CKSci Unit 3: Structures and Functions of Living Things
Focus:
This unit helps students to make the connection between structure and function at all levels of biological organization. Cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems are investigated through the lens of structure and function—things look like they do as a reflection of their functions. The cells of a leaf, the tissues of the skin, and the respiratory system of a giant ape—they all can be understood when students know that structure and function are related.
- Students will construct an argument to show that in plants and animals, any structural level supports survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
- Through reading and classroom activities, students will explore human hearing and visual systems.
- Students will develop a model to describe how an organism’s senses help it to survive and they will explore examples of stimulus and response in animals and plants.
Students also learn that engineers use their knowledge of structure and function as they develop solutions to problems associated with human hearing and sight.
Number of Lessons: 14
Instruction Time:
- Each Lesson is designed to be completed in one 30–45-minute class period. Some lessons may take more than one class period.
- Some single-day activities and performance tasks might require setting aside a longer block of time.
- This Unit should be completed in 20 classroom days.
- A Pacing Guide is provided within the Teacher Guide.
- A complete list of Materials needed to complete the unit is provided in Online Resources.
Additional Search Terms:
structure • function • cell • tissue • organ • system • biological organization • survival • reproduction • growth • behavior • stimulus • response • tropism • sense • visual system • auditory system • nonfiction • informational text
