Any teacher who has handled a split grade knows: it is not easy. The teacher juggles two curriculums, divides their attention between groups, and guides students through materials that differ more than they would in a single-grade class.
That is why it’s essential to use the appropriate available tools, so that both teachers and students can thrive in the classroom. One such tool is Grade 7/8 modified science lessons. These lessons can be a huge time-saver for teachers and an excellent resource for students who need them.
Balancing a Split-Level Class with Many Needs
Teaching a split-level class can be challenging. One thing that makes it more complicated is that not only do teachers need to handle two different grade-level curricula, but they also must manage learners who may need more attention in each grade.
Grade 7/8 modified science lessons, like those in this Grade 7/8 Modified Science Lessons Bundle, are a great tool to have in a split-level classroom. Modified lessons are designed with significantly reduced reading and writing expectations. They are created for students working below grade level, including those on an IEP and ELL students.
By designing the material in a way that brings the concepts to their most basic form, students can work with text and visuals that are more accessible to them, which can help with comprehension and learning confidence, both of which are essential for all students.
Grade 7/8 modified science lessons also include more guided tools for completing reinforcement activities, as well as visuals and graphics. They provide many ways for students to access the material and for students to feel as though they are having success with the concepts.
Modified Science Lessons Can Benefit Everyone
While Grade 7/8 modified science lessons are specifically designed for those working below grade level, that does not mean they are not valuable to other students as well.
Science is a big topic, and it’s one that some students may love right away and have no trouble with, while others may struggle with the material. Some students may be fine with one concept or topic, but need some extra attention on another.
For those students who are working below grade level, modified lessons can be so helpful in the classroom. They make an excellent resource for all students. A student may need a topic explained more simply, or with more visuals – that is the type of content a modified lesson offers.
By not limiting modified materials to only those working below grade level, teachers have an opportunity to provide any student who is struggling with another resource to help them in their academic journey.
Making these materials available for everyone in class also reinforces the idea that there is no issue with using modified materials. What’s important is that everyone is learning and having their needs met.
Making Opportunities for Overlap Easier for Teachers
All modified lessons created by 2 Peas and a Dog are designed to align as closely as possible with the regular grade lessons.
Because modified lessons align closely with the regular lessons, there are a couple of benefits for students and teachers:
- By using modified and regular grade lessons that closely align, teachers will be able to identify more areas for crossover, which is particularly helpful in a split-grade classroom. Whether it’s activities, discussion or instruction, teachers will be able to align the lessons in a way that works for them and their students.
- Students using Grade 7/8 modified science lessons can have a sense of inclusion with their peers. By learning material that is similar to that of those working at the grade level, it can reduce isolation since everyone will be learning the same topic and the same basics about scientific concepts. This similar learning material can also help reinforce classroom cohesion, which everyone benefits from.
In my classroom, I have students of all levels working together whenever possible. Sometimes that can be more difficult in a split-grade classroom, but I believe it’s important to do so whenever possible.
One activity that helps create space for all students to work together is a digital escape room. These challenging, puzzle-based activities encourage collaboration. Students must work together as a team to solve each puzzle and free themselves from their digital trap.
Since all the puzzles and topics vary, students must rely on each other for information and input to be successful, which helps to reinforce the message that everyone has something to contribute and that all contributions are valued.
Your students will love this Grade 7 Interactions in the Environment Digital Escape Room, this Grade 7 Structures and Mechanisms Digital Escape Room, or this Grade 8 Water Systems Digital Escape Room.
You can also learn why digital escape rooms are fantastic for the science classroom in this blog post: Why Integrate Science Digital Escape Rooms Into Your Classroom?
I’ve also created these free and easy-to-use Grade 7/8 Long Range Plans to help make planning your year easier.
Grade 7/8 Modified Science Unit
This Grade 7/8 Modified Science Lessons Bundle provides all the lessons you will need for a full year of tailored science instruction in your classroom. It pairs well with the regular unit, Grade 7/8 Science Bundle.
In the modified bundle, teachers will receive 136 engaging lessons that will help teach Grade 7 and 8 students about key scientific concepts. Each lesson is aligned with a critical concept in the Ontario Grade 7 and 8 Ontario Curricula, but has significantly reduced reading and writing expectations.
