NGSS Resource Roundup: Free Lesson Plans, Activities & Downloads
All Grade Levels
“I have plenty of time to sift through mountains of information to find NGSS-aligned resources,” said no teacher ever!
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aim to advance science teaching and learning with three-dimensional instruction and learning based on phenomena, research, and inquiry. However, teachers know it takes time to find resources and activities well-suited to NGSS's carefully designed learning experiences.
Have no fear; Ward’s World is here! Ward’s World is an excellent resource for NGSS-aligned lesson plans and content for your classroom. Some of which have been submitted by teachers like you through our Science by You program.
Check out these NGSS-aligned resources we’ve rounded up as examples:
Biology
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Japanese Beetle Lesson Plan
This simple, one-day activity answers that question while helping young scholars build the skills to gather, analyze, interpret, and report scientific data. A 20-point scoring rubric is included for easy grading.
Chemistry
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Transfer of Thermal Energy
A quick activity that uses popcorn to uncover three ways heat can be transferred – conduction, convection, and radiation. They’ll learn about thermal energy, you’ll get a great-smelling classroom, and everyone gets to eat the results. -
Periodic Table of Candy Lesson Plan
This simple 15-minute activity asks students to organize candies according to different properties. They’ll face some of the same challenges that Dmitri Mendeleev faced when trying to organize the chemical elements over 150 years ago. -
Density of Tootsie Rolls Lesson Plan
This 45-minute activity is an easy and appetizing introduction to calculating density – and all you need are some Tootsie Rolls, a graduated cylinder, a balance or scale, and some weighing paper.
Earth Science/Geology
- What is climate change? A middle school lesson plan
This comprehensive unit reveals differing viewpoints, explores established science, and incorporates hands-on research activities over 13 days. - Essential activities for essential STEM lessons: Clearing the water
Using various simple materials, students are led through an inquiry-based challenge to remove contaminants from water by designing a water filtration system to model one step of the water purification process. - Marine Zones & Habitats Mural/Diorama
Art and science converge as students research and create a visual representation of food webs, zone communities, and natural and human threats in undersea ecosystems. - Fall Foliage Findings Activity
This simple lab activity introduces students to the plant pigments responsible for leaves changing color are hidden in leaves all year long, waiting to make their appearance in autumn.
STEM
- Mole Day Lesson Plan
Mole-ympic Games Triathlon in which students break into teams to define, measure, and identify a mole of material through three separate events.
These are just a few NGSS-aligned resources on Word’s World that are sure to interest students and help them make relevant, lasting connections between science and the world around them.
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