ALEX Learning Activity

  

WOW! Let's Explain Cells

A Learning Activity is a strategy a teacher chooses to actively engage students in learning a concept or skill using a digital tool/resource.

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  This learning activity provided by:  
Author: Tina Lewis
Organization:0
  General Activity Information  
Activity ID: 3058
Title:
WOW! Let's Explain Cells
Digital Tool/Resource:
Venn Diagram (Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells)
Web Address – URL:
Overview:

In this learning experience, students will describe the characteristics and structures unique to prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Students will utilize their learning from the associated during activity to explain the visual representations of different cells and determine whether they are prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Students will record their findings on a Venn diagram.

This learning activity was created as a result of the ALEX - Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) Resource Development Summit.
  Associated Standards and Objectives  
Content Standard(s):
Science
SC2015 (2015)
Grade: 7
Life Science
2 ) Gather and synthesize information to explain how prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in structure and function, including the methods of asexual and sexual reproduction.

NAEP Framework
NAEP Statement::
L8.1e: All organisms are composed of cells, from one cell only to many cells. About two-thirds of the weight of cells is accounted for by water, which gives cells many of their properties. In multicellular organisms, specialized cells perform specialized functions. Organs and organ systems are composed of cells and function to serve the needs of cells for food, air, and waste removal. The way in which cells function is similar in all living organisms.†

NAEP Statement::
L8.2: Following fertilization, cell division produces a small cluster of cells that then differentiate by appearance and function to form the basic tissues of an embryo.

NAEP Statement::
L8.9a: Reproduction is a characteristic of all living systems; because no individual organism lives forever, reproduction is essential to the continuation of every species.

NAEP Statement::
L8.9b: Some organisms reproduce asexually.

NAEP Statement::
L8.9c: Other organisms reproduce sexually.

Unpacked Content
Scientific And Engineering Practices:
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Crosscutting Concepts: Structure and Function
Disciplinary Core Idea: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
Evidence Of Student Attainment:
Students:
  • Gather and synthesize information with attention given to accuracy, credibility, and bias.
  • Explain, based on gathered information, the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells as they relate to structure, function, and methods of reproduction.
Teacher Vocabulary:
  • Cell
  • Prokaryotic cells
  • Eukaryotic cells
  • Structure
  • Function
  • Asexual reproduction
  • Sexual reproduction
  • Mitosis
  • Meiosis
  • Chromosome
  • DNA
Knowledge:
Students know:
  • Prokaryotic cells are microscopic, single-celled organisms that have neither a distinct nucleus with a membrane nor other specialized organelles.
  • Prokaryotes include the bacteria and cyanobacteria.
  • The function of prokaryotic cells.
  • The reproductive methods of prokaryotic cells.
  • Eukaryotic cells consist of a cell or cells in which the genetic material is DNA in the form of chromosomes contained within a distinct nucleus.
  • Eukaryotes include all living organisms other than the eubacteria and archaebacteria.
  • The function of eukaryotic cells.
  • The reproductive methods of eukaryotic cells.
Skills:
Students are able to:
  • Obtain information about cells, including structure, function, and method of reproduction, from published, grade-level appropriate material from multiple sources.
  • Determine and describe whether the gathered information is relevant.
  • Use information to explain how prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ.
Understanding:
Students understand that:
  • Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in structure and function, as well as method of reproduction.
AMSTI Resources:
AMSTI Module:
Investigating Biodiversity and Interdependence
Studying the Development and Reproduction of Organisms
Learning Objectives:

Students will describe the characteristics and structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Students will utilize their analysis of visual representations of different cells and determine similarities and differences between the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  Strategies, Preparations and Variations  
Phase:
After/Explain/Elaborate
Activity:

The students will use their completed index cards from the associated during learning activity to complete the Venn Diagram. The teacher can print out the provided Venn Diagram for students or have students access it digitally. The students will use the Venn diagram to explain the similarities and differences between prokaryote and eukaryote cells.  https://www.canva.com/design/DAFpSivDiuM/XvVKXhS29ORuZaEI8ouXgg/view?utm_content=DAFpSivDiuM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink 

Assessment Strategies:

The teacher will review each student’s Venn diagram to determine if the students were able to describe the differences between the two types of cells.

The students will complete the following 3-2-1 writing prompt using the information from their completed Venn Diagram.

3 Things I learned in this activity.

2 Things I want to learn more about prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells.

1 question I have about prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells.

The teacher will collect each student's Venn diagram and 3-2-1 writing to evaluate student learning.
Advanced Preparation:

Approximate Time:

30 minutes

Materials needed:

  • Each student will need a copy of the provided Venn diagram or digital access to the Venn diagram.

  • Pencils/pens

  • Students will need completed notecards from the during activity.

Teacher Preparation:

  • The teacher can print out the provided Venn diagram for students or the students can access the Venn diagram digitally.

  • Complete the associated before and during activities prior to implementing this activity.

Student preparation:

  • Students will need prior knowledge of the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Variation Tips (optional):

Acceleration:

The students can utilize Alabama Virtual Library to explore more information about cell organelles. (Britannica School: Middle has many available resources on this topic.)

Intervention :

The teacher will create a small group to reteach the different characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to students.

The students will use a T-Chart graphic organizer, rather than a Venn diagram, to determine the differences between the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

The teacher will allow students extended time to complete the assessment.
Notes or Recommendations (optional):

This activity can be used in conjunction with Wow! All About Cells: Part 1 (before activity) and Wow! Let's Explore Cells (during activity). 
  Keywords and Search Tags  
Keywords and Search Tags: Cells, Eukaryotic, Prokaryotic