Earth's Layers Station Lab - MS

This student-led, modular station lab engages middle school learners in exploring and comparing the structural layers of the Earth. Students rotate through interactive activities that combine hands-on, digital, and written tasks, building understanding in multiple ways while taking ownership of their learning.

The lab is designed to reduce teacher prep and encourage independence. Teachers serve as facilitators, guiding learning instead of directing each step.

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

Structure & Differentiation

• Nine stations total: eight differentiated activities plus a bonus challenge station

• Students work independently or in small groups

• Includes all signage, task cards, readings, and resources needed for setup

• The Explore It! station may require simple materials already available in most science classrooms

This design supports diverse learners with scaffolded activities while also providing enrichment opportunities for advanced students.

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building understanding):

• Explore It! – Hands-on demonstration; digital version includes drag-and-drop in PowerPoint or Google Slides

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

• Research It! – Guided online investigation with related tasks

• Watch It! – Short video with reflection questions

Output Stations (showing knowledge):

• Organize It! – Categorization and card sorts (print and digital)

• Illustrate It! – Sketching or drawing models to reinforce recall

• Write It! – Short-answer responses in complete sentences

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

Bonus Station:

• Challenge It! – Extension activities such as crosswords, games, and mini-projects for enrichment and early finishers

Flexible Implementation

• Designed for in-class or virtual learning

• Compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides

• Adaptable for single-class use or spread across multiple days

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.