Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis Middle School Lesson and Activity

Cellular respiration - ATP made simple for 6th, 7th, 8th grades. Students are introduced to how cells make and use ATP (at the middle school level) and how photosynthesis & cellular respiration (ATP production) are linked across mitochondria and chloroplasts. Editable Google/PowerPoint, student notes, a short activity, 2 videos, and a quick exit ticket included.

In order, the lesson covers:

• Earth’s energy budget
• Cellular energy (ATP)
• Mitochondria
• Solar energy
• Chloroplasts
• Chlorophyll
• Photosynthesis vs. Cellular Respiration
• Photosynthesis and Life

Included in the lesson package is:

• The teacher version of the presentation
• The student version of the presentation
• Two embedded videos
• Student-Led Activity
• Student lesson handout

Includes: teacher & student slide decks • student-led activity • 2 embedded videos • student handout • quick exit ticket • Google Slides/Docs + PowerPoint/Word (editable).

Topics: Earth’s energy budget • ATP (cellular energy) • mitochondria • chloroplasts & chlorophyll • photosynthesis vs cellular respiration • why ATP matters for life.

More Specifically, the Lesson:

• Compares the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration (ATP production). The processes are laid out in a clear and easy to follow manner with many diagrams, explanations and pictures.
• Outlines the structures of mitochondria and chloroplasts
• The variety of pigments found within plants which cause them to change color in the fall.
• Briefly talks about why energy/ATP is needed inside the cell as well as outlines the importance of photosynthesis for life on Earth

Buyer Feedback:

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- "I needed some help on how to teach this topic to inclusion biology classes and this worked well."

- "I got a lot of use out of this with my 7th graders."
- "This is the perfect level that I needed for my students."

- "just what I was looking for- a short and sweet lesson on both of these topics- thanks!"

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The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that would be relevant include:

• MS-LS1-6. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.
  • This standard directly relates to photosynthesis and its importance in the movement of energy and matter through living systems.

• MS-LS1-7. Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
  • Cellular respiration can be explored through this standard as it involves the chemical reactions that release energy from food.

• MS-LS1-5. Construct a function argument supported by evidence that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.
  • This standard can tie into the discussion of how plants use carbon dioxide and water in the process of photosynthesis, which is the basis for their growth and the starting point for cellular respiration.

• MS-LS2-3. Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.

The student version of the presentation contains multiple blanks that need to be filled in throughout the lesson. These blanks are conveniently underlined and bolded on the teacher copy. I have found this to be the most effective means of keeping my students engaged and active without having them write everything out. This also leaves more time for discussion and activities.

I also have a range of assignments and lessons/units from other grade levels at my store. Please CLICK HERE to have a look around and don’t forget to follow if you like what you see.