Genetics Station Lab - MS

This modular, student-led station lab gives middle school students the opportunity to explore the characteristics of genetics through hands-on, differentiated activities. With nine stations, students encounter content in multiple ways, practice applying concepts, and demonstrate mastery through creative and structured outputs. Teachers guide and facilitate while students take ownership of their learning, making this a low-prep, high-engagement lesson for your life science classroom.

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

Differentiation & Structure

• Nine total stations: eight core activities plus one enrichment station for early finishers

• Differentiated activities: includes scaffolded passages for support and extension options for advanced learners

• All signage, task cards, readings, and resources included for easy implementation

• The Explore It! station may require a few simple supplies already available in most classrooms

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building knowledge):

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

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

• Research It! – Online fact-finding with guided tasks and questions

• Watch It! – Short video with reflection and comprehension activities

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

• Organize It! – Printable or digital card sorts and categorization activities

• Illustrate It! – Students create sketches or diagrams to represent genetics concepts visually

• Write It! – Open-ended prompts requiring explanation in complete sentences

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

Bonus Station (enrichment):

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

Flexible Implementation

This station lab is designed for in-person, virtual, or blended learning. All digital resources are compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making the lesson easy to adapt to different classroom 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.