Grade 8 Science
Cells and Systems - Learning Targets + Instruments
Learning Targets
1
Use appropriate vocabulary related to their
investigations of cells and systems.
Mr. Birt
Learning Instruments
Vocabulary covered throughout unit
Include: cell theory, osmosis, diffusion, selective permeability,
unicellular, multicellular, specialized cells and tissues, organs,
systems, arteries, veins, capillaries, terms related to cell
structure, heart structure, components of blood, and primary
and secondary defense systems
2
Identify characteristics of living things, and
describe how different living things exhibit
these characteristics.
Include: composed of cells; reproduce; grow; repair
themselves; require energy; respond to the environment; have
a lifespan; produce wastes
3
Describe cell theory.
Include: all living things are composed of one or more cells;
cells are the basic unit of structure and function of any
organism; all cells come from pre-existing cells; the activity of
an organism as a whole depends on the total activity of all its
cells
4
Identify major events and technological
innovations that have enabled scientists to
increase our understanding of cell biology.
1) INTRO: Bill Nye video – Life Cycles
2) Notes (table) - Characteristics of Living
Things
3) Quiz – Characteristics of Living Things
11) Assignment - Cell Theory (text p. 20)
12) Quiz – Cell Theory
11) Assignment - Cell Theory (text p. 20)
12) Quiz – Cell Theory
Examples: invention of the light and electron microscope,
works of Robert Hooke, Anton van Leeuwenhoek, Matthias
Schleiden and Theodor Schwann
5
Identify and compare major structures in
plants and animal cells, and explain their
function. Include: cell membrane, cytoplasm,
mitochondria, nucleus, vacuoles, cell wall, chloroplasts
6
4) Bill Nye video handout – Cells
5) Assignment – Cell Structures +
Functions (text p. 28+29)
6) Handout – Cell Diagram
7) Assignment – 3 Point Approach
8) Project – Incredible Edible Cell
9) Quiz – Cell Diagram
10) Quiz – Cell structures and Functions
Demonstrate proper use and care of the
Course Intro
microscope to observe the general structure
of plant and animal cells.
Include: preparing wet mounts beginning with the least
powerful lens; focussing; drawing specimens; indicating
magnification
7
Describe the movement of nutrients and
wastes across cell membranes and explain
its importance.
13) Notes – Cell Processes
14) Handout – Osmosis and Diffusion
15) Quiz – Cell Processes
Include: osmosis, diffusion, selective permeability
8
Differentiate between unicellular and
multicellular organisms.
16) Assignment Handout – Unicellular vs
Multicellular
18) Quiz – Cell Specialization
9
Describe why cells and tissues are
specialized in multicellular organisms, and
observe examples. Include: specialization is needed
17) Assignment Handout – Cell
Specialization
18) Quiz – Cell Specialization
because all cells in a complex organism do not have access
to the external environment
10 Describe structural and functional
relationship among cells, tissues, organs,
and systems.
19) Assignment Handout – Levels of
Organization
20) Quiz – Levels of Organization
11 Describe the structure and function of the
heart and the path of blood to and from the
heart through its four chambers.
24) Notes – The Heart
25) Handout - Heart Diagram
26) Bill Nye video Handout – The Heart
27) Handout – Circulation Concept Diagram
28) Assignment - Path of Blood
29) Bill Nye Video - Circulation
30) Quiz – Heart Diagram
31) Quiz - Circulation Concept Diagram
Include: atria, ventricles, septum, valves, aorta, pulmonary
artery, pulmonary veins, superior vena cava, inferior vena
cava
12 Compare and contrast the structure and
function of arteries, veins, and capillaries.
21) Assignment – Circulatory System
22) Quiz – Blood Vessels
13 Identify components of blood and describe
the function of each.
21) Assignment – Circulatory System (see
above)
23) Quiz – Parts of Blood
Include: red blood cells carry oxygen; white blood cells fight
infection; platelets clot blood; plasma is the liquid part of blood
that transports blood cells, dissolved material, nutrients, and
waste products
14 Describe, using examples, how individual
systems in the human body function
interdependently.
32) Assignment – Interaction of Body
Systems + Cell Respiration
33) Bill Nye video - Respiration
15 Compare heart rate and respiratory rate
before, during, and after various physical
activities; explain the observed variations;
and discuss implications for overall health.
34) LAB: Heart and Respiratory Rates
16 Identify components of the primary and
secondary defense systems of the body and
describe their roles.
35) Handout – Immune System
36) Quiz – Immune System
Include: primary defense system - skin, tears, ear wax, saliva,
gastric juices, cilia hairs; secondary defense system - white
blood cells, antibodies
17 Identify medical advances that enhance the
human body's defence mechanisms and
describe their effects on society.
37) Handout – Medical Advances + Human
Body Defences
Examples: vaccines, antibiotics
18 Research and describe disorders/diseases
38) Powerpoint Project after unit test
that affect body systems, and identify
possible preventative measures. Examples: liver
disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart attack, stroke,
high/low blood pressure, leukemia, anemia, high cholesterol
19 Describe functional similarities and
differences of comparable structures and
systems in different groups of living things.
Examples: movement, food intake, and digestion of a
unicellular organism, an invertebrate, and a vertebrate; gas
exchange in plants versus animals
2) Notes (table) - Characteristics of Living
Things (see 2 above)