Teacher Monitoring Guide
Grade 7 · Cycle 1 · Week 1 — Introduction to
Cells
Learning Goal
Students will develop and use models to describe the function of a cell as
a system, including inputs and outputs, and distinguish between
prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Station Checkpoints
Station 1 — Hook & Phenomenon
Look for: Students connecting the phenomenon to prior knowledge and
generating testable questions
Common misconception: Cells are too small to matter — redirect students
to scale models showing how trillions of cells coordinate to form
organisms
Station 2 — Investigation / Data Collection
Look for: Accurate data recording and identification of emerging
patterns in the evidence
Common misconception: All cells look and function the same — use
microscopy images to show specialization and structural variation
Station 3 — Sense-Making
Look for: Students revising their model based on evidence collected
during investigation
Common misconception: Cell walls and cell membranes are the same
structure — distinguish function (rigid support vs. selective
permeability) and location
Exit Ticket Monitoring
| Score Range |
Interpretation |
Next Step |
| 18–23 pts |
Meeting target |
Extend with synthesis question |
| 10–17 pts |
Developing |
Small group re-teach at day start |
| 0–9 pts |
Needs support |
1:1 intervention before next station |
MTSS Tier 2 Supports
For students scoring below 10 pts on the exit ticket: use the sentence
frames below during the next class's hook.
- "I notice that _____ because _____."
- "The evidence shows _____, which means _____."