3 Easy Ideas for Science Sub Plans – NGSS Approved!

Sub plans are a critical tool for maintaining continuity in the classroom, even when the teacher isn’t there. A well-prepared sub plan ensures students stay engaged, follow routines, and keep learning. However, creating lesson plans for science can be especially tricky, particularly when following the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). NGSS emphasizes three-dimensional learning, where students not only absorb content but also engage in practices and connect ideas across disciplines. So, how do we create sub plans that don’t lead to a wasted day? We’ll talk about it in this post.

Sub Plans – Challenges

Creating effective sub plans for a science classroom comes with its own set of challenges. First, plans need to be easy to follow, with clear steps and essential details about student procedures. Often, substitute teachers are unavailable, so colleagues may step in to cover classes. This means plans must be simple enough for a teacher unfamiliar with the lesson to guide students confidently.

Additionally, students may be more likely to get off task when their regular teacher is absent. Engaging yet structured activities help prevent distractions and keep students focused. Finally, every minute of instructional time counts, so sub plans should ensure that students are actively learning, not just keeping busy. Well-crafted plans maintain momentum, helping avoid wasted time and ensuring students continue progressing, even in the teacher’s absence.

What to Include in a Sub Plan

A clear, detailed sub plan sets the substitute up for success and keeps the day running smoothly. Here’s what every sub plan should include:

• A Schedule
• Seating Chart
• List of Student Needs
• Information about the Lessons

Make it simple with a Sub Plan Template

Using a lesson plan template can make creating sub plans quick and easy. A consistent format helps ensure that all the essential information—like schedules, seating charts, and lesson details—is included every time. With a template, you don’t have to worry about leaving anything out, as each section prompts you to add the necessary components. Once your template is set up, creating a sub plan becomes as simple as making a copy and adding specific updates for the day. This approach saves time and makes planning for absences much more manageable.

Don’t have a template? Check out mine here.

3 Ideas for Science Sub Plans

Planning engaging, manageable lessons for a substitute can be tough, but here are three ideas that work well across grade levels. These activities require minimal setup and keep students on track, ensuring instructional time is used effectively.

Idea #1: Review the Science and Engineering Practices

Revisiting the science and engineering practices (SEPs) students have already learned is a productive way to reinforce skills. Provide a list of SEPs covered so far, and ask students to reflect on how they’ve applied these practices in previous lessons.

For example, ask students to review scenarios in an investigation. Or, have them identify components of an arguement.

SEP Sub Plans

Idea # 2: Give Students a Simulation

A simulation is an ideal lesson for a substitute because it’s both interactive and easy to manage. By posting the simulation directly to an LMS like Google Classroom or Canvas, students can access it independently, allowing for minimal instruction from the sub. Simulations can be used to reinforce concepts that students have already learned, helping solidify their understanding. They’re also a great tool for introducing new ideas, as they engage students in exploring real-world scenarios or scientific processes in a controlled, digital environment. This keeps students focused while ensuring meaningful learning continues, even in the teacher’s absence.

PhET Simulations

PhET simulations are interactive, research-based simulations developed by the University of Colorado Boulder to enhance science and math education. These digital tools allow students to explore and manipulate virtual models of scientific phenomena, making complex concepts more accessible and engaging. Each simulation is carefully designed to align with educational standards and is customizable for various learning levels. PhET simulations cover a wide range of topics—from physics and chemistry to biology and math—and are ideal for both reinforcing existing knowledge and introducing new ideas. Their user-friendly design and compatibility with learning management systems make them perfect for classroom use, independent exploration, or even as part of a substitute lesson plan.

I’ve created ready-to-post lessons that make excellent lessons. Here are the ones that are currently available:

For Middle and High School:

• Build an Atom (Chemistry)
• Atomic Mass (Chemistry)
• Density (Chemistry/Physical Science)
• Gravity and Orbits (Earth and Space Science)
• States of Matter (Physical Science)
• Balancing Equations (Physical Science)
• Static Electricity (Physical Science)
• Energy Skate Park (Physical Science)
• Bunny Evolution (Life Science)

For Elementary School

• Force and Motion (3rd Grade)
• States of Matter (5th Grade)

Idea #3: Reading or Videos

Reading passages or educational videos make excellent choices for sub plans because they’re easy to manage and provide meaningful learning opportunities. Both can reinforce topics students have already covered or introduce new content in a simple, engaging way. A well-chosen reading with guiding questions can encourage students to dive deeper into scientific concepts, practicing their comprehension and analytical skills. Videos, especially when paired with prompts or follow-up questions, can visually demonstrate ideas that might otherwise feel abstract. These activities keep students focused and require minimal instruction from the substitute, ensuring that learning continues smoothly in the teacher’s absence.