PRISM Library

Browse free, privacy-first educational resources

Found 173 resources
Unit Concept MapFour connected boxes showing the unit flow: Describing Motion leads to Graphing Motion leads to Forces Change Motion leads to ElectromagnetismUnit Concept Map: The Story of Forces and MotionLESSON 1DescribingMotionPositionSpeed (s = d/t)VelocityReference pointvisualizeLESSON 2GraphingMotionPosition-time graphSlope = speedGraph shapesCompare objectscause?LESSON 3Forces ChangeMotionBalanced / unbalancedNewton's 3 LawsF = m x aGravity, frictionpowerfulforceLESSON 4Electro-magnetismMagnets & fieldsElectromagnetsMotors / generatorsReal-world techForces change motion, and we can describe and graph those changes.Electromagnetism is the force behind most modern technology.Each lesson builds on the one before it, together they form a complete picture.

Forces and Interactions: Putting It All Together

Lesson Grade 7

Students synthesize all unit concepts by connecting motion description to graphing to forces to electromagnetism, apply integrated knowledge to real-world scenarios (roller coaster, electric car, maglev train), and review key vocabulary from all four previous lessons.

PS.7.1.1 PS.7.1.2 PS.7.1.3 +1 more
Desert Ecosystem AdaptationsFour desert organisms with labeled adaptations showing how structural, behavioral, and physiological traits help survival in arid environmentsDesert Ecosystem: Adaptations for SurvivalCACTUSSpines: reduce water lossThick stem: stores waterShallow roots: capture rainStructural adaptationsSIDEWINDER RATTLESNAKESidewinding: efficient on sandHeat-sensing pits: finds preyCamouflage: blends with sandStructural + physiologicalROADRUNNERLong legs: fast runningUV-reflective beak: heat controlStructural + behavioralKANGAROO RATLarge ears: release heatEfficient kidneys: conserve waterNocturnal: avoids daytime heatStructural + physiological + behavioralEvery adaptation is the result of natural selection over many generations, not individual choice

Adaptation and Speciation

Lesson Grade 8

Students explore the three types of adaptations (structural, behavioral, physiological), learn how directional, stabilizing, and disruptive selection shape populations differently, trace the steps of speciation through geographic isolation, and survey adaptations across Earth's major biomes.

LS.8.3.2 LS.8.3.1
Unit Concept MapFlowchart showing how matter, atoms, properties, states, energy transfer, and phase changes all connect in one coherent frameworkUnit Concept Map: How Everything ConnectsMATTERanything with mass & volumeMade of ATOMSprotons, neutrons, electrons; element = # protonshaveexist inPROPERTIESidentify & measure substancesIntensivedensity, mp, bp, solubility= substance fingerprintExtensivemass, volume, weight= depend on amountSTATES OF MATTERsolid, liquid, gas (particle energy)changed byENERGY TRANSFERconduction, convection, radiationalways flows hot → coldcausesPHASE CHANGESmelting, freezing, evaporation,condensation, sublimation, depositiontemp. constant during changechanges stateParticles + Energy = the whole story of matter

Matter and Its Interactions: Putting It All Together

Lesson Grade 6

Students synthesize all unit concepts by connecting atomic structure to properties, tracing how energy transfer causes phase changes at the particle level, applying multiple concepts to real-world scenarios, and reviewing key vocabulary from all four previous lessons.

PS.6.3.1 PS.6.3.2 PS.6.3.3 +3 more
Density ColumnA graduated cylinder showing three liquids layered by density with objects floating or sinking at different levels based on their densitiesDensity ColumnLiquids and objects layer by density: densest at the bottomboltgrapecorkVegetable Oil0.92 g/mLWater1.0 g/mLHoney1.42 g/mLBolt (iron, 7.87 g/cm³) - sinks to bottomGrape (1.1 g/cm³) - sinks in water,floats on honeyCork (0.24 g/cm³) - floats on oilEach liquid and object settles at the level matching its density

Properties of Matter

Lesson Grade 6

Students learn to distinguish intensive properties (density, melting point, boiling point, solubility) from extensive properties (mass, volume, weight), calculate density using d = m/V, and understand how physical properties identify substances.

PS.6.3.3 PS.6.1.3
Basic Structure of an AtomDiagram showing the internal structure of an atom with a central nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons orbiting in an electron cloudStructure of an Atomp+nnp+p+ne-e-e-Nucleus(protons + neutrons)Electron(negative charge)Dashed ellipses represent the electron cloud (region where electrons are found)Proton (+1)Neutron (0)Electron (-1)

Building Blocks of Matter

Lesson Grade 6

Students learn that all matter is made of atoms, explore the three subatomic particles and their arrangement within an atom, and discover how atomic number defines each element.

PS.6.3.1 PS.6.1.1

Speaking Mathematics Practice

Lesson Grade 6

A 15-question practice covering all three Speaking Mathematics intervention lessons: the language of operations, number relationships and place value, and the connection between fractions and decimals. Questions test vocabulary recall, conceptual understanding, and application across all key topics.

