1. EARTH/MBARI Unit 7th Grade Microbes Mrs. Katrina D. W. Alegado, M.A.T.
8th Grade Science/6th Grade Leadership
Summit Trail Middle School
Tahoma School District
Washington State

2. Microbe Unit Details Taught to four 7th grade science classes.
135 students total.
10% free and reduced lunch.
12 IEP students, s.
Students of all different backgrounds and levels.

3. Unit Objectives
Gain a deeper understanding of microbes: Phytoplankton/Zooplankton, Basic Microbes, Microbes/Climate, and Microbe Poster.
Navigate through websites to apply information and answer questions.
Utilize near-real time data to make conclusions by analyzing data.
Engage in class discussions.
Synthesize learning by completing a visual poster.

4. Next Generation Science Standards
Disciplinary Core Ideas
LS1.A: Structure and Function
All living things are made up of cells, which is the smallest unit that can be said to be alive. An organism may consist of one single cell (unicellular) or many different numbers and types of cells (multicellular).
Within cells, special structures are responsible for particular functions, and the cell membrane forms the boundary that controls what enters and leaves the cell.
Crosscutting Concept
Structure and Function
Complex and microscopic structures and systems can be visualized, modeled, and used to describe how their function depends on the relationships among its parts, therefore complex natural structures/systems can be analyzed to determine how they function.

5. Unit Analysis/Rubric Strengths Weaknesses Technology integration
Not in curriculum
Student engagement
Reading level on some websites
Current events
Not enough time! 
Higher level questioning
Data interpretation struggles

6. Unit Modifications/Adjustments
Resources/websites were used from EARTH, C-DEBI, C-MORE, and IODP.
Creation of introduction presentations to provide background information for each topic.
Formative assessments (through questioning techniques & webquests).
Clear expectations for the final poster project.
Comprehension help for my lower level readers.
Visual poster assessment to help students synthesize learning.
Extension: MBARI Website Research

7. Phytoplankton/Zooplankton-Lesson #1
A brief introduction to Microbes preceded this lesson.
Students analyzed websites to gain a deeper understanding of phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Students focused on the basics and also visual characteristics of each type.
Working in groups, students completed the webquest for each type of plankton.

8. Types of Microbes-Lesson #2
Students completed questions to introduce different types of Microbes.
Then, they discussed differences and similarities between the main types of microbes.
Students finished this part by taking the Microbe Personality Quiz, determining their microbe, and drawing/explaining their specific microbe.

9. Microbes and Climate-Lesson #3
Students conducted online research about microbes and climate using various websites and resources.
Teacher assistance with microbe and climate connections was necessary.
IODP (International Ocean Discovery Program) was used for Adopt a Microbe resources and information.

10. Microbe Poster-Lesson #4
Using information from all resources and guidance from C-MORE, students completed a Microbe Summary Poster for assessment.
They focused on key concepts in microbial oceanography and making connections to our previous unit on cells and protists.
Students were fascinated and very interested in microbes!

13. Please let me know if you would like any resources!
Thank you!
Please let me know if you would like any resources!
I also have complete EARTH Units or Lessons on these topics (middle level focus):
Ocean Acidification
Atlantic and Pacific Coasts
Oceanography
Deep Ocean Adaptations
Ocean Observations