Science Hands-On Activities

Thermal Insulation STEM Investigation – Keep Ice from Melting! Heat Transfer

Created by
TWFScience

In this hands-on STEM investigation, students will explore heat transfer and thermal insulation by designing and building a container that keeps an ice cube from melting. Using common materials, students test how different insulation designs affect the rate at which ice melts when exposed to room te

6th - 11th General Science, Physical Science, Physics

Also included in: Winter Weather & Snow Bundle - Lessons, Project, Activities | 6th 7th 8th Grade

Why Do Roads Get Salted? STEM Investigation — Lowering the Freezing Point

Created by
TWFScience

In this hands-on STEM investigation, students explore freezing point depression and phase changes by testing how adding different amounts of salt affects how quickly ice melts. Using real-world winter road safety as the context, students investigate why salt is spread on icy roads and how it changes

6th - 11th General Science, Physical Science, Physics

Also included in: Winter Weather & Snow Bundle - Lessons, Project, Activities | 6th 7th 8th Grade

Winter Weather Adaptations Ecology Research Project - Structural and Behavioral

Created by
TWFScience

In this project, your students will explore how animals survive extreme winter conditions through specialized structural and behavioral adaptations. Students investigate how cold temperatures, snow, wind, and limited food shape animal survival strategies, and how these adaptations help organisms rem

6th - 9th Science, Biology, Earth Sciences

NGSS MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-5, MS-LS4-4

Also included in: Winter Weather & Snow Bundle - Lessons, Project, Activities | 6th 7th 8th Grade

The Science of Snow Lesson | Formation, States of Matter | 6th, 7th, 8th Grade

Created by
TWFScience

This middle school science lesson introduces the science of snow in a clear, student-friendly way that builds understanding without overwhelming learners. Students explore familiar winter phenomena—such as snowfall, melting, insulation, avalanches, and snowpack—to understand how matter, energy, and

6th - 8th Science, Physical Science, Physics

Also included in: Winter Weather & Snow Bundle - Lessons, Project, Activities | 6th 7th 8th Grade

Snow Day Science Activity Bundle - Snow, Snowflakes, Winter | 6th 7th 8th Grade

Created by
TWFScience

The NO-PREP bundle includes a two readings (The Science of Snow, Snowflakes, and Frost / Winter Animal Survival Adaptations and Strategies), two simple at-home investigations (Snow Density and Volume Investigation / Snow vs Ice Activity - Which Melts Faster), and my Winter Weather Adaptations Projec

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

Extreme Winter Weather Reading | Snowstorms, Blizzards | 6th 7th 8th Grade

Created by
TWFScience

This grade 6–8 science reading comprehension article introduces students to the wild and powerful side of winter, from blizzards and ice storms to polar vortexes and nor’easters. Students learn how different types of extreme winter weather form, what makes each storm unique, and how these storms imp

6th - 8th Earth Sciences, General Science, Physical Science

NGSS MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-4, MS-ESS2-6

Also included in: Winter Weather & Snow Bundle - Lessons, Project, Activities | 6th 7th 8th Grade

Winter Weather & Snow Bundle - Lessons, Project, Activities | 6th 7th 8th Grade

Created by
TWFScience

This NO-PREP, comprehensive Winter Weather and Snow Bundle guides students through the science of winter by exploring how snow forms, how winter weather works, how animals survive cold environments, and how physical science concepts—such as states of matter, heat transfer, density, freezing point de

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

NGSS MS-LS4-2, MS-LS4-4, MS-ESS2-1+4

The Circulatory System Breakdown Mystery – Detective SUB PLAN | Body Systems

Created by
TWFScience

Turn your students into science detectives with this NO PREP, engaging, real-world investigation focused on the circulatory system and what happens when blood flow breaks down. In this case file activity, students analyze oxygen and blood flow data, examine narrowed arteries and weak heart muscle ev

7th - 11th Anatomy, Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3+4

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Digestive System Malfunction Mystery – Detective SUB PLAN | Body Systems

Created by
TWFScience

The Digestive System Malfunction Mystery - Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on the digestive system and what happens when digestion and nutrient absorption break down. In this case file activity, students analyze medical evidence, track

7th - 11th Anatomy, Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3+4

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Viral vs Bacterial Illness Mystery – Detective SUB PLAN | Human Body Systems

Created by
TWFScience

The Viral vs. Bacterial Illness Mystery - Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on viral and bacterial illnesses and why these infections can be difficult to tell apart. In this case file activity, students analyze medical evidence, track inf

7th - 11th Anatomy, Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3+4

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Cellular Respiration Breakdown Mystery – Detective SUB PLAN | Body Systems

Created by
TWFScience

The Cellular Respiration Breakdown Mystery - Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on cellular respiration and what happens when cells cannot produce enough energy to meet the body’s needs. In this case file activity, students analyze medical

7th - 11th Anatomy, Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3+4

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Stress Response & Health Breakdown Mystery – Detective SUB PLAN | Systems

Created by
TWFScience

The Stress Response & Health Breakdown Mystery - Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on the human stress response and what happens when stress becomes chronic. In this case file activity, students analyze medical evidence, track hormone