This resource meets the needs of ELL students and students on a modified IEP, and it includes an MP3 audio file of each student reading.
Modified Bundle Overview
- 136 Engaging Lessons: Immerse your students in enthralling learning experiences that ignite their curiosity, encompassing Strands A through E of the Grade 7 and 8 Ontario Science Curriculum, fostering a deep understanding and personal connection to the subject matter.
- MP3 Audio Files: Elevate student learning and accessibility with audio recordings of the student readings, offering valuable support for diverse learning styles and ensuring active participation for every student.
- Easy-to-Use Lesson Plans: Experience a seamless and enriching educational journey with easy-to-follow daily lesson plans, saving precious preparation time.
- Self-Marking Google Forms: Benefit from the efficiency of self-marking Google Forms, automating the assessment process and gaining quick insights into your students’ progress.
- Graphic Organizers: Empower your students with graphic organizers that facilitate information organization, making complex concepts more accessible and memorable.
- Answer Keys: Optimize your grading process with readily available answer keys for assessments and activities, allowing you to focus more on teaching and providing timely feedback to your students.
- Print and Digital Formats: Embrace the convenience of accessing materials in both print and digital formats, effortlessly adapting to diverse teaching environments and catering to individual preferences.
Curriculum Alignment
- Curriculum Alignment: Ontario Science Curriculum 2022 Grade 7 Strands A – E
- Curriculum Alignment: Ontario Science Curriculum 2022 Grade 8 Strands A – E
Grade 7 Science Lesson Overview & Modifications
Interactions in the Environment Modified Unit
- Introduction & Lesson 1 (Class Discussion, QR Codes) – Safety Rules & Unit Vocabulary
- Lesson #2 (Whole Class Readings, Videos & Cut and Match) – Elements of Ecosystems
- Lesson #3 (Whole Class Readings, Videos, & Sketching) – Ecosystems – Examples and Interactions
- Lesson #4 (Whole Class Readings, Videos & Cut and Match) – Energy Transfer and Food Chains
- Lesson #5 (Quiz) – Biotic Elements Quiz
- Lesson #6 (Whole Class Readings, Videos & Cut and Match) – The Water Cycle
- Lesson #7 (Whole Class Readings, Videos & T-Chart) Ecological Succession
- Lesson #8 (Videos & Case Study) – Ecosystem Limits
- Lesson #9 (Research Project) – Species At Risk
- Lesson #10 (Whole Class Readings, Videos, & Chart) – Human Interactions in the Environment
- Lesson #11 (Whole Class Readings, Videos & Cut and Match) – Agriculture and Ecosystems
- Lesson #12 (Whole Class Readings and Fill-in-the-Blank Questions) – Indigenous Perspectives
- Lesson #13 (Case Study) – Electric Cars
- Lesson #14 (Whole Class Readings, Videos & Activity) – Human Interactions in the Environment
- Lesson #15 (Virtual Lab) – Owl Pellet Lab
Heat in the Environment Modified Unit
- Introduction & Lesson #1 (Class Discussion, QR Codes) – Safety Rules & Unit Vocabulary
- Lesson #2 (Brainstorm Activity) – Introduction to Heat
- Lesson #3 (Whole Class Reading, Video, Matching Activity) – Heat Production
- Lesson #4 (Whole Class Reading, Video, Multiple Choice Questions, Quiz) – Heat and Temperature
- Lesson #5 (Whole Class Reading, Video, Fill-in-the-Blank, Quiz) – The Particle Theory
- Lesson #6 (Whole Class Reading, Video, Activity) – Heat and Volume
- Lesson #7 (Whole Class Reading, Video, Activity, Quiz) – Conduction, Convection, and Radiation
- Lesson #8 (Video, True or False) – Bill Nye
- Lesson #9 (Video Lab) – Boiling Water in a Paper Cup
- Lesson #10 (Lab, Video) – How to Melt Ice Cubes the Fastest
