Description
This resource is being upgraded! See what is coming to ALL my resources in 2025 and 2026: https://bit.ly/32AmRKr
About this Curriculum
This curriculum includes teaching materials differentiated for grades 6-8:
• Editable Presentations, Notes and Exams
• Printable and Digital Interactive Notebooks
• SNAPs Lab Station Activities
• Bell Ringers, Homework and Task Cards Tiered to Bloom's Taxonomy
• Reading Passages with Text-Based Evidence Comprehension Questions
• Vocabulary Builders & Word Wall
• High Yield Review Sorts & Activities
• Differentiated Course and Unit Planning Guides
Important Notes:
• Download a FREE Unit Bundle to learn more about all my products.
• View an interactive pacing guide to review my curricula: https://bit.ly/3YhdU4C
Why invest in a curriculum from Stephanie Elkowitz?
★ An exceptional value for a comprehensive, ready-to-use curriculum
★ A one-time purchase grants you lifetime access to superior teaching materials
★ All future updates and iterations included. No additional purchase required.
★ Authentic alignment to NGSS. Thoughtful connections to math and ELA CCSS.
★ Quality FREE teaching tools to help your students at my site. No ads. No fees.
★ The most recent updates include beautiful, accurate, exclusive illustrations
★ Resources will inspire you and students to take pride in teaching and learning
This curriculum includes 13 Earth Science units. For the most up-to-date list of resources included in this curriculum, take a look at the "active links" in the following unit bundles:
• Climate and Biomes Unit Bundle
• Earth, Moon and Celestial Cycles Unit Bundle
• Mapping Earth and Landforms Unit Bundle
• Natural Resources Unit Bundle
• Rocks and Minerals Unit Bundle
• Slow and Rapid Changes to Earth Unit Bundle
• Structure of the Universe Unit Bundle
BONUS - NATURE OF SCIENCE TEACHING MATERIALS
This download also includes all Nature of Science Teaching Materials. For the most up-to-date list of resources included, take a look at the "active links" in the following unit bundles:
• Understanding the Nature of Science Mini Unit Bundle
• Scientific Method and Science Practices Mini Unit Bundle
• Lab Safety, Lab Tools & Lab Skills Mini Unit Bundle
• Engineering Mini Unit Bundle
PAYMENT PLANS
• I offer a 12-month interest-free payment plan to OWN my curriculum.
• CLICK HERE or visit www.stephanieelkowitz.com to learn more.
DIGITAL RESOURCES
This bundle includes modified files that facilitate online - distance learning:
• Fillable slides designed to work with Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Digital task cards and assessments designed with Google Forms.
Important Notes about Fillable Slides:
• Digital assignments work seamlessly with Google Slides: WATCH ME
• Each assignment is saved as an individual file with the key removed.
• Digital assignments CANNOT be edited. Only the text boxes or forms can be manipulated.
All Digital resources can be shared via platforms that are password-protected or accessible only to students.
The following resources are included in this curriculum:
POWERPOINTS, NOTES & EXAMS
These resources are designed to help you deliver, discuss and assess science content. There are three teaching tools included with each resource in this curriculum:
• Presentation (differentiated and editable slides)
• Scaffolded Notes (differentiated and editable, scaffolded and modified notes)
• Summative Examination (differentiated and editable, answer key included)
This resource includes PPTX and DOCX files that work with Microsoft PowerPoint and Word AND Google App files adapted to work with Google Slides and Docs. A digital, self-grading summative assessment made with Google Forms is included. Fonts are safe for use with Microsoft Office and Google Apps.
To upload the Google App files to your Google Drive, you should use the Google Drive for Desktop App. You CANNOT directly upload the folders and files to your Google Drive within a web browser. You can manually copy and sync the files but this requires more user effort. Video directions are included and can be viewed in a web browser: https://bit.ly/3SK6RNm
INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK UNITS
My interactive notebooks are comprehensive lessons. Each lesson includes:
• One page of input notes
• At least one INB activity (key included)
• A 4-5 question mini assessment (key included)
• A 2-part reflection exercise
• Editable copies of input notes are included as separate docx files
The digital interactive notebook is the counterpart to the printable INB unit. Each lesson includes one page of editable input notes, a digital INB activity, a digital quiz and a two-part formative reflection. Digital quizzes made with Google Forms - force-copy links provided.
