Emergency lesson plans high school science

Know that feeling of DREAD when you wake up sick and school starts in a couple hours? Or are you so mentally drained you need a day off? (Been there!) Coming up with sub plans can be more of a hassle than just showing up and pushing through. BUT, you

have to stress over sub plans. Here are some easy ideas that will only take a few minutes to prep. Choose one (or two!) and have copies made at the beginning of the year that can be used in case of emergency.

IF YOUR STUDENTS HAVE COMPUTER ACCESS

Every school has different rules on technology. Even if you are 1:1, some schools don’t allow students to be on computers with a sub. But if you do have access, here are a couple ideas:

1. VIRTUAL LAB: Have students complete a virtual lab. If you use a website like PHET, there are free lab worksheets available for download when you create an account.

2. TED TALK: If students have laptops with headphones (or the sub has computer access and can project it on the screen), have students watch a Ted Talk from YouTube. Here is a free worksheet students can fill out that can go with any Ted Talk.

3. VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP: In the age of Google Earth, the virtual field trip possibilities are endless. Students can explore national parks or even the ISS with the click of a button. Provide a link for students to explore and have them write a reflection on what they saw and experienced.

4. PODCAST: Find a fun science podcast episode students can listen to and have them write a reflection. There are so many podcasts out there it can be overwhelming… here is a list of science podcasts you can choose from.

IF YOUR STUDENTS DON’T HAVE COMPUTER ACCESS

No tech? No problem.

5. ARTICLE: Have an article students can read printed and ready to go. The topic doesn’t have to match your current unit, just pick something high interest. Check out this blog post where you can find free articles.

6. TEXTBOOK CHAPTER ANALYSIS: I don’t often bust out the textbooks, but having students use them when there is a sub is a great option. Have students read through a section from your current unit and fill out this worksheet. You can find it free here.

7. ONE PAGER: Have the sub grab the tub of colored pencils and have students create a one-pager for a topic you have covered this year. If your students are already familiar with one-pagers, this should need very little direction. Not familiar with them? Check out this blog post from Cult of Pedagogy.

8. COLORING PAGE: There are a bunch of free science coloring pages available online. Here are some from ASU, classroom doodles, NASA, some famous scientists, or coloring nature.

What other low-prep sub plans do you have in your teacher toolkit? Leave me a comment!