What to Do When Half of Your Class Is Absent (Without Ruining Your Lesson Plans)
- Alexandra Burke
- Apr 5
- 5 min read
We've all been there. The bell rings, and you look around the room, noticing it's a little less full than usual, sometimes, a lot more than usual.
Whether it's a field trip, testing, the day before a break, senioritis, or the weather has finally warmed up, and students just couldn't resist playing hooky, it can completely throw off all the plans you've prepped for the day. What to do next?
Move forward without everyone?
Review day?
Makeup Day?
Without fail, someone is going to ask for a free day, but... most administrators don't look kindly on free days. Well, you're in luck! I have put together a list of educational and student-friendly shows that they will actually want to watch! Low-stress, low-prep guides for each subject that you can save and keep in your back pocket for this very scenario.
🧪 Science & STEM
Middle School (6th-8th grade)
Best for: General science, intro/review
Episode length: ~25 minutes
Description: A fast-paced, classic science show covering topics like ecosystems, energy, and the human body.
Why it works: Breaks down complex concepts into simple, engaging explanations that students actually remember.
Emily's Wonder Lab
Where to watch: Netflix
Best for: Experiments, demonstrations
Episode length: ~25 minutes
Description: Hands-on science experiments that visually demonstrate key concepts.
Why it works: Highly engaging and easy to connect to classroom labs or activities.
STEM in 30
Where to watch: YouTube, NASA TV
Best for: Engineering, space, real-world STEM
Episode length: ~30 minutes
Description: Explores STEM topics through real-world applications like NASA missions and technology.
Why it works: Connects classroom learning to real careers and real-life science.
High School (9th-12th grade)
Crash Course
Where to watch: YouTube
Best for: Biology, chemistry, anatomy, and history review
Episode length: ~10–15 minutes
Description: Fast-paced, content-rich videos covering a wide range of high school subjects.
Why it works: Perfect for quick review, reteaching, or flipped classrooms.
MythBusters
Where to watch: Hulu, Discovery+
Best for: Scientific method, inquiry-based learning
Episode length: ~40–45 minutes
Description: Investigates myths and questions using experiments and testing.
Why it works: Naturally builds critical thinking and shows science in action.
🌍 History & Social Studies
Middle School (6th-8th grade)
The Who Was? Show
Where to watch: Netflix
Best for: Historical figures, intro lessons
Episode length: ~25 minutes
Description: Sketch comedy show that introduces famous historical figures and events.
Why it works: Humor keeps students engaged while still delivering key facts.
Horrible Histories
Where to watch: Hulu, YouTube
Best for: Ancient and world history
Episode length: ~25–30 minutes
Description: Combines songs, sketches, and humor to teach historical events and people.
Why it works: Makes even complex or “gross” history memorable and fun.
High School (9th-12th grade)
100 Humans
Where to watch: Netflix
Best for: Psychology, sociology
Episode length: ~35–40 minutes
Description: Conducts real-life experiments to explore human behavior and decision-making.
Why it works: Great for sparking discussion and analyzing real data.
History 101
Where to watch: Netflix
Best for: Modern history, quick lessons, discussion starters
Episode length: ~20–23 minutes
Description: A documentary-style series that breaks down key historical topics (like globalization, fast food, oil, and technology) using archival footage, graphics, and data.
Why it works: Short, digestible episodes make it easy to fit into one class period, and the modern topics connect history to students’ real lives—great for discussion or bell ringers.
🧠 ELA, Critical Thinking & General Learning
Middle School (6th-8th grade)
Brainchild
Where to watch: Netflix
Best for: SEL, science connections, media literacy
Episode length: ~20–25 minutes
Description: Explores topics like emotions, social media, and science in a relatable way.
Why it works: Connects directly to students’ real lives and experiences.
Karma's World
Where to watch: Netflix
Best for: Social-emotional learning, identity
Episode length: ~15 minutes
Description: Follows a young girl navigating friendships, identity, and self-expression.
