Electromagnetic Waves Station Lab New TEKS 8.8B

This student-led, modular station lab supports the 2021 TEKS 8.8B standard by engaging middle school students in exploring the many applications of electromagnetic waves. Students investigate how these waves are used in radiation therapy, wireless technologies, fiber optics, microwaves, ultraviolet sterilization, astronomical observations, and X-rays. By rotating through differentiated input and output stations, students gain a deeper understanding while directing their own learning, with teachers serving as facilitators.

Structure & Differentiation

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

• Differentiated to support a wide range of learners—scaffolded tasks for students needing remediation and extension opportunities for advanced learners

• Includes station signage, task cards, readings, and resources to make setup simple and flexible

• The Explore It! station may require a few simple classroom materials you likely already have

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building knowledge):

• Explore It! – Hands-on demo or experiment; digital version includes interactive tools in PowerPoint or Google Slides

• Watch It! – Short video with guided comprehension questions

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

• Research It! – Data, images, and graphs paired with structured questions on student lab sheets

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

• Organize It! – Categorization and card sort tasks using manipulatives or digital tools

• Illustrate It! – Drawing/sketching models of electromagnetic waves to reinforce retention

• Write It! – Short-answer responses in 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 or early finishers

Flexible Implementation

This lab is designed for both in-class and virtual learning. All files are compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them easy to adapt for blended or online 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.