There are few things more stressful for a classroom teacher than scrambling to find emergency sub plans at the last minute—especially when life happens, and you’re faced with unexpected absences or those dreaded sick days. We’ve all been there: you wake up with a sore throat, a sick child, or a sudden unexpected event, and you realize you need to arrange for a substitute teacher right away. Even the most organized among us might not have the perfect sub binder or sub folder updated and ready for action. That’s why I have put together free resources to help you weather these frantic times. From reading comprehension sub plan sets to mathematics worksheets, I offer a variety of free, fillable, and printable activities guaranteed to give you peace of mind during a last minute sub scenario.
If you just want to scroll through them on Teachers Pay Teachers (tpt) you can just click: The Teaching Astrophysicist Free Resources.
This post details how these resources can transform your Oh no, I need a sub tomorrow! moment from a chaotic scramble into a smooth, stress-free day. You’ll discover stand-alone lessons, pre-made lesson plans, and digital versions to suit distance learning or traditional classroom settings. Whether you serve 5th grade, middle school students, or even high schoolers, these freebies will ensure your sub has everything needed to keep student engagement high and the learning process intact. Better yet, they align with a wide range of grade levels (from 7th grade science ideas to 8th grade tasks, even spicing things up for high school students when needed). Let’s dig into these emergency sub plan resources—and why they might just be the best sub plans you’ll find.
1. Understanding the Need for Free Emergency Sub Plans
1.1 The Sub Day Dilemma
When an unexpected absence strikes—be it a personal day, a medical emergency, or just life happening—the classroom teacher often feels compelled to come up with something more meaningful than random busy work. You might have regular lesson plans stashed somewhere, but do they translate well into a substitute lesson plan format? Are they easy access for a guest teacher? Will they work in a single day or over multiple days?
1.2 Why Traditional Plans Might Not Cut It
Traditional lessons often hinge on your personal teaching style, specialized materials, and context-specific instructions. A substitute teacher—especially one who steps in at the last minute—may have zero familiarity with your routines, grade level specifics, or the classroom culture. In such scenarios, you need resources that can stand on their own, even if you’re not there to guide every step. These must include clear instructions, an answer key where appropriate, built-in comprehension questions, and ideally, the capacity for independent work. That’s a tall order—and it’s precisely why I’ve developed these freebies for you.
1.3 The Benefits of Pre-Made, Ready-to-Use Materials
Emergency lesson plans shouldn’t just rescue you from the stress of the day—they should also keep your students genuinely engaged with real content. That means the sub is set up to succeed, the students are busy learning (not just filling time), and your existing curriculum remains largely on track. My free resources aim to deliver exactly that: no-fuss, no-frills materials that get the job done without requiring extensive prep work. Think of them as your quick rescue kit for a time of crisis, offering peace of mind so you can focus on recovering from your sore throat or dealing with a sick child without worrying about how your middle school student or your high schoolers are spending class time.
2. Introducing Oliver’s Free Resources
I’m excited to share an entire selection of freebies that act as great emergency sub plan options. Each set is designed for middle school science teachers (with possible adaptations for 5th grade, 6th grade, or upper levels), but they can also serve as cross-curricular boosters—especially for older learners or high school students who might enjoy a quick break from the usual routine.
2.1 Science Articles (Science Reading Comprehension Worksheets)
One of the cornerstones of my freebies is a collection of science articles. Each article is accompanied by comprehension questions and a student worksheet—perfect for creating a reading comprehension sub plan. Topics range widely:
Physical science (e.g., forces, energy) - Rollercoaster Physics Science Article (for example)
Life sciences (biodiversity, ecosystems) - Animal Adaptations Science Article
Earth science (volcanoes, earthquakes) - Tectonic Plates Science Article
Astronomy (stars, exoplanets) - Neutron Stars Science Article
Many of these articles take an informational text approach, ensuring students engage in close reading while building background knowledge. The accompanying graphic organizer or corresponding worksheet fosters data analysis skills, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of a particular topic.
Digital format? Absolutely. They come as Google Docs or Word Docs for distance learning, and I also provide printable versions for traditional in-class use. It’s a great way to ensure your sub day runs smoothly—just assign the article, let students read, and have them work through the questions. If students finish early, they can summarize the text or compare it to a social studies concept they’ve learned. That means no more busy work; these reading tasks genuinely reinforce scientific literacy.
