Specialized Cells & Diseased Organelles
Students investigate cell organelles, cell types, and specialization, and it connects the concepts to relevant STEM careers like microbiologist and toxicologist. Activities include a case study on Alzheimer's disease, cell foldable creation, microscope lab, disease research and presentation, and designing a specialized cell. It incorporates digital tools like Gimkit, Quizlet, and Google Docs.
Overview
Students meet Jan, a person with Alzheimer's disease, and use a graphic organizer to record what they know, the symptoms they see, and questions about how a cell's structure helps it function. They complete a cell organelle foldable and view prepared slides of specialized cells at microscope stations, such as blood, leaf, muscle, and nerve cells. Groups then research diseases of specific organelles and build index-card organizers linking organelle failure to symptoms, followed by a gallery walk. Students also compare prokaryotic, eukaryotic, animal, and plant cells in a poster and digital presentation, and finish with a Design A Cell task. The plan estimates engagement at approximately 25 minutes and explanation, elaboration, and evaluation at 2 hours each.
Lesson Objectives
- The learner will identify and describe major cell organelles including their structure and function.
- The learner will compare and contrast prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells.
- The learner will compare and contrast animal vs plant cells.
- The learner will justify how cell specialization facilitates better functionality for that cell.
Standards
NGSS · 2
- HS-LS1-1Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
- HS-LS1-2Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
CCSS ELA · 1
- HS-LS1-2Make strategic use of digital media (e.g. textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentation to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning and evidence to add interest.