Hierarchy of Organisms Station Lab - New TEKS 7.13B

This modular, student-led station lab engages middle school students in exploring the hierarchical organization of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems within plants and animals. Designed with nine differentiated, interactive stations, this resource encourages independent and small-group learning while allowing teachers to guide and facilitate. It’s a low-prep, high-engagement activity ideal for both classroom and virtual learning environments.

Differentiation & Structure

• Nine total stations: Eight core activities plus one enrichment station for early finishers

• Built-in differentiation supports all learners with scaffolded activities and reading passages in English and Spanish

• All materials included: Signage, task cards, readings, and digital resources for seamless classroom setup

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

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (Building Knowledge)

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

• Watch It! – Short, engaging video with comprehension questions

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

• Research It! – Online investigation with visuals, data, and guided questions

Output Stations (Demonstrating Understanding)

• Organize It! – Printable or digital card sorts that reinforce key relationships between levels of organization

• Illustrate It! – Sketches and diagrams that help students visualize and internalize the hierarchy of living systems

• Write It! – Open-ended prompts encouraging clear, complete-sentence explanations

• Assess It! – Task cards and writing prompts integrating vocabulary and concept application

Bonus Station (Enrichment)

• Challenge It! – Crossword puzzles, games, and mini-projects designed for early finishers or advanced learners

Flexible Implementation

This lab is fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making it effortless to adapt for both in-class and virtual learning. Whether used for core instruction, review, or enrichment, this activity delivers deep understanding through active exploration.

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.