7th - 11th Anatomy, Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3+4

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Integumentary System Disorder Mystery – Detective SUB PLAN | Body Systems

Created by
TWFScience

The Integumentary System Disorder Mystery - Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on the integumentary system and what happens when the skin can no longer protect the body or regulate temperature effectively. In this case file activity, stude

7th - 11th Anatomy, Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3+4

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Respiratory System Failure Mystery – Detective SUB PLAN | Human Body Systems

Created by
TWFScience

The Respiratory System Failure Mystery - Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on the respiratory system and what happens when breathing and gas exchange break down. In this case file activity, students analyze medical evidence, track respira

7th - 11th Anatomy, Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3+4

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Antibiotic Resistance Mystery – Detective SUB PLAN | Bacteria, Germ Theory

Created by
TWFScience

The Antibiotic Resistance Mystery - Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on antibiotic resistance and what happens when bacterial infections no longer respond to treatment. In this case file activity, students analyze medical and laboratory

7th - 11th Anatomy, Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3+4

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Oxygen Delivery Crisis Mystery – Detective SUB PLAN | Human Body System

Created by
TWFScience

The Oxygen Delivery Crisis Mystery – Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on oxygen delivery in the human body and what happens when oxygen fails to reach cells efficiently—even when breathing appears normal. In this case file activity, stud

7th - 11th Anatomy, Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3+4

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Substance Abuse Impact on Body Systems Mystery – Detective SUB PLAN Activity

Created by
TWFScience

The Substance Abuse & Impact on Body Systems Mystery – Turn your students into science detectives with this engaging, real-world investigation focused on substance use and how vaping, smoking, and alcohol affect multiple body systems. In this case file activity, students analyze medical and labo

7th - 11th Anatomy, Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3+4

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

Human Body Systems and Health Detective Mystery Bundle | Activity SUB PLAN

Created by
TWFScience

Build a high-engagement, low-prep human body system and health program that grows with you. This bundle collects my Human Body Systems and Health Detective Mystery Case Files—each one built around real-world body system and health problem, evidence analysis, pathway tracking, suspect ranking, and Cl

7th - 11th Anatomy, Biology, General Science

Earth Day Countdown | 22 Environmental Science Starter Slides | Earth Day Warmup

Created by
TWFScience

Earth Day Countdown – Class Starter Discussion Slides & Teacher Guide. 22 Days of Discussion and Collaboration. Fully editable.Looking for an engaging way to spark meaningful conversations about environmental issues leading up to Earth Day or just how humans impact the environment? This Earth Da

6th - 11th Biology, Earth Sciences, Marine Science

NGSS MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-ESS3-1+9

Earth Day Countdown | Environmental Class Starter 3-DAY SAMPLE

Created by
TWFScience

Earth Day Countdown SAMPLE – Class Starter Discussion Slides & Teacher Guide. 3 Days of Discussion and Collaboration. The full version - Earth Day Countdown | 22 Environmental Class Starter Slides for Discussion and Collaboration can be found by clicking here.The full version contains 22, fully

6th - 11th Biology, Earth Sciences, Marine Science

NGSS MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, MS-ESS3-1+9

Air Pollution Reading | High School | Sources, Pollutants, Smog Chemistry

Created by
TWFScience

Air Pollution - Sources, Pollutants, Smog Chemistry, AQI, and Solutions Reading Comprehension Passage and Questions. This high school reading introduces students to the science of air pollution, explaining how pollutants are released, how they change in the atmosphere, and how they affect human heal

9th - 12th Science, Earth Sciences, Physical Science

Also included in: Human Impact & Sustainability - 13 Reading Comprehension Bundle | Grade 8 and Up

Air Pollution Reading: What It Is, Why It Happens, Why It Happens | 6th 7th 8th

Created by
TWFScience

This grade 6–8 science reading comprehension article introduces students to the causes and effects of air pollution and why clean air matters for human health and the environment. Students learn where air pollution comes from, how it forms, and how weather conditions can make pollution better or wor

6th - 8th Earth Sciences, General Science, Physical Science

NGSS MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-4, MS-ESS2-6

Also included in: Human Impact & Sustainability - 13 Reading Article Bundle - 6th 7th 8th Grade

The Blood Sugar Balance Mystery – Detective SUB PLAN | Insulin, Cells, Pancreas

Created by
TWFScience

Turn your students into science detectives with this NO PREP, engaging, real-world investigation focused on health and blood glucose balance. In this case file activity, students analyze medical data, examine laboratory test results, track hormone pathways, interrogate suspects, and build a scientif

7th - 11th Anatomy, Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3+4

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science

The Foodborne Illness Outbreak Mystery – Detective SUB PLAN | Salmonella

Created by
TWFScience

Turn your students into science detectives with this NO PREP, engaging, real-world investigation focused on foodborne illness and digestive system infection. In this case file activity, students analyze medical data, examine laboratory test results, track pathogen pathways, rank possible causes, and

7th - 11th Anatomy, Biology, General Science

NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, MS-LS1-3+4

Also included in: Science Detective Mystery Bundle | Chemistry, Human Body, Environmental Science