Ashes and Elements

This integrated reading worksheet supports students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 as they explore the physical and symbolic meaning of ash through both science and faith-based reflection. Students read an informational passage explaining how materials change into ash through heat, the minerals ash contains, and how these physical properties connect to symbolic ideas of mortality, renewal, and transformation. The activity builds reading comprehension, scientific understanding, and reflective thinking by bridging chemistry concepts with spiritual meaning.

Learning Goals

• Science Concepts (Grades 6-8) – Understand chemical changes, combustion, and material properties related to ash
• Reading Comprehension – Analyze an informational text that integrates science and symbolism
• Symbolic Understanding – Explain how ash represents both physical change and spiritual meaning
• Reflective Reasoning – Connect scientific facts to themes of renewal, humility, and transformation

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with science, ELA, and religious studies standards
• Cross-Curricular Integration – Combines chemistry, literacy, and faith-based reflection
• Guided Reflection Questions – Encourages both analytical and moral reasoning
• Flexible Use – Ideal for middle school science units, religion classes, interdisciplinary lessons, or enrichment

This science-integrated worksheet helps students deepen understanding of chemical change while exploring how physical processes can carry symbolic meaning. By connecting the elements of ash to themes of renewal and purpose, learners build both scientific literacy and reflective insight. It’s a thoughtful, no-prep resource for classroom or homeschool settings that supports interdisciplinary learning and meaningful engagement with science and spirituality.

This worksheet is part of our Ash Wednesday collection.