Middle School Laboratory

Survival of the Creepiest – Halloween Creature Adaptation STEM Challenge

Created by
TWFScience

On Halloween night, the Earth's climate fractures into eerie realms warped by monstrous weather. Only creatures born of imagination (and backed by science adaptation) can survive. Your mission: design a horrifying yet biologically believable organism that has adapted to, thrives in, one of these cur

6th - 10th Basic Principles, Physical Science, Physics

NGSS MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-4+5

Also included in: Halloween Science Activities & Investigations | Labs, Stations, STEM, Readings

Halloween Creatures Dichotomous Key – A Spooky Classification Challenge

Created by
TWFScience

The classroom lights flicker. A chill skims across the lab tables as ten mysterious creatures shuffle, flap, and ooze into view. Your students have one tool to survive the night: a dichotomous key. With each YES/NO choice, they narrow the suspects—bat or crow, wisp or witch’s familiar—until every mo

6th - 11th Basic Principles, Biology

Also included in: Halloween Science Activities & Investigations | Labs, Stations, STEM, Readings

Marble Ramp: Height vs Average Speed STEM Investigation | Scientific Method

Created by
TWFScience

Give students a fast, hands-on motion investigation: set up a simple marble ramp, change only the ramp height, and measure how height affects average speed. With clear test rules and simple materials, students plan a fair test, collect multiple times for each height, calculate average speed, and cre

6th - 11th Basic Principles, Physical Science, Physics

NGSS MS-PS2-2, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2+1

Also included in: STEM Investigations Growing Bundle — Scientific Method, Design, Data & CER

Clean Water Filtration STEM Investigation | Scientific Method 6th, 7th, 8th

Created by
TWFScience

Give students a fast, hands-on engineering investigation: build a low-cost water filter, change only one design choice at a time (layer order, thickness, sealing, or adding charcoal), and measure which design makes the clearest water the fastest—all while staying under a classroom budget cap. With t

6th - 11th Basic Principles, Physical Science, Physics

NGSS MS-PS2-2, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2+1

Also included in: STEM Investigations Growing Bundle — Scientific Method, Design, Data & CER

Beetle Genetics STEM Investigation | Scientific Method | 6th, 7th, 8th

Created by
TWFScience

Give students a fast, hands-on genetics investigation: simulate beetle heredity, change only the parent genotypes, and use Punnett squares to predict and compare offspring outcomes. With print-and-cut genotype cards and clear scaffolds, students run multiple monohybrid crosses, extend to one dihybri

6th - 11th Basic Principles, Physical Science, Physics

NGSS MS-PS2-2, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2+1

Also included in: STEM Investigations Growing Bundle — Scientific Method, Design, Data & CER

Adaptations by Design - Extreme Environments | STEM Investigation 6th, 7th, 8th

Created by
TWFScience

Students will design a biologically plausible organism, choose one extreme environment, and justify how its adaptations solve real environmental pressures. With a trait bank, word bank, a structured CER, and a Survival Index that rolls into a class bar graph, students connect structure → function →

6th - 11th Basic Principles, Physical Science, Physics

NGSS MS-PS2-2, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2+1

Also included in: STEM Investigations Growing Bundle — Scientific Method, Design, Data & CER

Newton's Three Laws of Motion Worksheets & Activities Bundle | 1st, 2nd, 3rd Law

Created by
TWFScience

Newton's 3 Laws of Motion Activity Bundle - 21 activities and worksheets included. This bundle provides complete, READY-TO-USE resources for teachers who want to help students build deep understanding through hands-on exploration. With a mix of labs, readings, stations, and independent activities, s

6th - 12th General Science, Physical Science, Physics

NGSS MS-PS2-1, MS-PS2-2, HS-PS2-1

Newton 1st Law of Motion STEM Investigation | Penny and Index Card Inertia Test

Created by
TWFScience

Students will investigate Newton’s First Law of Motion by testing how different masses behave when the support beneath them is removed rapidly. Using an index card, a coin, and a cup, students flick the card to observe whether objects of varying mass drop straight into the cup or move with the card.

