Functions of Cells and Their Organelles - Assignment Example

Curriculum Rationale and purpose The main purpose of this activity is to allow to develop scientific notions through inquiry. The particular scientific principle under investigation of the lesson is the interaction of cells with surfaces. The learner should also explain why the cell is an intricate living system by referring to the various organelles, their functions, and the relationship between organelles, their major processes that allow cells to grow and multiply. The learner should be able to know the structure and function of cell organelles. Also the learner should be able to identify the different parts of the cell and also the functions of each. The structures in cell are of both plant and animal cells. 2. Nature of Differentiation How has the unit been accelerated, compressed, and/or reorganized to accommodate gifted learner needs? Although the students will be following the objectives for 8th grade Biology, they will spend much of their time researching the specific topics of the unit and creating products as a result of that research. A high degree of technology will be infused into the activities so that students will be able to use 21st Century technology skills to collaborate and produce products of learning. How has the unit focused on higher-level process skills? The problem-based learning activity dealing with the issue of cell recognition will encourage all of the students to gain a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the issues facing the cell. Students will be able to examine the process that has occurred thus far and give opinions about the cell. Students will be able to get the outcome. How has the unit engaged learners in meaningful product development? Students will be developing products of learning that are meaningful to them and appropriate to the activity in which they have participated. Students will create a multimedia presentation of their choosing in order to explain their findings. They will draw diagrams order to learn more about the cell. Collaboration on projects will occur through the use of the internet How has the unit addressed key themes and ideas and related them to several domains of inquiry? The activities in this unit, while teacher-facilitated, allow students to investigate topics that are meaningful to them, based on the cell. Students will be able to work both independently and in groups and collaborate with each other in person and electronically. While the basic parameters of the activities are laid out, students will be able to make choices about how to proceed with the activities and how they will present their findings. In all activities, students will be involved in creating the evaluation measurement. 3. Content Outline (2 weeks) A. Major content topics i. Cell organelle(structure and function) Location of each organelle in the cell Description of each Functions of each ii. Cell differentiation Description and definition Adaptations of the specialized cells iii. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells Description of the terms characteristics of the cells Adaptation of each cells 4. Prerequisites Students must have some basic knowledge of how to use technology for research purposes and must have parental permission to use the Internet. Permissions to participate in field trip activities must be obtained from the parents or guardians. 5. Objectives Identify and describe different cell organelles and their function Identify and discuss cell structures and give analogies of their functions Identify the parts of a microscope and discuss the correct order of power magnification in order to view a cell Identify the similarities and differences between the light microscope, scanning microscope, and electron microscope Identify where stem cells found and what is their significance Identify which cells have the same DNA in an organism Identify what determines which cells become blood cells 6. Sample Activities: Journals: In order to learn more about the cell, students will be asked to read a lot of journals. Working in small groups of 2-3, students will discuss the cell structure and functions of different cell organelles. Students will be responsible for obtaining the necessary permissions and releases (facilitated by the teacher). Students may also want to research on various structures of the cell and specialization of the same. Research should include the use of primary resources, laboratory practicals, and any other resources that students find appropriate. Presentation of research information should be in a form such that the student takes on the role of the person. Laboratory practicals: Students will examine various research the various types of cell both animal and plant cells (onion, potato, cheek cells), using drops water, iodine solution and methyl blue solution to stain the cell for easier viewing, making of slides to view through the microscope. 7. Instructional Strategies Employed Technology: The activities in this unit are heavy in the use of technology. Often, technology is used minimally in elementary classes and is not an integral part of instruction. Providing the students an opportunity to increase their understanding and use of 21st Century technology allows for more creativity in the final products of learning. Problem Solving: Students will be involved active laboratory activities and guided discovery activities that are teacher-facilitated. As a result, students will have the opportunity to make decisions as they progress through the activities, based on the information they find, past experiences, and group input. Allowing students to make decisions about their learning allows a deeper understanding of the concepts being learned. 8. Unique Learning Needs a) . twice-Exceptional Students i. Use of technology ii. Collaboration through the use of a wiki iii. Self-evaluation as part of assessment iv. Variety of activities that allow students to work at a level that best suits their needs b) Diversity i. Content of the unit ii. Flexibility in grouping iii. Allow for leadership opportunities 9. Evaluation Procedures Students will keep a journal to record their learning throughout the two weeks. This journal should include, but not be limited to, comments about new learning, difficulties experienced and possible solutions, and ideas for additional research. Because the activities project-based, students will be evaluated on their understanding of the cell and the organelles. Works cited Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walters (2008) Molecular Biology of the Cell Fifth Edition Read More