BELL RINGERS (DAILY WARMUPS OR EXIT SLIPS)
These differentiated and tiered 3-part activities are designed to "warmup" students at the beginning of a lesson. The bell ringers align with the interactive notebook chapters for each respective unit. Full and half page printing options and key included. Fillable slides that can be used with Google slides and Microsoft PowerPoint included.
HOMEWORK
These differentiated and tiered 3-part assignments are designed to be a 15 to 20 minute at-home or independent activity. The assignments align with the interactive notebook chapters for each respective unit. They are best used following an INB lesson. Key included. Fillable slides that can be used with Google slides and Microsoft PowerPoint included.
READING PASSAGES
These differentiated reading passages with text-based evidence comprehension questions can be used a variety of ways, including close reading in the classroom, preparation for SNAPs labs or homework. Reading passages align with the interactive notebook chapters for each respective unit. Key included. Fillable slides that can be used with Google slides and Microsoft PowerPoint included.
IMMERSIVE READER
This resource includes reading passages that can be read to a student with Microsoft’s Immersive Reader. Immersive-Reader compatible passages are read-only word documents accessed in a web browser. Internet access required. Students are provided links to the Immersive Reader compatible passages in the printable and digital versions of each activity.
Immersive reader is a FREE Microsoft educational tool. You do NOT need a Microsoft account to access this tool in a web browser. Learn more about Immersive Reader HERE.
Immersive Reader can:
• Read the entire passage to a student
• Help pronounce individual words in a passage as a student reads
• Translate the entire passage or individual words in the passage for ESL students
• Change the font, text color and background color for students with visual impairments
Additional Notes
• Written and video instructions for students are included: http://safesha.re/ppk
• Download a FREE unit of Immersive Reader compatible reading passages HERE.
TASK CARDS
Task cards are designed to assess students on key ideas and concepts covered in each respective units. Questions are differentiated (with a color and shape code) and tiered with a "signal strength" code so to probe lower, mid and higher order thinking. Questions are tiered according to the revised Bloom's taxonomy. Answer sheets (differentiated) and key included for each task card set.
DIGITAL TASK CARDS
Digital task cards are designed to work with Google Forms. The digital task card can be assigned to students with Google Classrooms or shared as a link with your student any way you choose. Self-grading. Task cards cannot be edited but can be added or removed from the form. Requires internet access.
HIGH-YIELD REVIEW ACTIVITIES
NO-PREP resources to review HIGH-YEILD topics in science! Each activity focuses on a single topic to develop mastery of that topic. Printable and digital activities and self-grading Google Forms and Easel Activities included.
For a list of included high yield review activities, refer to the following:
• Nature of Science High Yield Review
• Earth Science High Yield Review
VOCABULARY ACTIVITY PACKS
Includes EVERYTHING you need to introduce, reinforce, review and master science vocabulary! Crossword puzzles, flashcards, games and quizzes included. Printable, digital and editable components.
WORD WALL
Each card displays a simple illustration, one vocabulary word and a short definition. Half and quarter page printing options. Color and black and white.
SNAPS LAB STATIONS ACTIVITIES
SNAPs Lab Stations Activities require students to use science, math, literacy, problem-solving and engineering skills. They combine the three dimensions of science learning - science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts - in order to meet the Next Generation Science Standards. The labs also make interdisciplinary connections to STEM, Math CCSS and ELA CCSS to build the appropriate skills.
For the most up-to-date list of included labs, see the Earth Science Lab Stations Bundle.
DIGITAL LAB ACTIVITIES
The SNAPs labs in this curriculum are offered in a digital format (fillable slides compatible with Microsoft PP and Google Slides) to facilitate distance learning and support digital classrooms. To better support digital classrooms, each assessment station is offered as an editable, self-grading Google Form as well.
DISTANCE LEARNING COMPATIBILITY
SNAPs lab activities are rated for their ease with distance – independent learning. Refer to the preview of the individual resources for more information about how well each laboratory works in a fully digital classroom and with distance learning.
