Unit Plan 3 (Grade 7 Science): Cell Structure & Function
Grade 7 unit modeling plant and animal cell organelles as a system, showing how each part contributes to cell function through diagrams, analogies, and models.
Focus: Model how cell organelles contribute to the overall function of the cell by comparing plant and animal cells, building visual/physical models, and explaining how parts work together as a system.
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: Science (Life Science — Cells & Systems)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students zoom in on cell structure and function. Building on their understanding that all living things are made of cells, they now investigate how organelles inside cells work together to keep the cell—and the organism—alive. Through diagrams, analogies (e.g., cell as a factory or school), and model-building, students describe how the cell functions as a whole system and how each part contributes to that system. By the end of the week, students use models and explanations to address MS-LS1-2.
Essential Questions
- How does a cell act as a system, with different parts working together to keep it alive?
- What are the main organelles in typical plant and animal cells, and what does each do?
- How can models and analogies (like a factory or school) help us understand cell structure and function?
- What happens if one cell part is damaged or missing—how might that affect the whole cell?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify and label major organelles in simplified plant and animal cell diagrams (e.g., cell membrane, cell wall, cytoplasm, nucleus, chloroplasts, vacuole, mitochondria).
- Describe the function of each organelle and explain how it contributes to the overall function of the cell.
- Develop and use a cell-as-system model (diagram, 3D model, or analogy map) that shows how parts work together (inputs, processes, outputs).
- Use analogies (e.g., cell as a factory, school, or city) to connect organelles to real-world roles, while noting limits of the analogy.
- Explain, using models and reasoning, how changes to one part of the cell (e.g., damaged membrane, missing mitochondria) could impact the cell’s ability to survive and function.
Standards Alignment — 7th Grade (NGSS-based custom)
- MS-LS1-2 — Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and how parts of cells contribute to the cell’s function.
- Students create and revise models (diagrams, 3D builds, analogy maps) to show organelles and their functions as part of a cell system.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can name and label the main organelles in plant and animal cells.
- I can explain what each organelle does and how it helps the cell stay alive and do its job.
- I can create a model (drawing, 3D, or analogy) that shows the cell as a system with parts working together.
- I can use my model to explain what might happen if one organelle stopped working.
- I can describe what parts of my analogy match the cell and what parts don’t quite fit.