Organisms: Macro to Micro (Middle School)

Helps middle school students investigate concepts such as life cycle, reproduction, growth, and heredity during a series of engaging, thought-provoking, hands-on activities. They work with a minimum of 16 living organisms (plants, insects, and microbes) during the unit's 20 lessons, which are divided into 3 parts:

The Beginning - during the first 6 lessons, students perform inquiry activities during which they clarify what they already know about organisms, then develop and hone laboratory and critical-thinking skills. They set up several inquiries during which they investigate organisms at different stages of their life cycle.

The second part is Continuing the Cycle - in which students explore the world of cells, reproduction and several important life processes of plants and animals. This part culminates with the introduction of a research project in which the students work in groups.

The final part is Completing the Cycle - which offer students experiences with several interesting organisms - mold, yeast, Daphnia, and hydra - as they design their own inquiries and gather and interpret the data.

Additional Photos

Organisms: Macro to Micro Lesson Sequence (pdf)

Living Materials Information & Care Sheets

Literacy / Book Lists

Teacher Recommended Resources

Recommended Websites

Sponsorship Opportunity

Sponsor the Organisms: Macro to Micro unit! Please contact Lori Kaufman, development director, about this and other sponsorship opportunities. You can reach her at 920-884-8800 or lori@einsteinproject.org.