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 Science, Volume 2, Second Edition: 25 More Formative Assessment Probes

“Leave no alternative science idea unchallenged!” could be the slogan of this second edition of Uncovering Student Ideas in Science, Volume 2. Like the others in the bestselling series, this book is loaded with classroom-friendly features to pinp...

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

STEM, Standards, and Strategies for High-Quality Units

New in 2020!Download and read a sample chapter from this book to learn more.Do you, your school, or your school district want to align your science curriculum with state standards while meeting the growing demand for STEM instruction? If so, this is ...

NSTA Press Book

Uncovering Student Ideas in Physical Science, Volume 3: 32 New Matter and Energy Formative Assessment Probes

Have you been wanting to learn more about what your students know (or think they know) about major concepts in matter and energy? Have you been wishing for formative assessment tools in both English and Spanish? Then this is the book you’ve been wa...

Latest Resources

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

Join us on Thursday, July 23, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET, for a first look at four new professional learning offerings designed to support science and STEM educators.  NSTA’s newest offerings include:...

Web Seminar

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

Join us on Thursday, July 9, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, for a first look at four new professional learning offerings designed to support science and STEM educators.  NSTA’s newest offerings include:...

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....

Web Seminar

Explore Leadership Opportunities: 2027 NSTA Nominations Session, September 23, 2026

Join us on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about the leadership opportunities available on the NSTA Board of Directors and Leadership Council.Curious about serving in an NSTA leadership role? Join us for an overvie...

Web Seminar

Don’t Hide Your Passion: Let It Shine with an NSTA Teacher Award, October 14, 2026

Join us on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about learn about the various NSTA award categories, eligibility criteria, and the application process. Your passion for teaching deserves to be recognized. In this session...

Web Seminar

Lab Safety Considerations for Pre-Service and In-Service Secondary Science/STEM Teachers, October 19, 2026

Secondary Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers! Join us on Monday, October 19, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:15 PM ET to learn about safety considerations for the science laboratory....

Web Seminar

Sponsored Archive: Web Seminar: Solve the Case: Bring Forensic Science into Your Chemistry Class, April 29, 2026

What if your students could identify an arsonist, investigate a poisoning, and analyze crime scene evidence—all using chemistry techniques they're already learning? Join Vernier chemistry expert Nüs Hisim and Trendsetter educators Anne Lav...

Web Seminar

Archive: Science Update: The Third Decadal U.S. Carbon Cycle Science Plan, June 4, 2026

The Third Decadal U.S. Carbon Cycle Science plan is developed in partnership with the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science (CPAESS), and the U.S. Carbon Cycle Science...

Web Seminar

Archive: Presenter Essentials: Your Guide to Conference Success, March 4, 2026

This webinar is designed to help conference presenters feel prepared, confident, and ready to succeed while aligning with NSTA’s learner-centered, evidence-based approach to professional learning. The session will address essential conference l...

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