Electromagnetic Spectrum Student-Led Station Lab

This modular, student-led activity about the electromagnetic spectrum will keep your middle school class engaged and learning throughout this space science lesson. These comprehensive materials will save you a TON of prep time while giving students a chance to direct their own learning.

In this station lab, students will learn to ask questions about date to determine the factors that affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces.

This Electromagnetic Spectrum Station Lab activity is also included in my Electromagnetic Spectrum 5E Lesson Plan, which includes PowerPoints, notes, homework, student projects, assessments, engagement activities, and more for your middle school science curriculum.

DIFFERENTIATED, MODULAR, STUDENT-LED

Each station lab has eight differentiated activities that help the student create a personalized learning experience, with a ninth challenge station for early finishers. In this student-centered approach, the teacher facilitates student learning rather than directing it.

The nine modular stations include all 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 electromagnetic spectrum.

Explore It! – This station is a hands-on demonstration that allows the student to connect information through application. In the digital version, students manipulate images and text in PowerPoint or Google Slides.

Research It! – This station uses a website where students will learn more information about the electromagnetic spectrum. Students will perform tasks and answer related questions on their lab sheet. 

Read It! – At this station, students read a short passage about the electromagnetic spectrum and answer questions about the reading and vocabulary terms. There are differentiated passages, now in Spanish and English, for readers that need a shorter, easier text.

Watch It! – Students watch a short video at this station and answer questions about the electromagnetic spectrum. 

OUTPUT Stations provide multiple ways for students to show what they have learned about the electromagnetic spectrum.

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 models about the electromagnetic spectrum. 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 knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum 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. The station labs have been created so that students can use them on campus or in a virtual learning environment.

Terms of Use

Copyright © Kesler Science, LLC. All rights reserved by the author. This product is to be used by the original downloader only. Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, department, school, or school system is prohibited. Permission is never granted to enter Kesler Science materials into any form of AI for any purpose. This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view. Failure to comply is copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Clipart and elements found in this PDF are copyrighted and cannot be extracted and used outside of this file without permission or license. Intended for classroom and personal use ONLY. Multiple licenses are available for purchase by departments, schools, or school districts. Contact chris@keslerscience.com for more information.