Temperature & Kinetic Energy Complete Science Lesson - New TEKS 7.8C

This complete unit provides middle school teachers with everything needed to teach the relationship between temperature and the kinetic energy of particles within a substance. Students explore the kinetic theory of matter, particle motion in different states, and how energy transfer impacts temperature through hands-on and digital 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 supporting mastery.

Essential Question for Students

• What is the relationship between temperature and the kinetic energy of particles within a substance?

Standards Alignment: Meets 2021 TEKS standard 7.8C.

Key Features

• Differentiated supports for students who need remediation or extension

• Multimodal activities to sustain engagement across all learning styles

• Flexible formatting—resources provided in both printable and digital versions

• Editable PowerPoints for easy classroom customization

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

Instructional Framework: The 5E Model

This lesson is organized around the 5E instructional model—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate—ensuring a balance of inquiry, guided practice, and assessment.

Engage

• Objectives and Word Wall Cards (English & Spanish)

• Teacher file with discussion prompts, activities, and notes on misconceptions

Explore

• A nine-station, student-led lab introduces the kinetic theory of matter and the relationship between temperature and particle motion

Input Stations:

• Explore It! – Hands-on demonstration or experiment

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

• Research It! – Structured online activity with guided tasks

• Watch It! – Short video with reflection questions

Output Stations:

• Organize It! – Sorting and categorization with printable and digital card sorts

• Write It! – Written responses to open-ended questions

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching activities to reinforce retention

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

Bonus Station:

• Challenge It! – Enrichment activities like puzzles, games, and mini-projects for early finishers

Explain

• Editable PowerPoints in both standard and interactive versions

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

• Guided note-taking organizers

Elaborate

• Student-choice projects on temperature and kinetic energy for in-class or at-home extension

Evaluate

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

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

Flexible Learning Options

This resource is designed for both in-person and virtual learning. The digital station lab and interactive notebook templates 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.