Genes Station Lab - New TEKS 8.13B

This modular, student-led station lab helps middle school students master the TEKS 2021 standard 8.13B by exploring the function of genes within chromosomes and how they determine inherited traits in offspring. With nine differentiated stations, students engage in multimodal activities that build understanding, allow them to demonstrate learning in multiple ways, and promote ownership of the learning process. Teachers serve as facilitators while students work independently or in small groups—making this a low-prep, high-engagement activity for your life science classroom.

Differentiation & Structure

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

• Activities are differentiated for various learning levels, with scaffolded passages for support and extension options for advanced students

• Includes all station signage, task cards, readings, and resources for easy implementation

• The Explore It! station may require a few basic supplies already available in most classrooms

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building knowledge):

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

• Watch It! – Short video with guided comprehension questions

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

• Research It! – Online fact-finding with images, graphs, and guided questions

Output Stations (demonstrating knowledge):

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

• Illustrate It! – Students sketch or diagram models to represent genetic concepts visually

• Write It! – Short-answer prompts that require explanation in complete sentences

• Assess It! – Task cards and a paragraph-based activity using vocabulary in context to show mastery

Bonus Station (enrichment):

• Challenge It! – Fun extension tasks like puzzles, crosswords, games, or mini-projects for advanced learners or early finishers

Flexible Implementation

The station lab is designed for in-person and virtual classrooms. All files are compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making it simple 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.