Counting Atoms & Elements Station Lab - MS

Keep your middle school students engaged, curious, and learning with this modular, student-led station lab on counting atoms and elements, aligned with 2017 TEKS standards.
This comprehensive, ready-to-use resource saves you a ton of prep time while giving students the opportunity to direct their own learning through interactive, hands-on, and visual activities.

In this station lab, students will develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures, helping them make sense of how elements combine and interact in the real world.
Perfect for both in-person and virtual learning, this differentiated lab supports inquiry-based science instruction that’s easy to implement and effective for all learners.

Differentiated, Modular, and Student-Led

Each station lab includes eight differentiated activities that allow students to create a personalized learning experience, plus a ninth Challenge Station for early finishers or advanced learners.
In this student-centered model, the teacher serves as a facilitator, guiding students’ exploration instead of direct instruction.

All nine modular stations include signage, readings, task cards, and resources for students to complete independently or collaboratively in small groups.
The Explore It! station may require a few common classroom materials you likely already have in your science lab.

Ready for In-Class or Virtual Learning

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

The Stations

Input Stations – Learn and Explore

Students are introduced to key concepts about counting atoms and elements through a variety of multimodal activities.

• Explore It! – Hands-on demonstration or digital simulation that helps students connect abstract ideas through application.

• Read It! – Short, accessible reading passage with vocabulary and comprehension questions. Differentiated texts are included in English and Spanish for readers who need more support.

• Research It! – Guided online exploration using a website to reinforce learning through data collection and analysis.

• Watch It! – Short, engaging video paired with comprehension questions to build understanding through visual learning.

Output Stations – Apply and Demonstrate Understanding

Students apply their learning and show what they know through creative, written, and analytical activities.

• Organize It! – Work with manipulatives or digital drag-and-drop tools to categorize and interpret information.

• Illustrate It! – Draw or model molecules and atomic structures to support visual comprehension and retention.

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

• Assess It! – Demonstrate mastery with task cards and written responses using key vocabulary in context.

Bonus Station – Challenge It!

Perfect for early finishers and advanced learners, this extension station includes crossword puzzles, mini-projects, and games that allow students to apply their knowledge in new, engaging ways.

Why Teachers Love This Resource

• Comprehensive and ready to use – minimal prep required

• Student-centered and differentiated – supports all learning levels

• Flexible – ideal for in-person or virtual learning environments

• Engaging – promotes curiosity and hands-on discovery

• Compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides – easy to integrate into your lesson plans

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.