38
weekly
or 608 for 16 classes
Class
Play

Middle School Science (Sem.1): Fun With Nearpod, Labs, & Projects (Cells & More)

Completed by 177 learners
Ages 9-14
Live Group Course
In this fun, interactive class, we will go through Sem1 of Middle School Science. Covers life science topics: scientific method, lab reports, plant cells, animal cells, cell cycle, Mitosis, & Meiosis - featuring the "Edible Animal Cell Lab"
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(132 reviews)
Star Educator

Live video meetings
1x per week, 16 weeks
2-8 learners per class
45 min

What’s included

16 live meetings
12 in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. Homework assignments/projects are optional. See each week in the syllabus for more details.
Assessment
During class, learners will be continually assessed for understanding using Nearpod activity slides. Learners have the option of doing projects/assignments after class. I will grade any work that is turned in.
Grading
Contact me if you would like for me to calculate a grade. Because homework is optional, grades will be calculated based on work turned in.

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
**TRY THE FIRST CLASS FREE WITH COUPON CODE: NEWTOFNAJN18

*THIS CLASS MEETS LIVE BUT IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS A SELF-PACED/PRE-RECORDED CLASS* (message me if you can't find the link)

This is a fun, interactive, and rigorous 16-week course which meets once per week! This class can be taken as a stand-alone course (the learners are not required to take all 4 semesters of this curriculum). This course is based on national science standards and includes many hands-on activities. 

Course Structure:

*1 live meeting per week (45 min each); part lecture/part interactive slides and labs
*Optional homework or projects will be assigned in the Outschool Classroom and can be turned in within the classroom, or be sent to me in a private message. We will try to do/start these assignments during class as often as possible.


COURSE SYLLABUS:


Week 1: Making Observations/Scientific Method

Nearpod slides and activities
Observation Activity
Design your own Mini-Experiment/Lab Report


Week 2: Making Observations/Scientific Method- PART 2

Nearpod slides and activities
Design your own Mini-Experiment/Lab Report
Quiz

Week 3: Characteristics of Living Things

Nearpod slides and activities
Eye Dilation (homeostasis) Activity
Living Things Lab


Week 4: Characteristics of Living Things - PART 2

Nearpod slides and activities
Lipid Lab
Quiz

Week 5: Light and Matter 

Nearpod slides and activities
Electromagnetic Spectrum Foldable


Week 6: Light and Matter - PART 2

Nearpod slides and activities
Show and Tell: 3 objects from your house (opaque, translucent, transparent)
Weekly quiz

Week 7: Animal Cells

Nearpod slides and activities
Organelle Pictionary



Week 8: Animal Cells - PART 2

Nearpod slides and activities
Edible Animal Cell Project
Quiz


Week 9: Plant Cells 

Nearpod slides and activities
Plant/Animal Cell Foldable


Week 10: Plant Cells - PART 2

Nearpod slides and activities
Cell Bingo
Weekly quiz


Week 11: Photosynthesis 

Nearpod slides and activities


Week 12: Photosynthesis - PART 2

Nearpod slides and activities
Photosynthesis Storyboard (Comic Strip)
Weekly quiz


Week 13: Cell Cycle (Mitosis)

Nearpod slides and activities
Mitosis Storyboard (Comic Strip)


Week 14: Cell Cycle (Mitosis) - PART 2

Nearpod slides and activities
Virtual Onion Root Cell Lab/Lab Report
Quiz

Week 15: Cell Cycle (Meiosis)

Nearpod slides and activities
Meiosis Drawing

Week 16: Cell Cycle (Meiosis) - PART 2

Nearpod slides and activities
Meiosis Drawing
Quiz


I also have Sem 2, Sem 3, and Sem 4 of this class available. These are the topics covered in each of my middle school curriculum  classes:

Sem 1: Scientific Method, Living Things, Light and Matter, Plant/Animal Cells, Organization of Living Things, Photosynthesis, Cell Cycle.
Sem 2: Mendel/Genetics, Punnett Squares, DNA, DNA Mutations, Hybrid Organisms, Classification, Intro to Plants, Photosynthesis.
Sem 3: What is an Animal?, In/Vertebrates, Skeletal System, Circulatory System, Respiratory System, Nervous System, Digestive System. 
Sem 4: Rock Cycle, Fossils/Fossil Layer, Plate Tectonics, Clouds, Meteorology, Weather, and Natural Disasters.

