Middle School Chemistry Curriculum for Long-Term Subs and Leave Cover
Covering a grades 6–8 chemistry or physical science class for a teacher on leave? This curriculum gives a long-term sub 20+ no-prep resources on matter and its properties and on atoms, elements and the periodic table, with inquiry tasks that use observation, data and models. It lets you teach density, physical versus chemical change and periodic table patterns safely, even when chemicals are off limits for substitutes.
See the chemistry curriculum →Chemistry Complete – Middle School is a digital grades 6–8 curriculum with 20+ resources, from $149.90. A long-term substitute can teach states of matter, mass, volume, density, solubility, physical vs chemical changes, atomic structure at a conceptual level, elements, compounds, chemical symbols, periodic table patterns, and metals and nonmetals, with inquiry practices throughout. It is no-prep and sequenced. No chemicals or lab kits are included.
The curriculum
Chemistry Complete – Middle School, Grades 6–8
Start with the full curriculum. The other resources below are optional add-ons. Open any cover for the full contents and price.
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The real problem
Teaching chemistry when you cannot touch the chemicals
Chemistry is the science most likely to be restricted for a substitute. Safety rules often mean no burners, no acids, sometimes not even baking soda and vinegar without the regular teacher present. Yet middle school chemistry is supposed to be hands-on, and students know it. A long-term sub needs a way to teach physical and chemical change without setting anything on fire. The content itself is abstract. Atoms cannot be seen, density is a ratio that confuses many twelve-year-olds, and the periodic table looks like a wall of letters until someone shows students the patterns in it. If a sub cannot make those ideas concrete, the class turns into memorizing symbols. Many science subs have a life science or general background and are less comfortable explaining atomic structure or why metals and nonmetals behave differently. And the sequence matters: students need to understand matter and its properties before atoms and elements make sense. Arriving mid-unit, you have to figure out quickly where the class is in that progression and how to move forward without leaving a gap the returning teacher has to fill.
Why it fits
What it gives a chemistry sub
The curriculum builds chemistry ideas through observation, data and models, which suits a sub with limited lab access.
- Physical vs chemical change lessons let students classify examples from evidence without running reactions.
- Density lessons connect mass and volume step by step, a common sticking point for this age group.
- Periodic table pattern lessons turn the table from a list into something students can reason with.
- Atomic structure is taught at a conceptual level, which a non-chemist sub can explain clearly.
- Metals and nonmetals lessons give students properties to compare and sort using evidence.
- Matter comes before atoms in the sequence, so you can see where a mid-unit class belongs.
Getting started
Starting a chemistry leave the safe way
One suggested approach for the first two weeks, built around what a sub can usually do in a science room.
- Check the safety rules on day oneAsk the department exactly what you may and may not do in the lab. Write it down. Every lesson you choose for the leave should fit inside those rules.
- Find where the class isA short review on states of matter and physical properties shows whether students are ready for atoms and elements or still need work on matter. Use the answer key to sort results quickly.
- Teach density with dataGive students mass and volume data to work with and have them calculate and compare densities. It builds the concept without requiring a scale or cylinders for every group.
- Sort changes by evidenceUse the physical vs chemical change lesson to have students classify everyday examples, such as melting, rusting or dissolving, and justify each choice with evidence.
- Introduce periodic table patternsBy week two, move into elements and the periodic table. Have students look for patterns across rows and columns before you name them, then grade a short explanation.
Which version
Which chemistry option to choose
The $149.90 version includes all 20+ resources. That is a compact set, so for a leave longer than a few weeks you should plan to stretch it or add material. Middle school physical science courses often combine chemistry with motion and energy, and if yours does, Physics Complete – Middle School is the natural partner; TEACHMORE15 gives 15% off when you buy both. The STEM Complete Curriculum Bundle Grades 6–10 is another option. The $189.90 version adds the Teach-Life-Balance course for organizing your own time, not more chemistry.
Honest limits
Where the chemistry curriculum ends
This curriculum contains 20+ resources, so it will not cover a full semester by itself without extension. It includes no chemicals, glassware, lab kits or safety equipment, and it does not override your school's rules about what a substitute may do in the lab. The inquiry practices are not a claim of NGSS alignment; compare the content with your state science standards. Contact Teach Lessons before using it across a team. If it does not fit your assignment, exchange it within 7 days for store credit of equal value.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Does it follow NGSS or my state science standards?
We do not claim alignment with, or endorsement by, NGSS or any state. The curriculum includes inquiry practices and is written for U.S. middle school classrooms. Check its matter and periodic table content against your state's science standards, which may place chemistry topics in different grades.
Can I teach chemistry with no lab access?
Yes, for much of the content. Students classify changes from evidence, calculate density from data, and find patterns in the periodic table without handling chemicals. If your school later allows simple demonstrations, the inquiry lessons fit around them. Ask students to describe what they would expect to see in each change, which keeps the focus on evidence.
Is 20+ resources enough for my leave?
For a few weeks, it can be. For a semester, plan to extend lessons with practice and review or add a second curriculum. Physics Complete – Middle School pairs well if your course covers motion and energy too, and the STEM Complete Curriculum Bundle is also available.
How deep does the atomic structure go?
It is taught at a conceptual level suitable for grades 6–8: what atoms are made of, elements and compounds, chemical symbols and periodic table patterns. There is no heavy math or advanced chemistry, which makes it manageable for a sub without a chemistry degree. Building simple atom models from paper also helps students picture structure.
Will it help students who find science hard?
The worksheets are differentiated and the curriculum is described as suitable for mixed-ability classrooms. Concrete tasks such as sorting everyday changes or comparing metals and nonmetals give struggling students a way in before abstract ideas like atomic structure. Short density problems with familiar objects are another accessible entry point for students who find ratios confusing.
How soon can I use it?
Straight away. You receive a download link by email after purchase, and the files stay in your customer account under Orders. You can print or project them for your first day. Since nothing has to be shipped, you can be ready for a new assignment on short notice. The states of matter review is a good lesson to print first, because it shows where each class stands.
Teach chemistry safely through the leave
See the product page for the full contents of the grades 6–8 chemistry curriculum.
See the chemistry curriculum →