Nature of Science: Scientific Method, Measurement & Graphing Unit | MS Physical Science

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This unit is included in the Life Science Curriculum 5E Model, Earth Science Curriculum 5E Model, and Physical Science Curriculum 5E Model.

Teach the scientific method, observation skills, measurement, data collection, and graphing with this comprehensive Nature of Science unit designed for middle school Physical Science, Earth Science, and Life Science.

This unit includes lessons, notes, labs, interactive notebook activities, quizzes, stations, task cards, and assessments—everything you need for a zero-prep, high-engagement introduction to science practices.

Perfect for grades 6–8, this resource helps students master inquiry skills, variables, accuracy vs. precision, metric measurement, graphing, and scientific reasoning through hands-on investigations.

Aligned to NGSS Middle School Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) for conducting investigations, analyzing data, measuring, and communicating scientific findings.

⭐ What’s Included

• PowerPoints for:
  • The Method of Science
  • Standards of Measurement
  • Graphing
• Student Notes (print + digital)
• Interactive Notebook activities (print + digital)
• Mini-quizzes + digital assessments
• Teacher Demo: The Ice Issue
• Guided Inquiry Lab: Colorful Observations
• Science Stations (STEM Challenge Included)
• Task Cards (print + digital)
• Study Guide
• Final Chapter Assessment
• QR codes for free online textbook
• 9-day pacing guide
• Answer keys for all components

⭐ Key Concepts Covered

• Scientific method
• Observations vs. inferences
• Inquiry & process skills
• Independent, dependent & controlled variables
• Accuracy vs. precision
• Lab tools + measurement techniques
• SI (metric) units
• Data tables & graphing
• Interpreting trends
• Lab safety foundations

⭐ Why Teachers Love This Unit

• Highly visual, scaffolded NGSS-aligned lessons
• Demo + lab + notebook integration increases engagement
• Zero-prep — everything is included
• Perfect for grades 6–8
• Strong mix of inquiry, literacy, and hands-on learning
• Stations + task cards support mastery and differentiation
• Ideal first unit of the school year

⭐ Ideal For

• Middle School Physical Science
• Scientific method instruction
• Measurement & graphing introduction
• NGSS SEP skill-building
• Interactive notebook classrooms
• Blended learning environments

⭐ Suggested Pacing Guide – Nature of Science (9 Days)

Day 1: Teacher Demo – The Ice Issue; Section 1 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 2: Section 1 Mini-Quiz; Section 2 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 3: Section 2 Mini-Quiz; Guided Inquiry Lab – Colorful Observations
Day 4: Section 3 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 5: Section 3 Mini-Quiz; Science Stations
Day 6: Science Stations
Day 7: Creation Station Final Draft + Testing
Day 8: Task Cards + Study Guide
Day 9: Chapter Assessment

Copyright © NGS Magnified, LLC. All rights reserved by author Dr. Erica Colón.  All NGS Magnified curriculum is creative property of Erica Colón and cannot be resold or distributed.  This product is to be used by the original downloader 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). Clipart and elements found in this PDF are copyrighted and cannot be extracted and used outside of this file without permission or license. Intended for classroom and personal use ONLY.