Learning Goals

List and describe the steps of the scientific method.
Identify and create a model of both animal and plant cells, understand and describe photosynthesis, and be able to identify the steps of the cell cycle.

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
16 Lessons
over 16 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Making Observations/Scientific Method/Lab Reports
 Nearpod slides and activities
Observation Activity 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Making Observations/Scientific Method/Lab Reports - PART 2
 Nearpod slides and activities
Mini Experiment and Lab Report 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Characteristics of Living Things
 Nearpod slides and activities
Eye Dilation (homeostasis) Activity
Living Things Lab 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Characteristics of Living Things - PART 2
 Nearpod slides and activities 
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Learning Needs
Lecture/discussion/teaching slides are broken up with Nearpod Interactive Slides to keep learners engaged and having fun. Homework is optional. Flexible deadlines.
Parental Guidance
Please monitor your learners use of scissors or other tools used during labs/projects. "Sexual reproduction" will be referred to for some content, such as when Meiosis is taught (cell division for sexual reproduction). CK12.org: accounts will not be required, reading is optional. Youtube videos: links will be embedded in Nearpod or the Outschool classroom. Nearpod: learners do not need to make an account. We will use Nearpod during each class for interactive features. Google Doc: used to access supply list Google Form: used for quizzes
Pre-Requisites
None
Supply List
*Sem 1 SUPPLIES*

Doing the hands-on portion of the labs is not required, however it will definitely make the class more fun for learners! Often you can make substitutions for some items (or only do a portion of the lab) if it is difficult to get some of these items. I usually strive to do labs that only require items commonly found around the home. 

Turning in your assignments: you can take a picture(s) of your labs/activities and either upload them to the classroom (under the appropriate week’s post), or send it to me privately through Outschool in a message. 


Weeks 1 & 2: 

Learners will be asked to design and perform a “mini experiment” at home. This does not have to be elaborate and should not require any outside supplies. Often learners like to perform experiments on their pets (for example, using the steps in the scientific method to find out which toy or food their pets prefer). Details will be discussed during class.


Weeks 3 & 4: 

Some things below can be modified. For example, if you don't have a handheld mirror or flashlight, you can go to your bathroom mirror during this activity and use a cell phone flashlight. If you don't have all 4 colors of food coloring, one or two will suffice. If you can't find chicken liver, you can just do the potato portion of the lab.  
Day 1:
Reaction activity: mirror, flashlight
Living Things Lab: chicken liver, potato, hydrogen peroxide, knife, 2 empty water bottles, 2 balloons


Weeks 5 & 6: 

Magic Door Foldable: two sheets of construction paper, card stock, or copy paper (should be two different colors, one can be white), scissors, markers/crayons/colored pencils, pencil.

Show and Tell: Bring 3 items to class from your home - one should be transparent (can see through), one should be translucent (can see light through it but can’t see through it), and one should be opaque (can’t see any light through it).


Weeks 7 & 8: 

drawing paper, colored pencils


Weeks 9 & 10: 

Edible Animal Cell: various foods/candies to create an animal cell model. Some learners choose to bake a cake and use different size candies to represent the different animal cell parts/organelles. Other learners choose to do something simple such as putting various candies or foods on a plate and labeling them to represent the different animal cell parts/organelles. 

Foldable: printer paper (to print pdf), scissors, glue, colored pencils/crayons

Bingo card: printer paper (to print pdf)


Weeks 11 & 12: 

Photosynthesis Storyboard: printer paper (to print pdf), colored pencils; storyboards can also be done digitally on a graphic design program of your choice.


Weeks 13 & 14: 

Cell Division Storyboard: printer paper (to print pdf), colored pencils; storyboards can also be done digitally on a graphic design program of your choice. 


Weeks 15 & 16: 

Meiosis Drawing: printer paper (to print pdf), colored pencils; this pdf can also be uploaded to a graphic design program and done digitally.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
ck12.org, Youtube videos, Nearpod (no accounts need to be created), Google docs, Google Form

Meet the teacher

Joined June, 2020
4.9
132reviews
Star Educator
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor’s Degree in Science from The Florida State University
I have a BS degree in Nutrition and Food Science (pre-med track) from Florida State University. I later became a certified middle school science teacher and taught middle school science in the Florida public school system for 5 years. I have been an online ESL and science teacher since 2018. I'm also a "hybrid-homeschool" momma to teenagers :)

