Lesson Plan: Levels of Organization in Living Organisms

Grade Level: 6-8

Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Science
Topic: Levels of Organization in Living Organisms (Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems →
Organism)

Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Describe the hierarchy of organization in living organisms.

2. Identify and explain the levels of organization: cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and
organisms.

3. Understand how each level contributes to the structure and function of an organism.

Materials:

 Whiteboard or chart paper

 Markers

 PowerPoint or visuals to illustrate each level of organization

 Printed worksheets with examples for each level

 Flashcards with examples of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems (optional)

 Small bags with pictures of each level of organization (optional)

 Interactive website or video showing the levels of organization (optional)

Lesson Outline:

Introduction (10 minutes):

1. Hook: Start by asking students, "What do you think makes up a living organism?" Show a video
or animation that illustrates the different parts of a living organism, such as a human or plant.

2. Introduce the Concept: Explain that living organisms are organized in a specific way, from the
simplest unit (cells) to the most complex form (organisms). Briefly tell them about the levels of
organization: cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms.

Direct Instruction (20 minutes):

1. Explain Each Level of Organization:

 o Cells: The basic building block of all living organisms. Examples: muscle cell, nerve cell,
plant cell.

 Function: Perform specific functions that contribute to the life of the organism.

o Tissues: Groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.
Examples: muscle tissue, nervous tissue, epithelial tissue.

 Function: Carry out more complex functions by working together.

o Organs: Combinations of different tissues that work together to perform a specific task.
Examples: heart, lungs, stomach, leaves.

 Function: Each organ carries out specific functions necessary for survival.

o Organ Systems: Groups of organs that work together to perform major tasks. Examples:
circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system.

 Function: Maintain the health and function of the organism by working together.

o Organisms: The highest level of organization, made up of organ systems working

together to function as a whole. Examples: human, dog, tree.

 Function: An individual living being capable of carrying out all life processes.

2. Use Visuals: Show diagrams or pictures that illustrate each level, such as a picture of a cell,
tissue, organ, organ system, and organism. Point out how they all relate to one another in the
hierarchy.

Guided Practice (15 minutes):

1. Class Discussion and Activity:

o Ask students to think of an example of each level of organization in the body (e.g., a
muscle cell for the cell level, muscle tissue for the tissue level, etc.).

o Use flashcards or a chart on the board where students can match pictures or terms (e.g.,
"Heart" with "Organ" or "Nervous tissue" with "Tissue").

2. Group Activity: Divide the class into small groups. Provide each group with a set of pictures or
flashcards showing cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. Have them organize the cards into
the correct levels of organization. Afterward, groups will explain their reasoning to the class.

Independent Practice (10 minutes):

1. Worksheet Activity: Distribute a worksheet where students label or match the correct examples
to the levels of organization. For example:

o Match the following with the correct level of organization:

a. Muscle tissue
b. Stomach
c. Nerve cell
 d. Digestive system
e. Human

2. Extension: Ask students to think of an example of a plant or animal and describe how the levels
of organization work together. For example, in a plant: the leaf (organ) is made of tissue
(epidermal and mesophyll), which is made of cells (leaf cells).

Conclusion (5 minutes):

1. Review: Recap the five levels of organization. Ask the class to summarize:

o What are the five levels of organization?

o How does each level contribute to the function of a living organism?

o How do the levels work together?

2. Exit Ticket: As students leave, have them write down one level of organization and explain its
function in their own words on a sticky note. Collect them to check for understanding.

Assessment:

 Formative Assessment: Observe students during the group activity and discussions. Check if
they can correctly identify the levels of organization and explain their functions.

 Summative Assessment: Collect worksheets to assess whether students understand the correct
hierarchy of organization and can apply the concepts to real-life examples.

Differentiation:

 For Advanced Learners: Challenge students to explore examples from more complex organisms
(e.g., the human digestive system) or provide them with a more detailed diagram to label.

 For Struggling Learners: Offer simpler diagrams or examples and allow them to work with a peer
to ensure understanding. You can also break down the explanation with more visuals or hands-
on materials.

Homework (Optional):

1. Research and Report: Have students choose one level of organization (e.g., tissue or organ
system) and research how it works in either a plant or an animal. They can present their findings
in a brief report or presentation.

2. Levels of Organization Chart: Have students create a detailed chart that shows each level of
organization with at least one example of each from both plants and animals.
This lesson plan aims to help students understand the concept of biological organization, moving from
the smallest unit (cell) to the most complex organism, and how these levels are interrelated in the
function of living organisms.