Modeling Matter Station Lab - New TEKS 8.6A

Keep your middle school students engaged, curious, and learning with this modular, student-led activity on modeling matter, aligned with TEKS 2021 standard 8.6A.
This ready-to-use resource saves you a ton of prep time while empowering students to take ownership of their learning through exploration, problem-solving, and collaboration.

In this station lab, students will explain and model how matter is classified as elements, compounds, homogeneous mixtures, or heterogeneous mixtures.
Perfect for in-person or virtual learning, this differentiated, interactive lab helps students visualize how different forms of matter are structured and organized.

Differentiated, Modular, and Student-Led

Each station lab includes nine differentiated activities that allow students to create a personalized learning experience.
In this student-centered approach, the teacher acts as a facilitator, guiding discovery rather than direct instruction.

All nine modular stations include signage, reading materials, resources, and task cards, allowing students to work independently or collaboratively in small groups.
The Explore It! station may require a few common classroom materials you likely already have in your lab.

Ready for In-Class or Virtual Learning

This resource is designed for maximum flexibility—students can complete activities in person or online.
Digital versions are fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making it easy to assign and manage from any learning platform.

The Stations

Input Stations – Learn and Explore

Students engage with new concepts about modeling matter through multiple, multimodal learning experiences.

• Explore It! – A hands-on demonstration or activity that connects concepts through real-world applications. In the digital version, students manipulate images and text using PowerPoint or Google Slides.

• Watch It! – A short, focused video with comprehension questions that helps students visualize how matter is classified.

• Read It! – A concise reading passage with vocabulary and comprehension questions. Differentiated versions are available in English and Spanish for multiple reading levels.

• Research It! – Guided online exploration with visuals, facts, and data that deepen understanding of how matter is modeled and categorized.

Output Stations – Apply and Demonstrate Understanding

Students apply their learning through a variety of hands-on, visual, and written activities that reinforce key concepts.

• Organize It! – Sort and classify examples using manipulatives or digital drag-and-drop tools to build categorization skills.

• Illustrate It! – Sketch or model elements, compounds, and mixtures to strengthen retention through visual learning.

• Write It! – Respond to open-ended prompts using academic vocabulary and complete sentences.

• Assess It! – Demonstrate understanding through task cards and written responses that apply key vocabulary in context.

Bonus Station – Challenge It!

Perfect for early finishers and advanced learners, this extension station includes crossword puzzles, games, and mini-projects that challenge students to apply and expand their knowledge in creative ways.

Why Teachers Love This Resource

• Comprehensive and ready to use – minimal prep required

• Differentiated and student-centered – supports learners at all levels

• Flexible – ideal for traditional, hybrid, or virtual classrooms

• Engaging – promotes curiosity and independent learning

• Compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides – easy to implement anywhere

This is a finished product; it will be updated with corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.