2.2 Science Research Project Templates (Webquests)
Research-based learning can be a fun way to keep students engaged, and these science research project templates or Webquests are designed to promote critical thinking without requiring elaborate classroom teacher guidance. Topics might include:
Health / Physical Education related - such Pacemakers Science Research Project Template
Chemistry related - such as an Acid Rain Science Research Project Template
Earth Science related - such as Animal Terraforming Science Research Project Template
These resources come with clear instructions, step-by-step prompts, and a checklist so a substitute teacher can easily facilitate the activity. Best of all, they’re available in a digital format, suitable for Google Docs or as a simple printable packet. The sub can project or distribute them quickly, ensuring even an unexpected event day goes off without a hitch. Given they have 9 possible thought provoking questions in a clear 3 different difficulties levels in sets of 3. They are a great tool for middle and high school science teachers.
2.3 Mathematics Worksheets and Primary Mathematics Choice Boards
While my focus is typically middle school science content, I also acknowledge the importance of math in STEM education. That’s why I’ve included mathematics worksheets and primary mathematics choice boards in the freebies. These range from 5th grade fundamentals (like fraction practice) to more advanced tasks that a 7th grade or 8th grade student can handle. If your sub day requires multi-level coverage—perhaps you have both a 1st grade science class to plan for or a high school math elective—these materials can fill in skill gaps or reinforce prior knowledge. They also work wonders for early finishers who crave more challenges during a sub day.
Some examples of what I have available include:
Addition Math Menu Grade 2 | Enrichment | Choice menu - Perfect for 2nd grade maths
Maths Money Worksheets | Percentages & Compounding Set - Great for teaching students about financial literacy
2.4 How Is It Made? and Maths in Real Life Articles
Two specialized categories—how is it made and maths in real life—provide stand-alone lessons for a single period or an entire block. They blend science, mathematics, and sometimes social studies, depending on the context:
How Is It Made: Short but captivating texts about manufacturing processes or the origin of common items, accompanied by a corresponding worksheet of comprehension questions such as the how is it made balloons short article.
Maths in Real Life: Investigative articles that pose real-world problems (e.g., budgeting, sports statistics, or climate data) and understand where mathematics is used in different careers. Students get to see the practical side of math and how it supports critical thinking. Similarly testing reading comprehension and helping answering that age old question. When will we ever use mathematics in real life? Well maybe this mechanic maths - maths in real life article will help.
Both sets come with an answer key for the sub’s convenience. The students read, answer questions, and discuss—these tasks work equally well in traditional classroom settings or for distance learning.
2.5 Science Stories, Technology Quotes, and Jokes
Need something lighthearted but still tied to science classes? My freebies also include short science stories, curated sets of technology related quotes, and humorous jokes that revolve around scientific themes. These are perfect for early finishers or as a cool-down activity at the end of class. The sub can use them to spark conversation, lead short debates, or simply provide a change of pace from heavier reading tasks.
Science Stories: Typically these stories are about discovering or making scientific understandings and products such as the first which is about discovering x-rays.
Technology Quotes: A daily or weekly prompt to get students thinking about the impact of tech in our lives. Pair quotes with a quick writing prompt or short discussion for deeper reflections. This Technology Quotes | Quote a day product which is free.
Jokes: Perfect for a sub’s opening or closing routine to maintain a positive vibe in class. Here is my free Technology Jokes Teaching Resource.
3. Setting Up These Resources for Easy Access
3.1 Google Drive and Digital Versions
All my freebies are housed in an organized set of folders within Google Drive, ensuring maximum easy access. You can download, print, or assign them through Google Docs, unfortunately not all are available in Google Slides. This means you don’t need the latest version of Google Chrome or specialized software—just a stable internet connection. If the sub is comfortable with technology, they can project or screen-share the tasks. If not, they can print it all out. Either way, your grade level range is covered.
3.2 Sub Binder or Sub Folder Inclusion
These resources are tailor-made for inclusion in your sub binder or sub folder. Consider them your short- or long-term solution:
Detailed lesson plan pages: Summarize the main goals of each activity, giving your sub the context they need. Increasingly I am making more and more detailed lesson bundles that are coming through slowly. Though I will admit these are not necessarily free - such as some initial ones on genetic pedigrees and momentum for example.
Student worksheet sets: Print out a class set ahead of time or keep them stored digitally.
