Metals, Nonmetals, & Metalloids Station Lab - MS

Keep your middle school students engaged, curious, and actively learning with this modular, student-led station lab on metals, nonmetals, and metalloids.
This comprehensive, ready-to-use resource saves you hours of prep time while allowing students to take ownership of their learning through hands-on exploration, critical thinking, and collaboration.

In this station lab, students will compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids by observing and analyzing their physical properties, helping them build a deeper understanding of the periodic table.
Perfect for in-class or virtual learning, this flexible, differentiated lesson fits seamlessly into your middle school chemistry curriculum.

This lab is also part of the Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids 5E Lesson Plan, which includes editable presentations, note templates, interactive notebook activities, student projects, assessments, and more—everything you need for a complete 5E 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 create a personalized learning experience for every student, plus a ninth Challenge Station for early finishers.
With this student-centered approach, teachers act as facilitators while students investigate content independently or in small groups.

The nine modular stations include all signage, reading materials, task cards, and resources for easy classroom management.
The Explore It! station may require a few common classroom materials you already have in your lab.

Ready for In-Class or Virtual Learning

This resource is designed for maximum flexibility.
Students can complete all activities in person or online, and digital files are fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making implementation simple for any teaching environment.

The Stations

Input Stations – Learn and Explore

Students engage with new concepts about metals, nonmetals, and metalloids through multimodal, interactive learning experiences.

• Explore It! – Hands-on demonstration or activity that helps students connect concepts through real-world application. In the digital version, students manipulate images and text in PowerPoint or Google Slides.

• Read It! – Short, focused reading passage with comprehension and vocabulary questions. Differentiated versions are provided in English and Spanish for multiple reading levels.

• Research It! – Guided online exploration where students gather facts, visuals, and data about metals, nonmetals, and metalloids.

• Watch It! – Short, engaging video with guided questions to reinforce key concepts.

Output Stations – Apply and Demonstrate Understanding

Students demonstrate their learning through creative, analytical, and written responses that promote retention and mastery.

• Organize It! – Classify examples of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids using manipulatives or digital drag-and-drop tools.

• Illustrate It! – Draw or model physical property comparisons to strengthen visual understanding.

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

• Assess It! – Apply knowledge through task cards and written responses that integrate vocabulary and key ideas.

Bonus Station – Challenge It!

Perfect for early finishers and advanced learners, this extension station offers crosswords, games, and mini-projects that encourage critical thinking and enrichment.

Why Teachers Love This Resource

• Comprehensive and ready to use – minimal prep required

• Student-centered and differentiated – supports all learners

• Flexible – perfect for traditional, blended, or virtual learning

• Engaging and multimodal – promotes hands-on, inquiry-based learning

• Compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides – easy to integrate into your classroom routine

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.