Topographic Maps Station Lab - MS

This student-led, modular station lab introduces middle school students to the skills needed to interpret topographic maps and satellite views. Students learn how to identify landforms and erosional features while predicting how these features may be reshaped by weathering. With ready-to-use materials and a differentiated design, the lab reduces teacher prep time while giving students ownership of their learning.

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 one bonus challenge station

• Differentiated activities provide scaffolds for remediation and extensions for advanced learners

• Includes station signage, task cards, readings, and resources to support independent or small-group learning

• The Explore It! station may require a few simple materials commonly available in science classrooms

Students can complete the lab individually or collaboratively, offering flexibility for different classroom formats.

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building knowledge):

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

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

• Research It! – Guided online activity with structured lab sheet responses

• Watch It! – Short video with comprehension questions

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

• Organize It! – Categorization tasks using manipulatives or digital formats

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching topographic features to reinforce retention

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

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

Bonus Station:

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

Flexible Implementation

This lab is designed for both in-person and virtual classrooms. All files are compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making it simple to adapt for blended or remote learning environments.

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.