Volcanoes Station Lab - MS

This student-led, modular station lab engages middle school students in exploring how geoscience processes, including volcanic activity, have shaped Earth’s surface. Students rotate through a variety of multimodal stations that combine hands-on, digital, and written tasks, giving them multiple ways to build understanding while directing their own learning. Teachers serve as facilitators, guiding inquiry rather than directing every step.

Note for Texas teachers: This resource aligns with the 2017 TEKS and will not be updated for the 2021 standards.

Structure & Differentiation

• Nine total stations: eight core activities plus a challenge station for enrichment

• Differentiated to meet the needs of a wide range of learners, from remediation to extension

• Includes station signage, task cards, readings, and resources for independent or small-group work

• The Explore It! station may require a few simple supplies commonly found in most science labs

Students can complete the lab individually or in small groups, making it flexible for different classroom setups.

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building knowledge):

• Explore It! – Hands-on demonstration; digital version includes interactive tools in PowerPoint or Google Slides

• Read It! – Differentiated passages (English & Spanish) with vocabulary and comprehension checks

• Research It! – Guided online exploration with structured tasks

• Watch It! – Short video with guided reflection questions

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

• Organize It! – Sorting and categorization with manipulatives or digital options

• Illustrate It! – Sketching/drawing volcanic processes to reinforce retention

• Write It! – Short-answer prompts requiring complete-sentence responses

• Assess It! – Task cards and vocabulary-in-context exercises to measure mastery

Bonus Station:

• Challenge It! – Extension tasks such as puzzles, crosswords, games, and mini-projects for early finishers or advanced learners

Flexible Implementation

This resource is fully adaptable for in-person and virtual instruction. All files are compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them easy to use in traditional, blended, or online classrooms.

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.