6th - 11th Basic Principles, Physical Science, Physics

NGSS MS-PS2-1, MS-PS2-2, MS-ETS1-1+2

Also included in: Newton's Three Laws of Motion STEM Investigations Bundle — Scientific Method

Newton's Second Law of Motion STEM Investigation | Balloon Rocket, 2nd Law

Created by
TWFScience

Students will investigate Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion by testing how changing the mass carried by a balloon rocket affects its acceleration. Using a taut string track, a straw, a balloon, and removable mass clips, students run repeated launches to measure travel time and calculate average speed. Thro

6th - 11th Basic Principles, Physical Science, Physics

NGSS MS-PS2-1, MS-PS2-2, MS-ETS1-1+2

Also included in: Artemis Missions, Moon Bases, and Future Space Colonization Unit Bundle

Newton's Third Law of Motion STEM Investigation | Thrust vs Nozzle Size, 3rd Law

Created by
TWFScience

Students will investigate Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion by testing how changing the nozzle opening of a water-powered bottle jet affects the distance it travels. Using a plastic bottle, interchangeable bottle-cap nozzles with different hole diameters, and a simple launch cradle, students observe how th

6th - 11th Basic Principles, Physical Science, Physics

NGSS MS-PS2-1, MS-PS2-2, MS-ETS1-1+2

Also included in: Newton's Three Laws of Motion STEM Investigations Bundle — Scientific Method

Newton's Three Laws of Motion STEM Investigations Bundle — Scientific Method

Created by
TWFScience

This Newton's Laws STEM Bundle includes my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Law of Motion STEM Investigations. Each one is built around true engineering design, fair testing, repeated trials, data tables, graphing, and CER writing. This bundle also includes my 'Newton's Laws of Motion Word Search and Scramble Acti

7th - 10th Chemistry, Engineering, Physical Science

NGSS MS-PS2-1, MS-PS2-2, MS-ETS1-1+7

Mythical Creature Dichotomous Key Activity

Created by
TWFScience

The classroom hum fades into a hush. A warm breeze rustles imaginary leaves as ten fantastical creatures drift, stomp, slither, and shimmer into view. Your students have one tool to navigate this enchanted encounter: a dichotomous key. With each YES/NO choice, they rule out the possibilities—drake o

6th - 11th Basic Principles, Biology

Evaporation Race - A Water Cycle Lab Investigation | Hydrologic Cycle

Created by
TWFScience

Students will investigate evaporation in the water cycle by measuring how temperature and air flow affect evaporation rate. Using identical shallow dishes filled with equal volumes of water, students set up control, warm, and wind conditions and track changes in water volume over time. Through repea

7th - 10th Earth Sciences, General Science, Physical Science

NGSS MS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-4

Also included in: The Water Cycle Bundle - Lesson, Worksheets, & Activities | Hydrologic Cycle

Mini Water Cycle Lab - A Hydrologic Cycle Lab Investigation | TWO Versions

Created by
TWFScience

Students will model the water cycle in a closed system by creating a mini “water cycle” using a sealed clear bag. By adding energy from sunlight or a lamp, students observe evaporation, condensation, and water movement over time. Through structured observations, optional temperature tracking, and a

6th - 10th Earth Sciences, General Science, Physical Science

NGSS MS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-4

Also included in: The Water Cycle Bundle - Lesson, Worksheets, & Activities | Hydrologic Cycle

Salt & Evaporation: Mass, Volume, & Salinity Changes - A Water Cycle Lab

Created by
TWFScience

Students will investigate how evaporation changes water volume and salt concentration by comparing freshwater, ocean-like salinity, and high-salinity solutions over multiple days. Using shallow dishes, measured salt masses, and repeated mass or volume measurements, students track evaporation and cal

7th - 10th Earth Sciences, General Science, Physical Science

NGSS MS-ESS2-4, HS-PS1-3, HS-ESS2-5

Also included in: The Water Cycle Bundle - Lesson, Worksheets, & Activities | Hydrologic Cycle