EDITABLE DOCUMENTS
This download includes an editable document (docx file) of all lab components:
• Pre-Lab and Post-Lab Activities
• The Lab Overview
• Lab Station Activities and Questions
• Directed Synthesis Project (when applicable)
Important Notes:
• Diagrams, illustrations, tables and graphs essential to lab activities are included
• Illustrative clipart is NOT included
• Editable documents and rubrics are included with the FREE SNAPs Setup Guide
Editable files allow you to:
• Edit the scope of the activities so to suit your students’ needs
• Edit the materials required based on resource availability
• Create single-period “mini-labs” using activities at the individual skills stations
About Differentiation
• Topics are differentiated for upper elementary, middle, and high school levels.
• Flexible pacing supports remediation, targeted instruction, and honors pacing.
• Best suited for grades 6–8, but also effective for grades 4–5 and 9–10.
• A consistent color-shape code across all resources makes differentiation easy.
Next Generation Science Standards
This curriculum supports all NGSS Earth Science standards for grades 3–5 and 6–8. It includes instructional materials and activities aligned with NGSS performance expectations, disciplinary core ideas (DCIs), Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs). Where appropriate, resources also integrate ELA and Math Common Core Standards.
Detailed alignment guides with supporting evidence are being developed for every unit.
In addition to NGSS alignment, the curriculum expands on key concepts to support smooth topic transitions, preserve traditional science content, and incorporate local and historical context. Many states have adapted NGSS with their own unique standards — this curriculum includes lessons and labs designed to meet those specific state requirements.
Dropbox Access
Educators who own the curriculum can request access to the curriculum through Dropbox. Dropbox access allows alternative methods for download and previewing files before download. Complete this Google Form to request access: https://forms.gle/tKB4N6AyrgaXDPDs7
TERMS OF USE
• All rights reserved by Stephanie Elkowitz.
• This product is to be used by the original purchaser only.
• Intended for classroom and personal use only.
• Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, department, school, or school system is prohibited.
• This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view.
• Failure to comply is a copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
Highlights
Bonus
Description
This resource is being upgraded! See what is coming to ALL my resources in 2025 and 2026: https://bit.ly/32AmRKr
About this Curriculum
This curriculum includes teaching materials differentiated for grades 6-8:
• Editable Presentations, Notes and Exams
• Printable and Digital Interactive Notebooks
• SNAPs Lab Station Activities
• Bell Ringers, Homework and Task Cards Tiered to Bloom's Taxonomy
• Reading Passages with Text-Based Evidence Comprehension Questions
• Vocabulary Builders & Word Wall
• High Yield Review Sorts & Activities
• Differentiated Course and Unit Planning Guides
Important Notes:
• Download a FREE Unit Bundle to learn more about all my products.
• View an interactive pacing guide to review my curricula: https://bit.ly/3YhdU4C
Why invest in a curriculum from Stephanie Elkowitz?
★ An exceptional value for a comprehensive, ready-to-use curriculum
★ A one-time purchase grants you lifetime access to superior teaching materials
★ All future updates and iterations included. No additional purchase required.
★ Authentic alignment to NGSS. Thoughtful connections to math and ELA CCSS.
★ Quality FREE teaching tools to help your students at my site. No ads. No fees.
★ The most recent updates include beautiful, accurate, exclusive illustrations
★ Resources will inspire you and students to take pride in teaching and learning
This curriculum includes 13 Earth Science units. For the most up-to-date list of resources included in this curriculum, take a look at the "active links" in the following unit bundles:
• Climate and Biomes Unit Bundle
• Earth, Moon and Celestial Cycles Unit Bundle
• Mapping Earth and Landforms Unit Bundle
• Natural Resources Unit Bundle
• Rocks and Minerals Unit Bundle
• Slow and Rapid Changes to Earth Unit Bundle
• Structure of the Universe Unit Bundle
BONUS - NATURE OF SCIENCE TEACHING MATERIALS
This download also includes all Nature of Science Teaching Materials. For the most up-to-date list of resources included, take a look at the "active links" in the following unit bundles:
• Understanding the Nature of Science Mini Unit Bundle
• Scientific Method and Science Practices Mini Unit Bundle
• Lab Safety, Lab Tools & Lab Skills Mini Unit Bundle
• Engineering Mini Unit Bundle
PAYMENT PLANS
• I offer a 12-month interest-free payment plan to OWN my curriculum.
