Science
Lesson 4
Lesson Title: The Living Cell
Synopsis:
After viewing a cell animation and PowerPoint, students will respond to questions on the animation, interpreting mood and message, complete a note guideline sheet on cells, and draw both a plant and animal cell including the following organelles where applicable: nucleus, cell membrane, cell wall, centriole, mitochondria, chloroplast, vacuole, lysosome, cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, chromatin, nucleolus, and nuclear membrane.
Authors: Valerie Ordawy and Stefani Langol
Interdisciplinary Pairing:
- Primarily Science
- Secondary subjects include:
- Music
- Multimedia
- Technology
- Graphic Design (Art)
Objectives:
- Students will recognize the cell organelles listed above in the synopsis.
- Students will record their reactions to an animation presentation, documenting their internalization of the material.
- Students will draw a plant and animal cell diagram, each on an 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Include the organelles listed above in their diagrams.
Intended Grade Level:
Middle School
Prior Knowledge & Skills:
- Since this is an introductory lesson, no prior knowledge in cells is required.
Equipment:
- Computers with access to the Internet
- Projector with audio capability
- Projection screen
Duration:
PowerPoint presentation with notes will take approximately 60 minutes, animation presentation with student responses will take approximately 15 minutes, and the cell drawings will take approximately 45 minutes each. At least 4 class periods are recommended.
Materials:
- Cell note guidelines and questions for animation
- Plain 8.5 x 11 inch paper for drawing
- Pencils and color pencils for diagrams
Procedure:
- Introduce the concept that cells are the building blocks of life. All living things are made of cells.
- Display website http://www.tvdsb.on.ca/westmin/science/sbi3a1/cells/cells.htm and hand out Cell Structure Guidelines sheet. Have students fill in the blanks as teacher explains the different parts of the cell, beginning with the cell membrane. Play the animations for each organelle as provided on the site.
- At the end of the note taking activity, play the cell animation located at http://aimediaserver.com/studiodaily/videoplayer/?src=harvard/harvard.swf&width=640&height=520 and have students respond to this clip by answering the three animation questions.
- Have students begin drawing their own diagrams of a plant and animal cell as they complete their questions. Utilize textbook drawings, classroom posters, or other resources to help them complete this task.
Evaluation:
- Use attached rubric as a guideline for assessing student work.
- Cell drawings.
Links & Resources:
- http://www.tvdsb.on.ca/westmin/science/sbi3a1/cells/cells.htm
- http://aimediaserver.com/studiodaily/videoplayer/?src=harvard/harvard.swf&width=640&height=520
- http://www.cellsalive.com
Lesson Extension(s):
- Use cell diagrams to begin a cell analogy project - Lesson 5
- Visit www.cellsalive.com site and access the Cells Alive internet lesson where students look at computer models of cells, learn the functions and descriptions of the cells and their structures.
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