- Grade Focus
- Grade 8
- Age Level
- 13
- Subject
- Science
- Technology Integration Activity
- PowerPoint Presentations
- Estimated Time of Completion
- 2 weeks
Last modified: 02/11/2009
Six Foot Walk-in Cell Project in 6ES format
Six Foot Walk-in Cell Project in 6ES format
Tour of the 6 Foot Animal Cell
Downloads for this lesson plan
Introduction
In this group project students work to design games, puzzles, presentations, and more based on the structure and function of cells. After groups have prepared their games, puzzles etc the students will then host the "Walk in Cell Event" for students, faculty, and staff at their school. The lesson plan information in the following fields and in the Walk-in Cell Lesson.doc file under Downloads is contributed to Nortel LearniT as part of a 21 e-Teacher student project. You can find this same lesson in the full Nortel LearniT 6ES format in the links at the top of this page, Six Foot Walk In Cell project (.doc and .pdf).Prerequisite Experience
Students need to know what cells are, and be introduced to the structure and function of cells.Teacher Prep Time
Teacher will need to have prepared any materials that student will need. Construction paper, markers, colored pencils, game pieces (dice for example) that students cannot make, balloons, and other items to make organelles (the kids have the vision but they will need the supplies!). The presentation committee will need access to a computer and power point.This is a very labor-intensive project, so be sure to schedule lots of time and help to put the cell together initially. This lesson takes 8 – 50 minute class periods to introduce the project and prepare, 1 – 50 minute period to practice, 1 blocked class to present.Project
The main event of the project is a "Walk in Cell Event" hosted by the students. At the event, participants (other students, faculty and staff) take a tour of a walk in animal cell in which a student guides them through the function of different organelles within the cell. Participants can take part in games and puzzles focused on the structure and function of cells, and sit and enjoy a presentation on cells.Assessment/Grading
RubricsTime Management Tips
This project may take up to two weeks depending on your time frame. You may want to give students all information they will need to meet the requirments. You may choose to have the students research what they need - this will add more time.Lesson Plan Details
Engage
Read to the class ZOOM by Istvan Banyai. On the first page ask students to make predictions as to what they think the read shape is. As you turn the page students will see that it is a rooster’s crown. Continue flipping the pages and stopping every 3-4 pages to ask students if the rooster’s crown is still there. This book helps illustrate the microscopic. You cannot see it, but it is there.Explore
Students will use library books, magazines, and internet to research microscopic things. After students have had time to generate a list help them narrow the list to living things. Then students will continue to narrow their search until they are researching cells and their function.Explain
Here the teacher will use animal cell and plant cell models along with graphics of various cell types (nerve cells, brain cells, blood cells etc) to explain in detail the structure and function of cells.
Elaborate
In this portion of the lesson students will pick committees in which they wish to work. (see lesson plan and rubrics) Students will work for up to a week designing games, puzzles and presentations all centered on cells (their structure and function).
Evaluate
Rubrics – the rubrics also have a column for individual assessment. I also like to give students an opportunity to access their group members.
Extend
Ideas for extension include: students making a memory video, photo collage, or assign a written assignment that gives them a chance to be creative like a cartoon journey through an animal cell.