Picture this: it’s the third day of school. You’ve passed out a simple science warm up, and the reactions couldn’t be more different.
One student’s halfway done before you even finished explaining directions.
Another is stuck on the vocabulary.
A third is doodling the beaker instead of labeling it.
Welcome to middle school science.
The first week of school is the perfect time to start looking at how to differentiate science lessons. When you build flexibility and choice into your lessons from the start, you create a space for all students to succeed. And no, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s walk through manageable ways to start differentiating your science lessons the first week of school.
5 Ways to Differentiate Science Lessons During the First Week of School
Strategy #1: Start with student surveys and pre-assessments
Before you can differentiate, you need to know what your students bring to your classroom. In the first few days, I like to gather quick data that helps me understand learning styles, prior knowledge, and personal interests.
Some of my go-to tools include:
- Quick pre-assessments to check science understanding
- Interest surveys that help with engagement and grouping
- Getting to know you activities to build relationships and spot strengths
One of my favorites is this “All About Me” template. I use it as part of my First Day of School Science Stations to get a more complete picture of who’s in my classroom. It’s a great way to learn about students while starting to build community.
Strategy #2: Use multiple content formats to support all learners
Not every student will connect with your textbook readings, and that’s okay. To differentiate science lessons, you’ll want to offer more than one way for students to engage with content.
In your first week, try rotating between formats like:
- Short reading passages with visuals or guided questions
- Videos or simulations to introduce a concept
- Mini labs to get hands on
- Graphic organizers to help students make sense of what they’re learning
The goal is to create varied, accessible experiences that meet students where they are. And remember – each class is different, so keep an eye on what works best for your unique group.
Strategy #3: Try station rotations with built-in student choice
Stations are one of my favorite ways to offer movement, variety, and built-in differentiation without doubling your prep. By including choices within each station, students can self-select tasks that fit their interests or skill levels.
Stations give you the flexibility to:
- Offer the same task at different reading levels or with tiered question sets
- Allow students to choose their starting point or rotation order
- Include both hands-on and written tasks to meet diverse learning styles
Beyond that, stations also provide you with valuable insights. While students are actively engaged, you get the chance to observe how they interact with the content, who may need additional support, and which groupings or strategies are working best.
The Perfect Science Stations to Kick Off Your Year
Try these Back to School Science Stations to introduce classroom routines, build relationships, and kick off the year with confidence.
Explore the ActivitiesStrategy #4: Offer tiered assignments and open-ended options
One of the most practical ways to differentiate is by creating assignments with multiple entry points. This ensures students feel challenged, but not overwhelmed.
Ideas to try:
- Tiered versions of a worksheet, graphic organizer, or writing prompt
- Scaffolded sentence stems for students who need support
- Extension tasks for students who finish early
- Open ended projects that allow for creative expression
I like introducing this concept with my Lab Safety Choice Board. It helps students review lab safety in different ways, while giving them the freedom to choose how they show what they know. You can read more about how I use choice boards here!
Strategy #5: Group students flexibly based on different needs
Grouping students isn’t just about ability. You can group based on learning styles, personality types, interests, or simply to mix things up.
Try experimenting with groupings like:
- Reading level or language support needs
- Similar interests for project-based learning
- Random groups to build classroom culture
- Peer support pairings to encourage collaboration
Keep your groups flexible and rotate often. This helps students develop new skills, new relationships, and new confidence.
That first week of school is only the beginning, and I know you’re already setting the stage for an amazing year ahead. With these differentiation strategies, you’ve got a strong foundation to help your students thrive.
You don’t have to have it all figured out at once. Focus on creating a space where students know they belong and have the tools to succeed. When you take things one day at a time and notice the small wins, you’ll build a classroom culture that grows stronger with every lesson.
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