Life Science Unit 1: Nature of Science

This is the first unit of the Life Science course for middle school students. It focuses on the nature of science, which is essential for understanding how to answer science questions.

This unit includes 6 lessons:

  1. What is Life Science?
  2. Think Like a Biologist!
  3. Biology in Action!
  4. Measuring Results
  5. Organizing and Analyzing Data
  6. Communicating Results

These lessons will provide students with the skills needed to answer scientific questions.

Unit Overview: Nature of Science

This unit covers the nature of science. It is designed to set students up for success with the rest of the life science course. It builds on scientific knowledge from earlier science courses to broaden student understanding of how science works.

Science is all about solving problems in a methodical way. Throughout this unit, students will learn what types of questions science can answer. They will also explore how to correctly utilize the scientific method to answer them. Additionally, they will learn how to accurately measure data and effectively communicate their findings. 

1

Lesson 1: What is Life Science?

In this lesson, students will learn about the field of life science. They will learn what makes it unique from other fields of science and will explore the questions life science attempts to answer.

2

Lesson 2: Think Like a Biologist!

In this lesson, students will learn about the scientific method. They will learn how to apply scientific principles to ask important questions.

3

Lesson 3: Biology in Action!

In this lesson, students will continue to learn about the scientific method. They will learn how to apply scientific principles to answer important questions.

4

Lesson 4: Measuring Results

In this lesson, students will continue to learn about the scientific method. They will learn how to accurately and precisely measure results.

5

Lesson 5: Organizing and Analyzing Data

In this lesson, students will continue to learn about the scientific method. They will learn to organize and analyze data after it has been measured.

6

Lesson 6: Communicating Results

In this lesson, students will continue to learn about the scientific method. They will learn to effectively communicate their findings to the scientific community.

Unit 2: Cells

The next unit in Life Science, Cells, focuses on the structure of cells. It challenges students to apply their understanding of the field of life science as they begin analyzing the smallest building blocks of all living things.