Cellular Respiration Mini Unit and Egg Osmosis Lab for Middle School MS-LS1-7

This Cellular Respiration mini unit has everything you need to meet NGSS MS-LS1-7 including editable student slides and packet, hands-on investigations, a final project, extension activity and content vocabulary posters.  Topics covered include aerobic cellular respiration, chemical digestion and circulatory, respiratory and excretory systems.

This mini unit can easily be used for blended learning -  a combination of individual digital learning, hands-on investigations, whole class mini lessons and mastery based assessments that students move through at their own pace.  If you want to decrease stress for yourself and your students and help kids make personal connections to the science they are learning, try this self-paced mini unit!

First, students work through Google Slides and a packet at their own pace and research how a cheeseburger gives them energy.  Kids measure their heart rate and breathing rate then break down the equation for aerobic cellular respiration.  

For an assessment, students complete “A Short Story of My Burger” and describe how their bodies change and use carbohydrates, proteins and fats.  Finally, students investigate a claim that milk hydrates better than water after exercise.  Using deshelled eggs, kids model rehydration with milk, water and a sports drink.  Middle school students love this lab because they clearly see how science connects to their lives!

We use scientific language in context with photographs and graphics to make our lessons accessible to readers of all levels.  Students make personal connections to the science they learn and enjoy our highly engaging authentic assessments.  

Our lessons are written to make self-pacing as simple as possible and also work in a traditional classroom.  

When you purchase this product, TpT will copy these files directly to your Google Drive:

Student Packet and Slides: 

→ Teacher outline (PDF)

→ Student slides (Google Slides)

→ Student packet (Google Docs) with answer key (PDF)

→ Content vocabulary posters (PDF)

Student Project:

→ Teacher outline (PDF)

→ Summative assessment with rubric (Google Docs)

→ Sample answer key (PDF)

Extension Activity:

→ Teacher outline (PDF)

→ Extension activity slides  (Google Slides)

→ Extension activity with student rubric (Google Docs)

All Google Docs and Slides are editable to better meet your specific needs.

Materials needed for this unit are listed below and can be easily modified for what you have on hand:

• 1:1 technology OR printed copies of student slides and packet for each student
• Access to online resources for research
• Colored pencils
• Eggs, vinegar, corn syrup
• Digital scale, graduated cylinder, large bin
• Milk, sports drinks
• Optional: molecular model kits, saltine crackers 

How much time will this mini unit take?

Depending on the rate your students work, this mini unit will take between six and ten days to complete.

Why would I want to self-pace my science class?

If you are tired of cramming learning into perfect 48 minute chunks or filling that extra 10 minutes of class with busy work or if your students get stressed when the bell rings as they rush to finish a lab, then self-pacing is for you!

Self-pacing creates a relaxed, stress-free learning environment for both students and teachers and supports everyone’s social and emotional needs.

Teachers trade whole class lectures for one-on-one conversations and students spend their time doing science at the pace that is right for them! 

Our self-paced science lessons foster independence and higher order thinking while providing many opportunities for students to practice science and engineering skills. The three dimensions of NGSS (science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, disciplinary core ideas) are embedded throughout our lessons and units.

This Cellular Respiration mini unit is also a part of the Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems Bundle.

You might also be interested in these Self-Paced Science products:

• Earth and Space Science Complete Curriculum for Middle School
• Physical Science Complete Curriculum for Middle School
• Cells and Body Systems Complete Bundle for Middle School

Visit our Self-Paced Science store to view all of our products.  

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Permission to copy for single classroom use only.

Please purchase additional licenses if you’d like to share this product.