Dichotomous Keys Station Lab - MS

This student-led, modular station lab introduces middle school students to the use and purpose of dichotomous keys. Students will learn how to identify and compare the characteristics of organisms using this classification tool while practicing critical thinking and observation skills. With nine differentiated, multimodal stations, students take ownership of their learning while teachers guide and support—making this a low-prep, high-engagement lesson for structure and function in life science.

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 enrichment station for early finishers

• Differentiated design with scaffolded readings and tasks for students needing support, plus enrichment opportunities for advanced learners

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

• The Explore It! station may require a few basic classroom supplies already on hand

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building knowledge):

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

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

• Research It! – Web-based activity using facts, images, and guided questions

• Watch It! – Short video with student reflection and discussion prompts

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

• Organize It! – Categorization activities using manipulatives or digital tools

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching models of dichotomous keys for visual reinforcement

• Write It! – Open-ended short-answer responses in complete sentences

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

Bonus Station:

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

Flexible Implementation

This resource is fully adaptable for in-person and virtual classrooms. All materials are compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making it easy to integrate into blended or online 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.