Minimizing Environmental Impact Student-Led Station Lab - Grade 5, New TEKS 5.11

Modular and student-led, these activities on minimizing environmental impacts caused by using natural resources cover the geology 2021 TEKS 5.11A standard. It will keep your 5th grade class engaged and learning throughout this Earth sciences lesson. These comprehensive materials will save you a TON of prep time while giving upper elementary students a chance to direct their own learning.

In this station lab, students will design and explain solutions such as conservation, recycling, and proper disposal to minimize environmental impacts of the use of natural resources.

DIFFERENTIATED, MODULAR, STUDENT-LED

Each station lab has nine differentiated activities that help the student create a personalized learning experience. In this student-centered approach, the teacher facilitates student learning rather than directing it.

The nine modular stations include all the signage, literature, resources, and task cards for the students to complete independently or in small groups. The stations may also require a few materials that you likely already have in your lab for the Explore It! station.

THE STATIONS

INPUT Stations offer multimodal ways to encounter new concepts about how conservation efforts, such as reducing, reusing, and recycling can help prevent waste from ending up in landfills, including:

Explore It! – This station includes an activity that allows the student to connect information through application. In the digital version, students manipulate images and text in PowerPoint or Google Slides.

Watch It! – Students watch a short video at this station and answer questions about how to make choices that are better for the environment and what it means to be sustainable. 

Read It! – At this station, students read a short passage about the importance of taking action to prevent waste, protect resources, and keep our planet clean and answer questions about the reading and vocabulary terms. There are differentiated passages, now in English and Spanish, for readers that need a shorter, easier text.

Research It! – This station gives students facts, images, and graphs to connect with their learning about simple ways to conserve energy, water, and resources in our everyday lives. Students will perform tasks and answer related questions on their lab sheet. 

OUTPUT Stations provide multiple ways for students to show what they have learned as they explain the differences between conservations methods including recycling, upcycling, reusing, and composting.

Organize It! – The students work hands-on with manipulatives at this station. In the digital version, students manipulate images and text in PowerPoint or Google Slides.

Illustrate It! – At this station, the student sketches or draws out examples showing how people can reduce, reuse, and recycle waste. This visual learning activity allows for better recall and retention of new information.

Write It! – At this station, the students respond to short answer prompts that allow them to communicate their knowledge using complete sentences.

Assess It! – The students demonstrate their understanding of how implementing sensible conservation practices can protect Earth’s resources for future generations using a series of task cards with questions and a paragraph that uses vocabulary in context.

Bonus Station - Challenge It! – Early finishers and advanced students will love the extension activities in this station. Expand their learning through crosswords, games, and mini projects.

Can This Resource Be Used for Virtual Learning?

Yes! Station labs have been created so that students can use them on campus or in a virtual learning environment.

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