Why Every Science Teacher Needs a Sub Folder (and How to Build One Without the Stress)
You know it’s bound to happen: your kid gets sick, a family emergency comes up, you get sick, heck, how about a mental health day?! The day will come during the school year when you need a sub, and fast!
Suddenly, you’re scrambling to pull together lesson plans for a substitute. Without a science sub folder with emergency sub plans, your students might lose valuable class time—and you’re left stressed when you should be resting or taking care of your family.
That’s where a well-prepared substitute teacher folder comes in handy.
So, let’s build one and avoid the panic of a last-minute sub day.
What Is a Sub Folder (and Why Do You Need One?)
A sub folder is a ready-to-go collection of emergency sub plans, activities, and clear instructions that any substitute can pick up and use at a moment’s notice. Think of it as your classroom safety net: when you can’t be there, your sub folder keeps learning on track.
It’s the guide your substitute needs to confidently manage your class and care for your students while you’re out. A strong sub folder ensures they’re not left scrambling to “wing it,” and your students aren’t left with meaningless busywork.
Your substitute will thank you.
With a well-prepared substitute teaching folder—especially one with science-specific plans—you can be sure your students are engaged in purposeful, on-topic work, even on the days you can’t be there.
Your students will thank you…well, maybe lol.
What Makes a Strong Sub Folder?
When building your sub folder, aim for lessons that are:
Student-Friendly – Clear instructions that students can follow independently.
On-Topic – Activities that reinforce key concepts from the current lesson.
Low-Prep for Subs – Avoid complicated assignments. Choose sub plans that don’t require setup or additional resources.
Emergency-Ready – Include a mix of review worksheets, practice problems, and simple activities that reinforce skills.
Organized and Accessible – Clearly label everything. Add a table of contents, class rosters, and your classroom expectations. I happen to love a red folder for my sub folder. I keep it near the phone so it’s easy for admin and subs to locate.
How to Build Your Science Sub Folder Without the Stress
Here’s a simple system to get started:
Step 1: Pick Your Essentials – Choose one or two emergency science lesson plans per unit.
Step 2: Add Easy Labs or Demos – Printable labs, simulations, or quick hands-on activities are perfect.
Step 3: Include Instructions – Add a note page for substitutes with class routines, safety rules, and backup activities.
Step 4: Print & Store – Keep a physical binder in your classroom, and save a digital copy so you can email it if needed.
💡 Teacher Tip: Start small. Even one or two ready-to-use substitute lesson plans for science can save you in a pinch! And oh, hey, you get these in each month’s content drop of SciAcademy…so sign up and save the stress for something else.
Grab Your Free Science Sub Folder Sample
Too busy to start from scratch? Of course you are, you’re a teacher, lol. I got you. Download my free mini-sub folder with plans now and cross something off that never-ending to-do list.
From Sub Folders to Full Science Support
If you love the free sample, imagine having a monthly rotating library of science sub plans, labs, and lessons ready to go all year long. That’s exactly what you’ll find inside SciAcademy—my subscription designed to save science teachers hours every week.
With SciAcademy, you’ll get:
Physics and chemistry lesson resources that stay on-topic and fresh each month—check out the pacing guides!
Printable labs and activities students love
Emergency sub plans for that are on-topic so the learning continues
And so much more beyond the textbook content!
👉 Sign up today for less than your morning coffee run and never scramble for a sub plan again.
And that’s it!
With a well-prepared sub folder, you can step away from your classroom knowing your students are still engaged and learning.
It’s a simple way to reduce stress and give yourself a little breathing room throughout the year — and with SciAcademy, that breathing room gets even bigger.
Grab Your Free Mini-Sub Folder and Plans
Start building your own sub folder today with a ready-to-use science emergency plan that keeps students on track, even when you can’t be there.
Take It to the Next Level with SciAcademy
Imagine having a rotating library of science resources, labs, and sub plans ready at your fingertips — all organized and teacher-tested. That’s exactly what you’ll find inside SciAcademy, the all-in-one subscription built to save you time and money while keeping your students engaged.
