CER: Are Viruses Alive?
This engaging biology resource helps students explore the question: Are viruses alive? Through guided reading, annotation, and writing tasks, students analyze whether viruses meet the characteristics of life. This no-prep lesson includes a student-friendly informational text, annotation guide, graphic organizer, CER writing prompt, peer review sheet, and rubric—making it ideal for middle or high school life science or biology classes.
What’s Included:
4-page informational reading passage with citations
Annotation guide to build active reading skills
Graphic organizer for structured writing
CER writing prompt and drafting pages
Peer review checklist and final rubric
Teacher notes and flexible implementation suggestions
Skills Developed:
Reading comprehension with scientific texts
Critical thinking and argument writing (CER format)
Analysis of biological characteristics of life
Evidence-based reasoning using scientific sources
Perfect for:
NGSS-aligned life science or biology units
Lessons on viruses, characteristics of life, or cell theory
Sub plans, homework, independent work, or writing workshops
This engaging biology resource helps students explore the question: Are viruses alive? Through guided reading, annotation, and writing tasks, students analyze whether viruses meet the characteristics of life. This no-prep lesson includes a student-friendly informational text, annotation guide, graphic organizer, CER writing prompt, peer review sheet, and rubric—making it ideal for middle or high school life science or biology classes.
What’s Included:
4-page informational reading passage with citations
Annotation guide to build active reading skills
Graphic organizer for structured writing
CER writing prompt and drafting pages
Peer review checklist and final rubric
Teacher notes and flexible implementation suggestions
Skills Developed:
Reading comprehension with scientific texts
Critical thinking and argument writing (CER format)
Analysis of biological characteristics of life
Evidence-based reasoning using scientific sources
Perfect for:
NGSS-aligned life science or biology units
Lessons on viruses, characteristics of life, or cell theory
Sub plans, homework, independent work, or writing workshops
This engaging biology resource helps students explore the question: Are viruses alive? Through guided reading, annotation, and writing tasks, students analyze whether viruses meet the characteristics of life. This no-prep lesson includes a student-friendly informational text, annotation guide, graphic organizer, CER writing prompt, peer review sheet, and rubric—making it ideal for middle or high school life science or biology classes.
What’s Included:
4-page informational reading passage with citations
Annotation guide to build active reading skills
Graphic organizer for structured writing
CER writing prompt and drafting pages
Peer review checklist and final rubric
Teacher notes and flexible implementation suggestions
Skills Developed:
Reading comprehension with scientific texts
Critical thinking and argument writing (CER format)
Analysis of biological characteristics of life
Evidence-based reasoning using scientific sources
Perfect for:
NGSS-aligned life science or biology units
Lessons on viruses, characteristics of life, or cell theory
Sub plans, homework, independent work, or writing workshops
