Just say NO to busywork! Instead, check out these six science sub plans that you can print and (literally) go! They keep students learning and engaged while you’re out! No matter what topic you are currently teaching, you can use any of these science sub plans in a pinch! They each are differentiated to accommodate different learning styles and designed to hold students’ interest to keep them learning and focused. I sometimes assign a specific one, or let students choose which one they would most like to complete. You know how students love choices when it comes to their assignments, and I find if I give them the choice, I am more likely to have a higher percentage of completed work upon my return (and a much less stressed substitute teacher!).
Here are six science sub plans to keep handy, use on the fly, or put in your sub folder for peace of mind! All activities require no-prep on your part and can be used for any topic you happen to be teaching when the unexpected happens!
Comic Strip Assignment With Templates and Rubric
Engage Students with Creativity
These science sub plans includes two comic strip templates, directions, and a rubric for students to create a comic strip on any current unit of study. You can also use this activity to choose a prior unit as a review activity while you’re away from the classroom. It keeps students engaged, involves critical thinking, using creativity, and having fun! Print and go or post the rubric to your LMS and provide the topic and copy paper and you are done!
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Science Frayer Model Templates with a twist!
Go Deeper with Vocabulary
Get them synthesizing and diagramming! Two versions of Frayer models are included: One with two Frayers per page and the other that has one Frayer with an additional space for students to create a detailed diagram or comic strip representing their vocabulary term(s). I like to give a list of current science terms for students to choose from.
These make excellent science sub plans! They can be from any unit of study – past or present! Or you can use this as an introduction to a vocabulary term for a future unit to build that prior knowledge before teaching.
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Research a Scientist One-Pager
Use with any scientist!
In this one-pager, students research any scientist, fill in graphic organizer-style text box prompts, and decorate a lab coat to represent how the scientist would likely decorate their own coat. Super fun and engaging for students in all types of science classes – making this a great set of science sub plans!
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Video Handout for ANy science Video of your (or your students’) choice!
Watch and Learn!
This generic one-page video handout is set up like a graphic organizer and has prompts that range from summarizing, drawing, analyzing, rating, reviewing, and more! Use with any science video in a pinch! Perfect for when you find a great YouTube video, but can’t find a good worksheet for it.
This is one of my students’ favorite science sub plans!
DIY Science Word search and vocab practice
Get creative with science vocabulary!
Students follow directions to create a word search AND define the terms in the word search. Just provide students a list of 8-15 vocabulary terms or let them choose their own from a chapter. This can be used for any topic or vocabulary terms, for any subject!
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set your students up with a game!
practice science vocabulary terms with a fun game!
Give students a list of ten terms and one die (or let them use a virtual dice website) and watch them go! For every different roll they will complete a different activity based on that roll.
From drawing to comparing and contrasting, this activity accommodates all learning styles and keeps your students engaged while you’re away!
Get all these great Science sub plans to keep in your back pocket!
Use them as science sub plans or activities in your classroom. The beauty of these resources is that they can be used for any topic in science, making them perfect for whether you’re in a pinch or just need a meaningful and differentiated assignment!
Always be prepared to have fun in science!
Even if you are fortunate to never have to take the day off or change your plans on the fly (we can all wish), having already made, ready-to-go, and no-prep activities that you can implement with any science topic will give you peace of mind when the the unexpected happens.
If you’re looking for more no-prep print-and-go assignments, check out my website shop or my TPT store! I wish you the best! Take care and Happy Sciencing!
