Microbial World: Prokaryotes, Viruses, Protists & Fungi Unit | MS Life Science

Click this link to download a preview of The Microbial World unit.

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

Teach prokaryotes, viruses, protists, and fungi with this comprehensive Microbial World Unit designed for middle school life science.

This unit includes full lessons, notes, labs, interactive notebooks, quizzes, science stations, task cards, and assessments—everything you need for an engaging, zero-prep microbiology unit.

Perfect for grades 6–8, this resource helps students master microorganisms, disease transmission, beneficial microbes, molds, and essential microbiology concepts through hands-on activities.

Aligned to NGSS Middle School Life Science.

⭐ What’s Included

• PowerPoints for:
  • Prokaryotes
  • Viruses
  • Protists
  • Fungi
• Student Notes (print + digital)
• Interactive Notebook activities (print + digital)
• Mini-quizzes + self-grading digital assessments
• Teacher Demo: Transmission of Disease
• Guided Inquiry Lab: Control of Molds
• Science Stations (STEM Activity Included)
• Task Cards (print + digital)
• Study Guide
• Final Chapter Assessment
• Answer keys for all components
• 10-day pacing guide

⭐ Key Concepts Covered

• Prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes
• Structure and function of bacteria
• Characteristics of viruses
• Viral reproduction & infection cycles
• Protist diversity and roles
• Fungi structure, reproduction, and ecological importance
• Beneficial vs. harmful microbes
• Transmission of disease
• Mold growth & control
• Microorganisms in ecosystems and human health

⭐ Why Teachers Love This Unit

• Zero prep: All lessons, assessments, and lab materials are ready to teach
• Engaging & hands-on: Students explore microbes through labs, demos, and stations
• Flexible: Includes both print and digital formats
• Aligned to NGSS and middle school life science standards
• Perfect for building foundational microbiology understanding

⭐ Ideal For

• Middle School Life Science
• Microbiology units
• Cells & microorganisms
• Disease transmission lessons
• NGSS MS-LS1 support
• Interactive notebook classrooms
• Blended learning classrooms

⭐ Suggested Pacing Guide (10 Days)

Day 1: Teacher Demo – Transmission of Disease; 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 – Control of Molds
Day 4: Section 3 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 5: Section 3 Mini-Quiz; Section 4 PowerPoint/Notes/INB
Day 6: Section 4 Mini-Quiz; Science Stations
Day 7: Science Stations
Day 8: Creation Station Final Draft
Day 9: Task Cards + Study Guide
Day 10: 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.