Visible Light Station Lab - MS

This student-led, modular station lab engages middle school students in exploring how different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum are used to gain information. Students rotate through multimodal input and output stations that combine reading, video, research, hands-on demonstrations, and creative responses. Teachers serve as facilitators, enabling students to direct their own learning in a structured yet flexible environment.

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 differentiated activities plus one challenge station for enrichment or early finishers

• Differentiated to support a wide range of learners—scaffolded passages and tasks for remediation, enrichment opportunities for advanced students

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

• The Explore It! station may require a few basic classroom materials already available in most science labs

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building knowledge):

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

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

• Research It! – Web-based activity with guided student questions

• Watch It! – Short video with comprehension prompts

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

• Organize It! – Sorting and categorization with manipulatives or digital tools

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching models of visible light concepts to reinforce retention

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

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

Bonus Station:

• Challenge It! – Crosswords, puzzles, mini-projects, or games for early finishers and advanced learners

Flexible Implementation

This lab is designed for both in-class and virtual instruction. All files are compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them easy to adapt for blended or online classrooms.

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.