- Lesson #11 (Whole Class Reading, Videos, Activity) – Global Warming
- Lesson #12 (Whole Class Reading, Video, Inquiry) – Benefits of Technologies With Heat
- Lesson #13 (Whole Class Reading, Videos, Inquiry) – Energy Types
- Lesson #14A (Whole Class Readings, Videos & Activity) – Solar Panels: Investigation
- Lesson #14B (Lab, Video) – Creating a Solar Oven Lab
- Lesson #15 (Unit Test) – Heat Unit Test
Pure Substances and Mixtures Modified Unit
- Introduction & Lesson #1 (Class Discussion, QR Codes) – Safety Rules & Unit Vocabulary
- Lesson #2 (Whole Class Reading, True & False) – The Particle Theory
- Lesson #3 (Whole Class Readings, Video, Frayer Model Cut & Paste) – Pure Substances and Mixtures
- Lesson #4 (Sorting Activity & Quiz) – Pure Substances and Mixtures Activity
- Lesson #5 (Whole Class Reading, Video, Activity) – Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Mixtures
- Lesson #6 (Whole Class Reading, Video, Frayer Model Cut & Paste) – Solutions and Solubility
- Lesson #7 (Whole Class Reading, Multiple Choice Activity) – Solution Examples Activity
- Lesson #8 (Whole Class Reading, Videos, Demonstration) – Concentration and Saturation of Solutions
- Lesson #9 (Video, Teacher Demonstration Lab) – Teacher Demonstration: Saturation Lab
- Lesson #10 (Whole Class Reading, Videos, Cut & Paste, Activity) – Separating Mixtures
- Lesson #11 (Lab) – Separating Mixtures Lab
- Lesson #12 (Whole Class Reading, Inquiry) – Positive and Negative Impacts on the Environment
- Lesson #13 (Whole Class Reading, Video, Inquiry, Activity) – Tar Sands Investigation
- Lesson #14 (Video, True & False) – Bill Nye Video
- Lesson #15 (Unit Test) – Pure Substances: Unit Test
Understanding Structures and Mechanisms Modified Unit
- Introduction & Lesson #1 (Class Discussion, QR Codes) – Safety Rules and Unit Vocabulary
- Lesson #2 (Whole Class Reading & Structures Search Activity) – Structures: Form and Function
- Lesson #3 (Whole Class Reading, Cut & Paste Graphic Organizer, Structural Classification Activity) – Classifying Structures
- Lesson #4 (Videos, Fill-in-the-Blank Activity) – Bill Nye Videos
- Lesson #5 (Whole Class Reading, Investigation Activity) – Centre of Gravity & Stability
- Lesson #6 (Show and Tell Assignment Sheet) – Structures Show and Tell Assignment
- Lesson #7 (Quiz) – Classifying Structures Quiz
- Lesson #8 (Whole Class Reading, External and Internal Forces Worksheet, Quiz) – External and Internal Forces
- Lesson #9 (Card Pyramid Activity) – Card Pyramid Activity
- Lesson #10 (Whole Class Reading, Symmetry Activity) – Symmetry in Structures
- Lesson #11 (Whole Class Reading, Fill-in-the-Blank Activity) – Structural Failure
- Lesson #12 (Whole Class Readings, Materials Activity) – Manufacturing Factors
- Lesson #13 (Whole Class Reading, Matching Activity, Anchor Chart) – Loads
- Lesson #14 (Whole Class Reading, True/False Worksheet) – Factors in Designing & Building Structures
- Lesson #15 (Whole Class Reading, Inquiry Sheet, Organizer, Thinking Question) – Take-Out Container Inquiry
- Lesson #16 (Unit Test) – Structures Unit Test
Grade 8 Science Lesson Overview & Modifications
Systems in Action Modified Unit
- Introduction (Safety Quiz) – Science Safety Rules
- Lesson #1 (QR Code Activity, Cut & Paste) – Unit Vocabulary
- Lesson #2 (Whole Class Reading, Graphic Organizer, Sort & Match) – Types of Systems
- Lesson #3 (Whole Class Reading, Photo Analysis, Graphic Organizer) – Purpose, Inputs and Outputs of Systems
- Lesson #4 (Whole Class Reading, Brainstorming Activity, Cut & Paste) – Processes and Components of a System
- Lesson #5 (Quiz) – Quiz #1
- Lesson #6 (Whole Class Reading, Anchor Chart, Matching Activity) – Force, Work, Displacement, Energy, and Efficiency