Reviews

12 total ratings, 8 with reviews

Review summary for this class
The class is highly praised for its excellent teacher, Ms. Newton, who is patient, knowledgeable, and skilled at breaking down complex concepts in unique and engaging ways. Students enjoy the hands-on labs, projects, and fun learning activities. The weekly quizzes and printable notes effectively assess and reinforce learning. Overall, the class provides an enjoyable and enriching experience for students. Enroll now to benefit from this exceptional learning opportunity!
This summary was AI-generated from parent reviews
Very happy with the feedback so I know what my child is doing correctly... 
Luke M.on Mar 9, 2023
This is an excellent class for homeschooled 7th graders. Ms. Newton is... 
An Outschool parenton Dec 18, 2022
Great interaction between teacher and students. Lots of material covered... 
Jessica B.on Dec 11, 2022
Ms. Newton is simply fantastic. She is patient, student-centered, and is... 
Cheryl E.on Dec 16, 2021
This class struck me as very similar to a public school experience, in... 
Hope F.on Nov 8, 2021
My daughter loved this teacher and class! We will definitely be signing... 
Brandi S.on Sep 13, 2021
Stephanie Newton, BSc suggests this class next...
Middle School Science (Sem 2): Fun With Nearpod, Labs, & Projects (Genetics/DNA)
Stephanie Newton, BSc
4.9
(132)
$19 per class
Group Class
16 wks, 1/wk, 45 min
10-15


Parents also liked
Cell Biology and Cellular Organization
Cambridge Prep
4.9
(210)
$25 per class
Next session at 3 PM on Tue 9/2
Group Class
8 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
13-18
Introduction to Cell Biology in 6 Lessons (Self-Paced)
Dr Bella Groisman
4.8
(51)
$14 per week
Self-Paced Class
6 weeks
11-17
Honors Biology: Cell Biology and Anatomy and Physiology 1 (Semester 1/2)
Cambridge Prep
4.9
(210)
$25 per class
Next session at 7 PM on Wed 9/3
Group Class
16 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
13-18
Visual Biology: Cells and Organisms
Creative Curriculum Coop with Benjamin Corey
4.9
(4,650)
$15 per week
Self-Paced Class
7 weeks
12-16
Visual Biology Beginnings: Middle School Cells and Organisms
Creative Curriculum Coop with Benjamin Corey
4.9
(4,650)
$15 per week
Self-Paced Class
8 weeks
8-12
Cell Biology, DNA, & Genetics: Featuring the Alien Genetics Lab! (HS)
Stephanie Newton, BSc
4.9
(132)
$18 per week
Self-Paced Class
4 weeks
13-18
Hands-On Science Biology Camp: Experiment With Cells!
Amy Fontanarosa
4.9
(548)
$10 per week
Self-Paced Class
4 weeks
10-18
A La Carte Biology Labs: Cells and Microscopes
Abbie Butler
4.9
(634)
$14 per week
Self-Paced Class
1 weeks
13-18
Build Four Clay Cells and Learn Biology - Life Science
Amy Fontanarosa
4.9
(548)
$16 per week
Self-Paced Class
4 weeks
8-18
Cell Function: The Animal Cell Vs. the Plant Cell
Krystina Goosby
4.9
(54)
$12 per class
Next session at 11 PM on Thursday
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 40 min
10-15
Mastering Middle School Life Science: Hands-On Activities/Labs/Games! (Q1)
Stephanie Newton, BSc
4.9
(132)
$19 per week
Self-Paced Class
8 weeks
10-14
Mini Middle School Science: Cells
Seed and Stem Learning Center
4.8
(861)
$12 per week
Self-Paced Class
4 weeks
10-15
Cell City: Discovering the Building Blocks of Life
Thrive Virtual Academy by Patch Kulp
4.9
(701)
$10 per week
Self-Paced Class
10 weeks
11-14
Life Science: Exploring Plant and Animal Cells
Sharon Hudson, B.S. Psychology, M.Ed
4.7
(348)
$20 per class
Next session at 4 PM on Wed 8/27
Group Class
2 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
10-14
Cell Division: Mitosis Vs. Meiosis
Krystina Goosby
4.9
(54)
$13 per class
Next session at 10 PM on Tuesday
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 40 min
10-15
Cells: Life Science Anatomy Virtual Trip!
Judy Mills
4.9
(514)
$17 per class
Next session at 4 PM on Wed 7/30
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 40 min
8-12
See More Classes
Back