Balancing Chemical Equations Station Lab - MS

Keep your middle school students engaged, hands-on, and learning with this modular, student-led activity on balancing chemical equations.
This ready-to-use, differentiated resource will save you hours of prep time while empowering students to take ownership of their learning through discovery and collaboration.

In this station lab, students will identify whether a chemical equation containing coefficients is balanced or unbalanced and explain how this connects to the law of conservation of mass.
Perfect for both in-person and virtual learning, this activity helps students master one of the most essential chemistry skills in a fun, interactive way.

This lab is also part of the Balancing Chemical Equations 5E Lesson Plan, which includes presentations, interactive notebooks, note templates, student projects, assessments, and more—everything you need for a complete middle school chemistry 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 includes eight differentiated activities that provide a personalized learning experience for every student, plus a ninth Challenge Station for early finishers.
In this student-centered approach, teachers facilitate learning while students explore content independently or in small groups.

The nine modular stations come complete with signage, readings, resources, and task cards so students can move through the activities with confidence.
The Explore It! station may require a few common classroom materials you likely already have on hand.

Ready for In-Class or Virtual Learning

This station lab is designed for maximum flexibility.
Students can complete all activities in person or online, and the files are fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making it easy to integrate into any learning environment.

The Stations

Input Stations – Learn and Explore

Students encounter new chemistry concepts about balancing equations through multiple learning modalities:

• Explore It! – Hands-on activity or demo that connects content through real-world application. In the digital version, students manipulate images and text using PowerPoint or Google Slides.

• Read It! – Short, focused passage about balancing chemical equations with comprehension and vocabulary questions. Differentiated readings are available in English and Spanish.

• Research It! – Guided online investigation where students explore how to balance equations, perform tasks, and record answers on their lab sheets.

• Watch It! – Short, engaging video with discussion questions to reinforce understanding.

Output Stations – Apply and Demonstrate Understanding

Students show what they’ve learned through creative and analytical activities that solidify comprehension.

• Organize It! – Sort, match, or manipulate examples of balanced and unbalanced equations using hands-on or digital tools.

• Illustrate It! – Draw or model representations of balanced and unbalanced equations to strengthen visual understanding.

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

• Assess It! – Demonstrate mastery through task cards and written responses that apply vocabulary in context.

Bonus Station – Challenge It!

Perfect for early finishers or advanced learners, this extension station includes crosswords, games, and mini-projects that challenge students to apply their knowledge in creative and meaningful ways.

Why Teachers Love This Resource

• Comprehensive and ready to use – minimal prep required

• Student-centered and differentiated – supports diverse learners

• Flexible and multimodal – perfect for in-person or virtual learning

• Hands-on and inquiry-based – keeps students active and engaged

• Compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides – easy to implement anywhere

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.