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 Experience 1:
Focusing on the Cell
Students investigate and explain that all living things are composed of cells. Students locate and define the parts and functions of the cell. Students distinguish between plant and animal cells.
Indiana's Academic Standards:
Science
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Standard 4: The Living Environment (6.4.1, 6.4.5, 6.4.6, 6.4.7,7.4.5, 7.4.7) |
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Standard 7: Common Themes (7.7.2) |
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Time:
Materials
Per student:
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One class period 40 - 50 minutes |
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Procedures:
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Distribute the Body Part Picture Cards handout to each student. |
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Elicit from students: |
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the body parts/systems drawn on the cards. (As students identify the body parts/systems, instruct them to tape the cards on the corresponding parts of their body.) |
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the function of each body part/system. |
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the impact the body part/system would have on the body if it malfunctioned. |
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how each of these body parts/systems works together. |
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Ask students: What is the smallest living part of the body? (The cell.) Can it be seen with the naked eye? (No, only with a microscope.) |
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Inform students the body is like a cell. It is made up of many different parts that are interdependent upon one another. |
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Distribute the Cell Parts and Functions handout and the blank Plant Versus Animal Cell handout to each student. |
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Challenge students to use a pencil to complete the drawings of the plant and animal cells by interpreting the Cell Parts and Functions handout. |
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Display the blank Plant Versus Animal Cell transparency on the overhead. When students have completed their drawings, ask for volunteers to draw the cell parts on the overhead. Discuss the cell parts and functions. |
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Display the overhead transparency pictures of the completed plant and animal cells. Compare the real plant and animal cell pictures to the drawings created by the students. Have the students correct their cell drawings if needed. |
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At this time, discuss the major differences between plant and animal cells. Also discuss the similarities among cells. |
Plant Cell |
Animal Cell |
Plant and Animal Cells:
The major difference between plant and animal cells is that plant cells have cell walls and chloroplasts, and animal cells do not. Chlorophyll is the substance found in green plants that allows them to make their own food, through the process of photosynthesis. Plant cells have large vacuoles, where animal cells have small ones. But more important than their differences are their similarities. The basic function of cells, such as growing, making energy and getting rid of wastes, are similar among all organisms. Because of this similarity, scientists can move DNA from one organism to another. |
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Assessment:
Check to see that each student has drawn and labeled the cell parts on their handouts.
Teacher Tips:
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Your students may need a basic review of the core differences between animals and plants in general. This also would be a good time to review the process of photosynthesis. |
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Depending on the level of your students, a lesson on cell division and growth could be included to implement Science Standard 4 in grades 7 and 8. |
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