Specialized cells (relationship between cell structure and function – examples: red blood cells, neurons, ciliated cells, root hair cells, palisade cells)
Cell → tissue → organ → organ system
Classification and Identification of Organisms:
Seven characteristics of living organisms
Viruses
Definition of species
Use and creation of taxonomic keys
Spring Semester
Microorganisms and the Environment:
Microorganisms
Food chains and webs
Microorganisms and decomposition
Microorganisms in food chains
Plants:
Main characteristics of plants
Algae and lichen
Mosses and ferns
Gymnosperms
Angiosperms
Assessments
Fall Semester
Formative Assessment (3 Marks):
Students will complete labeled diagrams, CER writing tasks (e.g., “Why are neurons shaped the way they are?”), and comparison charts between plant and animal cells.
Participation in interactive taxonomy games, group activities for identifying organisms, and weekly notebook checks.
Mini-labs and classification card sorts to reinforce content and provide evidence of progress.
Summative Assessment (3 Marks):
Unit Test – Cells – Covers organelles, specialized cells, and the structure-function relationship.
Unit Test – Classification of Organisms – Assesses understanding of the characteristics of living things, species, and taxonomy.
Creative Project – Create a visual taxonomy key or cell function storyboard that connects structure to function in real-world organisms.
Spring Semester
Formative Assessment (3 Marks):
Microorganism diagramming, food web analysis with microbe roles, plant classification sketches, and CER writing (e.g., “What would happen if decomposers disappeared?”).
Vocabulary quizzes and group investigations of plant diversity throughout the semester.
Summative Assessment (3 Marks):
Unit Test – Microorganisms and the Environment – Focuses on decomposition, food chains, and ecological roles.
Cambridge Progression Test – Stage 7 – A standardized assessment of student understanding across all major science topics.
Unit Test – Plants and Biodiversity – Assesses knowledge of plant groups, characteristics, and ecological significance.
