Nervous System Station Lab - MS

This student-led, modular station lab engages middle school students in exploring the structures and functions of the nervous system. Students will learn to identify and compare the main structures of the nervous system, distinguish between the cerebrum and cerebellum, and explain how information flows from distant parts of the body. With multimodal input and output stations, this lab creates a personalized and engaging learning experience, while teachers facilitate rather than direct—making it a low-prep, high-impact lesson.

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 enrichment station for early finishers

• Differentiated design supports all learners—scaffolded passages and tasks for remediation, enrichment opportunities for advanced students

• Includes station signage, task cards, readings, and resources to make setup easy and efficient

• The Explore It! station may require a few basic classroom materials already on hand

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building knowledge):

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

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

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

• Watch It! – Short video with comprehension prompts

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

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

• Illustrate It! – Sketching/drawing models of the nervous system to reinforce understanding

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

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

Bonus Station:

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

Flexible Implementation

This station lab is fully adaptable for in-class or virtual learning. Files are compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them simple to use in 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.