Free Resources

Lesson Plan Templates

Free, downloadable templates for every teaching style, subject, and grade level. Choose a research-backed framework and start planning with confidence.

Each template below shows how Flip's mission-based lessons meet the engagement and assessment criteria of the most recognized instructional frameworks in education. Our approach works within any structure your school or curriculum requires.

By Format

Structured frameworks for organizing your lessons

Framework5 sections
Active Learning

5E Model

The 5E Model structures lessons through five phases — Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate — guiding students from curiosity to deep understanding through inquiry-based learning.

ScienceMathSocial Studies
Framework6 sections
Active Learning

UDL

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) builds flexibility into every lesson by providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action & expression — so every student can access the learning.

All Subjects
Framework4 sections
Active Learning

Backward Design

Backward Design (Understanding by Design) starts with the end in mind — you define what students should understand, then design assessments, and finally plan learning activities that build toward those goals.

All Subjects
Framework6 sections
Flexible

Simple

A clean, no-fuss lesson plan template with just the essentials: objective, materials, procedure, and assessment. Perfect for quick planning or teachers who prefer minimal structure.

All Subjects
Framework7 sections
Active Learning

STEM

A STEM lesson plan template built around the Engineering Design Process, integrating science, technology, engineering, and math through a real-world challenge that students investigate, design, test, and refine.

ScienceMathTechnology

By Subject

Templates tailored for specific content areas

Subject6 sections
Active Learning

Math

A math-specific lesson plan template with sections for warm-up problems, concept introduction, guided and independent practice, and formative assessment — designed around how students build mathematical understanding.

Math
Subject7 sections
Active Learning

ELA

An English Language Arts template structured around reading, writing, speaking, and language skills — with sections for text selection, close reading, discussion, and written response.

ELAEnglishReading
Subject7 sections
Active Learning

Science

A science-specific template built around the scientific method — with sections for phenomena, investigation, data analysis, and claims-evidence-reasoning (CER) writing.

ScienceBiologyChemistry
Subject7 sections
Active Learning

Social Studies

A social studies template designed around primary source analysis, historical thinking, and civic engagement — with sections for document-based activities, discussion, and perspective-taking.

Social StudiesHistoryCivics
Subject7 sections
Active Learning

SEL

A social and emotional learning template built around the CASEL framework's five competencies — self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

SELAdvisoryMorning Meeting

By Grade Band

Age-appropriate planning structures

Grade Band8 sections
Active Learning

Elementary

Designed for K–5 classrooms with age-appropriate pacing, transition cues, movement breaks, and scaffolding — because young learners need more structure, shorter segments, and hands-on engagement.

All Subjects
Grade Band6 sections
Active Learning

Middle School

Built for grades 6–8 with adolescent learners in mind — balancing structure with autonomy, collaborative learning, choice, and identity-affirming instruction.

All Subjects
Grade Band7 sections
Active Learning

High School

Designed for grades 9–12 with deeper analysis, Socratic discussion, independent research, and assessment preparation — supporting college and career readiness.

All Subjects

Want more than a template?

Want a complete lesson plan, not just a template?

Generate a curriculum-aligned lesson plan in 60 seconds — complete with objectives, activities, and assessment ideas tailored to your subject and grade. No account needed.

Generate a lesson plan

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common lesson-planning questions.

What are the 5 parts of a lesson plan?

A complete lesson plan typically contains five core parts: (1) a clear learning objective that states what students will know or do by the end, (2) materials and resources needed, (3) an instructional procedure — the step-by-step flow of the lesson, (4) guided and independent practice for students to apply the skill, and (5) an assessment method to check for understanding. Some frameworks add a sixth element — reflection — to help teachers refine future lessons.

How do I create a lesson plan template?

Start by choosing a framework that matches your teaching context — the 5E Model for inquiry-based learning, Backward Design for unit planning, or a Simple template for quick planning. Then define your sections with clear headings and placeholder prompts. Include fields for learning objectives, materials, a step-by-step procedure, and an assessment method. The best templates are flexible enough to adapt to different subjects and grade levels while providing enough structure to make planning faster.

What is the best lesson plan format?

There is no single best format — the right template depends on your teaching context. The 5E Model is excellent for science and inquiry-based lessons. Backward Design (UbD) works best for unit planning where alignment between goals and assessment matters. The Simple template is fastest for experienced teachers who already know the lesson flow. UDL is ideal for diverse classrooms with varied learning needs. Explore this gallery to find the format that fits your style, subject, and grade level.