Graphic organizer templates: Perfect for any close reading tasks or data analysis skills lessons. These are also not free, but they are an excellent and great value product too. Science Reading Anchor Charts | Graphic Organizers.
Answer key documents: So the sub (or even a helpful student) can quickly check solutions without guesswork.
Even if you only do minimal prep work—like printing copies or ensuring the sub knows the resource location—having these in your sub binder drastically reduces the chaos of last-minute sub days.
3.3 Incorporating in Traditional or Distance Learning
Whether you teach in-person or manage distance learning, these freebies cater to both. If you find yourself with an unexpected absence, share the Google Docs with your students on your learning management system. The sub can oversee breakout discussions or in-class reading. Meanwhile, you can rest easy, focusing on your own well-being.
4. Aligning with Curriculum and Student Levels
4.1 Suitable for Various Grade Levels
Though these freebies primarily target middle school science teachers, they’re easily adaptable. For 5th grade classes, select simpler reading passages or math boards. For 8th grade students, maybe something more advanced like a research project template or a story about periodic table breakthroughs. Even high school students can enjoy certain stand-alone lessons or extended research tasks that need minimal teacher direction.
4.2 Cross-Curricular Connections
If you want to elevate the sub day from typical filler activities, cross-curricular ties can help. For instance:
Pair a Maths in Real Life article with IXL Learning practice for test prep or data analysis skills.
Use a How Is It Made? article about renewable energy in a social studies unit focusing on global resource use.
Tie technology quotes into a writing prompt for an ELA assignment, bridging critical thinking across subject lines.
By doing so, you support middle school students in connecting the dots between disciplines, ensuring even sub days remain academically rich.
4.3 Stand-Alone or Supplemental to Regular Lesson Plans
Want your sub day to align seamlessly with your regular lesson plans? That’s possible. Because these freebies cover a wide range of science and math topics, you can often find a resource that complements your ongoing physical science or life science units. Or you can choose a particular topic that stands alone—a day for exploring an interesting phenomenon, reading about the periodic table, or analyzing real-world data—without derailing your main curriculum.
5. How to Use These Resources: A Detailed Look
5.1 Single Day Format
On a typical single-day absence, instruct the sub to assign:
Science Reading Article: Students read for 10-15 minutes, fill out the corresponding worksheet or graphic organizer, and answer comprehension questions.
Extension: If they finish early, they can move on to the “How Is It Made?” article or a relevant math puzzle.
Wrap-Up: End with a short discussion or a science story reading for early finishers.
5.2 Multi-Day or Extended Sub Coverage
For a multi-day or long-term sub scenario—like when you’re dealing with an extended sick days or personal event:
Science Research Project Template: Assign a WebQuest covering a unit-based topic. Students do guided online or library research.
Mathematics Worksheets: Integrate a fun way to apply real-world calculations, bridging both science and math.
Daily Tech Quote: Start each day with a brief reflection on a chosen quote. Students write a paragraph about its meaning or discuss it in small groups.
Extra Activities: Provide jokes, short science stories, or a puzzle (like a science-themed crossword puzzle) for the sub to use as morning work or end-of-day tasks.
5.3 Maintaining Student Engagement
Sub days can devolve into chaos if the tasks aren’t carefully chosen. Because these freebies were designed with student engagement in mind, you can trust they offer a sense of novelty—great way to keep restlessness at bay. They demand just enough critical thinking or puzzle-solving to ensure kids stay on task, reducing classroom management issues for the sub.
6. Additional Tips and Bonus Points
Personalize Where Possible: If you know you’ll be out ahead of time, tweak the instructions or editable lesson plan template to align with your class’s pacing.
Offer Choice: Let students pick from a few particular topic reading passages or maths in real life tasks. Choice fosters ownership and can minimize off-task behavior.
Include an Intro Note for the Sub: A short paragraph explaining the day’s structure, along with any important information about your class routines, helps the sub feel confident.
Pair with Additional Resources: If your school uses ixl learning or other online resources, incorporate them as optional practice. This multi-layered approach can be a lifesaver if some kids finish quickly.
Reward System: If you like offering bonus points or a small incentive, tie it to thorough completion of the tasks.
