This modular, student-led activity about the engineering and design process will keep your middle school class engaged and learning throughout this beginning-of-the-year lesson. These comprehensive materials will save you a TON of prep time while giving students the opportunity to direct their own learning.

In this station lab, students will learn to define the criteria and constraints of a design problem and brainstorm ways to arrive at a solution.

Ready for in-class or virtual learning!

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

DIFFERENTIATED, MODULAR, STUDENT-LED

Each station lab features eight differentiated activities that help students create a personalized learning experience, accompanied by 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 engineering and design process.

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

Research It! – This station utilizes a website where students can learn more about the engineering and design process. Students will perform tasks and answer related questions on their lab sheets. 

Read It! – At this station, students read a short passage about the engineering and design process and answer questions about the reading and vocabulary terms. There are differentiated passages, in Spanish and English, for readers who require a shorter, easier text.

Watch It! – Students watch a short video at this station and answer questions about the engineering and design process. 

OUTPUT Stations provide multiple ways for students to show what they have learned about the engineering and design process.

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, students sketch or draw models that depict the engineering and design process. 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! – Students demonstrate their knowledge of the engineering process using a series of task cards with questions and a paragraph that utilizes 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.

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