Potential & Kinetic Energy Station Lab - MS

This student-led, modular station lab helps middle school students explore and compare potential and kinetic energy. With hands-on, digital, and written activities, students investigate energy concepts in multiple ways while directing their own learning. Teachers act as facilitators, making this resource a low-prep, high-engagement option for classrooms.

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

Structure & Differentiation

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

• Differentiated to support a wide range of learners—scaffolded tasks for remediation and extensions for advanced students

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

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

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building knowledge):

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

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

• Research It! – Guided online activity with structured student questions

• Watch It! – Short video with comprehension prompts

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

• Organize It! – Sorting/categorization with manipulatives or digital versions

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching models of potential and kinetic energy to reinforce retention

• Write It! – Short-answer prompts requiring complete-sentence responses

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

Bonus Station:

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

Flexible Implementation

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