Comparing Organisms Station Lab - New TEKS 6.13B

This student-led, modular station lab is designed to meet the 2021 TEKS 6.13B standard, engaging middle school students in comparing the basic characteristics of organisms. Students will explore and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic, unicellular and multicellular, and autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. With nine differentiated, multimodal stations, students direct their own learning while teachers act as facilitators—making this a low-prep, high-engagement life science lesson.

Structure & Differentiation

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

• Differentiation built in—scaffolded reading passages and supports for remediation, plus enrichment challenges for advanced learners

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

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

Station Breakdown

Input Stations (building knowledge):

• Explore It! – Hands-on demonstration; digital version allows interaction in PowerPoint or Google Slides

• Watch It! – Short video with comprehension questions about comparing organisms

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

• Research It! – Facts, images, and graphs paired with structured student activities

Output Stations (showing understanding):

• Organize It! – Sorting and categorization activities with manipulatives or digital images

• Illustrate It! – Students draw or sketch models to reinforce visual learning

• Write It! – Students respond to short-answer prompts using complete sentences

• Assess It! – Task cards and vocabulary-in-context questions to demonstrate mastery

Bonus Station:

• Challenge It! – Enrichment tasks such as puzzles, crosswords, games, or mini-projects for advanced learners or early finishers

Flexible Implementation

The station lab is fully adaptable for in-person or virtual learning. All resources are compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them easy to use in 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.