Unit Plan 2 (Grade 7 Science): What Is a Cell?
Grade 7 unit using microscopes, observations, models, and CER to show unicellular and multicellular organisms are made of cells, the basic unit of life.
Focus: Investigate cells as the basic unit of life in all organisms by observing unicellular and multicellular samples, using microscopes or images, and constructing models and explanations based on evidence.
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: Science (Life Science — Cells & Structure)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students move from general science routines into the core life science idea that all living things are made of cells. They use microscopes or high-quality images to observe single-celled organisms and multicellular tissues, collect and organize observations, and draw labeled cell models. Students compare living samples with non-living materials, then use claim–evidence–reasoning to argue that cells are the basic unit of structure and function in organisms. By the end of the week, students will have firsthand evidence supporting MS-LS1-1.
Essential Questions
- What is a cell, and how do we know that all living things are made of cells?
- How are unicellular organisms different from multicellular organisms—and what do they have in common?
- How can microscopes, observations, and models help us see and understand structures that are too small to see with the naked eye?
- What evidence would convince someone that cells are the basic unit of life?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Use microscopes or high-resolution images to observe cells in at least one unicellular and one multicellular organism or tissue.
- Record qualitative and quantitative observations about cell size, shape, patterns, and arrangement in organized data tables.
- Create and revise labeled models of cells that show key structures (e.g., cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus) as appropriate to the sample.
- Differentiate between living samples with cells and non-living materials that do not show cells, using evidence.
- Construct a claim–evidence–reasoning (CER) argument that living things are made of cells, either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells, aligned to MS-LS1-1.
Standards Alignment — 7th Grade (NGSS-based custom)
- MS-LS1-1 — Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells, either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.
- Students observe and model unicellular and multicellular samples and use evidence to argue that cells are the basic unit of life.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can use a microscope or image to find and observe cells in living samples.
- I can record clear observations of cell shapes, sizes, and patterns in a data table.
- I can draw labeled models of cells that show important parts and how cells are arranged.
- I can explain the difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms using examples.
- I can write a CER that uses my observations as evidence that all living things are made of cells.