Nonrenewable Energy Resources Station Lab - MS

This student-led, modular station lab engages middle school students in researching and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of nonrenewable resources. Students rotate through differentiated input and output stations that combine reading, multimedia, hands-on activities, and writing tasks. With a focus on active learning, teachers facilitate the process while students take ownership of their understanding.

Note for Texas teachers: This resource aligns with the 2017 TEKS.

Structure & Differentiation

• Nine total stations: eight core activities plus a bonus challenge station

• Differentiated to support a wide range of learners—scaffolded resources for remediation and extension activities for advanced students

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

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

• Research It! – Web-based activity with facts, images, and graphs, paired with guided student questions

• Watch It! – Short video with comprehension prompts

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

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

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching models to represent nonrenewable resources and their impacts

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

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

Bonus Station:

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

Flexible Implementation

This lab is designed for both in-class and virtual instruction. Files are fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making it simple 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.