Grade: 7

Content Area: Science

Course Name: Life Science

Unit: Cell Structure and Function

Description of Course: Students will explore the eukaryotic cells structure and function. Students will learn the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as, the difference between plant and animal cells.

Approximate Time Needed: 3-4 weeks

Learning Targets

Assessments

Instructional Considerations

Instructional Approach

Resources

7.4.1.2.1 I can identify the major organelles in a cell and explain how they help carry out the life functions of the cell.

7.4.1.1.1 I can compare and contrast at least two cells in the body based on their structure and function.

7.4.1.2.3 I can distinguish a plant cell from an animal cell based on the presence of a cell wall and chloroplasts.

Pre-Assessments:

Cell Structure and Function Pre Assessment

KEY - Cell Structure and Function Pre Assessment

Formative Assessments:

3.1 Guided Reading Worksheet

3.1 Cell Discovery Lab

3.2 Guided Reading Worksheet

3.2 Cell Diversity Lab

3.3 Guided Reading Worksheet

3.4 Guided Reading Worksheet

3.4 DNA Plant Cell Extraction Lab

3.4 DNA Cheek Cell Extraction Lab

3.5 Guided Reading Worksheet

3.5 Worksheet Cell Structure and Function

3.5 Cell Parts Chart

3.5 Create your own cell city worksheet

3.5 Jell-O Cell Activity

3.6 Guided Reading Worksheet

3.6 Animal Vs Plant Cell Lab

Project: Make your own cell model

Unit 3 Review

Benchmark Assessment:

Cell Structure and Function Summative Assessment

KEY - Cell Structure and Function Summative Assessment

Student Background Knowledge:

• Nature of Science
• Characteristics of Life

Essential Questions:

• What are the major organelles in the cell, and what are their functions?
• How are cells in the body different from one another?
• How are plant and animal cells different from one another?

Academic Language:

Structure

Function

Environment

Intruder

Cross-Content Integration:

Art - Have students draw/paint/sketch/color a plant or an animal cell. A prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell. Or different cells that are found in the human body.

History - Talk about the discovery of cells, and the development of the cell theory. How did these new discoveries change science?

Music - Have students create a song to remember the parts of the cell. See the cell organelle rap as an example.

English - Students can write a persuasive paper for or against stem cell research. Students could also write a research paper on a particular type of cell or cells such as a blood cell talking about its structure and function

Web Resources:

Cell Activities

Cell Organelle Rap Video

Bill Nye the Science Guy Episode Cells 

Cells

Research:

CK-12 Foundation

Technology Resources:

Internet access for research

Community Resources:

Invite a local cytologist to talk about their job and how it involves cells.

Invite a local professor from the college or university to talk about cells, and the current research they are conducting at the college.