Biology for Middle School - Cells to Genetics (Semester I)
This upbeat 16-week course introduces middle school students to cells, organelles, cell division (mitosis/meiosis), DNA, the basics of genetics, and Punnett Squares. Students leave prepared to explore complex concepts of biology. #academic
Ashley McLaurin
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(719)
Popular
Rising Star
What's included
16 live meetings
12 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Your student will have 1-2 review activities each week, three projects, and a few short quizzes in this course. All work can be completed digitally or printed for convenience. Project #1 Students will create their own organism and describe how it fulfills a living organism's requirements. Project #2 Cell diagram. Students will make a cell diagram for either a plant or animal cell. Project #3 DNA ModelAssessment
There will be short review games, projects, and two quizzes. Rubrics are given for projects, and grades can be scored upon request.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
This course is designed for middle school students.
It introduces students to cells and their functions inside of an organism. We explore how to define life using the characteristics of life, a set of statements that are always true for something that is living. We gradually jump into more complex topics, such as cell division and genetics. Students come away with a clear understanding of cellular biology and are prepared for high school coursework.
Students are introduced to cells and their functions in this semester's course. Your student will learn:
WEEKS 1 - 8
⭐Week 1 - Lesson: What are Cells? 🔬
⭐Week 2 - Lesson: Prokaryotic versus Eukaryotic Cells
⭐Week 3 - Lesson: Characteristics of Life
⭐Week 4 - Lesson: Characteristics of Life
- Project #1: Create a Fictional Living Creature
- Directions and Rubric
⭐Week 5 - Lesson: What are Organelles?
⭐Week 6 - Lesson: Organelle Review
- Project #2: Create Your Own Cell Diagram
- Directions and Rubric
⭐Week 7 - Lesson: Cell Division (Mitosis)
⭐Week 8 - Lesson: Mitosis and Cancer
- Review Game/Quiz
_______ MIDDLE _______
WEEKS 9 - 18
⭐Week 9 - Lesson: What is DNA?🧬
⭐Week 10 - Lesson: Chromosomes and Genes
- Project #3: DNA Model
- Directions and Rubric
⭐Week 11 - Lesson: **Gamete Production** (Meiosis)
⭐Week 12 - Lesson: Meiosis Review
⭐Week 13 - Lesson: Mendelian Inheritance & Punnett Squares
⭐Week 14 - Lesson: Punnett Square Practice Together
⭐Week 15 - Lesson: Mendelian Inheritance & Punnett Squares continued
⭐Week 16 - Lesson: Sex-Linked Traits & General Review
- Class Review Game/Quiz
Each class will have a short lesson, videos for reinforcement, group activities, review games, and vocabulary review. Students will be given weekly note sheets, three projects, digital practice sheets, and small (optional) quizzes to test your student's understanding.
All work can be completed digitally, but if your student prefers doing the projects on paper, the following materials are suggested: paper, colored pencils, and small household items.Learning Goals
By the end of this course, your student will understand cell theory, what characteristics define a living organism versus non-living, visually identify prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, describe different types of cells and why they may have more or less specific organelles, define the function of each organelle, identify the sequence of mitosis and its importance for the body, describe the structure and function of DNA, that genes are located on chromosomes, how genetic material is passed from parent to offspring (cells only, no other details), and how to calculate the probability of traits being passed from parent to offspring.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)16 Lessons
over 16 WeeksLesson 1:
What are Cells?
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Prokaryotic Versus Eukaryotic Cells
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Characteristics of Life
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Characteristics of Life Projects
Project #1: Create a Fictional Living Creature 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
All work can be completed digitally. If your student prefers doing the projects on paper, the following materials are suggested: paper, colored pencils, and small household items for the cell diagram project.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined April, 2020
4.9
719reviews
Popular
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
Indiana Teaching Certificate in Science
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Ball State University
Welcome to my Outschool profile! I'm an enthusiastic science educator with a passion for inspiring young minds. With over a decade of teaching experience, I specialize in middle and high school sciences, including chemistry, physics, and biology.
My approach to teaching is all about making science relatable, exciting, and empowering for students. I focus not just on the facts but on teaching them how to think like scientists, solve problems, and use scientific language effectively. This builds their confidence and helps them see science as a skill they can master, opening doors to further exploration and advanced studies.
Whether you're looking for ongoing classes, one-time sessions, or semester-long courses, I offer a range of options to suit your needs. I'm also available for personalized tutoring and test preparation. If you are still looking for a time or topic that fits your schedule, feel free to reach out, and I'll do my best to accommodate you.
Let's embark on a journey of discovery and learning together! I can't wait to share my love for science with your students. Contact me to discuss how we can make science come alive in a way that's meaningful and fun for them. See you in class!Reviews
Live Group Course
$16
weekly or $250 for 16 classes1x per week, 16 weeks
45 min
Completed by 42 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-12 learners per class
