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Teaching pack · Year 8 Biological sciencesseegongsik /au

Cells: the Basic Units of Life: a full term of science

Ten ready-to-teach lessons for Year 8 Biological sciences. Print this pack and the term is prepared: every lesson has a plan, talk prompts, a student worksheet, cards or tickets, and answers.

AC9S8U01
recognise cells as the basic units of living things, compare plant and animal cells, and describe the functions of specialised cell structures and organelles

Start here: five minutes to Monday

  1. Skim the term at a glance on the next page.
  2. Print the lesson you need (plan, worksheet, cards).
  3. Gather everyday items under You need on the plan.
  4. Open the free interactive unit on your board.
  5. Teach from the plan: timings, prompts and answers are on one page.

No science background needed

Written for the busy generalist teacher. Plain words, common muddles, and model answers are on every plan. Safety: no open flames or boiling water unless an adult controls a warm-water step named on the plan.

On the board
This pack is the printable half of a free interactive unit. On-screen pictures include: “Zoom in to a single cell”, “Plant cell and animal cell”, “Organelles and their jobs”, “A specialised structure in action”, “Match the structure to the job”. Lesson plans name which picture to show.
seegongsik.com/au/y8/biological/AC9S8U01
Aligned to the Australian Curriculum V9 (AC9S8U01). Original material from seegongsik, not endorsed by ACARA. Descriptors (c) ACARA, CC BY 4.0. Free to print and use in class.
Term at a glance10 lessons

The term at a glance

One lesson a week for a term. Run in order where you can.

#LessonChildren learn and doOn screen
1Zoom in to a single cellExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workZoom in to a single cell
2Plant cell and animal cellExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workPlant cell and animal cell
3Organelles and their jobsExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workOrganelles and their jobs
4A specialised structure in actionExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workA specialised structure in action
5Match the structure to the jobExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workMatch the structure to the job
6Deeper look: Zoom in to a single cellExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workZoom in to a single cell
7Deeper look: Plant cell and animal cellExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workPlant cell and animal cell
8Deeper look: Organelles and their jobsExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workOrganelles and their jobs
9Deeper look: A specialised structure in actionExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workA specialised structure in action
10Show what we knowExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workCells: the Basic Units of Life

Curriculum links (Australian Curriculum V9)

The term teaches AC9S8U01. Lessons also work these Inquiry and Human Endeavour descriptors:

AC9S8I01develop investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses to explore scientific models, identify patterns and test relationships
AC9S8I02plan and conduct reproducible investigations to answer questions and test hypotheses, including identifying variables and assumptions and, as appropriate, recognising and managing risks, considering ethical issues and recognising key considerations regarding heritage sites and artefacts on Country/Place
AC9S8I03select and use equipment to generate and record data with precision, using digital tools as appropriate
AC9S8I04select and construct appropriate representations, including tables, graphs, models and mathematical relationships, to organise and process data and information
AC9S8I05analyse data and information to describe patterns, trends and relationships and identify anomalies
AC9S8I06analyse methods, conclusions and claims for assumptions, possible sources of error, conflicting evidence and unanswered questions
AC9S8I07construct evidence-based arguments to support conclusions or evaluate claims and consider any ethical issues and cultural protocols associated with using or citing secondary data or information
AC9S8I08write and create texts to communicate ideas, findings and arguments for specific purposes and audiences, including selection of appropriate language and text features, using digital tools as appropriate
AC9S8H01explain how new evidence or different perspectives can lead to changes in scientific knowledge
AC9S8H02investigate how cultural perspectives and world views influence the development of scientific knowledge
AC9S8H03examine how proposed scientific responses to contemporary issues may impact on society and explore ethical, environmental, social and economic considerations
AC9S8H04explore the role of science communication in informing individual viewpoints and community policies and regulations

Assessment

Get ready · Materials for the termOne shopping trip

Materials for the whole term

One gathering session covers all ten lessons. Prefer classroom and home items. No science cupboard required. Adult handles any warm water.

LessonYou need
1everyday classroom items named on the Day 1 plan; interactive unit open
2everyday classroom items named on the Day 2 plan; interactive unit open
3everyday classroom items named on the Day 3 plan; interactive unit open
4everyday classroom items named on the Day 4 plan; interactive unit open
5everyday classroom items named on the Day 5 plan; interactive unit open
6everyday classroom items named on the Day 6 plan; interactive unit open
7everyday classroom items named on the Day 7 plan; interactive unit open
8everyday classroom items named on the Day 8 plan; interactive unit open
9everyday classroom items named on the Day 9 plan; interactive unit open
10everyday classroom items named on the Day 10 plan; interactive unit open

Safety in one look

Get ready · Assessment kitRubric + checklist

Assessment without extra work

Lesson plans carry look-fors. Lesson 10 is summative. Use this sheet for ongoing notes.

