~25-30 40 TO 50 MINUTE CLASS PERIODS
How should we prevent the spread of an infectious disease?
Students investigate how scientists first learned about cells and how this discovery led to new understandings of how infectious diseases spread. They gather evidence about the structures and functions of cells, develop models of cells, and explain how cells in animals and plants get the matter and energy they need to survive and grow.

PE Assessment Example: Based on what you have learned in the “Cells Alive!” activity and this activity, draw a diagram (or create another type of model) to show what happens to the food you eat. Your model should show the movement of matter and the release of energy stored in food.

From Cells to Organisms is part of Issues and Science three year middle school program, designed by SEPUP at the Lawrence Hall of Science. This five to six week unit anchors the lessons around the the socio-science issue: How should we prevent the spread of an infectious disease? Investigative phenomena within the 15 activities connect back to the issue and storyline. This unit builds towards and assesses PEs LS1-1, LS1-2, LS1-6, LS1-7.

The Student Book guides students in exploring a socio-science issue and connected phemonena through a series of varied activity types. Activity types use one of twelve different instructional strategies to apply Science and Engineering Practices to specific Disciplinary Core Ideas and Cross Cutting Concepts. SEPUP's integrated literacy strategies help students process new science content, develop their analytical skills, make connections between related concepts, and express their knowledge orally and in writing. The built-in assessment system helps teachers identify students' strengths and weaknesses from the beginning of the unit. This allows them to adjust activities when needed so that all students get the best chance to build their knowledge and appreciation of science. At the back of the Student Book there is an Appendix containing additional resources for students, such as science skills, literacy strategies, and media literacy among others.

See lab-aids.com/utah for SEEd standards alignment, recommended unit sequence, individual unit links, and more. Used with a student notebook and equipment. Sample notebook: http://online.flipbuilder.com/rqzd/ppss/mobile/index.html#p=40.