Let’s be honest: there is never enough time in a class period, lesson, or unit. Because of this, teachers spend a lot of time planning and piecing everything together to maximize time. But that can take hours. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to make your life easier and gain back time in your planning period.

After some trial and error, I discovered the key. Templates! Using secondary science templates in my lessons gave me so much time back. Instead of creating labs from scratch, I could grab the template my students needed and go from there. I want to share some of my favorite templates that can help you, too.

Secondary Science Templates

#1 Lab Report

This Lab Report Template is perfect for almost any lab and for reviewing the scientific method. It has a spot for all the essential scientific method components like question, control, and hypothesis. You can even have students design their own experiments using this template! This secondary science template is structured and helps students learn the basics of proper lab formatting.  Read more about how I use this template to easily set up a mini scientific method lesson here!

#2 CER Template

The possibilities are endless with this CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) template. The CER model allows students to display their claims and the evidence to support them in a clear, organized way. The CER template is also great for digging deeper into critical thinking. Plus, CER is cross-curricular! Using evidence to support claims also supports ELA standards.

You can use this CER template for demonstrations, mini labs, videos, stations, case studies, scientific debates, analyzing data, projects, and more.

#3 POE Template

The POE (Predict, Observe, Explain) Template is one of my favorites for demonstrations. First, students predict what they think will happen in an experiment or demonstration. During the experiment, they gather data and record observations. Lastly, they explain what occurred and the results. 

I like using the POE template during demonstrations because it keeps students engaged even when they are just watching from their seats. Especially when you don’t have the materials or time for a full lab, you still cover the essentials with a demonstration and POE.

#4 Science Current Events Template

Want to review an article that features a new advancement in science? Want students to research something in science on their own that is worth sharing with the class? Want to just incorporate a little more ELA into your curriculum? This Science Current Events template is perfect for those types of activities!

Following current events is a great way to connect what students are learning in class to the real world. Plus, it’s a chance to bring in ELA and research skills, which never hurts. You can use this template with any article to help students explore their findings.

Add these secondary science templates to students’ interactive science notebooks and incorporate them throughout the year in various units and activities. These templates will not only save you time planning, but also reinforce essential skills and foster independent thinking in the classroom.