7. Addressing Potential Hurdles
7.1 Technology Glitches
Sometimes, technology can fail—especially if your sub or your students aren’t used to digital platforms. For that reason, all freebies are also available in print-friendly versions. If the latest version of google chrome won’t load or there’s an internet outage, your sub can distribute printed packets. This ensures an optimal experience for all.
7.2 Variation in Grade Level Readiness
If you have classes ranging from 1st grade science to high school in the same day, selecting the right resource for each level can be tricky. This is where a large library of freebies helps. Simply pick a simpler reading passage or 2nd grade science style resource for younger students, and a more complex emergency science sub plans zombie scenario or advanced data analysis for older classes.
7.3 Minimizing “Throwaway” Busy Work
We all know about throwaway lessons that do nothing to build prior knowledge or teach new content. My aim is to replace that with materials that have legitimate educational value. For instance, a reading passages set focusing on the periodic table encourages data analysis skills and fosters a deeper understanding of chemistry basics. Or a How It Is Made? article on everyday plastic manufacturing could intrigue a middle school student enough to explore engineering down the road.
8. Success Stories and Feedback
TPT sellers and teachers who’ve tested these freebies frequently mention how they saved them from meltdown on sub days. They praise how the resources promote independent work while still tying back to the curriculum. One teacher shared that after leaving the zombie apocalypse reading activity for her sub day, her students asked if they could do more stories like that even after her return. Another teacher used the technology quotes as a daily warm-up, finding it to be a great emergency sub plan fallback for any day she couldn’t craft something else in time.
9. A Couple Ideas on Implementation
Idea 1: Emergency Sub Plan Folder
Take 2-3 sets of these freebies—like a reading comprehension sub plan on the periodic table, a maths in real life article, and a science stories collection—and print them out. Label them Sub Day Packet in your sub binder. You’ll always have them on hand, cutting down on sub days stress-free days and guaranteeing a no-hassle approach. Write in your detailed lesson plan the main goals of each resource, approximate times, and a quick note like Collect at the end of class for grading.
Idea 2: Digital Format Backup
Upload everything to a special Google Drive folder labeled Sub Plans. Share it with your administration or designated staff so they can give the sub direct easy access to the files if you’re ever out on an unexpected event. That way, you don’t need to scramble emailing back and forth if you’re home sick.
Idea 3: Tiered Assignments
If you have 8th grade honors classes and 6th grade general science, pick freebies that differentiate. Let advanced students handle a more rigorous assignment, while younger students do a simpler reading comprehension task. This ensures every group gets an age-appropriate challenge.
10. Conclusion: Your Key to Stress-Free Sub Days
Managing an emergency sub plan scenario doesn’t have to be a nightmare. When you have curated, best sub plans on hand—like the freebies I’ve created—you can rest easy, confident that your middle school science teachers colleagues, your guest teacher, and your students will transition smoothly. Whether you’re missing class for a personal day, dealing with a sick child, or facing an unexpected absence at the beginning of the year, you can keep the learning momentum going.
By leveraging these online resources, you’ll provide a structured, meaningful day for the sub and the students. The synergy between reading passages, data analysis skills, and interactive content fosters critical thinking instead of the dreaded busy work. Even if you’re out for a single day, these freebies come with a built-in answer key and fully explained instructions. For multiple days, you can combine them into multi-tiered coverage, ensuring each stand-alone lesson maintains educational integrity.
From 5th grade math practice boards to middle school science readings, from the comedic relief of science jokes to the intellectual stimulation of technology quotes, the resources offered are a great way to fill the gap in your substitute lesson plans. Expect better student engagement, minimal sub days stress-free days for you, and more success for your class overall—even when you can’t be there in person.
Your Next Steps
Download the freebies from my links or request them via email.
Print or save them in your sub folder or sub binder for immediate usage.
Add any personal touches—like your name, class schedule, or important information about seating or classroom rules.
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from being prepared for the next unexpected absence.
So, whenever a day arrives where you’re stuck in bed with a sore throat, or you have that sick child needing home care, just remember: you’ve got top-tier emergency sub plans ready, and your students are in excellent hands. They’ll learn new content, develop critical thinking skills, and have a surprisingly fun way to spend their day. Welcome to stress-free sub days, thanks to the efforts of ye' old Oliver (The Teaching Astrophysicist) and the freebies dedicated to ensuring your classroom thrives—even when you’re not there.
Thanks for reading
Cheers and stay curious
Oliver - The Teaching Astrophysicist
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