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Information Accuracy in Today's World

Lesson Grade 6, 7, 8

Middle grade students learn how to judge the accuracy and reliability of information from social media, news, and expert sources.

S7 - Q4 - Unit 1 Test

Assessment Grade 7

Unit test covering graphing motion, forces and Newton's Laws, magnetism and electricity, and logical fallacies.

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

S6 - Q4 - Unit 1 Test

Assessment Grade 6

Unit test covering properties of matter, states of matter and phase changes, energy transfer, and logical fallacies.

6.P.1.2 6.P.1.3 6.P.2.2 +2 more

S7 - Q4 - Unit 1 Review

Lesson Grade 7

Comprehensive review for the Q4 Unit 1 test covering graphing motion, forces and Newton's Laws, magnetism and electricity, and logical fallacies.

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

M6B - Q4 - Unit 1 Test

Assessment Grade 6

A 30-question multiple-choice summative test covering Language of Operations, Number Relationships and Place Value, Fractions and Decimals, and Expressions, Equations, and Mathematical Reasoning.

S6 - Q4 - Unit 1 Review

Lesson Grade 6

Comprehensive review for the Q4 Unit 1 test covering properties of matter, states of matter and phase changes, energy transfer, and logical fallacies.

6.P.1.2 6.P.1.3 6.P.2.2 +2 more

M6B - Q4 - Unit 1 Review

Lesson Grade 6

A dense review covering all four Speaking Mathematics intervention lessons: The Language of Operations, Number Relationships and Place Value, Fractions and Decimals, and Expressions, Equations, and Mathematical Reasoning. Includes key concept summaries and 24 practice questions.

NC.6.NS.4 NC.6.NS.3 NC.6.NS.1 +4 more
Conductors vs. InsulatorsComparison showing conductor and insulator materials with a cross-section of a wire demonstrating both.Conductors vs. InsulatorsCONDUCTORSEnergy flows through easilyCopper (wires)Aluminum (pans)Iron (nails)Gold (jewelry)Most metals conduct heat AND electricity wellINSULATORSEnergy flow is resistedRubber (gloves)Wood (spoons)Plastic (cups)Air (jackets)Insulators resist heat AND electricity flowReal-World Example: Electrical Wire Cross-SectionCopper core (CONDUCTOR) inside rubber coating (INSULATOR)

Conductors, Insulators, and Electrical Circuits

Lesson Grade 5, 6

Students classify materials as thermal and electrical conductors or insulators based on evidence. They investigate how electrical energy flows through circuits, identify the components of a simple circuit, and compare complete and incomplete circuits.

PS.6.2 PS.6.2.3 PS.6.2.4 +1 more
Relative Size Comparison of Disease AgentsA scale diagram comparing the sizes of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites with a human red blood cell for reference.Relative Size of Disease Agents10 nm100 nm1 μm10 μm100 μm+VIRUSES20 - 300 nmNOT cells; need a hostBACTERIA1 - 10 μmSingle-celled; prokaryoticFUNGI2 - 50 μm (cells)Eukaryotic; absorb nutrientsPARASITES10 μm - cm+Protozoa, worms, ticksReference: Human Red Blood Cell~7 μm diameternm = nanometer (billionth of a meter) | μm = micrometer (millionth of a meter)

Agents of Disease: Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, and Parasites

Lesson Grade 8

A dense, visual introduction to the four major categories of disease-causing agents. Students compare the basic characteristics, spread mechanisms, treatment options, and prevention strategies for viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, and distinguish between epidemics and pandemics.

