7th Grade Cells And Aquaponics Lesson Plan Example (Science)

Topic: Cells and Aquaponics

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to understand the role of cells in a living system and how they relate to the principles of aquaponics.

Materials

• Images of cells and diagrams of aquaponic systems
• Handouts with information about cells and aquaponics
• Whiteboard and markers

Warm-up

• Ask students what they know about cells. Write their answers on the board.
• Ask students if they have heard of aquaponics and what they know about it. Write their answers on the board.

Direct Instruction

• Begin by explaining that cells are the basic building blocks of all living things.
• Introduce the concept of aquaponics and explain that it is a way of growing food using fish waste to fertilize the plants, and the plants to filter the water.
• Explain that the structure and functions of cells are important in aquaponics because the plants and fish rely on the cells for survival.
• Use the handouts to provide more detailed information about cells and their functions.
• Have a discussion about the importance of cells in aquaponics and how they help to keep the system running smoothly.

Guided Practice

• Provide the students with a sample of soil and have them identify the different types of organisms that live in it.
• Then, have them use microscopes to look at the cells in the soil and identify their functions.
• Have a discussion about the findings and how the different cells work together to keep the ecosystem thriving.
• Finally, have the students transfer some of the soil into a small aquaponics system and observe how the different organisms and cells work together to keep the system running smoothly.

Independent Practice:

• Have the students work in pairs to create their own aquaponics system, using the materials provided.
• They should consider the different organisms that they want to include in their system, as well as the different types of plants that they want to grow.
• Encourage them to be creative and think about how the different organisms and plants will work together in their system.
• Have the students maintain their aquaponics systems for a few weeks and report on their observations and findings.

Closure

• Review the key concepts learned during the lesson, including cell biology, aquaponics, and the different organisms and plants that were included in the aquaponics systems created by the students.
• Ask the students to reflect on what they learned and how they can apply this knowledge to their own lives.

Assessment

• Observe the students during the guided and independent practice activities to see if they are able to successfully conduct a research project and create an aquaponics system, respectively.
• Evaluate the students' posters or presentations on their chosen organism or plant and their understanding of the role that it plays in the aquaponics system.