The three levels

IdeaWorking towardsAt standardBeyond
Big ideanames an example with helpexplains the unit idea in Year 4 wordsapplies the idea to a new example
Evidenceguess onlylinks a claim to something observed or measuredcompares two pieces of evidence
Science wordseveryday words onlyuses unit words correctlyexplains a word to a partner
Inquiry habitfollows steps with supportplans or records with the scaffoldsimproves a plan after a first try

Class observation checklist

NameIdeaEvidenceWords

A tick a lesson is plenty.

Word wall (cut out)

Word wall cards

Cut out and build the wall as words arrive across the term.

observe

notice with our senses

record

write or draw what we found

predict

a good guess with a reason

fair test

change one thing, keep the rest the same

evidence

what we measured or saw

pattern

something that happens again

property

a feature we can observe

force

a push or a pull

material

what something is made of

habitat

where a living thing lives

cycle

a pattern that goes round again

conclude

say what the evidence shows

A note home

Dear families

This term in science, Year 8 explores cells: the basic units of life. We use observation, simple tests and clear science words. Ask: What did you notice today? What evidence did you use?

Try this at home

Warm regards,

The Year 8 team

seegongsik.com/au/y8/biological/AC9S8U01/pack

Lesson 1 · Teacher planLesson 1 of 10

Zoom in to a single cell

Children explore “Zoom in to a single cell” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Zoom in to a single cell”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Zoom in to a single cell” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y8/biological/AC9S8U01

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 1 · Worksheet

Zoom in to a single cell

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 1 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 2 · Teacher planLesson 2 of 10

Plant cell and animal cell

Children explore “Plant cell and animal cell” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Plant cell and animal cell”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Plant cell and animal cell” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y8/biological/AC9S8U01

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 2 · Worksheet

Plant cell and animal cell

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 2 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 3 · Teacher planLesson 3 of 10

Organelles and their jobs

Children explore “Organelles and their jobs” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Organelles and their jobs”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Organelles and their jobs” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y8/biological/AC9S8U01

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 3 · Worksheet

Organelles and their jobs

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 3 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 4 · Teacher planLesson 4 of 10

A specialised structure in action

Children explore “A specialised structure in action” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “A specialised structure in action”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “A specialised structure in action” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y8/biological/AC9S8U01

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 4 · Worksheet

A specialised structure in action

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 4 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 5 · Teacher planLesson 5 of 10

Match the structure to the job

Children explore “Match the structure to the job” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Match the structure to the job”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Match the structure to the job” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y8/biological/AC9S8U01

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 5 · Worksheet

Match the structure to the job

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 5 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 6 · Teacher planLesson 6 of 10

Deeper look: Zoom in to a single cell

Children explore “Deeper look: Zoom in to a single cell” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Deeper look: Zoom in to a single cell”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Deeper look: Zoom in to a single cell” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y8/biological/AC9S8U01

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 6 · Worksheet

Deeper look: Zoom in to a single cell

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 6 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 7 · Teacher planLesson 7 of 10

Deeper look: Plant cell and animal cell

Children explore “Deeper look: Plant cell and animal cell” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Deeper look: Plant cell and animal cell”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Deeper look: Plant cell and animal cell” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y8/biological/AC9S8U01

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 7 · Worksheet

Deeper look: Plant cell and animal cell

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 7 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 8 · Teacher planLesson 8 of 10

Deeper look: Organelles and their jobs

Children explore “Deeper look: Organelles and their jobs” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Deeper look: Organelles and their jobs”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Deeper look: Organelles and their jobs” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y8/biological/AC9S8U01

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 8 · Worksheet

Deeper look: Organelles and their jobs

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 8 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 9 · Teacher planLesson 9 of 10

Deeper look: A specialised structure in action

Children explore “Deeper look: A specialised structure in action” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Deeper look: A specialised structure in action”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Deeper look: A specialised structure in action” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y8/biological/AC9S8U01

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 9 · Worksheet

Deeper look: A specialised structure in action

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 9 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 10 · Teacher planLesson 10 of 10

Show what we know

Children explore “Show what we know” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Show what we know”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Show what we know” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y8/biological/AC9S8U01

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 10 · Worksheet

Show what we know

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 10 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.