Organism Structures & Functions Student-Led Station Lab - Gr 5, New TEKS 5.13A

Modular and student-led, these activities on the structures and functions of different species that allow them to survive in a variety of environments cover the biology 2021 TEKS 5.13A standard. It will keep your 5th grade class engaged and learning throughout this life science 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 analyze the structures and functions of different species to identify how organisms survive in the same environment.

This Organism Structures & Functions Station Lab is also included in my Grade 5 Life Sciences Complete Lesson Bundle which includes PowerPoints, notes, homework, student projects, assessments, engagement activities, and more for your elementary science curriculum.

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 the structural and functional adaptations of different organisms to help them survive in their environment, 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 the adaptations that help desert-dwelling animals survive the extreme heat and wind in their environment.

Read It! – At this station, students read a short passage about how structures and functions, including behaviors, help organisms survive 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 the unique structures and functions that provide advantages to different bird species. 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 how and why organisms that live in the same ecosystem have different functions and structures.

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 an example of a familiar organisms that lives in a local ecosystem and then identify the specialized structures and functions that help it survive. 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 different organisms have specific structures and functions that allow them to survive in their ecosystem 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.

This is a finished product; it will be updated with formatting or corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.