Biology for Middle School - Cells to Genetics (Semester I)
Ashley McLaurin
Popular
Rising Star
Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(656)
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
Class 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...
16 lessons//16 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1What are Cells?Week 2Lesson 2Prokaryotic Versus Eukaryotic CellsWeek 3Lesson 3Characteristics of LifeWeek 4Lesson 4Characteristics of Life ProjectsProject #1: Create a Fictional Living CreatureWeek 5Lesson 5What are Organelles?Week 6Lesson 6Organelle ReviewProject #2: Create Your Own Cell DiagramWeek 7Lesson 7Mitosis - Cell Division for Growth and RepairWeek 8Lesson 8Mitosis and CancerWeek 9Lesson 9What is DNA?Week 10Lesson 10Chromosomes and GenesProject #3: DNA ModelWeek 11Lesson 11Meiosis - Gamete ProductionWeek 12Lesson 12Meiosis ReviewWeek 13Lesson 13Introduction to Genetics - Mendelian Inheritance and Punnett SquaresWeek 14Lesson 14Punnett Square PracticeWeek 15Lesson 15Dihybrid CrossesWeek 16Lesson 16Sex-Linked Traits and General Review
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.
Homework Offered
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 Model0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
There will be short review games, projects, and two quizzes. Rubrics are given for projects, and grades can be scored upon request.Grades Offered
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.
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Popular
Rising Star
Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(656)
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...
Group Class
$16
weekly or $250 for 16 classes1x per week, 16 weeks
45 min
Completed by 42 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-10 learners per class
