Cellular Respiration Lesson | Middle School Lesson and Activity

Help students understand how cells generate energy with this complete Cellular Respiration lesson, designed for middle school science classrooms (Grades 6–8). This no-prep package explains the process of cellular respiration and how it connects to photosynthesis, using student-friendly visuals, activities, and built-in assessments.

✅ Explores Cellular Respiration with scaffolded slides and critical-thinking prompts, including how it relates to photosynthesis
✅ Includes Editable Presentations, Auto-Graded Exit Ticket, and Video Worksheet Activity
✅ Aligned with NGSS MS-LS1-1, MS-LS1-2, and MS-LS1-7 standards
✅ Fully Digital + Print-Friendly Format with embedded videos and structured student note-taking

This resource includes both teacher and student versions of the slideshow presentation, two embedded instructional videos, a worksheet to accompany the videos, an auto-graded exit ticket with four questions, and a student handout. It’s ready to use and built to support inquiry-based learning and classroom discussion.

Lesson topics in order of presentation:

• How cells use and store energy

• ATP: The energy currency of cells

• How photosynthesis creates glucose

• How cells convert sugar into usable energy

• The link between photosynthesis and cellular respiration

• The role of mitochondria in energy production

• Real-world application of cellular respiration concepts

What’s included:

• Teacher version of the presentation with completed notes

• Student presentation version featuring underlined fill-in-the-blank notes

• Auto-graded Exit Ticket (4 questions) for quick understanding checks

• Two embedded instructional videos

• Video Worksheet for guided viewing

• Printable and editable student lesson handout

The student presentation contains fill-in-the-blank notes to keep learners focused and involved without having them write down every detail. This strategy encourages participation, reinforces key vocabulary, and frees up class time for discussions and group learning.

Whether you're introducing the concept for the first time or reviewing before a test, this lesson gives you the structure, clarity, and flexibility you need to teach Cellular Respiration effectively—without any prep time.