From Organelles to Organ System
Students will be able to develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways the parts of cells contribute to the function, conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells, and use arguments supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.
Overview
Middle school students build and use models to explain how cells function and how cells combine into body systems. They start with a KWL chart, a paper cell, organelle notes, and a Cell Organelle Mayoral Campaign, then use the Little Girl Lost case study and a researched organelle disorder to connect malfunction to disease and write a claim, evidence, and reasoning response. Card sorts, a levels-of-organization packet, and a body systems video cover organs and organ systems. Students then play an organ system relay game and make an infographic of system connections. The unit ends with a Human Body Battle Royale or comic project and an organ-on-a-chip reading.
Lesson Objectives
- Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways the parts of cells contribute to the function.
- Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.
- Use arguments supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.
Standards
NGSS · 3
- MS-LS1-1From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes: Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.
- MS-LS1-2From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes: Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways the parts of cells contribute to the function.
- MS-LS1-3From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes: Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.
CCSS ELA · 2
- RST.6-8.4Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific or technical context relevant to grades 6-8 texts and topics.
- RST.6-8.8Compare and contrast the information gained from experiments, stimulations, video, or multimedia sources with that gained from reading a text on the same topic.