Endocrine System Functions Complete Science Lesson - New TEKS 7.13A

This complete unit provides middle school teachers with everything needed to teach the main functions and key components of the endocrine system. Students explore how glands and hormones regulate body processes, maintain homeostasis, and interact with other systems. The resource includes editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, a differentiated station lab, and assessments. Designed for multiday instruction with minimal prep, it emphasizes student-led, differentiated learning, giving teachers time to focus on supporting mastery.

Essential Questions for Students

• What are the main functions of the human organism’s endocrine system?

• How can we model the main functions of the endocrine system of the human organism?

Standards Alignment: Meets 2021 TEKS standard 7.13A.

Key Features

• Differentiated supports for students who need remediation or enrichment

• Multimodal learning to engage diverse learners

• Flexible delivery—resources are provided in both printable and digital formats

• Editable PowerPoints for classroom customization

• Spanish translations of vocabulary, a station lab passage, and interactive notebook pages

Instructional Framework: The 5E Model

This lesson is designed around the 5E instructional model—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate—ensuring a balanced mix of inquiry, practice, and assessment.

Engage

• Objectives and Word Wall Cards (English & Spanish)

• Teacher file with discussion prompts, classroom activity ideas, and notes on common misconceptions

Explore

• A nine-station, student-led lab introduces the endocrine system’s functions, key parts, and related diseases

Input Stations:

• Explore It! – Hands-on demonstration or experiment

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

• Research It! – Guided online activity with structured tasks

• Watch It! – Short video with reflection prompts

Output Stations:

• Organize It! – Categorization and card sort activities (printable and digital)

• Write It! – Open-ended responses in complete sentences

• Illustrate It! – Sketching/drawing hormones and feedback loops to reinforce learning

• Assess It! – Vocabulary-in-context and mastery-based questions

Bonus Station:

• Challenge It! – Games, crosswords, and mini-projects for enrichment or early finishers

Explain

• Editable PowerPoints in both standard and interactive formats

• Interactive Notebook templates (digital & print, English & Spanish)

• Guided note-taking templates

Elaborate

• Student-choice projects on the glands, hormones, and functions of the endocrine system

Evaluate

• Assessments updated for STAAR 2.0, with standard and modified versions

• Review worksheets and discussion questions for homework, practice, or test prep

Flexible Learning Options

This resource is designed for both in-person and virtual classrooms. The digital station lab and interactive notebook activities are fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them easy to use in 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.