Water Cycle & Evaporation Lab Bundle | Hydrologic Cycle Investigations

Created by
TWFScience

3 Lab Investigations on the Water Cycle - Evaporation • Energy Transfer • Salinity & Earth SystemsStudents will explore evaporation as a driving force in the water cycle through three connected, hands-on STEM investigations. Across short-term and multi-day labs, students measure evaporation rate

6th - 10th Earth Sciences, General Science, Physical Science

NGSS MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-5

Cell Organelles Logic Puzzle - Determine the Mystery Organelle Activity

Created by
TWFScience

Cell Organelles Activity - Logic Puzzle & Critical Thinking Lab for CellsLooking for a way to teach cell organelles that goes beyond worksheets and memorization?This Mystery Organelle Logic Lab challenges students to use deductive reasoning, evidence, and scientific thinking to identify cell org

6th - 9th Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3

Cell Organelle Detective – Use Clues to Solve TWO Cell Organelles Mysteries

Created by
TWFScience

Cell Detectives: Solving Cell Structure & Function Mysteries - Hands-On Cell Organelles Case File ActivitiesTurn your students into cell detectives with these engaging, evidence-based mystery investigations! In this interactive activity set, students analyze clues, match symptoms to organelle fu

6th - 9th Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3

Cell Organelles Logic Puzzles - Determine the Mystery Organelle Activities

Created by
TWFScience

Cell Organelles Activity - FOUR Logic Puzzles that let your students become cell organelle detectives Looking for a way to teach cell organelles that goes beyond worksheets and memorization?This Mystery Organelle Logic Lab challenges students to use deductive reasoning, evidence, and scientific thin

6th - 9th Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3

Electromagnet - Coil Turns vs Magnetic Strength STEM Investigation

Created by
TWFScience

Students will investigate electromagnetism by building their own classroom-made electromagnets and testing how changing the number of wire coils affects magnetic strength. Using an iron nail, insulated wire, a battery, and paper clips, students observe how electric current creates a magnetic field a

6th - 11th Basic Principles, Physical Science, Physics

NGSS MS-PS2-3, MS-PS2-5, MS-ETS1-1+2

Also included in: STEM Investigations Growing Bundle — Scientific Method, Design, Data & CER

Oobleck: Force vs Flow — Non-Newtonian Fluids STEM Investigation

Created by
TWFScience

Students will investigate non-Newtonian fluids by creating oobleck and testing how different types of force affect whether it behaves like a solid or a liquid. Using cornstarch and water, students observe how fast force causes oobleck to act solid while slow force allows it to flow like a liquid. Th

6th - 11th Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics

Also included in: STEM Investigations Growing Bundle — Scientific Method, Design, Data & CER

Environmental Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Human Impact | SUB PLAN

Created by
TWFScience

Build a high-engagement, low-prep environmental science program that grows with you. This Bundle collects my complete Science Detective Mystery Case Files—each one built around real-world environmental problems, evidence analysis, pathway tracking, suspect ranking, and Claim–Evidence–Reasoning (CER)

6th - 9th Biology, Earth Sciences, General Science

NGSS MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3+6

Homemade Lava Lamp STEM Investigation - Density & Gas Production

Created by
TWFScience

Students will investigate density, polarity, and gas production by creating a homemade lava lamp and testing how adding different amounts of an effervescent tablet affects liquid motion. Using oil, water, food coloring, and tablets, students observe how gas bubbles change density, causing colored li

6th - 11th Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics

Also included in: STEM Investigations Growing Bundle — Scientific Method, Design, Data & CER

Valentine's Day Lava Lamp STEM Investigation - Density & Gas Production

Created by
TWFScience

Students will investigate density, polarity, and gas production through a Valentine’s Day–themed lava lamp investigation. Using oil, water, food coloring in Valentine colors, and heart-themed effervescent tablets, students explore how chemical reactions can make liquids move in surprising ways—perfe

6th - 11th Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics

Also included in: Valentine's Day Science Activities | STEM, Project, Readings | High School