assessments designed for low-prep, multi-day instruction. With differentiated, student-led learning, students will answer the essential question: How do scientists use data as evidence of the Big Bang theory to describe the origin of the universe?
Following the 5E Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation), students participate in interactive station labs, hands-on activities, reading passages (in English and Spanish), research tasks, and videos. They demonstrate learning through categorization, open-ended responses, illustrations, and assessments. The unit includes editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates, ensuring a flexible and comprehensive learning experience.
Designed for both in-class and virtual learning, this lesson offers printable and digital formats for maximum flexibility. Teachers can save 30% with the Space MS Complete Lesson Bundle (eight topics) or 35% with the MS 2024 Mega Complete Curriculum Bundle (84 topics). With engaging, student-centered activities, this resource effectively supports understanding of the universe’s origin while meeting TEKS 8.9C and NGSS standards!
This engaging middle school space science unit explores redshift and cosmic background radiation as evidence for the Big Bang theory and the origin of the universe. Aligned with the 2021 TEKS 8.9C and NGSS standards, it includes presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, and assessments designed for low-prep, multi-day instruction. With differentiated, student-led learning, students will answer the essential question: How do scientists use data as evidence of the Big Bang theory to describe the origin of the universe?
Following the 5E Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation), students participate in interactive station labs, hands-on activities, reading passages (in English and Spanish), research tasks, and videos. They demonstrate learning through categorization, open-ended responses, illustrations, and assessments. The unit includes editable PowerPoints, interactive notebooks, and note-taking templates, ensuring a flexible and comprehensive learning experience.
Designed for both in-class and virtual learning, this lesson offers printable and digital formats for maximum flexibility. Teachers can save 30% with the Space MS Complete Lesson Bundle (eight topics) or 35% with the MS 2024 Mega Complete Curriculum Bundle (84 topics). With engaging, student-centered activities, this resource effectively supports understanding of the universe’s origin while meeting TEKS 8.9C and NGSS standards!
This modular, student-led station lab on the origin of the universe aligns with TEKS 2021 standard 8.9C and keeps middle school students engaged while saving teachers prep time. Students research and analyze scientific data supporting scientific theories on the universe’s formation. Perfect for in-class or virtual learning, this lab is also part of the Space Science Station Lab Bundle with eight space-related labs.
The lab includes nine differentiated activities, allowing students to work independently or in small groups. Input stations engage students with hands-on experiments, videos, reading passages (in English and Spanish), and research tasks, while output stations offer ways to demonstrate learning through categorization, illustrations, writing, and assessments.
A bonus station provides crosswords, games, and mini projects for early finishers. The resource includes editable digital versions for Google Slides or PowerPoint, making it easy to integrate into any classroom. This ready-to-use product will be updated as needed, ensuring students develop a strong understanding of the universe’s origin!
This modular, student-led station lab on the origin of the universe aligns with TEKS 2021 standard 8.9C and keeps middle school students engaged while saving teachers prep time. Students research and analyze scientific data supporting scientific theories on the universe’s formation. Perfect for in-class or virtual learning, this lab is also part of the Space Science Station Lab Bundle with eight space-related labs.
The lab includes nine differentiated activities, allowing students to work independently or in small groups. Input stations engage students with hands-on experiments, videos, reading passages (in English and Spanish), and research tasks, while output stations offer ways to demonstrate learning through categorization, illustrations, writing, and assessments.
A bonus station provides crosswords, games, and mini projects for early finishers. The resource includes editable digital versions for Google Slides or PowerPoint, making it easy to integrate into any classroom. This ready-to-use product will be updated as needed, ensuring students develop a strong understanding of the universe’s origin!
These Origin of the Universe Student Choice Projects align with TEKS 2021 standard 8.9C, giving middle school students flexible, creative ways to demonstrate learning. The resource includes six project options plus a "design your own" project, with a modifiable grading rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment. It is also part of the Origin of the Universe Complete Lesson for TEKS 8.9C.
Students can showcase their understanding through various formats, with nine project choices, a teacher directions page, and editable rubrics assessing vocabulary, concepts, presentation, and accuracy. A modified version offers differentiated options for students needing extra support or challenge.
Projects require basic classroom supplies but can also be completed digitally. Teachers can save with the Space Bundle (eight topics) or MEGA Bundle (84 topics for grades 6-8). This ready-to-use resource will be updated as needed, with future enhancements available separately.
These Origin of the Universe Student Choice Projects align with TEKS 2021 standard 8.9C, giving middle school students flexible, creative ways to demonstrate learning. The resource includes six project options plus a "design your own" project, with a modifiable grading rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment. It is also part of the Origin of the Universe Complete Lesson for TEKS 8.9C.
Students can showcase their understanding through various formats, with nine project choices, a teacher directions page, and editable rubrics assessing vocabulary, concepts, presentation, and accuracy. A modified version offers differentiated options for students needing extra support or challenge.
