Students will learn and define four key biology terms—spontaneous generation, biogenesis, biosphere, and adaptation—using simple language and visuals. By lesson end, they will match each term to its definition and use one term in a sentence.
Building scientific vocabulary with clear visuals and straightforward language supports comprehension for students with IEPs, boosting confidence and foundational understanding for future science lessons.
Audience
Middle School Students with IEPs (Small Group)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Visual supports with simple language and interactive matching
Welcome students and explain today’s goal: learn four new biology words. Activate prior knowledge by asking if anyone has heard of 'adaptation' or 'biosphere.' Then introduce the terms listed.
Spontaneous Generation
Mold growing on bread
Definition:
Life appearing from non-living things.
Read the definition aloud and point to the image. Then ask a student to restate in their own words.
Biogenesis
Chick hatching from an egg
Definition:
Life comes from existing life.
Explain that new life (like a chick) comes from existing life. Read the definition, then ask a student to give another example of biogenesis.
Biosphere
Earth showing forests, oceans, and deserts
Definition:
All places on Earth where life exists.
Point to the land, ocean, and forests in the image. Emphasize that the biosphere is everywhere life can be found. Ask for examples of places in the biosphere.
Adaptation
Chameleon blending into a leaf
Definition:
A trait that helps a living thing survive.
Discuss how the chameleon’s color change helps it hide from predators. Read the definition, then invite students to name other adaptations they know.
Summary
Review of all four concepts
Let's review the four words:
• Spontaneous Generation: life from non-living things
• Biogenesis: life from existing life
• Biosphere: all places on Earth where life exists
• Adaptation: a trait that helps living things survive
Great job learning new vocabulary!
Review each term and prompt students to match words to definitions aloud. Offer praise and correct gently as needed. Prepare for the worksheet activity next.
Worksheet
Life's Big Vocabulary Worksheet
Name: _______________________ Date: ____________
1. Match the Term to the Picture
Look at the pictures below and write the correct word next to each number.
Mold growing on bread
Term: ___________________________
Chick hatching from an egg
Term: ___________________________
Earth showing forests, oceans, and deserts
Term: ___________________________
Chameleon blending into a leaf
Term: ___________________________
Terms to use: Spontaneous Generation, Biogenesis, Biosphere, Adaptation
2. Match the Term to Its Definition
Write the letter of the correct definition next to each term.
Spontaneous Generation ____ (A) A trait that helps a living thing survive.
Biogenesis ____ (B) Life coming from non-living things.
Biosphere ____ (C) Life coming from other living things.
Adaptation ____ (D) All places on Earth where life exists.
3. Fill in the Blank
Use one of the vocabulary words above to complete the sentence.
An example of adaptation is __________________________________________________.
4. Your Own Sentence
Choose one word from today’s lesson and write your own sentence using it.
