Tropisms & Turgor Pressure Station Lab - Grades 6-8

Keep your middle school students engaged, curious, and actively learning with this modular, student-led activity on turgor pressure and tropisms.
This ready-to-use resource will save you hours of prep time while allowing students to take the lead in discovering how plants respond to their environment.

In this station lab, students will identify and compare the characteristics of turgor pressure and tropisms, building a clear understanding of how these processes support plant structure and growth.

This lab is also included in the Tropisms and Turgor Pressure 5E Lesson Plan, which features teaching presentations, note templates, interactive notebook activities, assessments, projects, and engagement resources for your middle school science curriculum.

Note for 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 let students create a personalized learning experience, plus a ninth Challenge Station for early finishers.
This student-centered approach transforms the teacher’s role into a facilitator—guiding, supporting, and encouraging inquiry rather than directing every step.

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

Ready for In-Class or Virtual Learning

Every activity is designed for maximum flexibility.
Students can complete the stations in person or online, and all files are compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides for seamless integration into your classroom or virtual platform.

The Stations

Input Stations – Learn and Explore

Students encounter new concepts about turgor pressure and tropisms through multiple, multimodal learning experiences.

• Explore It! – Hands-on demonstration or digital manipulation activity that connects learning through real-world application.

• Read It! – Short, accessible reading passage with comprehension and vocabulary questions. Differentiated passages are available in English and Spanish to support diverse reading levels.

• Research It! – Guided online investigation where students analyze facts, images, and examples to deepen their understanding.

• Watch It! – Short, focused video followed by comprehension questions to reinforce key ideas.

Output Stations – Show What You Know

Students apply and demonstrate their learning through creative and analytical activities.

• Organize It! – Sort and categorize information using manipulatives or digital drag-and-drop tools.

• Illustrate It! – Draw or model how tropisms and turgor pressure function in plants for improved comprehension and retention.

• Write It! – Respond to prompts using complete sentences and accurate scientific vocabulary.

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

Bonus Station – Challenge It!

Perfect for early finishers and advanced learners, this station includes extension activities like puzzles, crosswords, games, and mini-projects that reinforce and expand learning.

Why Teachers Love This Resource

• Comprehensive and ready to use – no extra prep required

• Engaging and hands-on – keeps students active and motivated

• Student-centered design – encourages independence and curiosity

• Flexible and accessible – works for both in-class and virtual learning environments

• Differentiated – supports learners at every level with multimodal options

This product is included in the Kesler Science Membership!

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.