Name: __________________________
Cells and Systems
Grade 8 Science
Mr. Patterson
Layered Curriculum
Cells and Systems
In a layered curriculum, you are required to do certain amount of work in each layer.
Read the instructions for each layer very carefully.
C Layer:
60%
C Layer – Basic learning facts, vocabulary, and learning skills. Students demonstrate a
basic understanding of material. You may choose any number of items to equal at least 90
pts.
Mandatory items

Table of Contents – Make a table of contents for each layer. Include the mandatory
assignments and choice assignments that make up the layers. This can be used as a
checklist to keep you organized as you work through the units. It can be set up like
this outline without the descriptions.

Vocabulary: cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, chromosomes, nuclear membrane,
vacuoles, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, cell wall, cellulose, chloroplasts,
cellular respiration. Define the above. (12 pts).

Unit # 1 computer search – Write at least one line of information on each of the
topics on the sheet and note the website. (10 pts)

BLM 1-18 Comparing Plant and Animal Cells. Fill in the Venn Diagram and answer
the questions at the bottom of the page. (13 pts).

Write a song or Poem about Plant and Animal Cells – Must be made of at
least 3 stanzas (verses or paragraphs) for your song or poem. Each paragraph should
have at least 4 lines. (10 pts).

BLM 2-1 Designing a Cell Membrane. Answer 3 questions and draw three different
cells with different types of membranes, then answer the question that follows. (10
pts).

BLM 2-7 Comparing Diffusion, Osmosis, and Active Transport using a Venn Diagram.
Read all the labels and answer the questions. Then fill in the different sections of the
Venn Diagram. (10 pts).
Choice items

Title Page for unit – must be neat, have relevant material and have colour. (5 pts).

Blm 1- 17 Organelles and their functions – Complete the sheet, answering and filling
in the chart. Make sure you state whether you find each organelle in animals plants or
both. (8 pts).

History of Microscope table – Fill in the table to summarize the history of the
microscope and its applications. (15 pts).
Cells and Systems

Blm 1-22 Discovering Organelles Concept Map - Fill in the ovals on the concept map.
(12 pts).

BLM 2-5 Measuring Osmosis Experiment. Read page 44-45 in the textbook and
follow the procedure for the experiment. Record your observations in the table, then
answer the “analyze, and conclude and apply” questions from the text. (20 pts).

BLM 2-22 Chapter Quiz – Checking for understanding. Answer the multiple choice
and true and false questions. (12 pts).
B Layer (30%)
Application of the ideas gained in the C layer. Each assignment should reflect a unique
student perspective. Choose 3 of the following:





Construct a plant cell out of materials from home. You may use any type of safe
material to build your model. Include a diagram with your homemade cell. Please
do not go out and buy materials, be creative with what you have. Provide the
function of each of the organelles in your cell. If you do this at home and don’t
want to bring it to school (too messy), you can provide a photo presentation of
your cell.
Explain cellular respiration in detail. It must be a minimum of one page long and
include a diagram of cell respiration and the processes involved.
Do a three point approach for all the vocabulary in the unit that has not been
covered by the mandatory section in layer C. Mr. Patterson will have sheets to fill
out. For each word you will have to give a definition, list the word, provide a
labeled diagram and give an example of each term.
Explain how cells repair themselves and reproduce. Write a minimum one page
explanation of cell division and include a diagram. Explain the process using key
terminology and include how rapid cells reproduce, using a few different cell
examples. Lastly discuss any abnormalities or defects that can result.
Explain specialized cells. Give 4 examples and explanations of specialized cells.
Look at a stained onion cell under a microscope and draw what you see and
record the magnification you observed it at. Include how onion cells are
specialized.
Cells and Systems
A Layer (10%)
A Layer – Critical thinking and analysis layer. Do BOTH.

Do a collage that explains each of the 8 characteristics of living things. Divide your
poster into 8 sections and label each section with one characteristic of living
things. Have at least 4 pictures for each characteristic. Color and label each
picture. There are no restrictions on where you get the pictures other than
referencing them if you get them from the internet.

Explain the 5 body systems in a summary. Pick one of the systems and write a
detailed report. Include a major disease or condition that can affect your chosen
body system. Discuss the long term affects and any treatments or cures. Must be
a minimum of three pages typed and double spaced. Include a labeled diagram of
your body system. (diagram does not count as a page).
If you come across a good idea while working through this unit, and you think would
provide an alternative to one of the choices in layers A and B, you can bring your
proposed idea to me. We can discuss it as a possible option. Feel free to think
outside the box!!!