• CLICK HERE or visit www.stephanieelkowitz.com to learn more.
DIGITAL RESOURCES
This bundle includes modified files that facilitate online - distance learning:
• Fillable slides designed to work with Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Digital task cards and assessments designed with Google Forms.
Important Notes about Fillable Slides:
• Digital assignments work seamlessly with Google Slides: WATCH ME
• Each assignment is saved as an individual file with the key removed.
• Digital assignments CANNOT be edited. Only the text boxes or forms can be manipulated.
All Digital resources can be shared via platforms that are password-protected or accessible only to students.
The following resources are included in this curriculum:
POWERPOINTS, NOTES & EXAMS
These resources are designed to help you deliver, discuss and assess science content. There are three teaching tools included with each resource in this curriculum:
• Presentation (differentiated and editable slides)
• Scaffolded Notes (differentiated and editable, scaffolded and modified notes)
• Summative Examination (differentiated and editable, answer key included)
This resource includes PPTX and DOCX files that work with Microsoft PowerPoint and Word AND Google App files adapted to work with Google Slides and Docs. A digital, self-grading summative assessment made with Google Forms is included. Fonts are safe for use with Microsoft Office and Google Apps.
To upload the Google App files to your Google Drive, you should use the Google Drive for Desktop App. You CANNOT directly upload the folders and files to your Google Drive within a web browser. You can manually copy and sync the files but this requires more user effort. Video directions are included and can be viewed in a web browser: https://bit.ly/3SK6RNm
INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK UNITS
My interactive notebooks are comprehensive lessons. Each lesson includes:
• One page of input notes
• At least one INB activity (key included)
• A 4-5 question mini assessment (key included)
• A 2-part reflection exercise
• Editable copies of input notes are included as separate docx files
The digital interactive notebook is the counterpart to the printable INB unit. Each lesson includes one page of editable input notes, a digital INB activity, a digital quiz and a two-part formative reflection. Digital quizzes made with Google Forms - force-copy links provided.
BELL RINGERS (DAILY WARMUPS OR EXIT SLIPS)
These differentiated and tiered 3-part activities are designed to "warmup" students at the beginning of a lesson. The bell ringers align with the interactive notebook chapters for each respective unit. Full and half page printing options and key included. Fillable slides that can be used with Google slides and Microsoft PowerPoint included.
HOMEWORK
These differentiated and tiered 3-part assignments are designed to be a 15 to 20 minute at-home or independent activity. The assignments align with the interactive notebook chapters for each respective unit. They are best used following an INB lesson. Key included. Fillable slides that can be used with Google slides and Microsoft PowerPoint included.
READING PASSAGES
These differentiated reading passages with text-based evidence comprehension questions can be used a variety of ways, including close reading in the classroom, preparation for SNAPs labs or homework. Reading passages align with the interactive notebook chapters for each respective unit. Key included. Fillable slides that can be used with Google slides and Microsoft PowerPoint included.
IMMERSIVE READER
This resource includes reading passages that can be read to a student with Microsoft’s Immersive Reader. Immersive-Reader compatible passages are read-only word documents accessed in a web browser. Internet access required. Students are provided links to the Immersive Reader compatible passages in the printable and digital versions of each activity.
Immersive reader is a FREE Microsoft educational tool. You do NOT need a Microsoft account to access this tool in a web browser. Learn more about Immersive Reader HERE.
Immersive Reader can:
• Read the entire passage to a student
• Help pronounce individual words in a passage as a student reads
• Translate the entire passage or individual words in the passage for ESL students
• Change the font, text color and background color for students with visual impairments
Additional Notes
• Written and video instructions for students are included: http://safesha.re/ppk
• Download a FREE unit of Immersive Reader compatible reading passages HERE.
