Middle School Resources

Grades 6-8, is a time of tremendous physical, emotional, and cognitive changes for students. It is also a pivotal time for understanding and gaining enthusiasm for science.

Featured Resources

Social-Emotional Learning in the Science Classroom

From the Editor's Desk...

Journal Article

Unlocking the Power of Emotional Connections: Strategies for Teaching Climate Change in Middle School

In the face of the escalating climate crisis, effective climate education is imperative, not only for imparting knowledge, but also for inspiring action. This paper explores innovative strategies for teaching climate change in middle school, recogniz...

Journal Article

Fieldwork Fridays: Connecting Scientific Learning to Nature

Building routines around place-based learning allows students to apply their scientific learning to nature and form a connection with their local environment and the species in it over the course of a school year. Each Friday, in what are referred to...

Journal Article

Dyeing to Last: Using Natural Dyes to Create an Ideal Fabric

In this project-based lesson, students explore how chemistry concepts relate to creative expression by investigating a variety of dyeing conditions. Through sequenced discussions and investigations, students arrive at a dyed cotton product that optim...

Journal Article

Journal and Lesson Plans

Middle School Journal

Lesson Plans

NSTA Competitions

Shell Science Lab Challenge

For teachers

eCYBERMISSION

For teachers and students, grades 6-9

Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision

For students, grades K-12

Bestselling Middle School Books

NSTA Press Book

Uncovering Student Ideas in Life Science, Volume 2: 30 New Formative Assessment Probes

Click here to view video of Uncovering Student Ideas in Life Science, Volume 2...

NSTA Press Book

The NSTA Quick-Reference Guide to the Three Dimensions

Since its release in 2014, the NSTA Quick-Reference Guide has become an essential tool for educators across the country to explore the complex structure of three-dimensional standards, including the performance expectations (PEs) that integrate parti...

NSTA Press Book

The NSTA Atlas of the Three Dimensions

Download and read a sample chapter from this book to learn more.A key aspect of learning in K–12 education is the idea that what students know and are able to do grows and evolves over time. Simple ideas learned in the early elementary grades gain...

NSTA Press Book

The Changing Earth, Grade 8: STEM Road Map for Middle School

New in 2020! Download and read a sample chapter from this book to learn more.What if you could challenge your eighth graders to help people recognize the inherent risks of living in a region that’s prone to flooding, earthquakes, and volcanoes? Wit...

Latest Resources

Member Web Seminar

Who's Doing the Talking? Starting School with Effective Discourse Strategies, September 1, 2026

Spark deeper science learning through student talk. Discover strategies that turn classroom conversations into opportunities for students to collaborate, share ideas, and make sense of science together. Join us on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 7:0...

Member Web Seminar

OpenSciEd Best Practices for Success: Starting Strong: Lessons from Experienced Teachers, August 26, 2026

Ready to kick off your OpenSciEd year with confidence? Learn practical, classroom-tested tips from veteran OpenSciEd educators. Join us on Tuesday, August 25 from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM ET....

Member Web Seminar

Starting Strong: Creating Classroom Norms that Foster Sensemaking from Day One, August 20, 2026

How do you create a classroom where every student’s ideas, questions, and experiences are valued from the very first day?...

Web Seminar

Sponsored Web Seminar: Creep It Real: Halloween Experiments Students Won't Stop Talking About, October 20, 2026

Join us on Tuesday, October 20, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, and learn about Halloween-related activities that you can do in your classroom....

Web Seminar

What is El Niño and How Might It Affect Our Weather This Year, September 10, 2026

Join us on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about El Niño....

Web Seminar

Sponsored Web Seminar: Toss It, Walk It, Graph It: Simple Motion Experiments to Start the Year Strong, August 25, 2026

Join us on Tuesday, August 25, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, and walk away with relevant classroom activities that you can use immediately....

Web Seminar Series

Learning that Lasts: Meaningful STEM Experiences that Build Durable Skills: A Topic Study for K-12 Educators

Join us for a four-part webinar series, scheduled on September 10, 17, 24 and October 1, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM ET, to deepen your understanding of STEM learning experiences that build durable skills....

Web Seminar

First Look at NSTA’s Newest Professional Learning Experiences, July 23, 2026

Four new workshops. Four powerful ways to elevate science teaching. Be the first to discover NSTA's newest professional learning experiences and find the right fit for your educators. Join us on Thursday, July 23, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET, for a fi...

Web Seminar

Archive: First Look at NSTA’s Newest Professional Learning Experiences, July 9, 2026

Web Seminar

Snowfall Measurement Science: In Support of Aviation Winter Operations, November 12, 2026

Join us on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about snow measurement science....

Web Seminar

Lab Safety Considerations for Pre-Service and In-Service Secondary Science/STEM Teachers, March 8, 2027

Secondary Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers! Join us on Monday, March 8, 2027, from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM ET to learn about safety considerations for the science laboratory....

Web Seminar

Developing a Competitive Application for the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge, February 1, 2027

Are you a K-12 teacher that works near a Shell asset? If so, you could win a science classroom makeover. Join us on Monday, February 1, 2027, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge....

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