Processes in the Rock Cycle Station Lab -New TEKS 6.10C

This student-led, modular station lab helps middle school students meet the 2021 TEKS 6.10C standard by exploring how igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks form and change through geologic processes in the rock cycle. Students rotate through multimodal stations designed to promote engagement, independence, and collaboration while teachers guide learning as facilitators.

The resource is designed to minimize teacher prep with ready-to-use materials, making it an effective option for both in-class and virtual learning.

Structure & Differentiation

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

• Differentiated to support a range of learners with scaffolds for remediation and extension opportunities for advanced students

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

• The Explore It! station may require simple materials typically available in most classrooms

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building knowledge):

• Explore It! – Hands-on demonstration; digital version includes drag-and-drop activities in PowerPoint or Google Slides

• Watch It! – Short video with guided comprehension questions

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

• Research It! – Facts, images, and graphs paired with structured tasks on lab sheets

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

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

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching models of rock cycle processes to reinforce understanding

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

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

Bonus Station:

• Challenge It! – Enrichment activities such as crosswords, games, or mini-projects for early finishers or advanced learners

Flexible Implementation

This lab is designed for both in-person and virtual instruction. Files are fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making it simple to adapt for blended or online learning environments.

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.