Projects require basic classroom supplies but can also be completed digitally. Teachers can save with the Space Bundle (eight topics) or MEGA Bundle (84 topics for grades 6-8). This ready-to-use resource will be updated as needed, with future enhancements available separately.
Students will explore past and current theories about the origin of the universe, organizing them chronologically and by topic for comparison. On day two, they will investigate redshift, a key piece of scientific evidence in modern theories. Given the sensitive nature of this topic, teachers may emphasize that the lesson is to educate, not persuade, and that understanding evidence helps both support and challenge theories.
This resource includes three differentiated labs to meet diverse learning needs. The Dependent Lab offers guided inquiry, the Modified Lab provides structured support, and the Independent Lab allows students to take full ownership of their learning. Each lab comes with editable teacher resources, answer keys, and CER conclusion questions to reinforce key concepts.
Students will need Universe Cards, a water tray, a ball (2”–5” in diameter), and colored pencils. The lesson aligns with TEKS standards, emphasizing scientific data as evidence for the universe’s origin. Teachers can bundle and save with the Complete Inquiry Labs Bundle, making hands-on learning more accessible.
Students will explore past and current theories about the origin of the universe, organizing them chronologically and by topic for comparison. On day two, they will investigate redshift, a key piece of scientific evidence in modern theories. Given the sensitive nature of this topic, teachers may emphasize that the lesson is to educate, not persuade, and that understanding evidence helps both support and challenge theories.
This resource includes three differentiated labs to meet diverse learning needs. The Dependent Lab offers guided inquiry, the Modified Lab provides structured support, and the Independent Lab allows students to take full ownership of their learning. Each lab comes with editable teacher resources, answer keys, and CER conclusion questions to reinforce key concepts.
Students will need Universe Cards, a water tray, a ball (2”–5” in diameter), and colored pencils. The lesson aligns with TEKS standards, emphasizing scientific data as evidence for the universe’s origin. Teachers can bundle and save with the Complete Inquiry Labs Bundle, making hands-on learning more accessible.
In this engaging lesson, students explore the Big Bang theory through a nonfiction article on how scientific data supports theories about the universe’s origin. They answer comprehension questions and create a graphic organizer explaining key evidence. Designed for grades 6-8 (and advanced 5th graders), the resource includes two Lexile-leveled passages (1100-1300) to support science literacy and differentiation.
The lesson features 5-7 comprehension questions, a hands-on mini-project, and a Cornell notes template. Colorful, printable graphics enhance engagement, and the resource is compatible with Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, making it ideal for in-class or virtual learning. Students can respond directly within the digital document for seamless integration.
Perfect for absent students, sub plans, extra credit, or whole-class instruction, this versatile resource reinforces science literacy, discussion, and critical thinking. The Science Reading Comprehension Passages Vol. 1 bundle offers 40 additional passages, expanding opportunities for textual analysis and comprehension practice.
In this engaging lesson, students explore the Big Bang theory through a nonfiction article on how scientific data supports theories about the universe’s origin. They answer comprehension questions and create a graphic organizer explaining key evidence. Designed for grades 6-8 (and advanced 5th graders), the resource includes two Lexile-leveled passages (1100-1300) to support science literacy and differentiation.
The lesson features 5-7 comprehension questions, a hands-on mini-project, and a Cornell notes template. Colorful, printable graphics enhance engagement, and the resource is compatible with Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, making it ideal for in-class or virtual learning. Students can respond directly within the digital document for seamless integration.
Perfect for absent students, sub plans, extra credit, or whole-class instruction, this versatile resource reinforces science literacy, discussion, and critical thinking. The Science Reading Comprehension Passages Vol. 1 bundle offers 40 additional passages, expanding opportunities for textual analysis and comprehension practice.
The Origins of the Universe Science Writing Prompt Activity helps middle school students test their knowledge of Earth and space science in a fun and engaging way using poetry. This activity encourages students to extend their science reasoning while enriching their writing skills. Designed for in-class and virtual learning, it keeps students engaged inside and outside the classroom.
Aligned with TEKS and NGSS standards, this low-prep, high-quality resource works well for elaboration, review, or integration with other Kesler Science products. It includes teacher directions, project ideas, rubrics (full and half-sheet), projection-ready prompts, full-sized handouts, and a digital interactive version for Google Slides or PowerPoint.
This writing activity is perfect for cross-curricular learning, formative assessments, student choice projects, early finishers, extra credit, and differentiation. Students can display their work on bulletin boards or compile them into an anthology for a lasting collection. With 145 topics available, this versatile resource offers a creative way to reinforce science literacy and critical thinking.
The Origins of the Universe Science Writing Prompt Activity helps middle school students test their knowledge of Earth and space science in a fun and engaging way using poetry. This activity encourages students to extend their science reasoning while enriching their writing skills. Designed for in-class and virtual learning, it keeps students engaged inside and outside the classroom.
