Conduction, Convection, & Radiation Station Lab - MS

This student-led, modular station lab engages middle school students in building models to explain how particle motion, temperature, and states of matter change as thermal energy is transferred by conduction, convection, and radiation. With a mix of hands-on, digital, and written activities, students explore these energy transfer processes in multiple ways, while teachers guide learning as facilitators rather than directors.

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

Structure & Differentiation

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

• Differentiated to support remediation for struggling students and extension for advanced learners

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

• The Explore It! station may require a few simple materials commonly found in science classrooms

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 comprehension and vocabulary questions

• Research It! – Guided online activity using facts, images, and graphs with structured tasks

• Watch It! – Short video with comprehension prompts

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

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

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching models of conduction, convection, and radiation

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

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

Bonus Station:

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

Flexible Implementation

This lab is fully adaptable for in-class and virtual instruction. All files are compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making it easy to integrate into blended or remote 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.