Properties of Waves Student-Led Station Lab

This modular, student-led activity about the properties of waves will keep your middle school class engaged and learning throughout energy 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 develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed or transmitted through various materials

This Properties of Waves Station Lab activity is also included in my Properties of Waves 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 properties of waves.

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 properties of waves. Students will perform tasks and answer related questions on their lab sheet. 

Read It! – At this station, students read a short passage about the properties of waves 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 properties of waves. 

OUTPUT Stations provide multiple ways for students to show what they have learned about the properties of waves.

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 depicting the properties of waves 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 properties of waves 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.

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