Aligned with TEKS and NGSS standards, this low-prep, high-quality resource works well for elaboration, review, or integration with other Kesler Science products. It includes teacher directions, project ideas, rubrics (full and half-sheet), projection-ready prompts, full-sized handouts, and a digital interactive version for Google Slides or PowerPoint.
This writing activity is perfect for cross-curricular learning, formative assessments, student choice projects, early finishers, extra credit, and differentiation. Students can display their work on bulletin boards or compile them into an anthology for a lasting collection. With 145 topics available, this versatile resource offers a creative way to reinforce science literacy and critical thinking.
These 6th-8th grade formative assessments provide fun, flexible ways to check student understanding. The Space Set includes 14 WIKI Tickets© assessments in five formats: projection, three printable handouts, and a digital version for Google Slides or PowerPoint. Designed for engaging, adaptable learning, these assessments fit any classroom setup.
Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, WIKI Tickets© cover key topics like the lunar cycle, H-R Diagram, and space exploration. Each set includes a table of contents for easy standard alignment, ensuring comprehensive middle school science coverage.
WIKI Tickets© (“What I Know Is”) work as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick progress checks. Teachers can project, print, or assign digitally for in-person or virtual learning. These engaging, ready-to-use assessments make tracking student progress simple and effective.
These 6th-8th grade formative assessments provide fun, flexible ways to check student understanding. The Space Set includes 14 WIKI Tickets© assessments in five formats: projection, three printable handouts, and a digital version for Google Slides or PowerPoint. Designed for engaging, adaptable learning, these assessments fit any classroom setup.
Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, WIKI Tickets© cover key topics like the lunar cycle, H-R Diagram, and space exploration. Each set includes a table of contents for easy standard alignment, ensuring comprehensive middle school science coverage.
WIKI Tickets© (“What I Know Is”) work as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick progress checks. Teachers can project, print, or assign digitally for in-person or virtual learning. These engaging, ready-to-use assessments make tracking student progress simple and effective.
Lesson Extensions provide student choice activities that engage fast finishers with critical thinking and creative challenges. They help reinforce learning, fill downtime during testing, and prevent distractions by offering rigorous yet fun opportunities. These extensions allow students to explore space science concepts more deeply while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. Each extension includes four activities: Puzzler (problem-solving), Maker Space (hands-on STEAM), Tech Connection (digital media projects), and Word Master (creative writing).
The resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and printable full- and half-sheet versions for flexible classroom use. These high-level, supplementary materials support independent learners and serve as engaging lesson wrap-ups or early-finisher activities. Covering topics like the lunar cycle, space travel, and solar system objects, the extensions offer a student-driven learning experience while reinforcing science literacy and exploration.
Lesson Extensions provide student choice activities that engage fast finishers with critical thinking and creative challenges. They help reinforce learning, fill downtime during testing, and prevent distractions by offering rigorous yet fun opportunities. These extensions allow students to explore space science concepts more deeply while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. Each extension includes four activities: Puzzler (problem-solving), Maker Space (hands-on STEAM), Tech Connection (digital media projects), and Word Master (creative writing).
The resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and printable full- and half-sheet versions for flexible classroom use. These high-level, supplementary materials support independent learners and serve as engaging lesson wrap-ups or early-finisher activities. Covering topics like the lunar cycle, space travel, and solar system objects, the extensions offer a student-driven learning experience while reinforcing science literacy and exploration.
Easily incorporate an anchoring phenomenon into your middle school science lessons with this no-prep Big Bang theory activity. This two-part resource includes an introductory reading on radio static with comprehension questions, followed by an explanatory reading on the science behind the Big Bang theory, reinforcing learning with extension questions.
This Amazing Anchors lesson includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, a digital version for LMS platforms, and printable handouts. Aligned with TEKS, it helps students connect scientific data to real-world examples, making the Big Bang theory more engaging and understandable.
Designed for both in-class and virtual learning, this resource is print- and digital-friendly and includes a modified version with sentence starters and simplified language for differentiation. This interactive, standards-aligned lesson makes learning about the origin of the universe accessible for all students.
Easily incorporate an anchoring phenomenon into your middle school science lessons with this no-prep Big Bang theory activity. This two-part resource includes an introductory reading on radio static with comprehension questions, followed by an explanatory reading on the science behind the Big Bang theory, reinforcing learning with extension questions.
This Amazing Anchors lesson includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, a digital version for LMS platforms, and printable handouts. Aligned with TEKS, it helps students connect scientific data to real-world examples, making the Big Bang theory more engaging and understandable.
Designed for both in-class and virtual learning, this resource is print- and digital-friendly and includes a modified version with sentence starters and simplified language for differentiation. This interactive, standards-aligned lesson makes learning about the origin of the universe accessible for all students.
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 do scientists use data as evidence of the Big Bang theory to help describe the origin of the universe?
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TEKS Science - 8.9C Origin of the Universe
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.