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7 Emergency Sub Plan Activities for High School Chemistry
- Androy Bruney
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
(Low-Prep + Student-Approved)
When my daughter was just two months old, I had to put her in daycare in the mornings so I could attend my lectures.
It was tough enough leaving her, but things took a turn for the worse when, just one month in, she developed a severe chest infection. She ended up hospitalized for two weeks, and I spent every moment by her side, barely sleeping, eating, or thinking about anything else.
If you have children, you know how gut-wrenching it is to see them sick—there’s nothing more exhausting, both emotionally and physically.
At that point, I couldn’t have cared less about what was happening in my classes.
But thankfully, I had prepared a few activities ahead of time—simple, reliable sub plans my students could work through independently.
So when I finally returned, it was a relief to pick up (almost) right where I left off.
If you’ve ever needed an emergency sub plan for your chemistry class, you know how stressful those situations can be.
That experience taught me something I don’t ignore anymore:
You don’t need flashy sub plans. You need reliable ones.
What I Actually Look for Before Adding Anything to My Emergency Sub Folder
Before I commit to any activity, I usually ask myself:
Will students stay on task without me?
Can a substitute manage this without knowledge of chemistry?
Does this reinforce something we’ve already learned?
Will students take it seriously enough to complete it properly?
If the answer is no to any of those, it doesn’t go in my sub plans.
Here’s what I look for:
Students can work independently or in small groups
Large group activities tend to fall apart without you there.
It reinforces content—not introduces new material
A substitute should not have to teach chemistry. More often than not, they aren't even qualified to do so.
No labs or safety concerns
Even simple labs can become complicated without proper supervision. Don't even think about it!
Clear instructions (for both students and the sub)
If students have too many questions, it’s not student-friendly.
Easy to check or self-grading when possible
Less work for you when you return.
Engaging enough to keep students on task
Not “entertainment”—just enough structure and interest.
Do You Need Help Setting Up Your Sub Folder? Then you should Read The No-Fluff Emergency Sub Plan Template that Actually Works
7 Easy-to-Use Activities to Include in Your Emergency Sub Plan for High School Chemistry
Here are some tried-and-true resources that meet all the criteria above, ensuring a smooth day for your students and substitute teacher:
1. Chemistry Whodunit
A mystery-style activity that combines the excitement of a classic whodunit with chemistry revision. Students answer chemistry questions to uncover clues and solve a case.
When I use this: This works well for review days or classes that need a bit more structure to stay engaged.
What I’ve noticed: Students tend to stay focused because there’s a clear purpose behind each question. They’re not just answering—they’re progressing through something.
It also works well for both individual work and small groups.
These are my go-to options for sub plans!
2. Escape Rooms (Digital and Printable)
Science Escape rooms challenge students to solve problems in order to move forward through a sequence of tasks.
When I use this: I use this when I want something immersive but still structured enough for a substitute to manage.
What I’ve noticed: Students stay engaged for longer periods of time, especially when the tasks are clearly sequenced.
The key is making sure instructions are very clear—once that’s in place, the activity tends to run itself. And make you have these prepped (the printables ones at least) and stored in a sub bin beforehand. Whatever you do, do not leave the prep to the sub.
If you want to try a Science/chemistry-based escape room, you can read 5 Classroom-tested Chemistry Escape Rooms Your Students Will beg You To Play
3. Chemistry in Color (Color-by-Number Worksheets)
These worksheets cover core topics like bonding, molar mass, significant figures, and balancing chemical equations in a structured format that reveals an image as students work.
When I use this: This is my go-to for classes that need something structured and focused, especially if attention tends to drift.
What I’ve noticed: Students stay on task longer than they normally would. There’s just enough of a “goal” built in to keep them working through the problems. And students and adults of all ages love to color!
It’s also helpful when you want something that’s essentially self-checking.
4. Card Games for Small Groups
These Chemistry Card games, focused on bonding, formulas, or reactions, allow students to practice concepts in a more interactive format.
Examples include:
forming compounds
balancing charges
identifying bonding types
When I use this: This works best with classes that handle group work well and don’t need constant redirection.
What I’ve noticed: Students often engage more naturally because the structure feels less formal—but they’re still practicing key skills.
It’s also a good option when you want something low-prep but not purely worksheet-based.
Want to try out some card games in your classroom?
5. Science in Focus Newsletters
These newsletters feature short, engaging articles about scientific discoveries and real-world science topics, paired with a choice board of questions.
When I use this: This is one of my first choices when I need something that requires minimal explanation. It works especially well with mixed-ability classes.
What I’ve noticed: Students tend to settle into this quickly. Even students who usually rush through work slow down a bit because the content feels more like something real than just another worksheet.
It’s also easy for a substitute to manage—there’s very little confusion about what to do.
6. Science Literacy: Journal Prompts, Tasks, and Activities
This resource includes open-ended prompts around ethical issues, scientific developments, and real-world applications.
When I use this: I use this when I want something quieter and more reflective—especially with classes that don’t do well with too much movement or noise.
What I’ve noticed: Some students who don’t usually speak much in class produce surprisingly thoughtful responses here. It gives them space to think without pressure.
It also works well if the sub prefers a calmer classroom environment. Also its a great way to open a discussion with students when I return.
7. "Where Do You Stand?" Ethics in Science Activity
This activity gets students thinking about scientific issues and forming opinions, often with movement and discussion built in.
When I use this:I use this when I know the class can handle some movement and discussion without things getting off track.
What I’ve noticed: Students who don’t normally engage in traditional tasks will often participate more here. Having an opinion feels more accessible than answering a “right or wrong” question.
It also gives the substitute a clear structure to follow.
Final Thoughts
After going through what I did, I don’t take sub plans lightly anymore.
You don’t always get a warning.
And the last thing you want is to be worrying about your class when your attention needs to be somewhere else.
Having a few solid, reliable activities ready means:
Your students stay on track
Your substitute can manage the class
and you get peace of mind when you need it most
That’s really the goal.
If You Want Ready-to-Go Options
If you’re building your sub folder—or finally organizing one—I’ve put together the exact types of activities I use in my own classroom.
You can explore them individually, or grab the bundle so you’re covered for those days when life happens.
Let’s Share Ideas
Do you have a go-to sub plan activity that always works?
I’d love to hear what you rely on—drop it in the comments. Resources and ber run out of content for those days when life happens.
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