LS.8.1 LS.8.1.1 LS.8.1.2
Evidence Levels: Ten Technologies MappedA four-column chart organizing ten technologies by their current evidence level, from Demonstrated through Active Testing, Advanced Research, and Early Research or Speculative.Evidence Levels: Where Do These Technologies Really Stand?DEMONSTRATEDACTIVE TESTINGADV. RESEARCHEARLY / SPECULATIVEArtemis IICrew flew around Moon252,756 mi from EarthSplashdown: Apr 10, 2026Brain-ComputerInterfaces12 patients implantedCursor, typing, gamingFusion EnergySPARC magnets installingFirst plasma: 2026 goalNet gain (Q>1): 2027 goalAI as ResearchPartnerBiomedical models activeDrug discovery underwayNanotechnologyMaterials deployed;assembly not yet3D BioprintingOrganoids printed;full organs not yetSynthetic BiologyGene editing proven;ecosystem scale not yetRoom-TempSuperconductorsNot yet achievedQuantum InternetFirst steps only;infrastructure years awayAge ReversalEarly clinical trials;long-term effects unknownScientific literacy means being excited about possibilities AND honest about evidence levels.Wonder and skepticism are not opposites. They are partners.

The Great Technological Expansion: Breakthroughs, Evidence, and Imagination

Lesson Grade 8

A comprehensive 60-minute lesson for 8th grade students examining ten transformative technologies through the dual lenses of scientific evidence and creative speculation. Students learn to distinguish between demonstrated achievements, active research, and aspirational visions while connecting each technology to the underlying physics, biology, and chemistry. Designed to inspire wonder while building critical scientific literacy.

8.P.1 8.P.2 8.L.2 +1 more
Lytic Cycle vs. Lysogenic CycleTwo-pathway comparison of aggressive lytic replication and stealth lysogenic replication of viruses.Viral Replication: Lytic vs. Lysogenic CycleStep 1: Virus attaches to host cellHost CellLYTIC CYCLELYSOGENIC CYCLE2. Virus injects DNATakes over cell machinery immediately3. Cell makes new virus partsHost cell forced to copy viral DNA and proteins4. New viruses assemble inside cellHundreds of copies built from host resources5. LYSIS: Cell bursts!Host cell destroyed; new viruses releasedto infect more cellsFast and destructive2. Viral DNA integrates into host DNABecomes part of the cell's chromosome3. Cell divides normallyViral DNA copied along with host DNA each division4. Virus stays hidden (dormant)Can remain dormant for months or years5. TRIGGER activates virusStress, UV light, or immune weaknesscauses switch to LYTIC CYCLESwitch!Slow and hiddenExamples: Flu uses lytic | HIV and herpes use lysogenic (with later lytic activation)

Viruses and Bacteria: A Closer Look

Lesson Grade 8

Students examine viral replication through the lytic and lysogenic cycles, explore bacterial structure and reproduction via binary fission, distinguish between helpful and harmful bacteria, and investigate the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance.

LS.8.1 LS.8.1.1
Structure of an Atom (Carbon)Central nucleus with protons and neutrons; electrons orbit in surrounding shells.+++NNNe-e-Proton (+ charge, in nucleus)Neutron (no charge, in nucleus)Electron (- charge, orbits nucleus)Protons and neutrons have similar mass; electrons are much smaller.

8th Grade Science EOG Diagnostic Assessment

Lesson Grade 8

Comprehensive 30-item diagnostic mirroring the NC Grade 8 End-of-Grade (EOG) Science Test blueprint: Physical Science ~22%, Life Science ~37%, Earth and Space Science ~42%. Item difficulty distribution follows the NCSBE-adopted Range Achievement Level Descriptors (RALD): approximately 25% Not Proficient to Level 3, 50% Level 4, 25% Level 5. Science and Engineering Practice emphasis reflects the operational blueprint with higher frequency on Analyze and Interpret Data, Use Models, and Construct an Explanation. Results identify individual student readiness and class-wide instructional priorities for the final four weeks of EOG preparation.

PS.8.1.1 PS.8.1.2 PS.8.1.3 +20 more
Three Methods of Heat TransferThree panels showing conduction through a metal rod, convection in a pot of water, and radiation from the sun through space.Three Methods of Heat TransferCONDUCTIONDirect particle-to-particle contactHOTCOOLMetal RodParticles collide and pass energy alongRequires direct contactbetween particlesCONVECTIONMovement of heated fluidwarm risescool sinksConvection CurrentRequires a fluid(liquid or gas)RADIATIONElectromagnetic wavesSUNEarthEmpty space(no medium needed)Travels through vacuum;no contact required

Energy Transfer: Conduction, Convection, and Radiation

Lesson Grade 5, 6

Students investigate the three mechanisms of thermal energy transfer: conduction (particle-to-particle contact), convection (movement of heated fluid), and radiation (electromagnetic waves). Students compare the direction and behavior of each type and connect them to real-world phenomena.

