Science
Lesson 5
Lesson Title: Cells Made Alive: The Rhythm of Life- Part 1
Synopsis:
Working in groups of 3 – 4, students will research the functions of each cell organelle, create drawings of the organelles, and design a slide show or PowerPoint presentation of their work.
Authors: Valerie Ordway and Stefani Langol
Interdisciplinary Pairing:
- Primarily Science
- Secondary subjects include:
- Music
- Multimedia
- Technology
- Graphic Design (Art)
Objectives:
- Students will recognize the difference between a plant and animal cell.
- Students will recognize and draw each cell organelle.
- Students will analyze the function of each organelle.
- Students will produce a slide show or a PowerPoint presentation with their cell drawings.
Intended Grade Level:
Middle School
Prior Knowledge & Skills:
- Knowledge of the basic cell structure and the function of the various organelles.
- Knowledge of PowerPoint or other slide show software is helpful.
Duration:
The recommended duration for completing this lesson is 3-4 class periods.
Equipment:
- Computer with Powerpoint or other slide show software
- Digital camera or scanner to scan printed photos.
- Optional: Digital photo editing software such as iPhoto, Photoshop Elements, etc.
Materials:
- Plain 8.5 x 11 inch paper for drawing
- Pencils and color pencils for diagrams
Procedure:
- Students will complete drawings of each cell organelle mentioned in Lesson 4.
- Students will write an analogy to describe the function of each organelle. For example, the mitochondrion is to the cell as an engine is to a car.
- Students will scan their drawings into PowerPoint. Each slide will introduce an organelle while the analogy will be typed into a text box. Each group will also design a title page which includes their names and an indication of whether their cell is a plant or animal cell.
- On the last slide, bring all the cell organelles together inside a cell to create a complete diagram of a cell with its organelles within.
Evaluation:
- Use attached rubric as a guideline for assessing student work.
- Completed slide show or PowerPoint presentation.
Lesson Extension(s):
- Use the drawings and the analogies to complete the cell analogy project - Lesson 6.
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