Life Science Unit 5: Diversity of Life

This is the fifth unit of the Life Science course for middle school students. It focuses on biodiversity and includes 6 lessons:

  1. Natural Selection
  2. Taxonomy
  3. Plants
  4. Non-Chordate Animals
  5. Chordate Animals
  6. Fungi and Protists

In these lessons, students will explore the vast diversity of life on planet Earth.

Unit Overview: Diversity of Life

This unit covers the diversity of life. It is designed to broaden student understanding of the many different types of organisms that we share our world with. This will lay a foundation for understanding how various types of cells and organisms interact to create ecosystems.

Throughout this unit, students will learn about the process of natural selection. They will learn how various organisms are classified by scientists, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

1

Lesson 1: Natural Selection

In this lesson, students will learn about the process of natural selection. They will learn how species adapt to their environment and why this process is important to life on Earth.

2

Lesson 2: Taxonomy

In this lesson, students will learn how species are classified by scientists. They will also learn about the challenges and benefits of classifying living things.

3

Lesson 3: Plants

In this lesson, students will learn about the kingdom of plants and their characteristics. They will also learn how different plants are categorized by scientists and how to identify them.

4

Lesson 4: Non-Chordate Animals

In this lesson, students will learn about non-chordate animals and their characteristics. They will also learn how different non-chordates are categorized by scientists and how to identify them. 

5

Lesson 5: Chordate Animals

In this lesson, students will learn about chordate animals and their characteristics. They will also learn how different chordates are categorized by scientists and how to identify them. 

6

Lesson 6: Fungi and Protists

In this lesson, students will learn about fungi and protists. They will learn the characteristics of both and how to identify them. 

Unit 6: Diversity of Life

The next unit in Life Science, Body Systems, applies what students have learned about life science to the living thing they are likely most familiar with – themselves!