Cells: Cell Structure, Cell Processes & Energy Unit | MS Life Science

Click on this link to download a preview of Cells unit.

This unit is included in the Life Science Curriculum 5E Model.

Teach cell structure, cell transport, photosynthesis, respiration, mitosis, and DNA with this comprehensive two-part Cells Unit designed for middle school life science.

This complete Cells AND Cell Processes bundle includes full lessons, notes, labs, interactive notebooks, quizzes, stations, task cards, and assessments—everything you need for a zero-prep, high-engagement cell biology unit.

Perfect for grades 6–8, this resource helps students master organelles, plasma membranes, diffusion and osmosis, the cell cycle, energy processes, and DNA replication through hands-on investigations.

Aligned to NGSS Middle School Life Science (MS-LS1) for cell structure, function, processes, and energy.

⭐ What’s Included: TWO Complete Cell Units:

CELL STRUCTURE & FUNCTION

⭐ Lessons & Activities

• PowerPoints for:
  • Discovery of Cells
  • The Plasma Membrane
  • Eukaryotic Cell Structure
  • Prokaryotic Cell Structure
  • Cellular Transport
• Student Notes (print + digital)
• Interactive Notebook activities (print + digital)
• Mini-quizzes + digital assessments
• Teacher Demo: No More Diffusion Confusion
• Guided Inquiry Lab: Observing Diffusion & Osmosis
• Science Stations (STEM Challenge Included)
• Task Cards
• Study Guide
• Final Chapter Assessment
• 11-day pacing guide

⭐ Key Cell Structure Concepts Covered

• Cell theory & cell discovery
• Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells
• Organelles & their functions
• Plasma membrane structure
• Selective permeability
• Diffusion, osmosis, active transport
• Homeostasis at the cellular level

CELL PROCESSES & ENERGY

⭐ Lessons & Activities

• PowerPoints for:
  • Photosynthesis
  • Cellular Respiration
  • Cell Cycle
  • Mitosis
  • DNA Structure & Replication
  • Control System of a Cell
• Student Notes (print + digital)
• Interactive Notebook activities
• Mini-quizzes + digital assessments
• Teacher Demo: Respiration
• Guided Inquiry Lab: Cell Energy
• Science Stations (STEM Challenge Included)
• Task Cards
• Study Guide
• Final Chapter Assessment
• 12-day pacing guide

⭐ Key Cell Processes Concepts Covered

• Photosynthesis input/output & chloroplasts
• Cellular respiration & mitochondria
• ATP energy production
• Cell cycle checkpoints
• Stages of mitosis
• DNA structure, replication & repair
• How cells grow, divide & maintain stability

⭐ Why Teachers Love This Unit

• Two full cell biology units in one purchase
• Zero prep — lessons, labs, notes & assessments included
• Hands-on demos and inquiry labs enhance understanding
• Perfect for interactive notebook classrooms
• Strong content connections to NGSS MS-LS1
• Flexible print and digital options
• Deep, foundational cell biology instruction

⭐ Ideal For

• Middle School Life Science
• Cell biology units
• Photosynthesis & respiration lessons
• DNA + mitosis instruction
• NGSS MS-LS1
• Blended and interactive notebook classrooms

⭐Pacing Guide – Cell Structure & Function (11 Days)

Day 1: Teacher Demo – No More Diffusion Confusion; Section 1 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 2: Section 1 Mini-Quiz; Section 2 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 3: Section 2 Mini-Quiz; Guided Inquiry Lab – Observing Diffusion & Osmosis
Day 4: Section 3 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 5: Section 3 Mini-Quiz; Section 4 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 6: Section 4 Mini-Quiz; Section 5 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 7: Section 5 Mini-Quiz; Science Stations
Day 8: Science Stations
Day 9: Creation Station Final Draft + Testing
Day 10: Task Cards + Study Guide
Day 11: Chapter Assessment

⭐Pacing Guide – Cell Processes & Energy (12 Days)

Day 1: Teacher Demo – Respiration; Section 1 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 2: Section 1 Mini-Quiz; Section 2 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 3: Section 2 Mini-Quiz; Guided Inquiry Lab – Cell Energy
Day 4: Section 3 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 5: Section 3 Mini-Quiz; Section 4 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 6: Section 4 Mini-Quiz; Section 5 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 7: Section 5 Mini-Quiz; Section 6 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 8: Section 6 Mini-Quiz; Science Stations
Day 9: Science Stations
Day 10: Creation Station Final Draft + Testing
Day 11: Task Cards + Study Guide
Day 12: Chapter Assessment

Copyright © NGS Magnified, LLC. All rights reserved by author Dr. Erica Colón.  All NGS Magnified curriculum is creative property of Erica Colón and cannot be resold or distributed.  This product is to be used by the original downloader only. Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, department, school, or school system is prohibited. This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view. Failure to comply is a copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Clipart and elements found in this PDF are copyrighted and cannot be extracted and used outside of this file without permission or license. Intended for classroom and personal use ONLY.