Classify Elements Station Lab - New TEKS 6.6C

Keep your middle school students engaged, curious, and actively learning with this modular, student-led activity on classifying elements, aligned with TEKS 2021 standard 6.6C.
This ready-to-use, low-prep resource saves you a ton of planning time while giving students the freedom to take ownership of their learning through hands-on exploration and critical thinking.

In this station lab, students will classify elements on the periodic table as metals, nonmetals, and metalloids based on their physical properties. They’ll also identify the position of rare Earth elements and explore why these elements are vital to modern life.
Perfect for both in-class and virtual learning, this flexible, differentiated lab fits seamlessly into your middle school physical science curriculum.

Differentiated, Modular, and Student-Led

Each station lab features nine differentiated activities that allow every student to create a personalized learning experience.
In this student-centered model, the teacher acts as a facilitator, guiding discovery rather than directing each step.

All nine modular stations include signage, reading materials, resources, and task cards so students can work independently or collaboratively in small groups.
The Explore It! station may require a few common classroom materials already available in most science labs.

The Stations

Input Stations – Learn and Explore

Students explore new concepts about classifying elements through multiple learning modes and interactive activities.

• Explore It! – Hands-on activity or demonstration connecting theory to real-world application. In the digital version, students manipulate images and text in PowerPoint or Google Slides.

• Watch It! – A short, engaging video with guided questions about metals, nonmetals, and metalloids.

• Read It! – Short, accessible reading passage with comprehension and vocabulary questions. Differentiated passages are available in English and Spanish to meet diverse reading needs.

• Research It! – Guided online exploration using visuals, graphs, and data. Students complete tasks and answer questions to reinforce key ideas.

Output Stations – Apply and Demonstrate Understanding

Students apply what they’ve learned through hands-on, creative, and written activities that deepen comprehension.

• Organize It! – Sort and classify elements using manipulatives or digital drag-and-drop tools.

• Illustrate It! – Draw or model examples to visualize concepts and strengthen memory retention.

• Write It! – Respond to short-answer prompts using complete sentences and accurate vocabulary.

• Assess It! – Demonstrate mastery with a series of task cards and a paragraph using vocabulary in context.

Bonus Station – Challenge It!

Perfect for early finishers and advanced learners, this enrichment station provides fun extension activities like crosswords, games, and mini-projects that reinforce learning and keep students engaged.

Why Teachers Love This Resource

• Comprehensive and ready to use – minimal prep required

• Differentiated and student-centered – supports all learners

• Flexible – perfect for traditional, hybrid, or digital classrooms

• Interactive and engaging – encourages inquiry and creativity

• Compatible – fully functional with PowerPoint and Google Slides

Ready for In-Class or Virtual Learning

The Classifying Elements Station Lab is designed for maximum flexibility.
Students can complete all stations on campus or online, making this resource ideal for any teaching environment.
Digital files are PowerPoint and Google Slides–compatible, allowing for easy integration into your lessons.

This is a finished product; it will be updated with corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.