- Lesson #7 (Calculating Work Article, Sample Problems, Math Worksheet) – Calculating Work, Force, and Displacement
- Lesson #8 (Whole Class Reading, True/False Activity, Cut & Match) – The 6 Simple Machines
- Lesson #9 (Whole Class Reading, Practice Math Problems) – Mechanical Advantage
- Lesson #10 (Quiz) – Quiz #2
- Lesson #11 (Whole Class Reading, Checklist Worksheet, Mandala Activity) – Productivity With Systems
- Lesson #12 (Two Videos, Graphic Organizer, Science Lab Worksheets) – Rube Goldberg Virtual Lab
- Lesson #13A (Whole Class Reading, Slideshow Outline, Research Material) – Evolution of a System
- Lesson #13B (Whole Class Reading, Brainstorming Activity) – The Evolution of Cell Phones
- Lesson 14 (Whole Class Reading, Inquiry Worksheet, Graphic Organizer, Cut & Paste, Share Your Thoughts) – Inquiry: The Impacts of Evolving Systems
- Lesson 15 (Unit Test) – Unit Test
- Lesson 16 (Bill Nye Video) – Sub Plans / Bonus Files
Cells Modified Unit
- Introduction (Safety Quiz, Cells Introduction, K-W-L Chart) – Safety Rules and Cells Introduction
- Lesson #1 (QR Code Activity) – Unit Vocabulary
- Lesson #2 (Whole Class Reading, Fill-In-The-Blanks & True or False Activities) – The Cell Theory
- Lesson #3 (Whole Class Readings, Plant Cell Diagrams & Matching Activity) – Structures and Organelles in Cells
- Lesson #4 (Whole Class Reading, Venn Diagram, True or False Activity, Animal Cell Diagram) – Plant vs. Animal Cells
- Lesson #5 (Plant and Animal Cell Diagrams, Cut & Paste Activity) – Plant and Animal Cells: Create Your Own Cells
- Lesson #6 (Whole Class Reading, Graphic Organizer) – The Process of Diffusion and Osmosis
- Lesson #7 (Science Lab) – Candy Diffusion Experiment
- Lesson #8A (Whole Class Reading, Cut & Paste Activities) – Unicellular and Multicellular Organisms
- Lesson #8B (Inquiry Slideshow) – Cellular Organism Inquiry
- Lesson #9 (Whole Class Reading, Mandala Activity) – Organization of Cells
- Lesson #10 (Quiz) – Cells Mid-Unit Quiz
- Lesson #11 (Science Lab) – Virtual Plant Cell Experiment
- Lesson #12 (Research & Cut & Paste Activity) – Cell Technology and Our Understanding of Cells
- Lesson #13 (Guided Inquiry – Videos, Readings, Graphic Organizer & Share Your Thoughts) – Cell Process Inquiry
- Lesson 14 (Unit Test) – Cells Unit Test
- Lesson 15 (Sub Plans) – Bill Nye Videos
Water Systems Modified Unit
- Introduction (Science Safety Rules) – Science Safety Rules
- Lesson #1 (QR Code Cut & Paste) – Unit Vocabulary
- Lesson #2 (Whole Class Reading, Label The Water Cycle, Circle the Answer Activity) – The Water Cycle
- Lesson #3 (Whole Class Reading, Checklist Questions, Fill-in-the-Blank) – Watersheds
- Lesson #4A (Whole Class Reading, Multiple Choice Questions) – Human and Natural Factors That Cause Changes in the Water Table
- Lesson #4B (Whole Class Reading, Slideshow Activity) – Inquiry Project
- Lesson #5 (Whole Class Reading, Cut & Paste Graphic Organizer, Mandala Activity) – Factors That Affect Glaciers & Polar Ice Caps
- Lesson #6 (Whole Class Reading, Video Activity, Matching Activity) – Atmospheric Conditions & Bodies of Water
- Lesson #7 (Mid-Unit Quiz) – Mid-Unit Quiz
- Lesson #8 (Virtual Lab, Diagram) – Testing Water Samples for Chemical Characteristics & Water Treatment Facility Diagram
- Lesson #9 (Whole Class Reading, True/False Activity) – Investigating Local Water Issues
- Lesson #10 (Videos, Graphic Organizers, Cut & Paste) – First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Water Knowledge
- Lesson #11 (Videos, Whole Class Reading, Graphic Organizer, Share Your Thoughts and Poster Activity) – Bottled Water Guided Inquiry
- Lesson #12 (Interview Activity, Fill-in-the-Blank, Graphic Organizer) – Human Impact on Water Consumption
