Temperature & Kinetic Energy Station Lab - New 2021 TEKS 7.8C

This student-led, modular station lab helps middle school students meet the 2021 TEKS 7.8C standard by exploring the relationship between temperature and the kinetic energy of particles within a substance. Students rotate through multimodal stations that blend hands-on, digital, and written tasks, creating a personalized and engaging learning experience. Teachers facilitate learning rather than direct it, making this a low-prep but high-impact resource for classrooms.

Structure & Differentiation

• Nine stations total: eight differentiated activities plus one enrichment station for early finishers

• Differentiated to support learners of all levels—scaffolded tasks for remediation and extension opportunities for advanced students

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

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

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building knowledge):

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

• Watch It! – Short video with guided questions

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

• Research It! – Web-based activity with facts, images, and graphs paired with structured lab sheet tasks

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

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

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching models of temperature and kinetic energy to reinforce retention

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

• Assess It! – Task cards and vocabulary-in-context activities to check mastery

Bonus Station:

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

Flexible Implementation

This lab is fully adaptable for both in-person and virtual learning. All files are compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them easy to use in traditional, blended, or online classrooms.

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.