PRISM Library
Browse free, privacy-first educational resources
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.
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.
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.
Inside the Cell: Anatomy and Function of Plant and Animal Cells
A comprehensive lesson on the anatomy and function of plant and animal cells. Students explore every major organelle, learn how each contributes to cell survival, compare plant and animal cell structures, and check their understanding throughout with embedded assessments covering all components of the cell.
The Future is Calling
An uplifting wellness and empowerment lesson for middle grade students. Students learn that the small daily choices they make around sleep, food, movement, mind, learning, screens, relationships, and service add up to an enormous impact on their own lives and on the world around them. The lesson introduces three pillars (Take Care of You, Build Your Brain, Lift Others Up), builds awareness of how modern environments can work against healthy defaults, and coaches students through selecting two personal Power Moves to practice over a 30-day experiment. Designed to be delivered in one 45-60 minute block or two shorter sessions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eukaryotic Cell Biology — Assessment
A 25-question assessment for grades 6-8 covering eukaryotic cell biology: organelle structure and function, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and the differences between plant and animal cells. Twenty multiple-choice items and five matching items. Difficulty is calibrated easy-to-moderate. All questions are text-only proof of knowledge items.
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.
Grade 6 Mathematics Diagnostic
A 31-item diagnostic for the summer program screening all five Grade 6 NCSCOS math domains. Item counts mirror the NC End-of-Grade weight distribution (Ratios & Proportional Relationships ~26%, Expressions & Equations ~24%, The Number System ~22%, Geometry ~14%, Statistics & Probability ~14%) to predict EOG performance and identify gaps. Multiple-choice and matching only; distractors target common errors.
Grade 5 Mathematics Diagnostic
A 30-item diagnostic for the summer program that screens all five Grade 5 NCSCOS math domains. Item counts mirror the NC End-of-Grade weight distribution (Fractions heaviest at ~40%, Base Ten ~27%, Measurement/Geometry ~21%, Operations & Algebraic Thinking ~11%) so results predict EOG performance and pinpoint reteaching needs. Multiple-choice and matching only; distractors target common misconceptions.
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.
Grade 8 Mathematics Diagnostic
A 32-item diagnostic for the summer program screening all four Grade 8 NCSCOS math reporting areas. Item counts mirror the NC End-of-Grade weight distribution (Functions ~31%, Geometry ~25%, combined Number System & Expressions/Equations ~25%, Statistics & Probability ~19%) to predict EOG performance and identify gaps. Multiple-choice and matching only; distractors target common errors.
S8 - Q4 - Unit 2 Introduction: Disease Agents
A 30-minute introduction to disease agents for 8th grade. Students classify the major types of pathogens, explain how diseases are transmitted, distinguish between epidemic and pandemic disease, and connect human health to environmental factors.
Grade 7 Mathematics Diagnostic
A 32-item diagnostic for the summer program screening all five Grade 7 NCSCOS math domains. Item counts mirror the NC End-of-Grade weight distribution (Ratios & Proportional Relationships ~25%, Statistics & Probability ~25%, Expressions & Equations ~22%, Geometry ~19%, The Number System ~9%) to predict EOG performance and identify gaps. Multiple-choice and matching only; distractors target common errors.