Why it works: Encourages discussion around real-life challenges and decision-making.
High School (9th-12th grade)
Brain Games
Where to watch: Disney+, Hulu
Best for: Psychology, brain function, critical thinking
Episode length: ~20–25 minutes
Description: Uses experiments, illusions, and challenges to explore how the brain works.
Why it works: Interactive style keeps students engaged while teaching complex concepts.
🌱 Nature, Environment & Earth Science
Middle School (6th-8th grade)
72 Dangerous Animals
Where to watch: Netflix
Best for: Animal adaptations, ecosystems
Episode length: ~40 minutes
Description: Countdown-style series ranking animals based on survival abilities and danger levels.
Why it works: High-interest format keeps students engaged while reinforcing biology concepts.
High School (9th-12th grade)
Our Planet
Where to watch: Netflix
Best for: Climate change, ecosystems
Episode length: ~50 minutes
Description: Stunning documentary series highlighting Earth’s ecosystems and environmental challenges.
Why it works: Combines visuals with real-world issues for deeper understanding.
Planet Earth
Where to watch: Max, Amazon Prime
Best for: Biodiversity, ecosystems
Episode length: ~50 minutes
Description: Explores diverse ecosystems and wildlife across the planet.
Why it works: High-quality visuals help students visualize complex ecological concepts.
Bonus: Quick, Classroom-Friendly Video Options
These are options that are great for all subjects and all grades
TED-Ed
Where to watch: YouTube
Best for: Quick lessons, bell ringers
Episode length: ~5–10 minutes
Description: Short animated videos covering a wide range of topics.
Why it works: Easy to plug into any lesson with minimal prep.
Khan Academy
Where to watch: Website, YouTube
Best for: Math, science support
Episode length: ~5–15 minutes
Description: Straightforward instructional videos for skill-building and reinforcement.
Why it works: Clear, step-by-step explanations for struggling students.
SciShow
Where to watch: YouTube
Best for: Current science topics
Episode length: ~10 minutes
Description: Explains scientific concepts and news in an engaging way.
Why it works: Keeps content relevant and interesting.
The Magic School Bus
Where to watch: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime
Best for: Life science, earth science, intro concepts
Episode length: ~25–30 minutes
Description: Follows Ms. Frizzle and her class on imaginative field trips to explore science concepts.
Why it works: Story-based learning helps students retain information while staying entertained.
Forensic Science and Medical Mysteries
High School (9th-12th grade)
Bones
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime
Best for: Forensic science, anatomy, crime scene analysis
Episode length: ~40–45 minutes
Description: Follows forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan and her team as they solve crimes by analyzing human remains and physical evidence.
Why it works: Connects anatomy and forensic science to real-world investigations, making content more engaging and memorable.
Diagnosis
Where to watch: Netflix
Best for: Rare diseases, medical case studies, critical thinking
Episode length: ~40–50 minutes
Description: A documentary series that follows real patients with mysterious illnesses as doctors and the public work together to find a diagnosis.
Why it works: Real-life cases make it perfect for classroom discussions, hypothesis-building, and connecting symptoms to body systems.
House
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime
Best for: Diagnosis, problem-solving, medical reasoning
Episode length: ~40–45 minutes
Description: Centers on Dr. Gregory House and his team as they solve complex medical cases using logic, testing, and elimination of possibilities.
Why it works: Each episode acts like a medical mystery, encouraging students to think critically and analyze symptoms step-by-step.
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When half your class is missing, it doesn’t have to throw off your entire lesson plan. Instead of pushing forward and reteaching later, using videos and shows is a simple way to keep learning meaningful without leaving anyone behind. The key is keeping it active—pause, ask questions, and have students think through what they’re seeing rather than just watching. This way, you’re reinforcing content, building critical thinking skills, and staying on track without the stress. If you need something quick and ready to go, check out my movie and TV viewing guides along with other low-prep, no-prep activities on Teachers Pay Teachers to make these days easy and effective.
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