What Are Science Stations?
My line of Science Stations Units were created for 4th-6th grade students to have an opportunity to explore science topics at their own pace and in a variety of ways. For each topic, there are 9 activities to practice and extend students’ learning. My 5th graders LOVED doing these stations. The end of year survey proved they were a hit with almost every single student. When students are excited about learning, they learn more!
Why Do I Love Stations?
Independence
Students got some independence as long as their work was quality. It gave me a chance to meet with students who needed a little extra while the rest of the class worked at their own pace through the stations.
Flexibility
Stations are flexible. I could listen to students’ conversations and provide input as needed. I could assign certain stations to each student, assign all stations to all students, or let students select their stations.
Review & Extension
The stations provide basic review as well as extension. Students can review basic concepts, then stretch their brains to apply the concept in a new way.
Quick Prep
Stations are easy to set up. I just print, collect materials, and go. Fewer materials are required than labs for a whole class set, so it’s cheaper and quicker.
Tips for Using Stations
Stations were used in addition to whole class notebook mini-lessons, labs, and experiments. Here’s how I set them up.
1. Print everything. Laminate any cards. Collect common household materials needed.
2. Place materials in containers around the room with whatever students will need.
3. Put the students into groups of 3. Make a note of any stations you want to be sure some teams complete so they know.
4. Copy student pages.
For about 3 days for 30-40 minutes each day, groups work through stations at their own pace. I pull students I need to see. Some students will likely not complete all nine stations and I’m okay with that. I’m looking for quality work and to see they completed the ones I asked certain groups to be sure they visit. It may seem a little weird to not have everyone required to complete the same thing, but to me this is for extension and practice. As long as students are on task and learning, I’m happy! Stations can be used how you see fit.
Other Uses
Sometimes I use the activities in other ways. You can do them as whole class lessons or with a small group. You can put a few activities in a Science Center that students rotate through during center time or RTI.
Available Science Stations Units
I have 13 units available on TpT that are ready to print and use.
Want ready-to-use stations? We’ve got you covered! Get your stations bundle here!
There are 13 units available on TpT that are ready to print and use.
Bundle Deal
Try the bundle of 13 units. That’s 117 stations! See it on TPT: Science Stations Bundle
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11 thoughts on “Why I Love Science Stations Units”
Hi Ari,
I was wondering if you plan on doing Science Stations for rocks, fossils, and minerals. If you could let me know, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Alley
Hi Alley,
I only have Science Weekly Five stations for that topic now. I’m not planning to do any more big stations just yet.
-Ari
Do you time the students on when to rotate through the stations or do they just move when necessary, after completing the station they’re in? Do they choose what order to rotate in or is the order of stations assigned?
Do you have a mega pack of all the science centers? I would be interested in purchasing them as a package deal if you are able to offer a discount for the larger purchase.
Thanks!
I do– you can find the bundle here:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-Stations-Units-BUNDLE-1403413
Thanks Sarah!
-Ari
Ali-
I am getting ready to implement these stations in the classroom, they are laminated and prepped for the year, I was feeling very ready until I realized that only one group would read first…do you find that the students need to do the reading before they can finish the remaining stations in the rotation? Or is there another way that you “get” the information they need to them first in a different way?
Thanks
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
I use the stations in a stations setting as review and reinforcement, not to introduce new material. You can use the activities though with your whole class. One thing you can do is select a couple of stations to do whole class before dividing up into groups for the remaining stations.
-Ari
Dear Jennifer,
What text did you use to introduce the unit before using the stations as review/reinforcement?
Can you please share your container/organization system for the Science Stations? Thanks!
I like using these boxes to hold the stations materials. http://amzn.to/2v0BDar (affiliate)
I have been looking for more ways to engage students. I believe that these stations are excellent and will give my students the opportunity to move around the room and enjoy their learning.