Organic Compounds Station Lab - MS

Keep your middle school students engaged, curious, and actively learning with this modular, student-led activity on organic compounds.
This comprehensive, ready-to-use resource saves you a ton of prep time while giving students the opportunity to take ownership of their learning through exploration, modeling, and application.

In this station lab, students will develop models to describe the atomic composition of organic molecules and structures, deepening their understanding of how carbon-based compounds form the foundation of living matter.
Perfect for in-class or virtual learning, this resource fits seamlessly into your middle school chemistry curriculum.

This lab is also included in the Organic Compounds 5E Lesson Plan, which features editable presentations, interactive notebook activities, assessments, projects, and more for your complete middle school science unit.

Texas Teachers: This station lab aligns with the 2017 TEKS and will not be updated for the 2021 standards.

Differentiated, Modular, and Student-Led

Each station lab features eight differentiated activities that promote a personalized learning experience, plus a ninth Challenge Station for early finishers.
In this student-centered model, the teacher facilitates learning while students work independently or collaboratively to investigate organic chemistry concepts.

All nine modular stations come with signage, reading passages, resources, and task cards to make setup simple and implementation seamless.
The Explore It! station may require a few common classroom materials that you likely already have on hand.

Ready for In-Class or Virtual Learning

Designed for maximum flexibility, this station lab can be used in person or online.
All digital versions are fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them easy to assign, view, and complete in any classroom setting.

The Stations

Input Stations – Learn and Explore

Students encounter new concepts about organic compounds through multiple modes of learning:

• Explore It! – A hands-on demonstration or activity that connects theory to application. In the digital version, students manipulate images and text in PowerPoint or Google Slides.

• Read It! – A short, accessible reading passage with comprehension and vocabulary questions. Differentiated versions are included in English and Spanish to meet diverse learning needs.

• Research It! – Guided web-based exploration where students collect facts and visuals, analyze data, and answer related questions.

• Watch It! – A short, engaging video with guided discussion and reflection questions to reinforce key ideas.

Output Stations – Apply and Demonstrate Understanding

Students show what they’ve learned through creative, written, and analytical activities that strengthen understanding and retention.

• Organize It! – Sort and classify examples of organic compounds using manipulatives or digital tools.

• Illustrate It! – Sketch or model organic molecules to visually represent their atomic composition.

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

• Assess It! – Apply vocabulary and demonstrate mastery through task cards and written responses in context.

Bonus Station – Challenge It!

Designed for early finishers and advanced learners, this station includes crosswords, games, and mini-projects that provide extension opportunities and reinforce learning.

Why Teachers Love This Resource

• Comprehensive and ready to use – minimal prep required

• Differentiated and student-centered – supports learners at all levels

• Flexible – perfect for traditional, hybrid, or virtual instruction

• Engaging and hands-on – promotes inquiry and active participation

• Compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides – easy to integrate in any classroom

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