Activity
Gallery Walk
Gallery Walk
Activity Overview
Students rotate between stations to view and comment on displayed work, ideas, or problems related to the lesson content.
Grade Levels
Subject Areas
Activity Types
Detailed Example
Ecosystems (Science - 6th Grade)
Materials Needed
- Large chart paper for each station
- Markers in different colors
- Sticky notes (2 colors)
- Timer
- Station instruction cards
- Reference materials about ecosystems
Preparation
Create 5-6 stations around the room, each focused on a different ecosystem (rainforest, desert, ocean, tundra, etc.). Each station should have a large chart with the ecosystem name and a few starter images or facts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Divide class into small groups (3-4 students per group).
Explain that each group will start at one ecosystem station and rotate through all stations.
At each station (5-7 minutes per rotation), groups:
Read existing information
Add at least 3 facts about the ecosystem (adaptations, climate, food web, etc.)
Add at least 1 drawing/diagram to illustrate a key concept
Place green sticky notes with questions they have
Place pink sticky notes with connections to other ecosystems
Signal rotations with a timer. Each group should visit all stations.
Final rotation: Groups return to their original station, review all additions, and prepare a 1-minute summary of the compiled information.
Each group presents their ecosystem summary to the class.
Reflection discussion: What patterns did you notice across different ecosystems? How are they interconnected?
Differentiation Strategies
Provide reference materials at stations for students who need support. For advanced groups, add challenge questions about ecosystem disruption or climate change impacts.
Assessment Guidelines
Monitor contributions during rotations. Evaluate quality and accuracy of added content. Assess presentations for key ecosystem understanding.