NC.6.NS.4 NC.6.RP.1 NC.6.EE.1 +2 more
Genes, environment, and survival DNA from parents leads to gene expression and traits. Environment and lifestyle feed into gene expression and survival. Traits affect survival and reproduction across generations. Genes, environment, and survival A model: genes set possibilities; environment influences expression and survival. DNA from parents (genes inherited) Gene expression (genes used more/less) Traits (phenotype) Environment and lifestyle food, sleep, stress, toxins sunlight, exercise, illness Survival and health who lives long enough to reproduce Over generations: traits that help survival/reproduction may become more common leads to helps form can change also affects

Environment and Lifestyle Choices on Biological Inheritance

Lesson Grade 7

A 30 minute Grade 7 lesson on how environment and lifestyle affect gene expression, health, and survival, and how some environmental factors can affect inheritance through mutations and epigenetic mechanisms.

7.L.2.3

Thunderstorms 101 | National Geographic

Lesson Grade 6, 7, 8

Guided notes worksheet for the Thunderstorms 101 video from National Geographic. Students fill in blanks while watching the video.

6.ESS.2 6.PS.2

Matter and Its Interactions Unit Introduction

Lesson Grade 8

A 60 minute unit introduction where students model atomic structure, use periodic table patterns to predict properties, distinguish elements/compounds/mixtures, and explain chemical reactions and conservation of mass using models and data.

PS.8.1 PS.8.1.1 PS.8.1.2 +3 more
Solar system scale (conceptual, not to scale) Sun (largest) Jupiter Earth The Sun is far larger and more massive than any planet.

Grade 6 Quick Quiz: Earth and Space Science Review

Lesson Grade 6

A 5-question multiple-choice quiz on solar system scale, solstices, the Milky Way, basic probability multiplication, and unit conversion (Imperial to SI).

White light through a prism (ROYGBIV) white light prism R O Y G B I V Objects look colored because they reflect some wavelengths and absorb others.

Grade 8 Quick Quiz: Light, Albedo, Measurement, and the Water Cycle

Lesson Grade 8

A 5-question quiz on visible light and color, albedo, SI vs US customary units with a conversion, key water cycle processes, and Earth's usable water.

Your Cosmic Address

Lesson Grade 6

Students explore Earth's place in the universe, from our local solar system to the Milky Way galaxy and beyond, while understanding why Earth is uniquely suited to support life.

ESS.6.1

Mixing It Up

Lesson Grade 7

Students compare sexual and asexual reproduction, understand how each affects genetic variation, and analyze why genetic diversity is crucial for species survival.

LS.7.2

Unit Test - Weather and Climate

Assessment Grade 7

A 40-question summative unit test covering atmospheric composition and structure, the water cycle, humidity and cloud formation, air masses and fronts, pressure systems, weather map interpretation, convection and global winds, the jet stream, and climate zones. Aligned to NC Standard Course of Study ESS.7.1.

ESS.7.1 ESS.7.1.1 ESS.7.1.2 +3 more
Three Methods of Heat TransferThree side-by-side panels showing conduction through a metal rod, convection currents in a pot of water, and radiation traveling through empty space from the Sun to EarthThree Methods of Heat TransferCONDUCTIONDirect contact, particle to particleMetal RodHOTCOOLRequires directcontactBest in solidsMetals = good conductorsWood, plastic = insulatorsCONVECTIONFluids circulate (liquids & gases)Warm rises ↑Coolsinks ↓Requires a fluid(liquid or gas)Creates circular currentsDrives wind, ocean currentsCannot occur in solidsRADIATIONElectromagnetic waves, no matter neededSunEarthempty space (vacuum)No matter required!Travels through vacuumOnly method that worksin empty spaceDark objects absorb moreAll three methods transfer heat from warmer to cooler, but they just use different mechanisms

Energy Transfer in Matter

Lesson Grade 6

Students learn that thermal energy always flows from warmer to cooler objects, explore the three methods of heat transfer (conduction, convection, and radiation), and apply these concepts to everyday phenomena from cooking to clothing choices.

PS.6.1.2 PS.6.2.1

Unit Review - Ecosystems: Interactions and Energy

Lesson Grade 8

Comprehensive unit review covering ecosystems and the hydrosphere: water distribution and the water cycle, ocean currents and climate, groundwater and watersheds, human impacts on water quality, food webs and energy flow, trophic levels and the 10% rule, and biomes.

8.E.1 ESS.8.2.1 MS-LS2-3 +1 more

Unit Test - Heredity, Inheritance, and Variation

Assessment Grade 7

Summative unit assessment covering heredity and genetics: inherited vs. acquired traits, DNA/chromosomes/genes, alleles and dominance, genotype vs. phenotype, Punnett squares, sexual vs. asexual reproduction, genetic variation and survival, and environmental effects on gene expression.

LS.7.2 LS.7.2.2 LS.7.2.3 +1 more

Unit Test - Earth's Place in the Universe

Lesson Grade 6

Summative unit assessment covering Earth's cosmic address and solar system, the Goldilocks Zone, axial tilt and seasons, Moon phases, ocean tides, solar and lunar eclipses, and moons of the solar system.

ESS.6.1 ESS.6.1.1 MS-ESS1-1