TASK CARDS
Task cards are designed to assess students on key ideas and concepts covered in each respective units. Questions are differentiated (with a color and shape code) and tiered with a "signal strength" code so to probe lower, mid and higher order thinking. Questions are tiered according to the revised Bloom's taxonomy. Answer sheets (differentiated) and key included for each task card set.
DIGITAL TASK CARDS
Digital task cards are designed to work with Google Forms. The digital task card can be assigned to students with Google Classrooms or shared as a link with your student any way you choose. Self-grading. Task cards cannot be edited but can be added or removed from the form. Requires internet access.
HIGH-YIELD REVIEW ACTIVITIES
NO-PREP resources to review HIGH-YEILD topics in science! Each activity focuses on a single topic to develop mastery of that topic. Printable and digital activities and self-grading Google Forms and Easel Activities included.
For a list of included high yield review activities, refer to the following:
• Nature of Science High Yield Review
• Earth Science High Yield Review
VOCABULARY ACTIVITY PACKS
Includes EVERYTHING you need to introduce, reinforce, review and master science vocabulary! Crossword puzzles, flashcards, games and quizzes included. Printable, digital and editable components.
WORD WALL
Each card displays a simple illustration, one vocabulary word and a short definition. Half and quarter page printing options. Color and black and white.
SNAPS LAB STATIONS ACTIVITIES
SNAPs Lab Stations Activities require students to use science, math, literacy, problem-solving and engineering skills. They combine the three dimensions of science learning - science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts - in order to meet the Next Generation Science Standards. The labs also make interdisciplinary connections to STEM, Math CCSS and ELA CCSS to build the appropriate skills.
For the most up-to-date list of included labs, see the Earth Science Lab Stations Bundle.
DIGITAL LAB ACTIVITIES
The SNAPs labs in this curriculum are offered in a digital format (fillable slides compatible with Microsoft PP and Google Slides) to facilitate distance learning and support digital classrooms. To better support digital classrooms, each assessment station is offered as an editable, self-grading Google Form as well.
DISTANCE LEARNING COMPATIBILITY
SNAPs lab activities are rated for their ease with distance – independent learning. Refer to the preview of the individual resources for more information about how well each laboratory works in a fully digital classroom and with distance learning.
EDITABLE DOCUMENTS
This download includes an editable document (docx file) of all lab components:
• Pre-Lab and Post-Lab Activities
• The Lab Overview
• Lab Station Activities and Questions
• Directed Synthesis Project (when applicable)
Important Notes:
• Diagrams, illustrations, tables and graphs essential to lab activities are included
• Illustrative clipart is NOT included
• Editable documents and rubrics are included with the FREE SNAPs Setup Guide
Editable files allow you to:
• Edit the scope of the activities so to suit your students’ needs
• Edit the materials required based on resource availability
• Create single-period “mini-labs” using activities at the individual skills stations
About Differentiation
• Topics are differentiated for upper elementary, middle, and high school levels.
• Flexible pacing supports remediation, targeted instruction, and honors pacing.
• Best suited for grades 6–8, but also effective for grades 4–5 and 9–10.
• A consistent color-shape code across all resources makes differentiation easy.
Next Generation Science Standards
This curriculum supports all NGSS Earth Science standards for grades 3–5 and 6–8. It includes instructional materials and activities aligned with NGSS performance expectations, disciplinary core ideas (DCIs), Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs). Where appropriate, resources also integrate ELA and Math Common Core Standards.
Detailed alignment guides with supporting evidence are being developed for every unit.
In addition to NGSS alignment, the curriculum expands on key concepts to support smooth topic transitions, preserve traditional science content, and incorporate local and historical context. Many states have adapted NGSS with their own unique standards — this curriculum includes lessons and labs designed to meet those specific state requirements.
Dropbox Access
Educators who own the curriculum can request access to the curriculum through Dropbox. Dropbox access allows alternative methods for download and previewing files before download. Complete this Google Form to request access: https://forms.gle/tKB4N6AyrgaXDPDs7
TERMS OF USE
• All rights reserved by Stephanie Elkowitz.
• This product is to be used by the original purchaser only.
• Intended for classroom and personal use only.
• Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, department, school, or school system is prohibited.
• This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view.
• Failure to comply is a copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
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