NGSS Life Science (Grades 5–8)
NGSS Life Science (Grades 5–8)
Cells, organisms and ecosystems with hands-on investigations — phenomena-driven life science.
Browse all resources →Featured resources
Ready-to-teach resources, with real previews
Hand-picked from our catalogue for this topic — tap any cover to see the full preview, contents and price.
Curriculum fit
Aligned to NGSS life science
Phenomena, investigations and explanation tasks develop disciplinary core ideas and science practices.
How to teach it
A suggested teaching sequence
- Hook with a real phenomenonA concrete example or specimen gives the science a reason to matter.
- Build core knowledgeClear explanations and diagrams make abstract biology visible.
- Investigate practicallyHands-on tasks develop enquiry and working-scientifically skills.
- Apply & assessQuestions and answer keys check understanding and flag misconceptions.
What’s covered
Skills & topics inside
- Living things & life processes
- Cells & organisms
- Ecosystems & habitats
- Practical investigations
- Working scientifically
Differentiation & assessment
Built to work for every learner
Practical guidance, diagrams and answer keys make these usable whether or not you have a lab, and reading/extension tasks let you differentiate the demand for mixed-ability science groups.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do these align to Common Core and NGSS?
Yes. Skills and topics support the Common Core State Standards and, for science, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). They work across states whatever your local standards require.
Do the labs need special equipment?
No. Most investigations run in a normal classroom, with guidance to adapt materials.
What will I receive, and can I reuse it?
Everything downloads instantly as editable Microsoft Word documents and PowerPoint slides with full answer keys, so you can print class sets or teach on screen. Each purchase is licensed for your own classroom and can be reused with new students every year.
Plan this topic in minutes
Download exactly what you need and spend your time teaching, not searching.
Browse all resources →