PS.5.1.3 PS.6.2 PS.6.2.1 +1 more
Three Domains and Four Kingdoms of LifeA branching tree showing the three domains (Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya) diverging from a common ancestor, with Eukarya further branching into four kingdoms (Protista, Plantae, Fungi, Animalia), with Fungi and Animalia shown as sister groupsThe Tree of Life: Three DomainsLUCA (Last Universal Common Ancestor)BACTERIAProkaryotic, single-celledE. coli, cyanobacteriaARCHAEAProkaryotic, single-celledExtremophiles, methanogensEUKARYAEukaryotic (cells with nucleus)All multicellular life + protistsProtistaAmoeba, algaeMostly single-celledPlantaeTrees, fernsPhotosynthesisFungiMushroomsAnimaliaDogs, insectsSister groups!DomainKingdomMore specific ↑

Taxonomy of Living Things

Lesson Grade 8

Students learn the modern system of biological classification (taxonomy), master the eight-level hierarchy from domain to species, explore the three-domain system, and use the OneZoom Tree of Life Explorer to investigate evolutionary relationships and answer 20 exploration questions that deepen their understanding of how all living things are connected.

8.L.4.1
Volume of a CylinderVolume of a CylinderrhBase area =A = pi r^2V = pi r^2 h

Volume of Cylinders, Cones, and Spheres

Lesson Grade 6, 7, 8

Students learn the formulas for calculating the volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres. Through visual explanations, real-world examples, and guided practice, students understand the relationships between these three formulas and apply them to solve problems involving three-dimensional shapes.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.G.C.9 CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.G.A.2
Particle Motion and TemperatureThree panels showing how particles move faster and spread apart as thermal energy increases.Particle Motion and TemperatureCOLD (Solid)Particles vibrate in placeLow thermal energyWARM (Liquid)Particles slide past each otherMedium thermal energyHOT (Gas)Particles fly freelyHigh thermal energyIncreasing Thermal Energy →

Forms of Energy Deep Dive

Lesson Grade 5, 6

Students investigate the six major forms of energy in depth: thermal, light, sound, electrical, chemical, and mechanical. For each form, students examine what causes it, how it behaves, real-world examples, and how it connects to other forms through energy transformations.

PS.5.1 PS.6.2
Five Technologies Shaping Your FutureA radial diagram showing five breakthrough technologies arranged around a central hub, connected by lines.YOURFUTURE🚀SPACEArtemis & SpaceENERGYFusion Energy🧠BRAIN-TECHBrain-ComputerInterfaces🫀BIO-PRINT3D Bioprinting🧬SYNTH-BIOSynthetic Biology

The Amazing Future: Technology That Will Change Your World

Lesson Grade 6

An inspirational single-day lesson introducing 6th grade students to five transformative technologies: space exploration, fusion energy, brain-computer interfaces, 3D bioprinting, and synthetic biology. Designed to spark wonder and energize students for continued science learning.

6.P.3 6.L.1 6.ESS.3
Energy Unit Concept MapComplete concept map linking all unit topics: forms, transfer methods, materials, and conservation law.Energy Unit: Concept MapENERGYKinetic EnergyPotential EnergyThermalSoundMechanicalChemicalGravitationalElasticEnergy Transfers By...Conduction(particle contact)Convection(fluid movement)Radiation(electromagnetic waves)Materials Affect Transfer...Conductors (allow flow)Insulators (resist flow)Law of Conservation: Energy cannot be created or destroyed

Energy Unit Review and Assessment

Lesson Grade 5, 6

Students solidify their understanding of the law of conservation of energy, review all major concepts from the week (forms of energy, kinetic vs. potential, energy transfer methods, conductors/insulators, circuits), and complete a comprehensive unit assessment.

PS.5.1 PS.5.1.3 PS.5.2 +6 more