7th Grade Life Science Curriculum: Structure and Function of Life
Overview
This curriculum aims to educate 7th-grade students on the intricate relationship between structure and function in living organisms. The following lessons incorporate Utah Seed Standards, vocabulary development, collaborative activities, and virtual reality experiences, ensuring an engaging learning environment.
Lesson 1: Introduction to Cells 🦠
Utah Seed Standards
- SEEd 7.4.1: Analyze the structure and function of cells.
Vocabulary
- Cell: The basic unit of life.
- Organelle: Specialized structures in a cell that perform specific functions.
- Nucleus: The control center of the cell containing genetic material.
- Cell membrane: A protective barrier that regulates what enters and leaves the cell.
- Cytoplasm: The gel-like substance within the cell membrane.
- Mitochondria: The powerhouse of the cell, generating energy.
- Ribosome: The site of protein synthesis in the cell.
- Chloroplast: Organelle in plant cells that conducts photosynthesis.
- Endoplasmic reticulum: A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
- Golgi apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.
Activities
- VR Activity with Victory XR: Explore a 3D model of a cell and its organelles.
- VR Activity on Engage: Observe how different cells (plant vs. animal) perform their functions.
Collaborative Work
- Group project to create a poster showing cell structures and their functions.
Assessment
- Quiz on cell organelles and their functions.
Lesson 2: Plant vs. Animal Cells 🌿🐾
Utah Seed Standards
- SEEd 7.4.2: Compare and contrast plant and animal cells.
Vocabulary
- Photosynthesis: Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
- Cell wall: A rigid outer layer found in plant cells.
- Chlorophyll: A green pigment in chloroplasts that captures light energy.
- Vacuole: A storage organelle, larger in plant cells.
- Lysosome: An organelle that contains digestive enzymes.
- Carrier protein: A protein that helps transport substances across the cell membrane.
- Permeability: The ability of substances to pass through a cell membrane.
- Diffusion: Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
- Osmosis: The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
- Turgor pressure: Pressure of the cell contents against the cell wall in plants.
Activities
- VR Activity with Victory XR: Experience the differences between plant and animal cell structures.
- Class Discussion: Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each cell type.
Collaborative Work
- Create a Venn diagram comparing plant and animal cells.
Assessment
- Group presentations on plant and animal cells.
Lesson 3: The Functions of Life in Organisms 🌱
Utah Seed Standards
- SEEd 7.4.3: Explain how cellular processes contribute to the functions of life.
Vocabulary
- Homeostasis: The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.
- Metabolism: All the chemical processes that occur within a living organism.
- Reproduction: The process through which new organisms are produced.
- Growth: The increase in size or mass of an organism.
- Cellular respiration: The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy.
- Stimulus: A signal to which an organism responds.
- Adaptation: A trait that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce.
- Biotic: Living components of an ecosystem.
- Abiotic: Non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment.
- Ecosystem: A community of living organisms and their interactions with their environment.
Activities
- VR Activity on Engage: Explore how different organisms maintain homeostasis.
- Interactive Lab: Measure the effects of temperature on enzyme activity.
Collaborative Work
- Group discussions on how different organisms respond to stimuli.
Assessment
- Written reflection on the importance of homeostasis in living organisms.
Lesson 4: Genetics and Heredity 🧬
Utah Seed Standards
- SEEd 7.4.4: Describe the role of DNA in heredity.
Vocabulary
- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): Molecule that carries genetic information.
- Gene: A segment of DNA that codes for a protein.
- Chromosome: A structure of DNA and protein found in the cell nucleus.
- Heredity: The passing of traits from parents to offspring.
- Phenotype: The visible traits of an organism.
- Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism.
- Allele: Different forms of a gene.
- Dominant trait: A trait that masks the presence of another trait.
- Recessive trait: A trait that is masked by a dominant trait.
- Punnett square: A tool used to predict genetic variations.
Activities
- VR Activity with Victory XR: Visualize DNA structures and their functions.
- Interactive Genetics Lab: Use Punnett squares to predict trait inheritance.
Collaborative Work
- Create a family tree to track inherited traits.
Assessment
- Quiz on genetics vocabulary and concepts.
Lesson 5: Human Body Systems and Homeostasis 🏃♂️
Utah Seed Standards
- SEEd 7.4.5: Explain how body systems work together to maintain homeostasis.
Vocabulary
- System: A group of organs that work together to perform a specific function.
- Circulatory system: Transports blood, nutrients, gases, and wastes.
- Respiratory system: Facilitates breathing and gas exchange.
- Digestive system: Breaks down food for nutrient absorption.
- Nervous system: Transmits signals between different parts of the body.
- Endocrine system: Regulates bodily functions through hormones.
- Immune system: Fights infections and diseases.
- Skeletal system: Provides support and structure.
- Muscular system: Enables movement of the body.
- Excretory system: Eliminates waste from the body.
Activities
- VR Activity on Engage: Experience the human body systems in action.
- Group Projects: Create a presentation on how two systems work together.
Collaborative Work
- Design a poster illustrating how systems maintain homeostasis.
Assessment
- Final project comparing and contrasting various human body systems.
Conclusion
Each lesson fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and engagement through innovative VR technology and hands-on activities. This enriching experience aims to build a strong foundation in understanding the structure and function of life. By the end of this curriculum, students will have developed a comprehensive understanding of how living organisms function, adapt, and thrive in their environments.