Eight sessions cover key content and methodologies for teaching life science in the middle school classroom.

Session 1: Structure and Function of Organisms
Participants explore the relationship between structure and function and see how the traits of organisms enable them to survive in the environment in which they live. Teaching and learning strategies focus on processes of science and science education.

Session 2: Behavior
Participants look closely at behavior and find that an animal's ability to respond to other organisms and to changing environmental conditions and internal states can be just as important to its survival as any physical trait. Teaching and learning strategies focus on environments for learning.

Session 3: Regulation
Participants explore how various types of organisms provide the conditions their cells require to survive and function properly. Teaching and learning strategies focus on the use of prediction as a learning tool and on ways to integrate a range of resources into classroom activities.

Session 4: Structure and Function of Cells
Participants examine and expand their concept of the cell -- the basic functional unit of life -- focusing specifically on the structures that enable cells to meet their individual requirements. Teaching and learning strategies focus on the use of models in teaching.

Session 5: Reproduction and Development
Participants investigate the mechanisms that enable organisms to reproduce and develop and observe how environmental factors can influence these two important processes. Teaching and learning strategies focus on techniques for uncovering prior knowledge and ways to handle controversial topics.

Session 6: DNA and Heredity
Participants explore the role DNA plays in determining an organism's traits and learn how genetic differences create variability within a species. Teaching and learning strategies focus on techniques for making the abstract more accessible to learners.

Session 7: Applied Genetics
Participants investigate how various applications of our knowledge of the structure and function of DNA -- from gene therapy to bioengineering -- may affect the world in which we live. Teaching and learning strategies focus on how to promote reasoned dialog about scientific topics.

Session 8: Heredity and Natural Selection
Participants explore the process of natural selection to see how environmental factors can influence which genes and traits are passed on to future generations -- and which are not. Teaching and learning strategies focus on the use of concept mapping and on resources and approaches for teaching about evolution.

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