Thermal Energy in Systems Complete Science Lesson - New TEKS 7.8A

This complete unit provides middle school teachers with everything needed to teach the methods of thermal energy transfer—conduction, convection, and radiation—into and out of systems. Students explore how energy moves through different materials and systems with hands-on, digital, and inquiry-based activities. The resource includes editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, a differentiated station lab, and assessments. Designed for multiday use with minimal prep, it emphasizes student-led, differentiated learning so teachers can focus on facilitating mastery.

Essential Questions for Students

• How does energy transfer into and out of systems?

• How do conduction, convection, and radiation transfer energy?

Standards Alignment: Meets 2021 TEKS standard 7.8A.

Key Features

• Differentiated supports for students at multiple levels

• Multimodal learning activities to sustain interest and engagement

• Flexible implementation—resources provided in both printable and digital formats

• Editable PowerPoints for customization to your classroom needs

• Spanish translations of vocabulary, a station lab reading passage, and interactive notebook pages

Instructional Framework: The 5E Model

This lesson follows the 5E instructional model—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate—balancing inquiry, guided practice, and assessment.

Engage

• Objectives and Word Wall Cards (English & Spanish)

• Teacher file with classroom activity ideas, discussion prompts, and common misconceptions

Explore

• A nine-station, student-led lab introduces thermal energy transfer through multiple modalities

Input Stations:

• Explore It! – Hands-on demonstration or experiment

• Read It! – Differentiated reading passages (English & Spanish) with comprehension checks

• Research It! – Guided online activity with structured student tasks

• Watch It! – Short video with guided reflection questions

Output Stations:

• Organize It! – Categorization and card sort activities (printable or digital)

• Write It! – Open-ended written responses in complete sentences

• Illustrate It! – Sketching/drawing activities to reinforce learning

• Assess It! – Vocabulary-in-context and mastery-based questions

Bonus Station:

• Challenge It! – Crosswords, puzzles, mini-projects, and games for enrichment or early finishers

Explain

• Editable PowerPoints in standard and interactive versions

• Interactive Notebook templates (digital & print, English & Spanish)

• Guided note-taking templates

Elaborate

• Student-choice projects on conduction, convection, and radiation to extend learning at home or in class

Evaluate

• Assessments updated for STAAR 2.0, with standard and modified versions

• Review worksheets and discussion questions for classwork, homework, or test prep

Flexible Learning Options

This lesson is designed for both in-person and virtual classrooms. The digital station lab and interactive notebook activities are fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them easy to use in blended or online settings.

This is a finished product; it will be updated with corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.