ALEX Learning Activity

  

Wow! All About Cells: Part 1

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  This learning activity provided by:  
Author: Tina Lewis
Organization:0
  General Activity Information  
Activity ID: 2982
Title:
Wow! All About Cells: Part 1
Digital Tool/Resource:
Britannica Middle School accessed through the Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) - Click on
Web Address – URL:
Overview:

Students will use evidence and reasoning to construct an explanation describing the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. During this learning experience, the students will watch a video from Britannica Middle School to learn more about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and add the information to their K-W-L chart. The activity culminates with a class discussion of the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

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 be able to gather information that explains how prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are different. 

I CAN describe prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  Strategies, Preparations and Variations  
Phase:
Before/Engage
Activity:

The teacher will model how to create a K-W-L Chart for students to use during the activity. The students will draw the organizer in their notebooks by creating 3 columns. The teacher can model this strategy on their interactive whiteboard or chart paper. Have students complete "K-What I Know" and the  "W- What I Want to Know" as a class.

After students have completed the task, the teacher will direct students to watch the video on prokaryotes using the AVL. The teacher can find the link for the video by searching "prokaryote" on the Britannica School and then clicking on Reading Level 3. Use the "video" tab to find the video.
Assessment Strategies:

The students will work independently to complete the "L - What I Learned" column on their K-W-L Chart. Students will write at least 3 things they learned in the "L" column. Then the teacher will begin a class discussion to answer the question “What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?”
Advanced Preparation:

Approximate Duration:

0-15 Mins

Materials & Resources:

Teacher: Interactive Whiteboard, Internet Access, Digital Device (laptop/desktop/etc.)

Students: Pencil, and Paper or Notebook

Background Knowledge :

1. Students should have general knowledge of The Cell Theory. 

2. The teacher can use this resource to provide students with background knowledge of The Cell Theory.

3. Teacher Preparation: 

The teacher should review the article and video prior to the activity.
Variation Tips (optional):

Acceleration:

Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the K-W-L Chart to expand their understanding of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Students will find, read and annotate other articles using the AVL, focusing on the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. 

Intervention: Students will use Think-Pair-Share Strategy to discuss their K-W-L Chart with a classmate. The teacher will facilitate this process.
Notes or Recommendations (optional):

This activity can be used in conjunction with Wow! Let's Explore Cells (during activity) and Wow! Let's Explain Cells (after activity). 
  Keywords and Search Tags  
Keywords and Search Tags: Cells, Eukaryotic, Prokaryotic