NGSS HS-LS1-7
The Standard
Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process whereby the bonds of food molecules and oxygen molecules are broken and the bonds in new compounds are formed resulting in a net transfer of energy.
Next Generation Science Standards
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students build and use a model showing food molecules and oxygen as inputs, with carbon dioxide and water as outputs. They explain how atoms and bonds are rearranged and show the net transfer of energy.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can label the inputs and outputs, conserve each type of atom, and show bonds being rearranged. They explain that breaking bonds requires energy and forming new bonds releases more, resulting in a net energy transfer.
Common Misconceptions
- Students often say energy is created, or that breaking bonds releases energy by itself. They may confuse respiration with breathing, omit oxygen, or think matter turns into energy instead of atoms being rearranged.
How to Assess It
- Give students molecule cards for glucose, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water. Ask them to arrange the inputs and outputs, then add arrows and labels showing atom conservation and net energy transfer.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Use colored atom beads to build glucose, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water, then count atoms and mark changed bonds.
Write two sentences answering: How can cells transfer energy from food without turning matter into energy?
Sort cards labeled input, output, bond change, and energy transfer, then explain each choice to a partner.
Compare breathing rates before and after one minute of jumping jacks, then connect oxygen demand to increased cellular respiration.
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Printable HS-LS1-7 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to HS-LS1-7, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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