Properties of Waves Station Lab - MS

This student-led, modular station lab engages middle school students in developing and using models to explain how waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials. With differentiated, multimodal activities, students explore wave behaviors while directing their own learning, and teachers act as facilitators. The lab is designed to save prep time while keeping learners actively engaged in hands-on and digital tasks.

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 a challenge station for enrichment or early finishers

• Supports a wide range of learners with scaffolded resources for remediation and extension opportunities for advanced students

• Includes station signage, readings, task cards, and resources to ensure smooth implementation

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

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building knowledge):

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

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

• Research It! – Web-based activity with images, data, and structured questions

• Watch It! – Short video with guided prompts

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

• Organize It! – Sorting/categorization activities using manipulatives or digital tools

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching models of wave interactions for visual reinforcement

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

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

Bonus Station:

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

Flexible Implementation

This lab is fully adaptable for in-person and virtual instruction. All files are compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them simple to integrate into 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.