This study aims to improve the chemistry cognitive competency of high school students through applying the learning station method. The study focuses specifically on hydrocarbons in the Grade 11 curriculum, emphasizing students’ cognitive development in understanding chemical structures, processes and reactions. The learning station method allows students to actively engage in learning activities at a variety of stations, promoting a deeper understanding of abstract concepts. A teaching experiment was conducted and the results showed a significant improvement in students’ chemical cognition competency. This was especially evident in three post-lesson assessments, which showed statistically significant differences. The findings show that this approach effectively develops students’ understanding and application of chemistry concepts, especially in the hydrocarbon context, making it a promising pedagogical approach for future educational initiatives.