- Lesson #13 (Videos, Whole Class Reading, Graphic Organizer, Share Your Thoughts) – Water Technology Innovation Inquiry
- Lesson 14 (Unit Test) – Water Systems Unit Test
- Lesson 15 (Sub Plans/Review) – Bill Nye Videos
Fluids Modified Unit
- Introduction (Safety Quiz, Fluids Introduction, Vocabulary) – Safety Rules and Fluids Introduction
- Lesson #1 (Whole Class Reading, Drawing Activity, True/False Activity) – The Particle Theory of Matter
- Lesson #2 (Whole Class Reading, Sort & Match Activity, Optional Experiment) – What is Viscosity?
- Lesson #3A (Whole Class Readings, Checklist) – Mass, Volume, and Density
- Lesson #3B (Whole Class Reading, Calculating Density Activity) – Calculating Density
- Lesson #4 (Whole Class Reading, Fill-in-the-Blanks Activity) – Compressibility
- Lesson #5 (Whole Class Readings, Videos, Thinking Question) – Inquiry Investigation
- Lesson #6 (Whole Class Reading, Teacher Demonstration, Listening Activity) – What is Buoyancy?
- Lesson #7 (Quiz) – Mid-Unit Quiz
- Lesson #8 (Whole Class Readings, Matching & Questions Activity) – Pressure, Volume, and Temperature
- Lesson #9 (Whole Class Reading, Graphic Organizer, Cut & Paste Activity) – Pascal’s Law
- Lesson #10 (Whole Class Reading, Graphic Organizer, Cut & Paste Activity) – Fluids in Controlled and Manufactured Devices
- Lesson #11 (Review Chart, Diagram, Mandala Activity) – Hydraulic or Pneumatic Systems Review
- Lesson #12 (Whole Class Readings, Slideshow Activity) – Inquiry: Investigating Applications of Fluid Mechanics
- Lesson #13A (Whole Class Reading, True/False Activity) – The Impact of Fluid Spills
- Lesson #13B (Whole Class Reading, Graphic Organizer, Cut & Paste Activity) – Fluid Spills
- Lesson 14 (Unit Test) – Unit Test
- Lesson 15 (Sub Plans/Review) – Bill Nye Videos
Do you have students working at grade level?
Check out this comprehensive Grade 7/8 Science Bundle Ontario Curriculum, which is available on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
Sub Plans
Why not make those sub days easier by using no-prep sub plans? These pre-made plans cover topics that are sure to keep your students engaged, even if you’re not in the classroom.
Your students will love learning about:
- Green Buildings and Spaces – Find on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD
- Drone Delivery – Find on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD
- Climate Change – Find on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD
- E-Waste – Find on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD
- Artificial Intelligence Energy Use – Find on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD
- Solar Panels – Find on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD
Or use this Middle School ELA Sub Plans Bundle, which features 15 different sub plan activities and topics, available on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD.
You can also check out this blog post for more science sub plan ideas: Middle School Science Sub Plans Students Will Love.
Report Card Comments
Give yourself a break during busy report card times by using these time-saving Grade 7 Science Report Card Comments and Grade 8 Science Report Card Comments. These are Ontario Curriculum Aligned, 100% editable, and come in Google Docs™ Format. Perfect for regaining some of that precious time!
Additional Science Resources
- Middle School Science Sub Plans Students Will Love
- 10 Ways To Make Science Class Engaging and Fun For Students
- Why Integrate Science Digital Escape Rooms Into Your Classroom?
- Differentiating Science Instruction Using Modified Resources
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