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Matter and Its Interactions - Remix

Lesson Grade 6

A fast-paced review of the first three lessons covering atoms and subatomic particles, phases and properties of matter, and elements and the periodic table. Designed to get students caught up and re-oriented after absences.

6.P.1.1 6.P.1.2 6.P.1.3
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).

HydrosphereOceansIce and snowGroundwaterSurface waterAtmosphereGeosphereBiosphere

Hydrosphere - Intro

Lesson Grade 8

A 10-minute in-class introduction to the hydrosphere. Students define the hydrosphere, identify major water reservoirs, and explain a basic interaction between water, humans, and other Earth systems.

8.E.1 8.E.1.1 8.E.1.3 +1 more

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.

7.L.2
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

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.

6.P.2.2 6.P.3.1

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 8.E.1.1 MS-LS2-3 +1 more
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.

6.P.1.1 6.P.2.1
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.

6.P.1.3 6.P.2.3

Unit Test - Ecosystems, Interactions, and Energy

Assessment Grade 8

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

8.E.1 8.E.1.1 MS-LS2-3 +1 more

Earth's Systems Unit Introduction: Earth's Layers and the Rock Cycle

Lesson Grade 6

A 45 minute unit introduction focused on Earth's internal layers and the rock cycle, including two check-your-understanding sections aligned to NC Grade 6 standards ESS.6.2.1 and ESS.6.2.3.

ESS.6.2.1 ESS.6.2.3
Rock Layer Cross-SectionSix horizontal rock layers labeled A through F from oldest at bottom to youngest at top, with an unconformity between layers C and D and a fault cutting through layers C, D, and ERock Layer Cross-SectionLayer ALayer BLayer CLayer DLayer ELayer FKeyLayer F (top) = YoungestLayer A (bottom) = OldestUnconformity(gap in the rock recordbetween C and D)Fault(crack where layers shifted;younger than layers it cuts)Fossils (Layer B)Reading Order:1. Layers A-C deposited2. Erosion (unconformity)3. Layers D-F deposited4. Fault cuts through C-E

Reading the Rock Record

Lesson Grade 8

Students learn to read Earth's history from rock layers using the Law of Superposition, index fossils for correlation, relative and absolute dating methods including radiometric dating and half-lives, the geologic time scale, and additional geological evidence from ice cores, faults, and igneous intrusions.

8.E.2.1 8.E.2.2
Balanced vs. Unbalanced ForcesTwo side-by-side diagrams: balanced forces with equal opposing arrows and zero net force, and unbalanced forces with unequal arrows and nonzero net force causing accelerationBalanced vs. Unbalanced ForcesBALANCED FORCESBox15 N15 NNet Force = 0 NNo change in motion(stays at rest or keepsmoving at same speed)UNBALANCED FORCESBox20 N8 NNet Force = 12 N →Accelerates right

Forces and Newton's Laws

Lesson Grade 7

Students learn what forces are and how they are measured, distinguish between balanced and unbalanced forces, explore Newton's three laws of motion with real-world examples, and apply F = ma to predict motion.

7.P.1.2
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.

8.L.4.2 8.L.4.1
Magnetic Field Lines Around a Bar MagnetA bar magnet with field lines curving from the north pole around to the south pole, showing the field is strongest near the poles where lines are closest togetherMagnetic Field LinesSNLines closest together at the poles = strongest field. Lines spread apart = weaker field.Field lines goN → S

Magnetism and Electricity

Lesson Grade 7

Students explore the properties of magnets and magnetic fields, learn how electric current creates magnetism (Oersted's discovery), understand how electromagnets work and their advantages over permanent magnets, and discover real-world applications from electric motors to MRI machines.

7.P.1.4
Position-Time Graph: Motion Shapes at a GlanceFour-segment position-time graph illustrating fast constant speed, slow constant speed, at rest, and returning to startMotion Shapes on a Position-Time Graph0153045600123456789101112Time (seconds)Position (meters)A: Fast constantspeed (10 m/s)B: Slow constantspeed (2 m/s)C: At rest(0 m/s)D: Returningto start (−12 m/s)

Forces and Interactions - Remix

Lesson Grade 7

A fast-paced review of the first three lessons covering motion description, forces and Newton's Laws, and energy and simple machines. Designed to get students caught up and re-oriented after absences.

7.P.1.1 7.P.1.2 7.P.1.3 +2 more