Self-Checking Worksheets in Middle School Science

What are self checking worksheets?

Picture this: you’re knee-deep in the world of science, trying to wrap your head around all those atoms, cells, and forces of nature. But here’s the deal – after hours of scribbling equations and jotting down notes, you’re left wondering if you’ve got it all down pat. That’s where self-checking worksheets swoop in like science superheroes in your middle school science classroom!

Self-checking worksheets are like your secret weapon for nailing middle school science concepts. They’re a bunch of practice problems that come with built-in magic – I mean, answers – so you can check your work on the spot. No more nail-biting uncertainty! These sheets give you the chance to tackle questions, test your understanding, and see instant results. It’s like having your own personal science guru right there, giving you a thumbs up or a gentle nudge in the right direction.

Self checking worksheets let students practice without the pressure, boost their confidence, and help them learn from their mistakes. Plus, they’re super flexible – students can use them in class, at home, or even during study sessions with buddies.

Three types of self checking worksheets

There are 3 types of self checking worksheets that I use routinely in my 7th and 8th grade science classes:

1. Google Forms – Using Google forms, you can create a self directed learning experience in which students must answer correctly before moving on. If you’ve never tried one, here’s a link to download a free self-checking assessment.
2. Boom Cards – Technically not worksheets, Boom cards offer students an opportunity for self-guided practice and reinforcement and serve the same purpose as a self-checking worksheet. We love Boom cards, and our students do too. They can be as interactive and engaging as you want. If you’ve never tried them but are curious, here’s a link for a free set of Boom cards.
3. Google Sheets – Google Sheets enables you to create a self-checking worksheet by using conditional formatting. Set the conditional format to one color for correct answers and another color for incorrect answers. There are a million ways you can customize this from creating pixel art to images that get revealed by blocks. If you’ve never tried a conditionally formatted Google sheet, here is a link to download a free block reveal of Snoopy in the Starry Night. If you’re teaching human body systems, here’s a quick self checking worksheet using images to identify each of the human body systems.

Why are the benefits of self checking worksheets?

Using a self checking worksheet in your 7th or 8th grade science class can help you and your students in a ton of ways. Here are the reasons I love them:

• Instant Feedback: With self-checking worksheets, you don’t have to wait for me to give you the thumbs up. You’ll know right away if you’re soaring like a superhero or need a little boost.
• Learn from Mistakes: Making an oopsie? No problemo! Self-checking worksheets help you see where you stumbled, so you can learn from those slip-ups and come back stronger. That helps build a growth mindset and grit.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice, the more confident you become. Self-checking worksheets let you tackle problems at your own pace, building your skills step by step.
• Time Flexibility: Got a few minutes before dinner? Dive into a self-checking worksheet and make the most of your spare time – without the clock ticking loudly in the background.
• Independent Learning: You’re in the driver’s seat, my friends. Self-checking worksheets empower you to take charge of your learning and explore topics on your terms.
• Teamwork Friendly: Grab a buddy and dive into these worksheets together. Compare answers, discuss concepts, and watch your understanding bloom.
• Boost Confidence: There’s nothing like acing a problem and seeing that correct answer pop up. It’s like a mini celebration that fuels your confidence to tackle even trickier challenges.
• Time Management: Using a self checking worksheet frees my time up in the classroom a little. When I have an independent activity ready for my students, I can work one on one with students who need more support while the rest of the class sails on their own.
• It’s Fun! Students are more engaged when they have instant feedback. When the pixel art becomes visible after getting a question or two correct, it’s a little dopamine hit for your kids!

How can you use self checking worksheets in your middle school science classroom?

When you’re writing your lesson plans, here are some ways to incorporate self checking worksheets:

• Bellringers: Nothing says “get started” like a review sheet. And the benefit of using a self checking worksheet is that there is no pressure on students who maybe need more practice time or might be self conscious.
• Independent Practice: Hand out self-checking worksheets as homework or in-class assignments. They encourage students to take initiative, practice concepts, and reinforce their understanding on their own.
• Station Activities: Set up self-checking worksheet stations for group work or rotations. Students can collaborate, solve problems, and verify answers together, promoting teamwork and discussion.
• Differentiation: Provide a range of self-checking worksheets with varying levels of difficulty. Tailor the challenges to individual student needs, letting everyone progress at their own pace.
• Review Sessions: Prep for tests or exams with self-checking worksheets that cover key concepts. Students can refresh their memory, identify weak spots, and build confidence before the big day.
• Closures: A self checking worksheet offers great formative feedback to measure how well your students picked up what you put down during the lesson.

Want to go deeper? Here are some strategies to craft creative lessons using self checking worksheets:

• Peer Teaching: Assign students to create their own self-checking worksheets. This encourages them to deeply understand the material and share their knowledge with peers.
• Flipped Learning: Flip the script by assigning self-checking worksheets as pre-class work. This primes students with essential knowledge, so you can delve deeper into discussions during class time.
• Gamification: Turn learning into a game by incorporating self-checking worksheets into quiz competitions or classroom challenges. Everyone loves a friendly competition!

How do I make a self checking worksheet for middle school science?

Creating your own self checking Google form is as simple as setting correct answers and then selecting what happens when students get the question correct or incorrect. Here’s a link to the blog where we gave step by step directions to creating a Google form self-checking resource.

Boom cards are a little more complicated. You will need your own account (a free account has some restrictions but is usable for basics). If you’ve tried them and love them as much as we do, here’s a link to the blog where we gave step by step directions to creating your own Boom Cards. If you decide to upgrade your account, use my referral link to save a 10%!

Self checking Google sheets can be as complicated or simple as you like. You can simply have a box turn green if the answer is correct or red if it’s wrong, or you can gussy it up with fancy picture reveals or pixel art. If you’ve tried them and want to create your own, here’s a link to the blog where we gave step by step directions to creating your own self-checking Google Sheets.

I’d love to know what kinds of self checking worksheets you’ve tried and how you use them! Let me know in the comments!

Here are some self checking worksheets you can find in the JustAddH2OSchool store!