3-4

C2: Describe how single-celled organisms exist.

Curriculum Organizing Questions	What are some examples of single-celled organisms? What needs do single-celled organisms have? How are these single-celled organisms like plants? Animals?
Elaboration	Single-celled organisms are unfamiliar, but students should become aware of how common they are and that they have the same basic needs as larger organisms.
Specific Ideas	Some organisms consist of a single cell. Benchmarks 5C1 Like familiar organisms, single-celled organisms need food, water, and air; a way to dispose of waste; and an environment they can live in. Benchmarks 5C1 Single-celled organisms can be plant-like or animal-like and have similar needs as plants and animals.
Developmental & Instructional Implications	Much of this is a middle level idea in both Benchmarks and NSES. We question developmental appropriateness. Some students may think that organisms contain cells, rather than being composed of cells. Some pupils also seem to confuse the term cell with molecule. Driver p. 25 Some students may not yet possess the fine motor skills to successfully use light microscopes.
Examples

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