PRISM Library
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Taxonomy of Living Things
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.
Eukaryotic Cell Biology: Organelles, ATP, and Photosynthesis
Students take a guided tour of every major organelle in plant and animal (eukaryotic) cells, then dig into the two energy processes that keep all life running: cellular respiration (which breaks down glucose to make ATP in the mitochondria) and photosynthesis (which uses sunlight to build glucose in the chloroplasts of plant cells). Reference infographics for both cell types are included as study aids. Designed for grades 6-8 with scaffolded vocabulary and frequent Check Your Understanding stops.
The Great Technological Expansion: Breakthroughs, Evidence, and Imagination
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.
Conductors, Insulators, and Electrical Circuits
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.
Viruses and Bacteria: A Closer Look
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.
Energy Transfer: Conduction, Convection, and Radiation
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.
Forms of Energy Deep Dive
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.
Energy Unit Review and Assessment
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.
Science Powering Tomorrow: The Great Technological Expansion
An inspirational single-day lesson for 7th grade students exploring seven transformative technologies through the lens of the scientific principles behind them. Covers fusion energy, space exploration, brain-computer interfaces, nanotechnology, bioprinting, superconductors, and quantum communication. Designed to build wonder while connecting breakthroughs to classroom science.
Energy: Introduction and Overview
Students are introduced to the concept of energy as the ability to do work or cause change. They explore the major forms of energy, distinguish between kinetic and potential energy, and examine how energy is present in everyday situations. This lesson sets the foundation for the entire unit.
The Amazing Future: Technology That Will Change Your World
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.
The Science of Personal Hygiene
An in-depth, science-grounded lesson for middle school students on the biology and chemistry behind hygiene. Covers the skin microbiome, sweat gland physiology, the chemistry of soap, dental biofilm formation, hand hygiene epidemiology, foot care, indoor air quality, and laundry science. Includes real research data, plenty of humor, and a non-judgmental introduction to classroom care closet resources.
The Science of Personal Hygiene
A focused, science-grounded lesson for middle school students on what hygiene actually does at the cellular and microbial level. Covers the skin microbiome, sweat gland biology, oral bacteria, hand hygiene, and foot care, with real numbers and a healthy dose of humor. Includes a non-judgmental introduction to classroom care closet resources.
Energy Unit Assessment
Summative multiple choice assessment for the Grades 6 & 7 Energy unit. Covers the definition of energy and the joule, kinetic and potential energy, the law of conservation of energy, common forms of energy (thermal, light, sound, electrical, chemical, mechanical), energy transformations, the three methods of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), the effect of thermal energy on particles, conductors and insulators, and the parts and behavior of simple electrical circuits. Aligned to NC DPI Essential Standards 6.P.1.2, 6.P.2.2, 6.P.3.1, 6.P.3.2, 6.P.3.3, 7.P.2.1, 7.P.2.2, and 7.P.2.3.
Disease Agents Unit Assessment
Summative multiple choice assessment for the 8th grade Disease Agents unit. Covers the four major categories of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites), their structures, how they reproduce and spread, treatment with antibiotics and antivirals, antibiotic resistance as an example of natural selection, biotechnology applications such as synthetic insulin production, vaccines and prevention, and the distinction between an epidemic and a pandemic. Aligned to NC DPI 8th grade Essential Standards 8.L.1.1, 8.L.1.2, 8.L.2.1, and 8.L.4.2.
S6 - Q4 - Unit 2 Introduction: Ecosystems
A 30-minute introduction to ecosystems for 6th grade. Students distinguish biotic and abiotic factors, trace energy flow through food chains and webs, and identify the major types of ecological relationships.
Eukaryotic Cell Biology — Study Guide
A focused review companion to the main Eukaryotic Cell Biology lesson. Use this study guide to refresh on the essentials: every major organelle in one place, the three stages of cellular respiration, the two stages of photosynthesis, and how the two energy processes work as partners. Includes self-quiz items and links back to the main lesson for deep dives.
S7 - Q4 - Unit 2 Introduction: Energy
A 30-minute introduction to energy for 7th grade. Students define kinetic and potential energy, calculate mechanical energy, identify forms of energy, and explain how energy transforms from one form to another while the total amount remains constant.