Elements Compounds Mixtures Station Lab - MS

Keep your middle school students engaged, curious, and actively learning with this modular, student-led station lab on elements, compounds, and mixtures.
This ready-to-use resource will save you hours of prep time while giving students the opportunity to take charge of their own learning through exploration, discussion, and inquiry.

In this station lab, students will recognize that a limited number of the many known elements comprise the largest portion of solid Earth, helping them connect chemistry concepts to the world around them.
Perfect for both in-person and virtual learning, this differentiated activity supports a wide range of learning styles and classroom settings.

This lab is also included in the Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures 5E Lesson Plan, which features editable presentations, note templates, interactive notebook activities, student projects, assessments, and more for your complete middle school science curriculum.

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 includes eight differentiated activities designed to create a personalized learning experience for every student, plus a ninth Challenge Station for early finishers or enrichment.
In this student-centered approach, teachers act as facilitators while students explore content independently or collaboratively in small groups.

All nine modular stations include signage, reading passages, task cards, and resources for smooth, independent implementation.
The Explore It! station may require a few common classroom materials you already have available in your lab.

Ready for In-Class or Virtual Learning

This resource is designed for maximum flexibility.
Students can complete activities in the classroom or online, and all digital materials are fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, allowing for seamless integration into any learning environment.

The Stations

Input Stations – Learn and Explore

Students engage with new information about elements, compounds, and mixtures through multiple modalities.

• Explore It! – Hands-on demo or interactive activity that helps students apply and connect new concepts. 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 texts are included in English and Spanish for varied reading levels.

• Research It! – Guided online exploration where students analyze facts, visuals, and graphs, then answer related questions.

• Watch It! – Students view a short, engaging video about elements, compounds, and mixtures, followed by guided reflection questions.

Output Stations – Apply and Demonstrate Understanding

Students show what they’ve learned through a variety of creative and analytical tasks.

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

• Illustrate It! – Draw or model elements, compounds, and mixtures to reinforce learning through visual representation.

• Write It! – Respond to prompts using academic vocabulary and complete sentences to explain understanding.

• Assess It! – Demonstrate mastery through vocabulary-based questions and written paragraphs that apply key concepts.

Bonus Station – Challenge It!

Perfect for early finishers and advanced learners, this extension station includes crosswords, games, and mini-projects that reinforce and extend understanding of the topic.

Why Teachers Love This Resource

• Comprehensive and ready to use – minimal prep required

• Student-centered and differentiated – supports every learner

• Flexible format – ideal for traditional, blended, or virtual classrooms

• Engaging and interactive – keeps students curious and motivated

• Compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides – easy to implement in any setting

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.