Ready-to-use classroom activity

Gallery Walk

Students rotate between stations to view and comment on displayed work, ideas, or problems related to the lesson content.

Grade range

3rd Grade – 12th Grade

Works across

ScienceMathematicsEnglishHistoryForeign Language

Activity style

ActiveVisualCollaborative

Classroom walkthrough

See it in practice

One concrete example you can borrow, adapt, or teach as written.

Example lesson context

Ecosystems (Science - 6th Grade)

Materials

Gather these before class.

  • Large chart paper for each station
  • Markers in different colors
  • Sticky notes (2 colors)
  • Timer
  • Station instruction cards
  • Reference materials about ecosystems

Preparation

What to have ready before students begin.

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.

Run the activity

A classroom-ready sequence from launch to follow-up.

1

Divide class into small groups (3-4 students per group).

2

Explain that each group will start at one ecosystem station and rotate through all stations.

3

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

4

Signal rotations with a timer. Each group should visit all stations.

5

Final rotation: Groups return to their original station, review all additions, and prepare a 1-minute summary of the compiled information.

6

Each group presents their ecosystem summary to the class.

7

Reflection discussion: What patterns did you notice across different ecosystems? How are they interconnected?

Differentiate

Adjust the activity without losing its core purpose.

Provide reference materials at stations for students who need support. For advanced groups, add challenge questions about ecosystem disruption or climate change impacts.

Look for learning

Use these signals to assess understanding.

Monitor contributions during rotations. Evaluate quality and accuracy of added content. Assess presentations for key ecosystem understanding.